TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Margo Susco owns a clothing store in a busy part of downtown and says safety is a priority in her business.
"Especially these days in this climate, you never really know what's going to be happening so I just want to be prepared," she said.
After the recent terror attacks in San Bernardino and Paris, Tucson Police has received so many requests for active shooter training, the department held its first public class Tuesday night.
More than 75 people attended the class designed to teach someone how to react in an active shooter situation.
"The interest has been extremely large," said Officer Kristopher Goins with TPD. He says the class teaches the Run, Hide, Fight method of response.
That means if you have an opportunity to run and escape, leave your belongings behind and evacuate the building. If not, find a quiet place to hide, block the door and turn off the lights. And in a last attempt to survive, improvise weapons and try to stop the shooter.
The instructor at Tuesday night's training also went over red flags to look out for in someone's behavior that may indicate violence. They include thinking, feeling and behavior flags.
Possible thinking flags include off-track ideas, poor decision making at work, illogical conclusions and acting suspicious. Possible feeling flags include intense anger, feeling powerless, anxiety, panic and depression. And possible behavior flags include rate reactions, threatening violence, manipulation or exploiting others.
If anyone exhibits and continues these types of behaviors, Tucson Police says to try and get that person help.
They also said there is no active shooter profile, meaning the risk of violence can come from anyone if they are given the right trigger.
TPD says the probability that you will ever be in this kind of situation is very low but officers still recommend developing an emergency plan.
"Things are changing in this world and it's just smart to be aware of your surroundings," said Susco. "To be aware of where you are, to do your best to prepare yourself for any situation and to keep your eyes open."
--
Additional Tucson Police active shooter classes will be held the following days:
- Tuesday, 01/19/16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, 01/26/16 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, 02/18/16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Due to the size of the room available, the class size will be limited.
If you are interested in attending, please send an email to TOEMHS@tucsonaz.gov with the following information:
First Name
Last Name
Phone Number (best contact number)
Business
Business Address
A confirmation email will be sent to those who respond until the class size is full. If necessary, future presentations will be announced at a later date.
