Active Shooter Procedures

Active shooter incidents on university campuses are a serious and pressing concern. These unpredictable events can happen anywhere, and the need for awareness and preparedness is vital for the safety of everyone in the community.

On average, active shooter incidents occur every three weeks.

The majority of these events end before law enforcement arrives.

Topics:

  • Emergency Action Plan
  • The profile of an active shooter
  • Planning
  • Ways to respond if a shooter is in your area
  • Ways to respond if a shooter is not in your immediate area
  • What the 911 operator will ask
  • What to do when law enforcement arrives
  • Recovery after an active shooter incident

Emergency Action Plan

Our campus police officers, security personnel, leadership, and community members all contribute to making campus a safe place. However, active shooter events can be extremely unpredictable and dangerous. Proper planning ensures that all members of our campus community are familiar with the procedures for handling an active shooter situation and its aftermath.

The Building Emergency Action Plan gives information on building-specific emergency response procedures. Employees are responsible for knowing how to access the plan and guide students before an incident occurs.

This plan will include emergency and life safety equipment locations, emergency contact information, evacuation routes, and recommended safe or reunification areas.

In addition to being familiar with a written plan, it is everyone's responsibility to participate in campus training opportunities such as reading this page, evacuation drills, basic first aid, tabletop exercises, and emergency preparedness discussions.

Active Shooter Profile

An active shooter is defined as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.” In most cases, there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Planning

This page will provide you with immediate actions to take if you find yourself in an active shooter situation.

  • Know the location of two different exits at all times.
  • Learn to recognize the sound of gunshots.
  • Have a plan to help individuals with special needs who may need assistance.
  • Expect that there may be a lot of screaming.

Ways to Respond

If the shooter is in your building or immediate area

If you are in an active shooter situation, here are some actions you can take: RUN, HIDE, or FIGHT.

RUN

  • Run if you can. Don’t hesitate. Seconds matter.
  • Encourage and help others to evacuate with you.
  • Do not attempt to carry anything in your hands while fleeing.
  • If possible, stay out of the direct line of the shooter.
  • Stay low to the ground and move quickly.
  • When exiting, keep your hands visible and follow police instructions.
  • If safe, call 911.

HIDE

  • Lock yourself in a room if possible.
  • Turn off the lights and remain quiet.
  • Look for items that can be used as weapons if necessary.
  • Call 911 when it’s safe to do so.

FIGHT

As a last resort, if your life is in imminent danger, fight. Be aggressive and determined to survive.

If the shooter is not in your immediate area

As soon as the campus is notified of an active shooter situation, a lockdown will occur:

  • All exterior doors will be secured.
  • Do not leave your building until the University issues an "All Clear" message.
  • Maintain silence and avoid opening doors.
  • Call or text 911 if you have information related to the threat.

What 911 Needs to Know

When calling 911, provide:

  • The location of the shooter(s).
  • The number of shooters.
  • The physical description of the shooter(s).
  • The number and type of weapons.
  • The number of people in danger.

What to Do When Law Enforcement Arrives

Follow these guidelines:

  • Stay out of their way and follow instructions.
  • Keep your hands visible and avoid distracting them.

Recovery After an Active Shooter Incident

Render aid if possible, monitor campus communication for updates, and seek medical attention if needed.

Remember

Most of our campus community will never face an active shooter. This page is designed to provide you with immediate actions to take if you do.