Vancouver police have released a video showing residents what to do in the event they are faced with an active deadly threat.
“Active deadly threats are rare in Canada, but they do happen,” says chief const. Adam Palmer. “The threat could be a gun, a knife or a vehicle. It takes time for first responders to arrive, and your safety may be in your hands.”
“Gun violence in Vancouver is relatively low compared to other places, but with attacks increasing in frequency around the world, it’s something we must prepare for as a community.”
The video, which is eight minutes long, walks the viewer through a series of scenarios involving an active shooter in an office building and offers advice on what to do to survive.
WATCH: Take these 3 steps in an active shooting
Palmer says there are three things people can do. Viewers are encouraged to act quickly, and look for a safe way to escape. If that is impossible, they are advised to hide and prepare to fight. Ultimately, they may have to fight and defend themselves.
“These will be high-stress situations,” says Palmer. “Get ready to fight, this is a last resort, but you have every right to defend yourself under high-risk situations. These are very dynamic situations that unfold quickly and are extremely dangerous.”
Palmer says people can get ready for something like this by being aware – know where all the exits are and how to lock or secure an office, meeting room or building floor.
He says a realistic safety plan should be in place and practiced. Police are also advising businesses and buildings create a crisis response package for first responders, which will include building maps, an up-to-date employee roster, keys, pass cards, floor plans and contact numbers.
“Time will pass before first responders arrive to help, even if it’s only minutes, and that’s when the public or potential victims will need to act,” says Palmer.
“Our officers train and are prepared — your preparation could be key to surviving an incident like this,” he adds.
“Escape if you can, hide if you can’t, fight if you must.”
Watch the full video below:
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