Response to an Active Shooter
The most important concept for building occupants is the survival techniques to use. The survival techniques can be fluid based on the threat and may not have to be followed in any specific order. Individual decisions should be made based on the active shooter’s location(s).
1. Avoid (run/evacuate)
If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.
Be sure to discuss with the occupants the following:
- Have an escape plan and route in mind.
- Visualize the entire escape route before beginning to move, and avoid using elevators or escalators.
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
- Leave your belongings behind, DO NOT CARRY ANY PACKAGES OR ITEMS THAT COULD BE CONFUSED AS A WEAPON OR EXPLOSIVE DEVICE.
- Help others escape, if possible.
- Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
- Call 911 when it is safe to do so. Provide the pertinent information (discussed in detail below).
2. Barricade (hide)
If it is not possible to evacuate, find a place to barricade yourself where the active shooter is least likely to find you.
(1) Where to barricade:
- Ideal barricade place should be out of the active shooter’s view, but not just visual concealment. Soft wall cubicles and desks may conceal but provide no substantial ballistic protection.
- Ideal barricade place should be an area with both visual concealment and ballistic cover that can provide protection if shots are fired in your direction. Cover should be something of substantial thickness and weight that will stop a bullet. Office furniture and equipment such as vending machines, copy machines, and file cabinets can stop many types of bullets.
- An ideal barricade place should not trap or restrict your options for movement.
(2) What to do when barricading:
- Lock the door, if applicable.
- Blockade the entrance with heavy furniture, if applicable.
- Silence, not vibrate, your cell phone, pager and/or any other electronic devices.
- Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions).
- Hide behind large items (i.e., file cabinets, copy machines, vending machines).
- Remain quiet.
3. Confront (fight/take action)
If it is not possible to avoid and/or barricade, as a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter:
- Collaborate and act as a group, if possible.
- Act aggressively.
- Throw items and improvise weapons.
- Yell.
- Commit to your actions.
Building occupants should call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so and provide the following information to 911 operator, if known:
- Building address, location of the active shooter or his/her last known location.
- Number of shooters, if more than one.
- Physical description of shooter(s).
- Name/identity of the shooter(s) (e.g. employee).
- Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s).
- Number of potential victims at the location.
- If explosions were heard.
*Note: If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen.
Building occupants should be trained that the Manual Fire Alarm System should NOT be activated for an active shooter emergency. The manual pull stations should only be activated during fire or smoke conditions.
In addition, the building occupants must be informed that after calling 911, they have to also notify FLS Director or other designated FLS staff of the emergency on the premises. The emergency contact information (including 911 number and designated FLS staff phone number, etc.) should be provided to every building occupant.
Building occupants should know how to properly interact with police officers:
- Follow all official instructions.
- Do not attempt to run towards or grab onto police officers.
- Resist the urge to turn quickly or make any sudden movements.
- DO NOT CARRY ANY PACKAGES OR ITEMS THAT COULD BE CONFUSED AS A WEAPON OR EXPLOSIVE DEVICE.
- Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling.
- Keep your hands out, open, and above your head, fingers spread apart, and most importantly, EMPTY.
- Do not interfere with responding officers: Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating. Just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.
- Remember that the first police officers to arrive to the scene may not stop to help injured persons. Expect teams comprised of additional officers and emergency medical personnel to follow the initial responding officers. These teams will treat and remove any injured persons from the areas that have been cleared by the first responding police officers. They may also call upon able-bodied occupants to assist in removing the wounded from the premises.
- Remain calm.
- Be prepared to assist and follow instructions of police officers.