Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Remember that patients, customers, and visitors are likely to follow the lead of employees and managers during an active shooter situation.
- Take note of the two nearest exits
- If you are in an office/room, stay there and secure the door (door should open in)
- If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door (door should open in)
- Call 911 when it is safe to do so and alert police to the shooter’s location. If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
- If an active shooter is nearby: lock the door, silence your cell phone, turn off any source of noise, hide behind large items, and remain quiet
- Evacuate: (if the escape route is accessible)
- Have an escape route in mind
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
- Leave your belongings behind
- Help others escape, if possible
- 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
- Call 911 when you are safe
- Hide Out: (if evacuation is not possible)
- The hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction
- Do not trap yourself or restrict your options for movement
- Lock the door
- Blockade the door with heavy furniture (door should open in)
- Taking Action: (Last Resort, imminent danger)
- As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her
- Attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter
- Act as aggressively as possible against him/her
- Throwing items and improvising weapons
- Yelling
- Commit to your actions
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