What would you do if an active shooter came to your business?

That was the question Capt. Hampton Taylor of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department wants to help answer.

He spoke at the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber Breakfast Tuesday at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia.

“It’s tough to hear this,” said Debbie Summers, Lexington County Council Chairwoman, who introduced Taylor.

“We just don’t want to think about it happening here.”

Taylor said you can be prepared.

A common instinct is to run toward the door in trying to flee, he said, but that could be running toward the shooter.

“Situation awareness” is important to survival, said Taylor.

Get away from the danger.

He said a shooter will be drawn to a mass gathering spot, including grocery stores, churches, schools and businesses.

Taylor said 3 steps to take are:

1. Avoid. Get out of the building if possible.

2. Deny. If you can’t get out, deny the shooter access by hiding or barricading yourself where the shooter can’t get to you.

3. Defend. With no other choice, defend yourself.

“Use anything you can” as a weapon, he said.

Fight for your life.

Taylor said law enforcement can respond when notified in less than 5 minutes.

Threats may come from someone who works at a business.

Report changes in behavior or appearance of anyone who may be a threat.

“Get them help before something happens.”

The Lexington County Sheriff’s department will conduct a risk analysis for businesses.

Taylor can be reached at htaylor@lcsd.sc.gov