At a recent event in Hampton Roads, Michael Goldsmith, regional security advisor for the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, emphasized key points to remember if facing an armed, active threat while in a place of worship:
Know where the exits are – before a crisis happens. If you need to hide, is there a room or other area that’s not easy to enter? Mute your cellphone so the ringtone doesn’t reveal your location. If you must ultimately fight an attacker, use chairs, microphone stands and other objects that could be wielded as weapons.
And don’t fight fair! You’re battling to stay alive…