These steps are guidelines to survive an active shooter incident. Follow them in the event of an active shooter.

1. Alert & Prepare

Take actions to be informed and prepared before an incident occurs.

In Any Location

  • Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
  • Consider how you would escape or evacuate from the area
  • Take note of the two nearest exits
  • Note improvised exits such as windows
  • Consider what you could use for cover or concealment
  • Consider where you might hide

In Campus Buildings and on Grounds

  • Be familiar with the campus emergency alert and notification systems
  • Initial alert may be gunshot, PA announcement, etc
  • Do not ignore warning signs such as possible gunshots
  • Know the designated evacuation routes
  • Be familiar with building and work area emergency plans.

During an Incident

  • Notify as many people as possible within the danger zone that a potentially life-threatening risk exists.
  • Do not use code words. Use only simple, clear and accurate information.

2. Lockdown & Hide

If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.

How to Choose a Hiding Place

  • Ensure it is out of the active shooter’s view
  • It provides protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e. an office with a closed and locked door)
  • It doesn’t trap you or restrict your options for movement

Preventing an Active Shooter from Entering

  • Lock the door, adding secondary locking devices (i.e. tables, chairs, etc.)
  • Barricade entry points with heavy furniture or other items
  • Silence your phone
  • Turn off any source of noise (i.e. radios, televisions)
  • Hide behind large items (i.e. cabinets, desks)
  • Remain quiet
  • If in a group, spread out

3. Inform

Continue to communicate the following information in real time to law enforcement or 911 operator. Use simple, clear and accurate information. If you cannot speak, call 911 and leave the line open so dispatchers can identify your location and monitor.

  • Location of the active shooter
  • Number of shooters, if more than one
  • Physical description of shooter(s)
  • Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s)
  • Number of potential victims at the location

4. Counter & Fight

As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, while moving towards exits, attempt to to disrupt the and/or incapacitate the shooter by:

  • Acting as aggressively as possible against them
  • Throwing objects and improvising weapons
  • Yelling
  • Swarming the shooter
  • Committing to your actions

5. Evacuate & Run

This is the most important action to take, if safe to do so. If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.

Evacuating from a Building

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind
  • Run from danger when safe to do so using non-traditional exits if necessary
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
  • Leave your belongings behind
  • Help others escape, if possible

Evacuating from a Parking Lot or Other Open Area

  • Quickly exit the area using parked vehicles, trees, bushes, buildings or whatever other cover is available as you go
  • Do not run in a straight line
  • If in a group, spread out

During Evacuation

  • Keep your hands visible to responding police officers and follow their instructions
  • Do not attempt to move wounded people
  • To the best of your ability, prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
  • Call 911 when you are safe