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, 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 10-15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

How to Respond When an Active Shooter is in Your Vicinity

RUN: Have an escape route and plan in mind. Leave your belongings behind. Keep your hands visible. 

HIDE: Hide in an area out of the shooter's view. Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors. Silence your cell phone and/or pager.

FIGHT: As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter.

How to Respond When Law Enforcement Arrives

• Raise hands and spread fingers.
• Keep hands visible at all times.
• Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety.
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating.