Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder

Quick Tip: Run, hide, or take action. Dial 911 when safe.

IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER/HOSTILE INTRUDER:

Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) 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. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

IF YOU DECIDE TO RUN:

  • Have an escape route plan in mind.
  • Leave your belongings.
  • Keep your hands visible.

IF YOU DECIDE TO HIDE:

  • Hide in an area out of the suspect’s view.
  • Block entry to your hiding place and lock all doors.

IF YOU DECIDE TO FIGHT:

  • This should be a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
  • Attempt to incapacitate the suspect.
  • Act with physical aggression and throw items at the suspect.

IN THE EVENT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER OR HOSTILE INTRUDER IS SEEN INSIDE A BUILDING:

  • DO NOT pull a fire alarm. This could cause innocent people to be put in harm’s way. Only you can tell if it is safe to run from the building.
  • If in doubt, do not run. Seek shelter where you are.
  • Lock and barricade the doors to the room you are in.
  • Turn off the lights.
  • Close blinds.
  • Silence cell phones and other electronic devices.
  • Turn off radio and computer monitors.
  • Stay out of sight of windows and doors and do not huddle together.
  • Be quiet and stay calm.
  • Stay in hiding until a police officer gives an “All Clear” notification.

IN THE EVENT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER OR HOSTILE INTRUDER IS SEEN OUTSIDE A BUILDING:

  • Run away from the threat as fast as you can.
  • Do not run in a straight line.
  • Keep objects or buildings between you and the active shooter or hostile intruder.
  • If you can, get away from the area of danger and warn others not to enter the area.
  • If the active shooter or hostile intruder is near you and causing great harm, hide if at all possible.

DIAL 911 AND REPORT WHEN SAFE TO DO SO

If not safe to speak, dial 911 and leave the line open so the police can listen to what is taking place. Remain calm and be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Your location.
  • Your name and contact information.
  • Number of shooters/hostile intruders.
  • Description of shooters/hostile intruders.
  • Type of weapons involved (knife, handgun, long gun, etc.).
  • Location of shooters/hostile intruders and direction of travel.
  • Number of potential victims.

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES:

  • Be aware that emergency personnel may not know who the active shooter or hostile intruder is when arriving on scene.
  • Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions.
  • Immediately raise hands and spread fingers.
  • Keep hands visible at all times.
  • Avoid pointing and screaming and/or yelling.
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.