Emergency Plans, Teams, Services

Active Shooter/Weapons Incident Training

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY

Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Remember that students or visitors are likely to follow the lead of faculty and staff during an active shooter situation.

Please view the Run, Hide, Fight Response Training Video by City of Houston.

  1. Evacuate - Run 
    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 when you are safe
  2. Hide out
    If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:
    • Be out of the active shooter’s view
    • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked 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 the active shooter is nearby:
    • Lock the door
    • Silence your cell phone and/or pager
    • Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
    • Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)
    • Remain quiet
    If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:
    • Remain calm
    • Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
    • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
  3. Fight - Take action against the active shooter - View the video "Last Resort ACTIVE SHOOTER SURVIVAL"
    As a last resort, 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
    • Throwing items and improvising weapons
    • Yelling
    • Committing to your actions