How to Respond When an Active Shooter Is in Your Vicinity
- Evacuate (run)
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
- Leave your belongings behind
- Keep your hands visible
- Hide Out
- Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
- Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors
- Silence your cell phone and/or pager
- Take Action
- As a last resort and only when your life is in
imminent danger - Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
- Act with physical aggression and throw items at
the active shooter
- As a last resort and only when your life is in
CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
How to Respond When Law Enforcement Arrives
- Remain calm and follow instructions
- Put down any items in your hands (i.e.; bags, jackets)
- Raise hands and spread fingers
- Keep hands visible at all times
- Avoid quick movements towards officers such as holding on to them for safety
- Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
- Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating
Information You Should Provide Law Enforcement or 911 Operator
- Location of active shooter
- Number of shooters
- Physical description of shooters
- Number and type of weapons held by shooters
- Number of potential victims at the location
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD I DO IN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION?
- Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
- Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit
- If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door
- Attempt to take the active shooter down as a last resort
WHAT IS AN ACTIVE SHOOTER?
- An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically through the use of firearms.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
- Victims are selected at random
- The event is unpredictable and evolves quickly
- Law enforcement is usually required to end an active shooter situation
CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
