Safety Steps for an Active Shooter Situation
- Run
- Get out if you can. Always try to leave the area. Encourage others leave with you, but do not slow down your escape.
- Leave your belongings. Your life is first priority.
- Call 911 when you are safe. Give as much information you can, including address, description of the shooter, and number of people in the building.
- Hide
- If you can't get out of the building, secure your space. Use chairs, tables, desks, or other heavy objects to block entrances. Turn off lights and silence your cell phone. Keep as quiet as possible.
- Communicate with others in the area if you can. Let them know where you are in the building so help can find you.
- If unable to find a room or closet to hide, conceal yourself behind large objects.
- Fight
- Only fight an active shooter if your life is in danger.
- Whether alone or in a group, be prepared to fight.
- Act with aggression and use improvised weapons.
- Commit to your actions.
- Look for Emergency Responders
- When emergency responders arrive, remain calm.
- Keep your hands visible at all times.
- Avoid pointing or yelling.
"Run. Hide. Fight"
Keep yourself and others out of harm’s way during an active shooter situation. Your actions make a difference for overall safety and survival.
Created by the City of Houston, Texas, this six-minute instructional video offers valuable guidance for an active shooter situation, though there is no guarantee of survival. BYU-Idaho purchased the rights to this video for student and employee use.
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Video Companion
RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.® Surviving an Active Shooter Event - English
"Shots Fired—When Lightning Strikes”
Produced by the Center for Personal Protection and Safety, this 18-minute video will help you establish a survival mindset in an active shooter situation.
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Video Companion
Know the Signs Before Shots are Fired
Prevent an active shooter situation by being aware of suspicious people or activities around you. Seemingly small decisions can save lives.
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Video Companion
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