APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – You likely will never find yourself in a situation like the Antigo prom shooting, but Appleton police say it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The department hosted an event Tuesday night showing people what to do in dangerous situations. Carol Maynard was one of those who came to listen and learn.
“you never know what’s going to trigger somebody to do something foolish, it just takes one”
Officer Adam VanZeeland ran the meeting and says in active shooter situations there are some basic rules to follow.
“if you can get away….get away. if you have to hide…hide yourself, barricade yourself, don’t make yourself an easy target. as a last resort if you have to defend yourself….defend yourself”
According to VanZeeland people often show signs they want to commit violence. Some of those include making veiled threats in public or online, showing an obsession with weapons and behaving oddly in public, maybe pacing or acting out emotionally.
He says if you see something suspicious, chances are…..it is. Carol Maynard hopes people take that advice to heart.
“I think that’s 95% of what can keep us safe: if somebody notices something and tells someone”
The presentation also covered steps to protecting your home and property this summer.
