Active Shooter
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines an "active shooter" as an "individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. Learn what to do if you find yourself in an active shooting event, how to recognize signs of potential violence around you, and what to expect after an active shooting takes place.
BEFORE
- Make a plan with your family to ensure everyone knows what they would do if they were in an active shooter situation.
- Sign up for an active shooter training in your community, at your workplace, or online.
If you see something, say something to an authority right away.
Sign up to receive local emergency alerts and register your work and personal contact information with any work sponsored alert system.
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DURING
Run, Hide, and (as a last resort) Fight
RUN and escape, if possible:
- Leave your belongings behind and get away.
- Help others escape, if possible, but evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
- Warn and prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
- Call 911 when you are safe, and describe shooter, location, and weapons.
HIDE if you can’t escape:
- Hide in an area out of the shooter's view and stay quiet. Silence all phones and other devices and make sure they won’t vibrate.
- Block entry to your hiding place, lock the doors and close the blinds.
- Try to communicate silently. Use text messages or social media to tag your location, or put a sign in a window.
FIGHT only as a last resort:
- As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter using makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, etc.
- Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter.
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AFTER
- Keep hands visible and empty.
- Follow law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they come from, unless otherwise instructed.
- Take care of yourself first, and then you may be able to help the wounded before first responders arrive.
- Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term effects of the trauma.
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RESOURCES
- Active Shooter Information (PDF)
- Active shooter preparedness resources (Department of Homeland Security) English, Alternate languages
- Conducting Security Assessments: A Guide for Schools and Houses of Worship Webinar
- If you see something, say something
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(sources: Ready.gov, Homeland Security)
