Active Shooter

Description: 

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

If an Active Shooter is Outside Your Building:

• • Proceed to a room that can be locked or barricaded.

  • Lock all doors and windows, turn out the lights and stay away from the windows.

  • Call 9-1-1 and advise the dispatcher of what is taking place and your location.

  • Remain on the line to give the dispatcher any further information that may be needed.

  • Remain in the room until the situation is cleared by police.

If an Active Shooter is Inside the Building with You: Run, Hide, Fight

• Run

  • 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 restrict your options for movement.

    • Prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place, lock the door and blockade with heavy furniture.

  • If the active shooter is nearby:

    • 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 and 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.

    • Committing to your actions.

Follow Instructions from responding law enforcement personnel