What is an immediate action to take when you encounter an active shooter?

The appropriate immediate action to take when encountering an active shooter is to find a place to hide. This response aligns with the principle of increasing your chances of survival by removing yourself from the threat. Hiding allows you to conceal your location, which can be crucial in such a dangerous situation. It is essential to choose a hiding place that offers protection, such as a locked room, and to stay quiet to avoid drawing attention to yourself.

This response prioritizes safety over other actions, which may put individuals at greater risk. Other options, such as confronting the shooter or trying to reason with them, could escalate the situation and increase the likelihood of harm. Calling 911 is certainly important but will not provide immediate safety. Finding a secure place to hide is vital before taking further actions such as contacting authorities.