Good ideas with your inside info, Namelus! Thanks.
My instinct would immediately be looking for opportunity to “exit, stage left” as the cartoon used to say. …not be there. Or at least not in the middle of things. That’s been my motto for a long time. Quickly, if possible. Casually, if it’s wise. Keeping to the Edges and Odd places immediately, if possible. If not, keeping with the pace and apparent attitude as others. [will not be difficult to feign panic or anger…but don’t BE panicked or angry.]
Trying not to get trapped in dead end. I’d definitely start looking up….or down. Even now, I can climb with enough adrenaline assist. Each situation is different but as much as I avoid any crowds, sometimes you ARE THERE.
So whether its an airport or just a crowded Walmart [never on Black Friday]…. Looking for exit alternatives even as you enter any place. Restaurants always have back doors. Like the movies: grab a kitchen knife on the way thru- if appropriate. By appropriate I mean…one does not want to look like one of the Bad Guys bursting out of the building. Might want to exit with the newly acquired weapon concealed but ready. A concealed weapon of your own would be more appropriate but….
Many mall stores have back doors for loading. Know which ones. And they have those front entrance gates to close. Remember, any exit might be covered by the Bad Guys. Or by police/etc. Don’t get shot by the Good Guys.
Hiding might be good unless there is a lot of gunfire or explosions/fire. Inside trash bins..especially cement ones. Behind product on the bottom shelving unit. This is concealment but not “safe”. It would be my last resort….later move from there when possible? Yes, I do amuse myself by looking for such places.
Reading this scenario challenge reminded me of 2nd grade. Bunch of us kids were playing around the school room in a sort of ‘conga line’. To my shock, the lead girl passed by our teacher and slapped her on the rear! 😮 *DANGER* Immediately I slid out of that line and into the nearest desk….. {whistling} ….I am in NO way associated with this game! When attention was on that girl only, I slid over to my own desk and became very busy with something.
These adult scenarios are the same, tho with greater consequences. Detach from the group that’s suddenly endangered. The first location might not be the best….move to better when safe to do so. Blend in by doing what would appear normal to that situation.
I recently changed hair style….it is more ordinary. [it’s also easier but that’s not the point here] I dress in town in ‘mountain standard’ apparel. I’ve got some disability things that would mark me as unusual, but I could work around that. “Being Grey” for that reason is a bit of a challenge for me….[unless we’re talking hair color..lol ] But there are ways to not be confrontational [hiding what I’d like to be able to do if someone is being violent]. It involves one’s whole demeanor. Body posture. Don’t look furtive. Don’t make eye contact. Look appropriately cowed and frightened. I am not a threat – ignore this old woman. I’m not even here.
…and I’d be trying all the while to stop being there!! Exit, Stage Left!
OldMtWoman …..all theoretical. Just plan to give it my best shot…if it ever happens…. 😉