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Active Shooter

Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, you must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

Responding to an Active Shooter

RUN - If there is an accessible 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 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 - 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 shooters view. It should provide protection if shots are fired in your direction, but not restrict your options for movement.
  • Lock the door and block it with heavy furniture.
  • Silence you cell phone, turn off any additional sources of noise and remain quiet.
  • If evacuation or hiding is not possible remain calm and call 911 to alert them of your lcoation. If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen.

FIGHT - 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 Ways to Prepare For and Prevent an Active Shooter Situation

Preparedness

  • Ensure that your facility has at least two evacuation routes
  • Post evacuation routes in conspicuous locations throughout your facility
  • Include local law enforcemnet and first responders during training exercises
  • Encourage law enforcement, emergency responders, SWAT teams, K-9 teams, and bomb squads to train for an active shooter scenario at your location

Prevention

  • Foster a respectful workplace
  • Be aware of indications of workplace violence and take remedial actions accordingly

For more information on creating an ERP contact the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration, www.osha.gov. You can also find additional information about Active Shooter Preparedness at http://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness.