Active Shooter
When an active shooter is in your vicinity
- Have an escape route and plan in mind.
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
- Help others escape, if possible.
- Do not attempt to move the wounded.
- Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be located.
- Call 911 when you are safe.
- Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view.
- Lock door or block entry to your hiding place.
- Silence your cell phone (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet.
- Call police if it is safe to do so.
- Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
- Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
- Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter.
- Commit to your actions; your life depends on it.
When Law Enforcement Officials arrive
The first officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams to follow initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove injured.
- Remain calm and follow instructions.
- Drop items in your hands (e.g., 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 ask questions when evacuating.
- Once you have reached a safe location, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.
Information to provide to Law Enforcement
- Location of the active shooter.
- The number of shooters.
- Physical description of the shooters.
- Number and type of weapons held by shooters.
- Number of potential victims at the location.
If you have a license to carry a concealed weapon on campus and are carrying your weapon
- Keep your weapon concealed unless you are confronted by the shooter(s).
- After engaging, return your weapon to it’s holster and conceal it again (police will come to the sound of the shots fired; you should not have a weapon in your hand when they arrive.)
- When evacuating, keep your weapon concealed and leave with everyone else.
- If your weapon is visible when police arrive you will be confronted by police.
- Follow commands.
- Do not turn to the officers.
- Do not try to show them LTC unless ordered to do so.
- Be prepared to surrender your weapon. The police may take your weapon from you during the event.