Active Shooter

Be Informed   |   RUN    

 

This page describes what to do in an active shooter event. Remember during an active shooting to RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.

Be Informed

• Sign up for an active shooter training.
• If you see something, say something to the authorities right away.
• Sign up to receive local emergency alerts and register your contact information with any work-sponsored alert system.
• Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.

 

Make a Plan

• Make a plan with your family and make sure everyone knows what to do if confronted with an active shooter.
• Wherever you go look for the two nearest exits, have an escape path in mind and identify places you could hide if necessary.
• Understand the plans for individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs.

 

During

 

RUN and escape if possible.

• Getting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority.
• Leave your belongings behind and get away.
• Help others escape, if possible, but evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
• Warn and prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
• Call 9-1-1 when you are safe and describe the shooter, location and weapons.

 

HIDE if escape is not possible.

• Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet.
• Silence all electronic devices and make sure they won’t vibrate.
• Lock and block doors, close blinds and turn off lights.
• Don’t hide in groups. Spread out along walls or hide separately to make it more difficult for the shooter.
• Try to communicate with police silently. Use text message or social media to tag your location or put a sign in a window.
• Stay in place until law enforcement gives you the all clear.
• Your hiding place should be out of the shooter's view and provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.

 

FIGHT as an absolute last resort.

• Commit to your actions and act as aggressively as possible against the shooter.
• Recruit others to ambush the shooter with makeshift weapons like chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
• Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the shooter.
• Throw items and improvise weapons to distract and disarm the shooter.

 

After

• Keep hands visible and empty.
• Know that law enforcement’s first task is to end the incident and they may have to pass injured along the way.
• Officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns or handguns and may use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation.
• Officers will shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.
• Follow law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they come from unless otherwise instructed.
• Take care of yourself first, and then you may be able to help the wounded before first responders arrive.
• If the injured are in immediate danger, help get them to safety.
• While you wait for first responders to arrive, provide first aid. Apply direct pressure to wounded areas and use tourniquets if you have been trained to do so.
• Turn wounded people onto their sides if they are unconscious and keep them warm.
• Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term effects of the trauma.