You have probably asked yourself what went through the minds of those caught up in the terror attack at Dusit Hotel, Nairobi, and wondered what you would have done to save yourself had you been caught up too.
Similar thoughts have crossed the minds of many other Kenyans following the Tuesday attack as well as previous ones including
Westgate and the Garissa Univesity massacre.
The attacks stand out for one reason - victims were attacked in confined locations.
Your chances of finding yourself in similar scenarios may be odd at most, but knowing what to do may improve your chances of survival.
An analysis of actual cases of shootings around the world had experts come up with a simple guideline: run, hide or fight.
The application of the above actions, however, depends on the nature and location of the attack - it's never a universal rule.
Exercise discretion.
Run
The first reflex action when you hear gunshots should be to escape.
But experts hold that you won't know a safer escape route unless you are familiar with the location or building.
Start by familiarising yourself with exit routes at your workplace, and when in new buildings, try and locate possible exit routes.
Use one only when sure it won't lead you to the shooter. When on higher floors, consider using the window.
Avoid elevators and escalators, use stairs.
Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet at all times.
Don't go back to collect your belongings.
Running should be your only priority at the moment.
Help others escape if possible and keep going even if others disagree to follow.
Maintain a bending posture at all times - this helps protect your eyes from fragments in the event a grenade is hurled.
Warn people not to use routes that may lead them to the shooter.
Once in a safe location, inform law enforcers and describe the shooter(s), his/there location and weapons used.
Give an estimated number of those you may have left behind and their location - like floor or room number, kitchen, or washroom.
Hide
Lock and block doors, close curtains and turn off lights.
Put your phone on silent or flight mode - friends or family may try reaching you and reveal your location to the shooter.
Communicate silently if you must, preferably with secure sources like the police.
Alert people on social media on your location via direct message - tagging them is risky as the shooter's accomplices may intercept the information.
Don't hide in groups - hide separately to make it more difficult for the shooter.
Ensure you are out of the shooter's view at all times - spread out along walls to provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
Avoid windows - most people lose lives from injuries inflicted by shattering window panes during explosions.
Stay low in your hiding place. The gunman is likely to aim at the chest or head when he spots movements.
Don't move even when all goes silent until you are given the go-ahead by security enforcers.
Fight
This is the last resort if all else fails or isn't possible under prevailing circumstances.
Hide behind closed doors in readiness for a surprise ambush on your attacker once he bursts into the room.
Be as aggressive as possible against the shooter - purpose to inflict lethal injuries.
Should you attack from behind, go for the neck and hang on with your dear life.
It's the last resort remember.
Be brave - if in groups, ask others to attack the shooter with things like chairs, scissors, cooking pans, and fire extinguishers.
Throw whatever items you can lay your hands on.
What next?
If rescue arrives, keep your hands empty and visible to enforcers.
Their objective is to end the incident and they may be prompted to shoot you if you should you as much hold a spoon in your hands.
Obey commands shouted by officers.
They may push you to the ground for safety reasons. Do not resist in an attempt to explain you aren't the shooter.
Help the wounded as you wait for first responders to arrive. Apply pressure on wounds. Turn the injured on their side if they are unconscious.
Exit the building only through the direction enforcers came through unless instructed otherwise. Stay low at all times while at it.
Only stop to help the wounded if you are not in any immediate danger. Otherwise, wait until you are safe and inform responders of their situation.
Read: