Here are some tips for emergency preparedness when faced with an active shooter provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Dealing with an active shooter situation
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.
Victims are typically selected at random and the events that transpire tend to be unpredictable and evolve quickly.
- Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
- Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit
- Attempt to take the active shooter down as a last resort
How to respond when an active shooter is in your vicinity
Remember, call 911 when it is safe to do so.
1. Evacuate
- 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 individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
- Keep your hands visible
- Follow the instructions of any law enforcement officer
- Do not attempt to move wounded people
2. Hide out
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
- Not trap you and/or restrict your options of movement
If the active shooter is nearby:
- Silence your phone and/or pager
- Turn off any source of noise
- Hide behind large items
- Remain quiet
If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:
- Remain calm
- Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooters’ location
- If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
3. Take action
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 when law enforcement arrives
- 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
Information to provide to law enforcement or 911 operator
- Location of the active shooter
- Number of shooters
- Physical description of shooters
- Number and type of weapons held by shooters
- Number of potential victims at the location
SOURCE: The Journal News / U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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