Violent Intruders

How to Respond to an Active Shooter Incident

If you hearing alarming noises, don’t wait for confirmation to react.

If confronted with someone who is actively shooting a firearm, your first concern should be your safety and the safety of those around you. Do not call 911 until you are in a safe location.

Take these steps to get to safety:

Run Hide Fight Image

 

RUN:

  • Decide if you can escape safely.
  • If so, leave your belongings behind.
  • Run as fast as you can away from the direction of the gunshots. Do not turn around to look.
  • DO NOT STOP running until you are far away from the area.
  • Help others escape, if possible. Do not delay your escape for those who will not come.

HIDE:

  • If you can’t escape, find a place to hide such as an office, storage room, etc.
  • Lock the door, shut off lights and close the blinds.
  • Barricade the door(s), if you can do so quietly.
  • Stay away from doors and windows.
  • Silence and turn off vibrate on your cell phone.
  • Remain quiet.

FIGHT:

  • This is a last resort.
  • Improvise weapons.
  • If hiding with others, attack in a group.
  • Act as aggressively as possible.
  • If possible, grab the shooter’s limbs and head, get them to the ground, and hold them there.

REACTING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT:

  • Remain calm.
  • If there is a weapon do not handle it.
  • Raise your hands.
  • DO NOT approach or speak to officers.
  • If you are barricaded in a room, DO NOT open the door.
  • Their first priority is to neutralize the shooter, not rescue people. Everyone will be treated as a suspect until the suspect is identified.
  • Officers will issue loud commands and may get physical. Follow their commands.