Active Shooter Protocol & Practices

Infographic for Active Shooter Protocol, Practices, Tips, and Resources

Active Shooter Definition

An Active Shooter is one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.

Active Shooter Protocol

1. Run & Escape

Run away and escape from an active shooter threat as your first priority. Once you are safe call 911.

2. Hide

Hide if running away and escaping is not possible: block the door, avoid windows, and silence your cell phone.

3. Fight

If you cannot run away, escape, or hide, then fight the active shooter only as a last resort if your life is in danger.

Active Shooter Practices & Tips

  • Act Quickly

    • Active shooter situations are unpredictable, evolve quickly, and are typically over within 10-15 minutes.
    • You must prepare mentally and physically, and act quickly to survive.

  • Situational Awareness

    • Always be aware of your environment, persons, and activity around you.
    • Take note of your two nearest exits, hiding places like rooms with doors, and any objects that can be used as weapons as a last resort.

How To Run & Escape

  • Know your exits, escape route, and plan beforehand.
  • Leave your belongings behind and evacuate whether others agree to follow.
  • Keep your hands up and visible, follow law enforcement's directions, and provide information about the shooter.

How to Hide

  • Find or stay in a room, lock the door, and blockade it with heavy furniture.
  • Silence your cell phone and turn off any sources of noise like laptops or televisions.
  • Hide behind large items like desks, cabinets, or furniture, and remain silent.

How to Fight

  • Attack the active shooter by surprise, and act aggressively and decisively.
  • Throw items and use objects or improvised weapons against the active shooter.
  • Yell and shout, commit to your actions, and try to incapacitate the active shooter.

*The information provided on this website and in this article do not, and is not intended to, constitute medical, safety, or legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.