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Caught in the Crossfire: 6 Tips to Stay Safe During a Public Shooting

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Drive-by shootings, gang rivalries and armed robberies gone wrong – over the past few months Durban has experienced a number of shooting incidents, many occurring in public areas. Towards the end of 2019, an armed suspect was killed in a shootout with police during a Westville business armed robbery. The most recent public shooting occurred this past weekend, when an alleged biker gang rivalry escalated at a local Hillcrest restaurant on Saturday night.

In most of these shootings the general public were not the target, however, innocent but panicked bystanders can easily get caught in the crossfire due to the chaos that ensues. Should you ever find yourself in the midst of a public shooting, follow our six safety precautions to help you stay out of danger and survive:

How do you prepare for a shooting?

There’s no way to fully prepare for any incident, however, you’ve heard us say before – “Be aware of your environment” and “Always stay observant”. Changing your mindset can be a difficult task – but being proactive about crime is the most effective way to ensure your safety.

So, you’re observant, but what are you observing?

Entrances, exits, any suspicious behaviour. Getting out alive should be your number one priority in a public shooting. Take careful notice of any environment you’re in – a restaurant, a mall and even the workplace – and always try to be seated in a way that you can see the main entrances.

Shots fired. What do you do first?

During a shooting, your first instinct will most likely be to duck and run. In the chaos of the moment it is easy to forget behind helpful belongings, such as a cellphone, which can be used to call for help. Once you have left the scene of the shooting it’s best not to return, so try to remember to grab it before you go. Keeping your phone on you at all times, for example in your pocket, will help you to remember it in an emergency.

What is the best exit?

Choose your route carefully, being careful not to get injured in your rush to escape, never blindly follow the crowd, and always think unconventionally – doors are not the only exits. Windows can sometimes be a good option so long as there is a safe landing spot.

What if I can’t escape?

Hide – get as low as possible, find any nearby barricade and get behind it. Be quiet and careful not to draw any attention to yourself. It may not be the shooters intention to harm you, but you still run the risk of getting caught in the crossfire.

You’re hiding. Now what?

Stay calm, stay quiet and plan your next move. Evaluate your options – if you’re forced from your hiding place – where can you go?

What should you be using your phone to do?

Your first instinct might be to film the incident. Please resist this urge! If spotted recording by the shooter, you only make yourself a target, and you’re only wasting battery life. Rather use your phone to contact the relevant authorities and give them as many details as you can about your location and the shooter’s whereabouts.

Remember, confrontation is always a last resort. Most shooters are aware of the fact that authorities are on their way and any efforts to slow them down may cause more danger for you and the people around you.

Have you ever been an innocent bystander in a public shooting? What was your experience and how are you now prepared for any future incidents?
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