How to Be a Professional Citizen When an Active Shooter Is in Your Area

God’s Prepared Warrior Blog

In light of recent tragedies across our nation—multiple active shooter incidents just last week—now more than ever, we need to talk about how to be a Professional Citizen in dangerous and uncertain times. As God’s Prepared Warriors, we are called to be vigilant, ready, and grounded in both practical skills and spiritual truth. This blog is a call to action: to be wise, courageous, and prepared—mentally, physically, and spiritually—when chaos erupts.

The Urgency of Vigilance

News headlines continue to break our hearts. Shootings in public spaces, schools, places of worship, and even small communities remind us that we are not immune to violence. We pray for those affected—but we must also prepare ourselves.

Preparedness is not about living in fear; it’s about being ready to respond in wisdom, not panic. Jesus said in Matthew 10:16, “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” That’s exactly what this moment calls for.

Practical Steps for Active Shooter Preparedness

Whether you're at church, the grocery store, your job, or even a park—having a plan can save your life and the lives of others. Here are some practical steps to be a professional citizen.

1. Know the Signs

• Pay attention to warning signs or odd behavior. Awareness is your first line of defense. By paying attention to your environment and people's behavior, you can often spot potential red flags before violence occurs. Here are some common warning signs of someone who may be planning or preparing for an act of violence.

  
  

  • 🚩 Behavioral Red Flags

    • Sudden withdrawal from social interaction or work.

    • Talking about violence or making threats (even if they seem like jokes).

    • Obsession with weapons, past shootings, or violent incidents.

    • Extreme mood swings, increased agitation, or signs of severe emotional distress.

    • Expressing feelings of hopelessness, persecution, or revenge.

    • Fixation on a person, place, or grievance, especially if paired with escalating behavior.

    
    

  • 🧨 Situational Warnings

    • Carrying a large bag or wearing a coat in hot weather (could conceal a weapon).

    • Surveillance behavior, like mapping out a building, checking exits, or monitoring security.

    • Leaving behind disturbing notes, messages, or online posts.

    • Unusual absence from work or school after sharing troubling thoughts or warnings.

• Stay aware of your surroundings—don’t walk through life distracted by your phone or with headphones on.

  
  

2. Have a Mental Game Plan

• Think in terms of Run, Hide, Fight.

  • Run if you can get out safely.

  • Hide if running isn’t an option.

  • Fight only as a last resort—and do so with commitment.

    
    

3. Practice Situational Awareness (The OODA Loop)

• Originating from military strategy, the OODA Loop stands for:

  • Observe – what is happening?

  • Orient – how does it affect me?

  • Decide – what will I do?

  • Act – execute the decision quickly.

• This cycle helps you respond faster and more wisely under pressure.

  
  

4. Have an Emergency Plan

• Know the exits wherever you are.

• Have a meetup plan with your family if separated.

• Carry EDC tools if possible—tourniquet, flashlight, multi-tool.

  
  

5. Train if You Can

• Take CPR and Stop the Bleed classes.

• Consider self-defense or concealed carry classes (follow local laws).

• Know how to stay calm under pressure by practicing scenarios mentally.

  
  

Spiritual Preparedness: Trusting God in Crisis

The Bible reminds us in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 

When everything is shaking, our peace and stability come from Him.

1. Pray Daily

• Prayer is both a shield and a source of direction. Ask God to guide your steps and sharpen your discernment.

  
  

2. Know the Word

• Scriptures like Psalm 91, Isaiah 41:10, and Romans 8:31 anchor our hearts when fear tries to grip us.

  
  

3. Walk in Obedience

• When God nudges your heart—listen. Sometimes it’s the Spirit warning you or leading you to safety.

  
  

4. Stay in Community

• Don’t isolate. Warriors don’t walk alone. Build relationships and share these preparedness tools with others.

  
  

Faith and Readiness Go Hand-in-Hand

Preparedness isn’t paranoia—it’s wisdom. As God's Prepared Warriors, we must be alert and anchored. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

The world may shake, but our foundation in Christ remains steady.

So, train, plan, pray, and stay ready—physically and spiritually.

Together, we rise as God’s Prepared Warriors.

Fernando

God's Prepared Warrior

God's Prepared Warrior Links:

Website: https://godspreparedwarrio.wixsite.com/my-site

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550636327589

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godspreparedwarrior/?next=%2F

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Godspreparedwarrior

Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/GPW4J

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fernandocharles1

You Can Support God's Prepared Warrior @ Buy Me A Coffee:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/godspreparedwarrior

Fernando's Picks for this Blog

🔦 Personal Safety Gear

1. Tactical Flashlight – https://amzn.to/42qU0Ha

2. Personal Alarm Keychain – https://amzn.to/3RvrwWl

3. Pepper Spray or Gel – https://amzn.to/4cH5t8S

   
   

🩺 Emergency Medical Supplies

4. IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) – https://amzn.to/3GohvYF

5. Tourniquet – https://amzn.to/4jfZjiu / https://amzn.to/42WqTvn

6. Stop the Bleed Kit – https://amzn.to/3GBKGaE

   
   

📚 Training & Awareness

7. Situational Awareness Books –

   • Self Defense - https://amzn.to/4jvpYbq

   • Deadly Self Defense - https://amzn.to/4jOt0qU

8. CPR/AED Pocket Guide – https://amzn.to/4lO7d4s

   
   

🎒 Everyday Carry Essentials

9. Tactical EDC Pouch or Sling Bag – https://amzn.to/4ixZGDU

10. Multi-tool – https://amzn.to/3Gh9FjI

11. EDC Multi Bit Pocket Screwdriver - https://amzn.to/42VmFEi

12. Mini Multitool Pocket Knife,12-in-1 - https://amzn.to/4jQz02p

13. Small Multitool Wrench 9 in 1 - https://amzn.to/42Hqb41

14. OLIGHT IMINI 2 EDC Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight - https://amzn.to/42O283v

15. Pliers 4-Inch - https://amzn.to/4iF2eQU

16. Klein Tools 32308 Multi-bit Stubby Screwdriver - https://amzn.to/42pNzUF

17. 1600 Lumens Rechargeable EDC Flashlight - https://amzn.to/4jn7nxX

18. 27-in-1 Precision Screwdriver Set - https://amzn.to/42qim3F

19. Precision Tweezers - https://amzn.to/42rP7h5

20. The Mighty Bar - https://amzn.to/447m5Ez

21. Crescent 4" - https://amzn.to/4joyEAg

22. Klein Tools 65200 Ratchet Set - https://amzn.to/42JJvxk

23. Folding Multi-Tool Set - https://amzn.to/3Ry5bYm