With the rise of mass shootings across America, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has released information on how Santa Clarita residents can protect themselves in an active shooter situation.

The department defines an active shooter event as when one or more individuals participate in a random or systematic shooting spree and demonstrate their intent to continuously harm others.

An active shooter is defined as a person or persons who appear to be actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people, most often in heavily populated areas. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and display no pattern or method for selection of their victims.

Related Story: Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Deputies Search For Stabbing Suspect

Due to the dynamic and rapid evolution of these types of situations, rapid response is demanded from law enforcement to stop the shooter(s) and prevent further harm to the community.

Here are some suggestions from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department for preventing harm to yourself or others:

• First and foremost, do not do anything to provoke an active shooter. The perpetrators of these events are highly dangerous and doing so will put not only your life in danger, but the lives of those around you as well.
• If you are in the open, run away from the sound of gunfire and/or screaming. Once you are at a safe place, call 9-1-1 immediately and tell them your location, as well as the location the noise was coming from.
• If you are in a building and cannot run, close and lock all doors and windows, as well as barricade any entrances or exits from the room.
• Attempts to rescue others should only be made if there is clearly no danger to anybody in the room you are currently in.
• If you see the shooter, immediately call 9-1-1 and report their appearance, including sex, race, clothing, type of weapon, the location you saw them, and the direction they were traveling, as well as any other relevant information.
• Turn off any device such as a phone that could make unprompted sounds.
• Only as a last resort, if there is no chance of escape or hiding, attempt to negotiate or overpower the shooter.

If taken hostage by a shooter, here are some instructions that could prevent injury or death:

• Follow the captor’s directions. Do not be hasty or impatient and avoid drastic action.
• Do not speak unless spoken to and try to remain quiet.
• If possible, attempt to start a dialogue with the captor. Try to keep your voice as calm and relaxed as possible.
• Be observant. You may be released or escape, and any information you have might help law enforcement officials protect others.

Other information about a mass shooting event:

• First responder law enforcement officials will not stop to help the injured. Their first priority is to prevent more damage.
• You may be told to drop any bags or purses you are carrying and/or to lie down on the floor. These measures are to prevent harm from an explosive device or from
• If you believe somebody is a danger to the community, immediately contact law enforcement officials.