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What to Do in an Active Shooter Situation

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.

Encountering an active shooter in your place of work or study is unlikely, but it never hurts to prepare for the unthinkable. How you respond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter.  If you find yourself in an active shooter situation, try to remain calm and call 911 or 203.857.7223 as soon as possible. This section describes what to do if you find yourself in an active shooting event, remember RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.

1. RUN

If you determine that you can reach an escape path to a safer area, then get out.

  1. Be aware of your surroundings.
  2. Have an exit plan.
  3. Move away from the threat as quickly as possible.
  4. Create as much distance between you and the threat as possible.

2. HIDE

If you can’t evacuate, find a secure place to hide out.

  1. Create distance between you and the threat.
  2. Find barriers to prevent or slow down the shooter from getting to you.
  3. Turn off the lights and silence your phones.
  4. Remain out of sight by hiding behind large objects.
  5. Be quiet.

3. FIGHT

As a last resort, if you can’t hide out and if you have absolutely no other option, confront the active shooter.

  1. Be aggressive, yell and commit to your actions.
  2. Do not fight fairly – Throw items and use improvised weapons.
  3. Survive by any means necessary.

Active Shooter Preparedness Video

Learn the RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. strategy for active aggressor situations in this brief video from the Florida State University Police Department.