What to do when there is an active shooter

  • Published
  • 82nd Training Wing Anti-terrorism Officer
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  You are visiting an office on base when you hear two shots somewhere in the immediate area. What do you do? When an active shooter is in the area, everyone needs to know how to react in order to improve their chances of survival.

An active shooter is defined as an armed person who has used deadly physical force on other persons and continues to do so while having unrestricted access to additional victims.

Once a person is aware that an active shooter is in their area, they need to follow these guidelines:

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.