03/15/2026
During last week’s active threat incident at Old Dominion University in Virginia, individuals confronted the attacker and stopped him from doing more harm. Their response is a clear example of a key principle: doing something is better than doing nothing.
One widely recognized framework in public safety is “Run, Hide, Fight”:
• Run – If there’s a safe way to escape, create distance and get out.
• Hide – If escape isn’t possible, find a place to conceal yourself, barricade if you can, and stay quiet.
• Fight – As a last resort, be prepared to defend yourself and disrupt the attacker.
None of us want to imagine making these decisions, but understanding your options ahead of time can save valuable seconds, and potentially lives. Being prepared increases your chances of walking away safely.
