Police are always adjusting their methods active shooter scenari - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

An active shooter scenario could happen anywhere and local authorities take part in various training exercises to handle any situation.

Sioux City Police say they're always adjusting their methods and reviewing procedures.

Officers also carry AR 15 assault rifles, when responding to situations.

And police say it's important to end them as soon as possible.

This year, the police along with Southern Hills Mall employees held a mock scenario.

In any situation, authorities say you should always be aware of your surroundings and take note of exits, if you need to escape.

And if you can't get out, try to lock the door or barricade yourself in.

"If somebody out there gets information or they have some concrete information that somebody's talking about doing something like this or they are posting something on the internet, contact the police department," Sheehan said.

While police don't ask citizens to try to stop the situation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says as a last resort, a person could attempt to take the active shooter down.

They say you have a better chance of survival if you try to incapacitate him or her.