Active Shooter/Person with Gun
Police are trained in responding to an active shooting incident by entering the building as soon as possible and proceeding to the area of the shooter.
Note: Police may not be able to immediately aid people. Their main goal is to get to the shooter.
Remain calm and be patient. Let the police do their job.
Adopt a survival mindset: Mentally and emotionally prepare to confront a life threatening risk.
Figure out
- What is going on?
- Where is it happening?
- What are my paths of escape (main entrance, back door, window, fire escape)?
- Can I get to an exit without confronting the shooter?
- Is it better to hide out?
- What are my options if confronted by the shooter?
Get out
- Move quickly to exit the building.
- Break a window out if necessary.
- Don’t wait for others to validate your decision.
- Leave your belongings behind.
Call out
- Call 911. Provide the following information:
- Your name and location
- Location of the incident
- Number of shooters
- Description and identity of shooter(s)
If you cannot exit the building
Hide out and Keep out
- Go to the nearest room or office.
- Close, lock and barricade the door.
- Silence your phone.
- Turn the lights out. Cover windows if possible.
- Hide behind furniture or equipment.
Spread out
- Spread out in the room.
- Keep quiet. Act as if no one is in the room.
- DO NOT answer the door.
- Call 911 if you cannot be heard by the shooter.
Take out
- If you are in a group, make a plan to overcome the shooter.
- Confront the shooter if there is no other option.
- Do whatever it takes to neutralize the threat.
- Disrupt the actions of or incapacitate the shooter.
- Throw things (books), yell, use improvised weapons (fire extinguisher, chair, pen, keys).
Keep a survival mindset - I will survive! Ultimately, the choice is yours and the only wrong action is no action.
These incidents are unpredictable and may change rapidly. Follow police instructions immediately.