ACTIVE SHOOTER

ACTIVE SHOOTER

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 a firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.  Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life.  Remember that employees are likely to follow the lead of someone who knows what he or she is doing.

RUN

• If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.
• Always plan two routes - a primary and alternate escape path.
• Evacuate even if others don't leave.
• Leave your belongings behind.  Don't waste time going back.
• Help others escape, if possible.
• Prevent personnel from entering an area where the shooter may be.
• Keep your hands visible.  Police/security will easily identify that you don't have a weapon.
• Do not attempt to move wounded people.
• When safe, call 911.

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 view of the active shooter.
  • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
• Consider locking yourself in an office or closet.
• Lock the door and blockade the door with heavy furniture to prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place.
• Call 911.
• If you cannot talk, just leave the line open so the dispatcher can hear what is going on.

DO NOT GET TRAPPED OR RESTRICT YOUR OPTIONS FOR MOVEMENT

If the shooter is nearby, lock the door, silence (or turn off) your cell phone and turn off any source of noise.  Remain quiet as long as you can.

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.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

• When/If ordered to Shelter-In-Place, stay in your workspace.  Lock outer office doors if possible.
• Secure exterior building/facility doors if possible
• Stay away from the windows and doors.
• Keep calm; advise coworkers on instructions given.