There are instances when the unthinkable happens, and you could find yourself in the middle of a convenience store shooting. This offender can have racist or hateful motivations, or it can also be an armed robber trying to steal from a convenience store. In all cases, as an innocent bystander or shopper, you need to avoid the three biggest mistakes to stay safe in the event of a convenience store shooting in Atlanta. 

Freezing  

A shooting incident almost always catches people by surprise, freezing them in place. During a shooting incident, the worst thing you can do is freeze and not move into cover because of shock. When you hear gunfire at a convenience store in Atlanta, the right thing to do is to move immediately. 

You want to be able to run in the opposite direction of the shooter and keep running until you no longer hear gunfire. If you cannot run, either hide or barricade yourself from the shooter. Try to get as low as possible so that you are not an easy target for the shooter. Getting low also helps you avoid getting into the crossfire. Therefore, it is essential for people to hide behind a counter, rack, or anything in the convenience store that is blinding them from the shooter. 

Once you are hidden, look for the right opportunity to escape. Essentially, you want to escape the store before the shooting escalates into a drastic situation where there is no turning back. The key to safety is creating a blueprint and plan of action to know what to do if anything goes wrong. This refers to knowing about the exits at a convenience store as you enter. 

Not Call Emergency Services 

If you are able to safely use your phone during a convenience store shooting in Atlanta, make sure that the first thing you do is dial 911. After you dial the emergency service, make sure that you notify the authorities about your name and the incident as quickly as possible. Make sure that you can evacuate the area before and seek shelter quietly before you can dial 911 so that you are safe. 

Panic 

In an instance such as a shooting in Atlanta, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is acting recklessly. You want to do your best to remain calm during these instances. Your instinct may be to hide, but you have to be prepared to think on your feet if the shooter starts to close in. With a calm mind, you can make the best decision to stay safe. 

Final Words 

As you can see, by following the right steps and avoiding these three mistakes, you can come out unharmed from a convenience store shooting in Atlanta. At Lawson Law Firm, we can help you get reimbursed for all physical and emotional trauma you experience during these instances.