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Active Shooter Preparedness

Active shooter situations are frightening and unpredictable. Being prepared can help you respond in an emergency. Use the tips below to learn what to do if an active shooter is on or near campus.
 

Active Shooter – Run, Hide, Fight

When an Active Shooter is in your vicinity, you have three options: 

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Help others escape, if possible.
  • Do not attempt to move the wounded.
  • Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
  • Keep your hands visible.
  • Call 911 when you are safe.

Situations

  • If confronted while sitting or standing, immediately fall to the floor.
  • If walking down a hallway, move around a corner and look for an open door in which to hide.
  • When outdoors, get behind a tree and do not leave until police indicate it is safe.
  • If in a parking lot, get down behind the engine area of a car near the front wheel.
  • Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view.
  • Lock the door or block the entry to your hiding place.
  • Silence your cell phone completely (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet.
  • Turn off lights and close curtains or shades.
  • Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
  • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
  • Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
  • Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter.
  • Commit to your actions…your life depends on it.


ADDITIONAL INFO

The first officers on scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams to follow initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured.

Once you have reached a safe location, you will likely be held there by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

Run. Hide. Fight.

 

Lockdown – Shelter in Place


What to do in case of a lockdown:

  • Lock the doors and windows.
    If unable to lock the door, block it with heavy furniture if possible
    • Account for all individuals in the room and notify administrators of any missing or additional individuals
    • Assist individuals with special needs as appropriate
    • Do not open doors or windows unless directed by a safety or college official; request identification before complying
  • Turn off lights and close blinds or curtains
  • Silence phones
  • Stay hidden. Stay low, away from doors and windows, and remain quiet.
  • Wait for the all-clear
  • If escape isn’t possible and you are directly threatened, defend yourself as a last resort.
  • Wait for an official all-clear message before leaving your location.
  • When it’s safe to move, follow directions from law enforcement or campus officials.

If you feel anxious afterward, reach out for support at:

 

Surviving an Active Shooter
 

 

When law enforcement arrives

  • Remain calm and follow instructions.
  • Drop items in your hands. (e.g., bags, jackets)
  • Raise hands and spread fingers.
  • Keep hands visible at all times.
  • Avoid quick movements toward officers,
  • such as holding on to them for safety.
  • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
  • Do not ask questions when evacuating.

What to provide to 911 operators

  • Location of the active shooter.
  • Number of shooters.
  • Physical description of shooters.
  • Number and type of weapons shooter has.
  • Number of potential victims at location.

 

Campus Evacuation