Active Shooter Protocol

Run, Hide, Fight

An 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(s) 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, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

If you hear shots fired on campus or if you witness an armed person shooting or threatening people (active shooter), immediately choose the best way to protect your life. Very quickly, make your best determination of what is occurring and which of the options below will provide the greatest degree of security for you employing the “RUN, HIDE or FIGHT” protocol.

Division of Homeland Security “RUN, HIDE or FIGHT” Protocol

There are three main actions to help you survive an active shooter. RUN, HIDE or FIGHT may not occur in succession. Complete these steps based on your situation.

RUN

  • Create distance between you and the shooter.
  • Do not take belongings with you, just get out.
  • Run, walk, crawl – whatever is necessary – to the closest safe area.

HIDE

  • Hiding gives time for law enforcement to arrive.
  • Cover and conceal: Cover is something that not only conceals your location but could potentially stop a bullet.
  • Make sure you cannot be seen, block the entrance and lock the door.

FIGHT

  • This is a last resort and only if your life is in immediate danger.
  • Use items you can find, anything and everything nearby, to hit or throw at the shooter.
  • Act with all your might and with all you’ve got!

CALL 911 AS SOON AS YOU’RE ABLE 

  • When appropriate, silence your cell phone and disable the vibrate function.
  • Render first aid to yourself first, then others. (More info: Stop the Bleed.)

WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES 

  • Remember, law enforcement will bypass injured victims until the threat is neutralized.
  • Follow instructions and keep hands visible at all times.
  • Remain calm: Do not point, scream or yell.
  • Do not stop and/or ask for help unless instructed to do so by law enforcement. 

FBI “RUN, HIDE or FIGHT” Training Video

In this FBI training video, customers at a bar are caught in an active shooter event. By employing the run, hide and fight tactics, as well as knowing the basics of rendering first aid to others, they are prepared, empowered and able to survive the attack.

 

Additional Resources