Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own
life. Remember that customers, clients, students, etc. will follow the
lead of the employees, staff or management during an Active Shooter
situation.
1) EVACUATE
If an escape route is accessible, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:
• Have an escape route and plan in mind
• Evacuate regardless of others decisions to stay or follow
• Leave belongings behind
• Assist others escaping, if possible
• Prevent individuals from entering the area where the active shooter may be-WARN THEM
• Keep hands visible to Law Enforcement and Security
• Follow first responders instructions, Police, Security, Fire, etc.
• DO NOT attempt to move wounded individuals
• Call 911 when safe to do so.
2) HIDE OUT
If evacuation/escape is not possible, find a place to hide where an active shooter is less likely to find you.
Your hiding place should:
• Be out of the shooter’s line of sight or view
• Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e. close and lock doors of offices or closets)
• Not trap you or restrict your options for movement
To help prevent an Active Shooter from entering your hiding place:
• Lock all doors
• Barricade the door if possible with available items, such as heavy furniture.
If the Active Shooter is within your vicinity:
• Lock the door
• Silence all cell phones, pagers, radios, or other devices.
• Turn off sources of noise such as TV’s, radios, and computers
• Conceal yourself behind large objects, such as book cases, desks, etc.
• Remain silent, limit movement which creates noise
3) TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE ACTIVE SHOOTER
Take last resort measures for survival when facing imminent injury
or death. Attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the Active Shooter by:
• Acting aggressively towards the shooter, engaging in physical attack
• Throwing items or using improvised weapons
• Yelling
• Staying committed to your actions. Do not let up until the shooter is incapacitated or disrupted
Next time we will look at how you should respond when law enforcement arrives.
