Staying Safe Together: Run • Hide • Fight

The safety of our parish family is a priority at Holy Infant. While none of us wants to imagine a violent emergency happening at church, being prepared can make a life-saving difference. Below is clear, practical guidance based on the widely taught “Run • Hide • Fight” approach. Please read it (or watch this video), share it with your family, and keep it in mind when you attend Mass or parish events.

If you can run — get away
If it is safe to do so, escape the area immediately.

• Leave belongings behind — they slow you down.
• Be aware of your surroundings and identify possible exits as you move.
• Once you are safely away from the threat, call 911 and stay where you are until help arrives.
• Encourage others to come with you, but don’t delay your own escape to try to remove others.

If you can’t run — hide
If escape isn’t possible, find a secure place to hide where the shooter cannot see you.

• Lock and barricade doors when possible. Use heavy items to block entry.
• Silence your cell phone and remain quiet; turn off vibrate.
• Conceal yourself behind large objects if a room isn’t available.
• Stay low and out of sight. Do not congregate in doorways or open spaces.

If your life is in imminent danger — fight
Fighting is a last resort only when your life is at immediate risk.

• Commit to aggressive action: use any available improvised weapons (fire extinguishers, chairs, heavy objects).
• Work with others if possible — coordinated action increases the chance of stopping the threat.
• Aim to incapacitate the attacker and create opportunities to escape.

When officers arrive they will prioritize stopping the shooter. This may mean they move quickly through the building and will not stop initially to help injured people.

• Follow police instructions exactly and keep your hands visible.
• Do not run toward officers or try to touch them — they need to identify threats quickly.
• Do not move until officers tell you it is safe; this helps them secure the scene and treat the wounded.

Holy Infant is committed to safety and will continue reviewing our emergency procedures.