Mass shootings like the one in Las Vegas on Sunday are becoming an all-too-common part of American life. That means citizens may have to consider the possibility they may one day find themselves in that terrifying situation.

That doesnt mean living in fear from moment to moment, but some advance preparation can help you if the unthinkable does happen.

Security expert Steve Kardian told Inside Edition the key to surviving a mass shooting is to visualize the situation in advance.

[Ask yourself,] What would I do if? What would the crisis be? Think about it, he said. Look for the exits. Think about what you are going to do if it happens, fold it up and put it in your back pocket and enjoy yourself.

Another tip: If you hear loud explosions, dont assume they are fireworks. Instead, use that as a signal to put your crisis plan into action.

Start moving, dont wait, Kardian said. Every second you wait, that is additional shots that are fired, those are additional injuries and people that could be killed. Start moving right away.

Mass shooters often focus on large groups, he said, so he warns not to run where everyone else is running.

Kardian suggests hiding behind anything that can potentially shield you from gunfire, such as trees, monuments, walls or statues, and then listen for pauses in the shooting.

That could be a sign that the shooter is reloading. Kardian said, adding that a person can run 40 to 50 feet during that silence, which could be the difference between living or dying.