Active Shooter
Response to Active shooter - Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life:
CONTACTING AUTHORITIES - WHEN YOU ARE SAFE:
Call 9-1-1, and be prepared to give the following information concerning the incident:
Run - if there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.
Be sure to:
Hide - if evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.
Your hiding place should:
To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:
If the active shooter is nearby:
If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:
Fight - As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:
CONTACTING AUTHORITIES - WHEN YOU ARE SAFE:
Call 9-1-1, and be prepared to give the following information concerning the incident:
- Your exact location (building, floor, room number)
- Specific location and direction of the assailant(s)
- Number of assailant(s)
- Sex, race and age of assailant(s)
- Clothing color and style
- Number injured, types of injuries
Run - if there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.
Be sure to:
- Call Security
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
- Leave your belongings behind
- Help others escape, if possible
- Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
- Keep your hands visible
- Follow the instructions of any police officers
- Do not attempt to move wounded people
- Call 9-1-1 when you are safe
Hide - if evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.
Your hiding place should:
- Be out of the active shooter’s view
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
- Not trap you or restrict your options for movement
To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:
- Lock the door
- Blockade the door with heavy furniture
If the active shooter is nearby:
- Lock the door
- Silence your cell phone and/or pager
- Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
- Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)
- Remain quiet
If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:
- Remain calm
- Dial 9-1-1, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
- If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
Fight - As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:
- Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her
- Throwing items and improvising weapons
- Yelling
- Committing to your actions
