Active Attacker

If there is an accessible path, use it.

• Move away from the threat as soon as possible.
• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree.
• Leave your belongings behind.

If evacuation is impossible, find a secure place to hide and barricade your space.

• Lock and secure the door
• Create barriers to prevent or slow down the threat.
• Remain out of sight and quiet—silence your phone.

As a last resort—and only when your life is in imminent danger—attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter.

• Incorporate a distraction—throw items and yell loudly.
• Commit to your actions—be aggressive and use improvised weapons.
• Disarm the shooter—there is strength in numbers.

An "active attacker" is defined as "an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area." (This is the agreed-upon definition, according to multiple US government agencies, including the White House, US Department of Justice, FBI, DHS, etc.) In most cases, active shooters use firearms, and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

• The location of the active threat.
• A description of the attacker(s).
• The number and type of weapons and/or suspicious packages.
• The location of victims and hazards (fire or explosions).

• Follow all instructions from officers.
• Keep your hands visible at all times.
• Tell officers where the attacker is, if you know.

Trained police officers responding to an active attacker immediately move toward the area where they last heard shots to stop the shooting as quickly as possible and create a safe environment for bringing in medical assistance to help the injured.

Responding officers may arrive in teams wearing regular patrol uniforms, external ballistic vests, or other tactical gear. Expect them to wear different uniforms or civilian clothes, as various departments will deploy officers.

Law enforcement's objectives are:

• To end the threat.
• To render medical aid.
• To evacuate people safely.
• To investigate the situation.

How you respond to an active attacker will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter. In addition, many in our community may need to react differently due to a disability, a caregiver relationship, a leadership role, a unique workspace location, or a variety of other reasons. Please contact us to discuss any specific concerns you may have. Always remember your options: Run. Hide. Fight™