Getting away from an active assailant is the top priority. Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so.
Remember RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.

Run

Escape if possible

• Remain calm. Avoid screaming or yelling as you evacuate.
• Determine an escape route based on where the active shooter may be located.
• Leave your belongings behind. Keep your hands empty and visible at all times.
• Help others evacuate if possible, but do not attempt to move the wounded. Evacuate even if others do not agree to follow.
• Move quickly to a safe place far from the shooter and take cover. Remain there until law enforcement arrives and gives instructions.
• Call 911 when you are safe, and describe the shooter, location, and weapons.

Hide

Shelter if escape is not possible.

• Identify and remember your “hard corners”.
• Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet. Silence all electronic devices and make sure they won’t vibrate.
• Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off lights.
• Don’t hide in groups – spread out along walls or hide separately to make it more difficult for the shooter.
• Try to communicate with police silently. Use text message or social media to tag your location, or put a sign in a window.
• Stay in place until law enforcement gives you the all clear.
• Your hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view and provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.

Fight

Fight as an absolute last resort.

• Commit to your actions and act as aggressively as possible against the shooter.
• Recruit others to ambush the shooter with makeshift weapons like chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
• Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the shooter.
• Throw items and improvise weapons to distract and disarm the shooter.

After

Respond appropriately when law enforcement arrives.

• Remain calm and follow officer instructions.
• Keep hands visible and empty.
• Know that law enforcement’s first task is to end the incident and they may have to pass injured along the way. In other words: 1. Stop the killing. 2. Stop the dying.
• Officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns, and/or handguns and may use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation.
• Officers will shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.
• Follow all law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they came from, unless otherwise instructed.
• Take care of yourself first, and then you may be able to help the wounded before first responders arrive.
• If the injured are in immediate danger, help get them to safety.
• While you wait for emergency medical responders to arrive, provide first aid. Apply direct pressure to wounded areas and use tourniquets if you have been trained to do so.
• Turn wounded people onto their sides if they are unconscious and keep them warm.
• Consider seeking professional help to cope with the long-term effects of the trauma.