Although active shooter situations are not common, it’s important to be prepared. Recent tragedies remind us that the threat is real, and taking a few simple steps now can help you react quickly when it matters most. This page explains what to do if you’re in an active shooter situation, how to recognize signs of potential violence, and what to expect afterward. Remember to follow these steps:
RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.
What is an active shooter?
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. These situations can occur in schools, workplaces, public spaces, and other environments. Active shooter events are often unpredictable and can unfold quickly, making immediate action crucial for survival.
Characteristics of an Active Shooter Situation:
- The shooter is actively trying to harm others.
- The shooter may be using firearms, knives, or other weapons.
- There is often little or no warning before an attack begins.
- Victims may be randomly targeted or there may be a specific motive behind the attack.
Why Active Shooter Preparedness is Important: An active shooter situation is highly dangerous and stressful, and it can unfold rapidly. Knowing how to respond can help save lives, reduce confusion, and increase the chances of survival for yourself and others around you.
How to Respond to an Active Shooter?
RUN
- Escape the Threat: If there is a safe route to exit, flee the area immediately. Leave belongings behind to avoid slowing yourself down.
- Warn Others: Alert others as you go, but don’t wait for them to follow you if it’s unsafe to do so. Your first priority is getting to safety.
- Leave the Building: Once outside, stay away from the building and do not re-enter until law enforcement gives the all-clear.
HIDE
- Find a Safe Location: If you cannot escape, hide in a secure room or space that can be locked or barricaded. Look for places that can provide protection, such as behind heavy furniture or in areas without windows.
- Turn Off the Lights and Silence Devices: Turn off the lights, silence your phone, and stay as quiet as possible. Make it difficult for the shooter to locate you.
- Barricade the Door: Block the door with heavy furniture or anything that will slow down the shooter.
- Stay Low: Stay out of sight by hiding behind furniture or walls.
FIGHT
- Only Fight if Necessary: If you are directly confronted by the shooter and escape or hiding is not an option, prepare to defend yourself. Use any available object as a weapon (e.g., fire extinguishers, chairs, or books).
- Disarm the Shooter: If you are able, try to disarm the shooter.
- Act with Force: Be aggressive, and act decisively to overpower the shooter. Survival is the goal.
What To Expect After?
Law Enforcement Response:
- Law enforcement’s priority is to stop the threat as quickly as possible. They may not stop to help the wounded until the shooter is neutralized.
- Follow Commands: When law enforcement arrives, keep your hands visible and follow all commands. They may not know who is a victim or who is a threat.
- Stay Calm: Try to stay calm when interacting with officers. Avoid sudden movements that could be interpreted as a threat.
What Officers May Do:
- Officers may search the area for additional threats, clear the scene, and secure it. They will typically focus on neutralizing the active shooter first before assisting victims.
- Officers will shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.
- Keep hands visible and empty.
- Follow law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they come from, unless otherwise instructed.
- Medical Assistance: Once the area is secure, emergency medical personnel will be allowed in to tend to the injured.
- Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term effects of the trauma.