Speaking from the National Counterterrorism Center on Thursday, President Barack Obama (D) reassured Americans that "at this moment, our intelligence and counterterrorism professionals do not have any specific and credible information about an attack on the homeland."  

Well that's a relief.  But in case they are wrong – it has happened – or if some person violates commonsense gun laws and starts shooting in an area plastered with stickers of a gun with a slash through it – it has happened – the government has some helpful hints for protecting yourself, complete with a helpful video.  The city of Houston and the Homeland Security Department produced the video over three years ago, and it is now receiving additional attention because of the terrorist slaughter in San Bernardino by people of an unknown religious philosophy.  

Run.  Hide.  Fight.  Surviving An Active Shooter Event.  

Yep, you would never have thought of that by yourself.  

From the transcript of the video:

Narrator: If you are to ever find yourself in the middle of an active shooter event, your survival may depend on whether or not you have a plan.(snip)

Caption: RUN. When an active shooter is in your vicinity:

· If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate.

· Evacuate whether others agree to or not.

· Leave your belongings behind.

· Help others escape if possible.

· Prevent others from entering the area.

· Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.  (snip)

Narrator: If you can't get out safely, you need to find a place to hide. (snip)

Caption: HIDE. If an evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide.

· Lock and/or blockade the door.

· Silence your cell phone.

· Hide behind large objects.

· Remain very quiet.

Caption: Your hiding place should:

· Be out of the shooter’s view.

· Provide protection of shots are fired in your direction.

· Not trap or restrict your options for movement.  (snip)

Narrator: As a last resort, if your life is at risk, whether you're alone or working together as a group, fight! Act with aggression. Improvise weapons. Disarm him.  (snip)  

Narrator: ... and commit to taking the shooter down, no matter what. (snip)

Caption: FIGHT. As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger:

· Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.

· Act with physical aggression.

· Improvise weapons.

· Commit to your actions.  (snip)

Caption: 9-1-1. When law enforcement arrives:

· Remain calm and follow instructions.

· Keep your hands visible at all times.

· Avoid pointing or yelling.

· Know that help for the injured is on its way.  (snip)

Narrator: Your actions can make a difference for your safety and survival. Be aware and be prepared.  (snip)

Narrator: And if you find yourself faced with an active shooter, there are three key things you need to remember to survive: Run. Hide. Fight. (snip)

Now that you feel safer because of the video and the president's soothing words, enjoy the holidays and your trip to Disney, Universal, or Sea World theme parks.  Oh, by the way, about the time the president was speaking, these vacation spots made the following announcement.

Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal begin using metal detectors at theme parks

In a sign of how jittery the nation has become about terrorism and gun violence, Orlando's major theme parks on Thursday added metal detectors as a security precaution.

Walt Disney World placed walk-through metal detectors in front of all four of its theme parks. Universal Orlando began using wand-style metal detectors in an area leading into its parks and nightlife district. SeaWorld Orlando also began using wand-style detectors.

The safety measures extend outside Orlando. Disneyland and Universal Studios in Hollywood, Calif., are also using the devices.

There, now don't you feel safer?