ACTIVE SHOOTER

 

USE A CELL PHONE TO CALL 9-1-1.

Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life:

RUN

  • If there is an escapable path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:
  • Have an ESCAPE ROUTE and plan in mind.
  • EVACUATE regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS behind.
  • HELP OTHERS ESCAPE, if possible.
  • PREVENT OTHERS FROM ENTERING an area where an active shooter may be.
  • Keep your HANDS VISIBLE.
  • FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS of any law enforcement officers.
  • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE wounded people.
  • CALL 9-1-1 when you are safe.

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:

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

To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:

  • LOCK THE DOOR.
  • BLOCKADE THE DOOR with heavy furniture.
  • TRY NOT TO MAKE YOUR PRESENCE KNOWN.

If the active shooter is nearby:

  • LOCK the door.
  • SILENCE your cell phone.
  • Turn off any source of noise (e.g., radios, televisions, computers).
  • HIDE behind large items (e.g., cabinets, desks).
  • REMAIN QUIET.

If evacuation and hiding out are impossible:

  • Remain CALM.
  • Dial 9-1-1, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location.
  • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow 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:

  • Acting as AGGRESSIVELY as possible against him/her
  • THROWING ITEMS and improvising weapons
  • YELLING
  • COMMITTING TO YOUR ACTIONS

HOW TO RESPOND TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

Law enforcement’s purpose is to stop the shooter as soon as possible. Officers will proceed directly to the area in which the last shots were heard.

  • Officers usually arrive in teams of four (4).
  • Officers may wear regular patrol uniforms or external bullet proof vests, Kevlar helmets, and other tactical equipment.
  • Officers may be armed.
  • Officers may use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation.
  • Officers may shout commands, and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.

How to react when law enforcement arrives:

  • REMAIN CALM and follow officer’s instructions.
  • PUT DOWN ANY ITEMS IN YOUR HANDS (e.g., jackets, bags, etc.).
  • Immediately RAISE HANDS AND SPREAD FINGERS.
  • AVOID MAKING QUICK MOVEMENTS towards officers, such as holding onto them for safety.
  • AVOID POINTING, SCREAMING, or YELLING.
  • DO NOT STOP to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating; just proceed in the direction from which the officers are entering.

Information to provide to law enforcement or 9-1-1 operator:

  • LOCATION of the active shooter
  • NUMBER OF SHOOTERS, if more than one
  • PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION of shooter(s)
  • NUMBER AND TYPE of weapon
  • NUMBER OF POTENTIAL VICTIMS

Contact the Safety and Security team and/or property management.

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