It seems like every time the news comes one, something tragic happens. And then something even more tragic than the first thing happens and tragic stories keep topping each other as the horrors mount, getting worse every single time.

Just recently, a young reporter, her camera man, and a woman being interviewed  were shot live on camera by a disgruntled former co-worker of the reporter’s. Their family and friends witnessed this terrible event in real time; The effects of having to watch your loved ones executed and knowing you are helpless to do anything will last a lifetime. Only one victim, the interviewee, survived this shooting and is very lucky to be alive and walking after being shot in the spine. She was an innocent person who became a victim of senseless violence simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. To learn more about the survivor and her story, click here.

Shootings seem to be a recurring theme in recent years, what with the traumatic events occurring at elementary schools, movie theaters, churches, and colleges, etc. that haunt news stations and media outlets everywhere. These events are impossible to predict beforehand and leave permanent scars on everyone even remotely involved in their wake.  With all of the violence in today’s world, it is crucially important to know how to protect yourself in case of emergency.

While there is no way to predict when or where these events will occur, there are steps you can take to keep yourself as safe as possible in the event of shootings. These include keeping yourself out of harm’s way by getting out of the area as soon as possible, and if that is not a possibility, then find a space that you are able to lock down. If worst comes to worst, be prepared to defend yourself until help arrives or you are able to get out. For more information on keeping yourself safe, check out the Security Dynamics Corps and their website.