Active Shooter - How To Respond

After the tragic events of September 16, 2013 at the Washington Navy Yard, .......... would like to provide the following standard Department of Homeland Security guidance to help you prepare for an active shooter incident.  

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 active shooter situations.

RESPONDING TO AN ACTIVE SHOOTER – RUN. HIDE. FIGHT

Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life.  Remember that visitors are likely to follow the lead of employees and managers during an active shooter incident. In short, the immediate actions are RUN, HIDE, or FIGHT; further details on these actions are provided below.

RUN – EVACUATE

If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:

·         Have an escape route and plan in mind.

·         Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.  Leave your belongings behind.

·         Help others escape, if possible.

·         Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.

·         Keep your hands visible.

·         Follow the instructions of any police officers.

·         Do not attempt to move wounded people.

·         Call 911 or appropriate emergency number when you are safe.

HIDE – HIDE OUT

If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.  Take some time now to examine your surroundings to determine where would be good place to hide, or a good place to avoid.

Your hiding place should:

·         Be out of the active shooter’s view.

·         Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (e.g., an office with a closed door).

·         Not trap you or restrict your options for movement.

To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:

·         Lock the door.

·         Blockade the door with heavy furniture.

If active shooter is nearby:

·         Silence your cell phone and/or pager.

·         Turn off any source of noise (e.g., radios, televisions).

·         Hide behind large items (e.g., cabinets, desks).

·         Remain quiet if evacuation is not possible.

·         Remain calm.

·         Dial 911 as soon as possible to alert police to the active shooter’s location.

·         If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen.

FIGHT – TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE ACTIVE SHOOTER

As a last resort, when you cannot run and cannot hide, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

·         Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her.

·         Use whatever improvised weapon available and commit to your actions to incapacitate the shooter as quickly as possible