Active Shooter Protocol

PROFILE OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER

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 firearm(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.

Good practices for coping with an active shooter situation

  • Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
  • Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit
  • If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door
  • If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door
  • As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her.

RUN

RUN

  • Have an escape route or plan in mind.
  • Visitors will follow the example of faculty, staff and students.
  • If possible, help others escape.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions.
  • Keep your hands raised and keep them visible at all times.
  • Avoid making sudden moves or grabbing the police officers.
  • Do not stop the officer and ask for assistance, other emergency personnel following on will assist you.
  • Provide the police with the location, number and description of shooter(s).


Hide

Hide

  • If an evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.
  • Lock and barricade the doors by moving heavy objects, such as desks, or cabinets in front of the door.
  • Move away from all windows and pull any blinds or shades.
  • Hide behind something substantial.
  • Remain quiet and calm.
  • Silence all cellphones, radios and televisions.
  • Dial 911, if possible to alert police to the active shooter’s location.
  • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen.


Fight

Fight

  • Only when your life is in imminent danger, and you cannot run away or hide, taking action is the last resort.
  • Do not be afraid to fight.
  • Act aggressively as possible against the shooter.
  • Use common items as weapons, such as chairs, books, fire extinguishers or other heavy items.
  • Use numbers to overwhelm the attacker. There is strength when you work together.

CALL 207-786-6111 OR 9-1-1 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO!