ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – We are just 50 days into 2024 and the Gun Violence Archive is reporting 54 mass shootings.

Gun violence has dominated recent news headlines. From Sunday’s shooting in Burnsville, to the Kansas City Chief Super Bowl celebration, to a shooting outside a popular Rochester fast-food restaurant.

Mental health experts said gun violence takes a toll on one’s mental health, whether someone is involved in the event or not.

KTTC spoke with Rochester Police Department (RPD) on gun violence safety and how to be prepared in the case of an active shooter.

“When you feel something’s wrong or when you notice something wrong, reacting and then escaping, get out of a building, get out of an open area,” Lt. Paul Gronholz said. “But the mindset has to be prepared if something were to happen.”

Gronholz said to be aware of your surroundings if you’re outside in a crowd or look for the nearest exit if you’re indoors, but most importantly have those tough conversations.

“We don’t necessarily want to scare kids, but we do have those conversations with your children about what to do and to react if they if there’s danger,” Gronholz explained.

Matthew McKay, supervisor of Psychotherapy at Zumbro Valley Health Center, said these conversations can help relieve anxiousness about the uncertainty in today’s world.

“The best way and the best indicator to understand how kids are thinking is to ask that question,” McKay said. “So we as parents, we as leaders in the community should have some of these conversations is to help kind of reduce some of that anxiety that these kids are having.”

McKay said when these thoughts of uncertainty come through your mind, it’s important to implement healthy practices like mindful breathing or get outside for some fresh air to be in touch with the reality.

Find stories like this and more, in our apps.

Copyright 2024 KTTC. All rights reserved.