THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM glad that the authorities have finally become alert to the fact that the children of this nation are literally under attack from the senseless criminals who roam our streets. Sadly though, this awakening has occurred after 12 children have already been murdered. I've noticed that a plan of action is being developed to deal with the situation but until that is implemented, here is what two organisations have advised on their websites about what to do (and teach your children) if gunfire erupts in a public place. Years ago, many would have thought that publishing this type of information would be ludicrous. Unfortunately, however, I think such information is timely, considering the current state of violence our society.
1. Be aware of what's going on - Look for people who may be acting suspiciously.
2. Believe yourself - Your eyes see the event unfolding, your ears hear the gunfire, you feel the impacts of bullets around you, you see glass shattering, people running, screaming or falling. Yet many people report they thought the event wasn't real. They think it's a joke. Or firecrackers. If you have been aware of what is happening around you, your body knows something is wrong - heed the warning!
3. Hit the ground! - Your first priority is to get out of the line of fire, get on the ground immediately! Do not hesitate, move!
4. Find cover - Get behind something that will stop bullets. Unfortunately, high-powered bullets can penetrate a large amount of common materials. Just because something conceals you from the gunman, that doesn't mean you are behind cover. Look for walls, cars, thick trees, etc.
5. Get distance - Your chances for survival in a gunfight rise dramatically the further you are from the gunman. Crawl away from the shooting and try to get better cover or escape out a door or even a window.
6. Escape! - Often there is a noticeable, dramatic silence in the shooting when the gunman has run out of ammunition and is either reloading or switching to another weapon. This is your chance to make a move for an exit to escape.
Website sources:
www.defendu.com/wsdi/gunfire.htm
www.safetyrus.com/Gunfire-erupts.html
I am, etc.,
SAMORA BAIN
samora.bain@gmail.com
Kingston 6
