Homeland Security posts active-shooter "survival guide" video

NEW YORK The Department of Homeland Security has released a controversial, three-minute video giving everyday office workers a "survival guide" in the event of a mass shooting, CBS New York station WCBS-TV reports.

"This type of incident can happen any day, anywhere across the United States, and people have to be prepared," security expert David Boehm told WCBS-TV.

Coming just weeks after the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., and citing the mass shootings at Virginia Tech and attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the video is a step-by-step guide on how to survive an active-shooter situation. Production on the piece actually started before the Newtown massacre.

(At left, watch a report from WCBS-TV)

"Find a place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you," the narrator says on the video.

It tells people how to act if confronted with such a situation, including identifying escape routes, helping others escape if possible and following instructions of police officers.

"It seems that this information is now being put out to show what the options are in case someone has to deal with this, instead of just hiding, what the other options are to engage," Boehm said.

What is surprising many people about the video is the government's recommendation to try to grab scissors or another sharp object if confronted by a gunman.

"You might consider trying to overpower the shooter with whatever means are available," the narrator says.

(At left, watch Homeland Security's video)

It is a suggestion that people are split on.

"They could hurt the wrong person or get themselves hurt, and I just think it's not very responsible," said Mie Kurahara of Massachusetts.

"I wouldn't stand there and do nothing. I think your natural instinct is to protect others and yourself," said Sasha Durcan, of Brooklyn. "But I get it, like don't stand there and take it. Fight back."

However, Boehm said it's an approach that might work.

"Actually engaging a possible shooter, if that's the last resort, rather than just hiding and waiting," he said.

It is a strategy many hope could save lives.

[aces-and-eights]

Since the Department of Homeland Security is providing its employess with 7000 large capacity fully automatic assault rifles and 450,000,000 rounds of hollow point cop killer bullets and calling those rifles "person defense weapons" it seems disingenous for them to ask us to use scissors.

http://www.examiner.com/article/dhs-buys-7000-assault-rifles

[nygurl1]

Well I suppose you could throw the scissors across the room and confuse the perp.

[Patty55camp]

I hope I am lucky enough to find pinking shears. RME

[Uneed2BWeened]

My plan is to first empty my Kleenex box on the gun-person, throwing tissue after tissue. I have a 200 count box (probably should be banded - how would anyone ever need 200 tissues to blow their nose?). Then if that doesn't work, I'll uncap my non-toxic dry erase markers. If all else fails, I will remind the gun-person that they are breaking the law. That will make them stop in there tracks.

[Uneed2BWeened]

Ban Scissors! They can stop Al Qaeda from storming your building, so they must be to powerful for us mortals.

[Free-Mason]

WOW! :( Sigh

[Tango8050]

Scissors?? Really?? Those things you're not supposed to run with??
Oh, please, get real.
In liberal looneyland, throwing yourself on the floor, sniveling like a child and begging for mercy is supposed to be your only option.
Yet, for "personal defense in close quarters" the DHS recommends using an M16 fully automatic military rifle, or a semi-automatic AR15 hunting rifle.
Of course, that's what they recommend for themselves, not for you.
You're personal defense isn't as important as their personal defense.

[nygurl1]

Just where IS this liberal looneyland you know of?
Have to be nicer than moroneys like you!
Why don't you go for a long walk?

[FoolKiller]

"You might consider trying to overpower the shooter with whatever means are available," the narrator says.

Unless the means you have available is a firearm.
Every liberal knows that firearms are evil,
and that it's better to just die than to use one
and contradict the party line.

That's just (liberal) common sense...

[nygurl1]

fool - YOU are the fool indeed!
Do you really, really believe the lies you spew?

[1history]

So we're pretending there are liberals who have the guts to fight back?

[nygurl1]

No - YOU are pretending we don't have the guts to take out a rep POS!

[Tatersoop]

1911 45 ACP. Bang. Flop. Problem solved.

[SnuffySmithSC]

.40 S&W

[wcfanfourever]

Kimber Ultra Pro Carry in a VM-2 is my first line of defense . A 9mm MIGHT expand on impact but a .45+p hollow point sure as hell doesnt shrink :)

[kcreligion]

Scissors?
Why not put a couple of armed guards at the doors so people don't have to get in to fighting for survival with sissors. I agree that a Marine can turn almost anything into a weapon to fight for survival. The 45 year old out of shape teacher is going to just get him or herslef killed.
There is ususally more then enough able bodided people with firearm training to secure a school till the police can arrive IF they have firearms. That won't always help with bombs and such but life is going to be very risky for many of us. Banks usd to always have armed guards. Never seen anyone afraid of the armed guards there or at concerts etc.

[nygurl1]

Perfect description of what this country will look like if all the gun freaks get their way!