An Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. Active shooter/hostile intruder situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the suspect and mitigate harm to victims. Because these incidents are often over within minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter/hostile intruder situation.  All students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to take a few minutes to review the information below provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the University.

Action Guidelines
Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life.

EVACUATE (GET OUT)
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 evacuate, if possible
• Call 911 when you are safe
• 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

SHELTER-IN-PLACE (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 (ie. 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 (ie. radio, television)
• Hide behind large items (ie cabinets, desks)
• Remain quiet

PROTECT YOURSELF (ACT OUT)
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

Additional Resources:
DHS Active Shooter Training Booklet
DHS Active Shooter Pocket Card