Run. Hide. Fight.

An active shooter is an individual who is engaged in killing, or attempting to kill, people in a confined and populated area. Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable and evolve quickly. Amid the chaos, anyone can play an integral role in mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident.

In many cases, there is no pattern or method to the selection of victims by an active shooter, and these situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes - before law enforcement arrives on the scene - individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

In an active shooter event, you have three options: Run. Hide. Fight.

RUN:

• 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.
• Keep your hands visible.
• Call 911 when you are safe.

HIDE:

• 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.

FIGHT:

• 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.
• Use teamwork and surprise. A coordinated ambush can incapacitate an attacker.
• Commit to your actions, your life depends on it.

The first officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams to follow the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured. 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.

When law enforcement arrives:

• Remain calm and follow instructions.
• Drop items in your hands (e.g., bags, jackets).
• Raise hands and spread fingers.
• Keep your 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.

Information to provide to 911 operators:

• Location of the active shooter.
• Number of shooters.
• Physical description of shooters.
• Number and type of weapons shooter has.
• Number of potential victims at location.

After the event, be mindful of your mental health. If needed, seek help for you and your family to cope with the trauma.

References

• https://www.cisa.gov/topics/physical-security/active-shooter-preparedness
• https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/active-shooter-event-quick-reference-guide_2015.pdf/view
• https://www.ready.gov/public-spaces