Run, Hide, Fight: Active Shooter Survival Training with NY Safe

Introduction

At NY Safe, our mission is to empower civilians with practical, life-saving skills for real-world emergencies.
Active shooter events are unpredictable and terrifying, but survival is possible if you understand and apply the proven Run. Hide. Fight. strategy endorsed by the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the
FBI.

What Does “Run. Hide. Fight.” Really Mean?

The phrase is simple, but in the chaos of an active shooter event, clarity saves lives:

Run

If you can escape, do so immediately. Leave belongings behind, encourage others to follow, but do not slow down.

Hide

If running isn’t possible, hide. Lock or barricade doors, silence devices, and stay out of sight.

Fight

If confronted directly, fight back. Use improvised weapons and commit fully—hesitation can be fatal.

Official DHS “Run. Hide. Fight.” training video

Situational Awareness & Improvised Weapons

Situational awareness means knowing your environment before danger strikes. Scan for:

Safe Places: exits, locked rooms, solid barriers
Danger Zones: crowded areas, bottlenecks, long hallways
Improvised Weapons: chairs, fire extinguishers, pens, coffee mugs

Improvised Weapons: Everyday Objects That Can Save Your Life

Fire extinguishers: Spray to blind, strike with canister.
Chairs: Block or strike.
Scissors and pens: Close-range tools.
Belts or straps: Swinging or choking tool.
Hot liquids: Coffee or boiling water for distraction.

DHS “Options for Consideration” video—active shooter preparedness

Training with NY Safe

Our training programs combine situational awareness, Run. Hide. Fight., and defensive firearm use.
Whether you’re pursuing a NYC permit,
adding Utah or Maryland, or simply seeking confidence, we equip you for the worst.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Run. Hide. Fight. program?

It is a survival strategy developed and endorsed by DHS and the FBI that teaches civilians to run if possible, hide if escape is not safe, and fight as a last resort.

Why is situational awareness important in an active shooter event?

Situational awareness allows you to quickly identify exits, hiding places, and improvised weapons, giving you a better chance of survival.

What can be used as an improvised weapon?

Common objects such as fire extinguishers, chairs, pens, scissors, or hot liquids can be used to distract or disable an attacker long enough to escape.

How long do active shooter incidents usually last?

Most active shooter incidents are over in 10–15 minutes, often before law enforcement arrives, making civilian response critical.

Does NY Safe offer active shooter response training?

Yes. NY Safe provides comprehensive training on situational awareness, Run. Hide. Fight., and multi-state concealed carry permitting.

Conclusion

Active shooter events are frightening—but you are not powerless. By practicing situational awareness, identifying safe spaces and improvised weapons, and applying the Run. Hide. Fight. method, you can survive.

Get trained. Build confidence. Take control of your safety with NY Safe.