Active Assailant / Shooter
HOW TO RESPOND IN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION
Shootings tend to last approximately 2–4 minutes and may be over before police arrive.
In the event of an active shooter/threat situation, your courses of action—adaptable for people of various abilities—are:
- RUN: The second you think you hear a gunshot, RUN. Look for the nearest exit and run,
walk or wheel to a safe location as fast as you can. Help others and get out. When
you are clear from the building and have found a safe place, call 911 and provide
as much detail as possible.
- HIDE: If you can’t run, hide. Lock and/or block the door. Slowing down the shooter could
save your life. Don’t bunch up together. Turn off the lights and silence your cellphones.
Stay calm, quiet, and out of sight. Text 911 if safe to do so and provide as much
detail as possible.
- FIGHT: When you have no options left, fight. Fight, fight, fight! Fight dirty—throw things
as hard as you can, etc. Tackle the shooter high and low. Gouge the eyes. Make a plan
and work together.
WHEN YOU ARE SAFE, HELP THOSE AROUND YOU
When police arrive follow their commands and show your hands. Their focus will be
on stopping the shooter and they may be unable to help victims.
PLEASE NOTE: The video contains an enactment of an active shooter that some may find disturbing.
However, the video provides guidance and is meant to educate you on how to respond
should an active shooter situation occur. While the scripted violence is simulated
and mildly graphic, the message is real and will hopefully resonate across the campus.
- Students: If during or after viewing this video you are experiencing any mental health
concerns please contact the Counseling Center at 410-337-6481 or the after-hours hotline
at 855-236-4278.
- Faculty/Staff: If during or after viewing this video you are experiencing any mental
health concerns please reach out to Human Resources 410-337-6135, who can provide
information about the College’s EAP.