Sheppard to conduct active shooter exercise Published Feb. 9, 2011 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard AFB will conduct an Active Shooter Exercise Feb. 10, including a base lockdown that consists of gate closures, securing buildings and sheltering in place. Although the exercise will not be as extensive as the one in June 2010, Team Sheppard is advised to make arrangements for that day if they have off base appointments or appointments on base that day. Please make sure you have ample time to get on or off base in case of gate closures or traffic at the gates. During the exercise, employees and family members on and around the base can expect to see first responders, including police and fire vehicles, responding to the base. They may also hear sirens or gunshot. Security forces personnel will use blank rounds during the simulation. Anyone who is on base will be expected to follow established procedures for an active shooter event. Below is a recap of what you should do in an active shooter event. Remember - we train as we fight, so all members of Team Sheppard should respond to the exercise in the same way and with the same sense of urgency they would in a real event. If there is an active shooter in the area, you should: Evacuate if possible · Have an escape route and plan in mind. · Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow. · Leave all belongings behind and help others escape, if possible. · Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be present. Hide out if you cannot evacuate · Lock the door and blockade it with heavy furniture. · Silence all cell phones and turn off any sources of noise in the room, such as a television or radio. · Hide behind large items and remain calm. · Hide in a place out of the active shooter's view and provide protection if shots are fired. · Do not hide in a place that will restrict options for movement. · Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter's location. If speaking is not an option, then leave the phone line open to allow the dispatcher to listen. Take action as a last resort · As a last resort, and only when death is imminent, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the active shooter by throwing items and improvising weapons, yelling or acting as aggressively as possible against him or her. Ensure you commit to your actions. · Escape if you can. If the shooter is in close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him or her. When law enforcement arrives · Remain calm, and follow the police officer's instructions. · Place any carried items on the ground, raise both hands and spread all fingers. · Keep hands visible at all times, and avoid making quick movements toward officers, such as attempting to hold on to them for safety. · Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling. · Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating. Just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises. After you have evacuated · Provide details about the active shooter to law enforcement personnel. Members should provide the following information: location and number of shooters, physical description of shooters, number and type of weapons used and number and location of potential victims.