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.