Coping

• Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
• Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit
• If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door
• Attempt to take the active shooter down as a last resort 

Profile

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically through the use of firearms.

Characteristics

• Victims are selected at random
• The event is unpredictable and evolves quickly
• Law Enforcement is usually required to end an active shooter situation

How to Respond

When an Active Shooter is in Your Vicinity

1. Run
   • Have an escape route and plan in mind
   • Leave your belongings behind
   • Keep your hands visible
2. Hide
   • Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
   • Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors
   • Silence your cell phone and/or pager
3. Fight
   • As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
   • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
   • Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter

When Law Enforcement Arrives

• Remain calm and follow instructions
• Put down any items in your hands (i.e., 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 stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating

Info You Should Provide 911

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