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Active Shooter Response

An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in harming or attempting to harm people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims.

Individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation because most active shooter situations are over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement has a chance to arrive on the scene.


HOW SHOULD YOU RESPOND IN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION?

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.® Surviving an Active Shooter Event

QUICKLY DETERMINE THE MOST REASONABLE WAY TO PROTECT YOUR OWN LIFE. CUSTOMERS AND CLIENTS ARE LIKELY TO FOLLOW THE LEAD OF EMPLOYEES AND MANAGERS DURING AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION.

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Run

If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.

Be sure to:

  1. Have an escape route and plan in mind
  2. Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
  3. Help others escape, if possible
  4. Leave your belongings behind
  5. Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
  6. Do not attempt to move wounded people
  7. Call 911 when you are safe, while on campus dial 464-4000 or 911 from any campus phone
  8. Keep your hands visible
  9. Follow the instructions of any police officers

Hide

If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:

  1. Be out of the active shooter’s view
  2. Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
  3. Not trap you or restrict your options for movement

To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:

  1. Lock the door
  2. Blockade the door with heavy furniture

If the active shooter is nearby:

  1. Lock the door
  2. Silence your cell phone and/or pager
  3. Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
  4. Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)
  5. Remain quiet

If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:

  1. Remain calm
  2. Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
  3. If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen

 

Fight

As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

  1. Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter
  2. Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter
  3. Yelling
  4. Committing to your actions

When calling 911, you should provide the dispatcher and the responding officers with the following information:

• Location of the active shooter
• Number of shooters
• Physical description of shooters
• Number of, type, and description of weapons held by shooters
• Number of potential victims at the location

When Law Enforcement arrives on scene:

• 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 toward 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

Below are some educational videos on dealing with and surviving Active Shooter situations. For more information, contact YOUR University Police Department at 464-4000.

Shots fired for Healthcare: Guidance for surviving an Active Shooter Situation in the Healthcare Community


Shots Fired: When Lightning Strikes On Campus


Shots Fired: When Lightning Strikes in the Workplace


Below are some educational videos on prevention of violence on campus and in the workplace. For more information, contact YOUR University Police Department at 464-4000.

Flashpoint: Recognizing and Preventing Violence on Campus

Flashpoint: Recognizing and Preventing Violence in the Workplace

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