A local law enforcement agency is working to get the word out about what to do in the event of a shooting.
Following Friday's school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, the Walla Walla Sheriff's Office wants people to know what they need to do in a situation like that.
Walla Walla Sheriff John Turner is reaching out to his community to tell them that law enforcement is here to help in crisis situations, but they depend on the community to do their part as well.
In the case of a shooter entering a building, the Department of Homeland Security suggests people keep three things in mind:
RUN from the building or area if you can find a safe escape route.
HIDE if you can't run away and find something to protect yourself from potential shots.
And FIGHT back, as a last resort, by physically attacking the shooter or using an object as a weapon like a chair.
"If we can intervene and mitigate it before it actually occurs, we'd much rather prevent that approach and we need the public's help. They're the eyes and ears of our community.">
Sheriff Turner said people sometimes feel awkward when calling in reports of strange activity, but those tips could help stop a shooting before it happens.
Turner urges people to speak up and call in because it could save a life.
