Holiday Crime Prevention and Safety Tips
An active shooter is an event in which one or more persons are actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no apparent pattern or method to their selection of victims. These situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, with immediate deployment of law enforcement officers to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to innocent people.
If faced with an active shooter incident, there are THREE things you can do that make a difference. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.
RUN When an active shooter is in your vicinity.
- If there is a way out, and you can get out, GET OUT! This is your best option
- Get out whether others agree or not
- Leave your belongings behind
- Help others from entering the danger zone
- Call 911 or utilize a campus phone or any blue light phone as soon as it is safe to do so.
HIDE If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide.
- Lock and/or barricade the door
- Turn off lights
- Silence your cell phone
- Spread out
- Hide behind large objects if possible
- Remain very quiet and do not leave until directed by law enforcement officers
- Your hiding place should:
- Be out of shooters view
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction
- Do NOT trap or restrict your options for movement (if possible)
FIGHT- AS A LAST RESORT and only if your life is in danger.
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
- Act with physical aggression
- Improvise weapons
- Commit to your actions
- Once the shooter is incapacitated call 911 or call campus security at 2200
POLICE RESPONSE When law enforcement arrives.
- Keep your EMPTY hands raised and visible, with your fingers spread apart
- Remain calm and follow instructions
- Avoid pointing or yelling
- The first police officers to arrive will not respond to or aid those who are injured. They will go directly to the shooter.
- Know that help for the injured is on its way. Rescue team officers and emergency personnel will care for the injured as soon as possible.
- The area is a crime scene. Police officers may secure all witnesses until identified and questioned.