Active Shooter

NOW

PREPARE

• If you see suspicious activity, let an authority know right away.

• Many places like houses of worship, workplaces, and schools have plans in place to help you respond safely. Ask about these plans and get familiar with them. If you participate in an active shooter drill, talk to your family about what you learn and how to apply it to other locations.

• When you visit a building like a shopping mall or health care facility, take time to identify two close exits. Get in the mental habit of doing this.

• Map out places to hide. Solid doors with locks, rooms without windows, large cabinets, and desks can make good shelters.

• Sign up for first aid training.

DURING

SURVIVE

•  Getting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority. Leave your things behind and evacuate. If safe to do so, warn others nearby, but don't move wounded people—trained emergency personnel will care for them. Call 911 when you are safe. Describe each shooter, their locations, and weapons.

• If you can’t get away, find a place to hide. Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet. Silence your cell phone and make sure it won’t vibrate. Try to communicate with police silently—like through text messages or by putting a sign in an exterior window. Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off the lights. Don’t hide in groups—spread out to make it more dif cult for the shooter. Stay in place until law enforcement gives you the all clear.

• Your last resort when you are in immediate danger is to defend yourself. Make weapons out of things nearby, like a chair. If you’re with a group, ambush the shooter by acting all at once with multiple weapons. Commit to your actions and act aggressively to stop the shooter.

AFTER

BE SAFE

• Keep your hands visible and follow instructions. Don’t move quickly or yell unless told to do so. You can give details about the shooter when law enforcement of cials ask.
• Give comfort and offer a hand or words of encouragement to others on the scene. But don’t get in the way of emergency responders.
• An active shooter incident is traumatic and can affect you for the rest of your life. Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the trauma.

HAVE A PLAN IN MIND.

• The better you prepare, the more likely you are able to respond in a way that keeps you safe.