Several recent mass shootings have prompted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to remind the public, including residents in Santa Clarita, how to stay safe during an active shooter situation.

Sheriff’s Department officials discussed what steps can be put into action in regards to preparation and planning in a press conference Monday with Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

“In these unpredictable situations, preparation is key,” Villanueva said. “With this guide, you, too, can familiarize yourself with the tools that will help you remain calm and respond effectively during a rapidly-evolving active shooter situation.”

The official page put up by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department begins with the first step, “Don’t wait until it happens. Have a plan now!”

Familiarizing oneself with their immediate surroundings, exit routes, safe spaces and general planned courses of action to meet a specific location were heavily emphasized during the conference, as well as in published materials. 

The importance of active preparedness and defending oneself in the act of imminent danger was also emphasized by officials. 

“Improvise weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, books and anything else you can use as an impact weapon,” reads the statement from the Sheriff’s Department website. “Do not back down.” 

During the conference, officials noted the importance of treating any wounds that may have been sustained during the incident as best as possible, as it takes approximately 30 seconds for death from bleeding to occur. 

“Render first aid if necessary,” said Sgt. Michael Harding during the conference. “For bleeding control, use first aid kits, towels, shirts, bed sheets, etc. For tourniquets, use power cords, phone cords, ropes, etc.”

The Sheriff’s Department notes that in the event of immediate evacuation, residents should leave all belongings behind and focus on the immediacy of keeping safe until law enforcement comes to help. 

“Preventing these types of tragedies and continuing to maintain a secure learning environment is a goal of law enforcement, schools and society as a whole,” the Sheriff’s website reads. “If an incident at a school does occur, you can be assured that LASD personnel will respond rapidly, efficiently and decisively.” 

For more information, click here. 

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