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Alabama releases graphic instructional video on how to survive shooting massacre

As America waits for Washington to address the gun control debate, more states are providing tips on what to do in the horrific event of a mass shooting spree.
A scene from \"Run Hide Fight,\" an instructional video on how to survive a shooting spree (Alabama Department of Homeland Security)
A scene from \"Run Hide Fight,\" an instructional video on how to survive a shooting spree

As America waits for Washington to address the gun control debate, more states are providing tips on what to do in the horrific event of a mass shooting spree.

Alabama is the latest state to put out an instructional video on how to survive a workplace shooting–a sad reminder these incidents are becoming more commonplace.

The Alabama Department of Homeland Security released the video, “Run Hide Fight,” adapted from one made by the Houston Police Department. Alabama’s version includes an intro from state Homeland Security Director Spencer Collier.

“Across the nation, we have seen an escalation in active shooter events in workplaces, schools and entertainment venues. I encourage you to be prepared and remember to run, hide and fight, should this happen to you,” Collier advises in the beginning of the video.

The video shows a gunman dressed in black strolling through an office and pumping bullets into workers at random (warning: it’s graphic). It’s aimed at teaching law enforcement agents, educators and private-sector employers what to do in this kind of emergency.

It instructs people to evacuate the scene immediately, if possible. And if that’s not safe, hide. “As a last resort,” the video warns, “if your life is at risk, whether you are alone or working together as a group, fight, act with aggression, improvise weapons, disarm him and commit to taking the shooter down no matter what.”

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley asked state officials to develop a formal response plan to handle incidents like the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Newtown, Conn. Last month a gunman opened fire at the school, killing 20 young students and six adults.

“We have been working for some time on a coordinated effort to prevent and respond to situations such as active shooters,” Gov. Bentley said in a statement.  “This requires not only continued law enforcement training, but also input and preparation among the public.”

The video was filmed before the elementary school massacre and Alabama state officials planned for a January distribution date. Following the tragedy in Connecticut, they expedited its release to the public.

President Obama announced the creation of a task force led by Vice President Joe Biden on reducing gun violence. The Obama administration set a mid-January deadline for the special committee to offer concrete proposals to help prevent more mass shootings.