Active Shooter

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends that when an active shooter is nearby, the best course of action would be to RUN, HIDE or FIGHT.

Run

• Be aware of your environment.
• Know the nearest exits and leave the building if possible. Take others along while you exit. If others disagree, evacuate alone and run/walk to a safe location.
• Leave bags and other belongings behind.
• Prevent others from entering the premises.
• Call 911 as soon as you think it is safe to do so.

Hide

• If the shooter is nearby, or if exiting is not an option, hide in a place where you are not visible. If you are in a hallway or lobby, run into a room.
• Secure your hiding place. If you are in a room, lock it from inside, switch off the lights and block the entrance with heavy furniture.
• Be Silent! Put your cell phone on silent mode immediately. A ring or a vibration will give away your location.

Fight

• This should only be done as the last resort. If running or hiding is not possible, or if your life is in imminent danger and you have no other option, you can use physical force to try to take down the shooter.
• Try to incapacitate the active shooter.
• Yell at the attacker and throw things. Use any physical force available/possible to stop the shooter and defend yourself and/or others.

What To Say When You Call 911

Dial 911 as soon as you think it is safe. Remain calm and give the following information:

• Location of the active shooting incident.
• Number of active shooters.
• Shooter’s physical description.
• Type of arms used in the incident.
• Number of victims or potential victims present.

What To Do When Law Enforcement Arrives

• Stay calm and follow the instructions given.
• Put down items that you are carrying.
• Raise your hands and spread your fingers.
• Keep your hands visible always.
• Do not make any quick movement towards officer for safety or other reasons.
• Do not shout or yell.