Active Shooter on Campus Response Materials

An active shooter on a university campus is a rare event, but faculty, staff and students need to be prepared.   Being safe is a skill that can be learned, and the resources below can help.

Profile of an Active Shooter

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “an Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.” In active shooter situations, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to react in ways to respond before and after laws enforcement officials arrive on the scene.

How to Respond

Good practices for coping with an active shooter situation
(From the Department of Homeland Security)

• Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
• If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door
• If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door
• As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her.
• CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO!
• Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit

See the video below for help deciding when to AVOID, DENY, DEFEND:

For more information, download the following materials:

• Active Shooter Poster
• Active Shooter Pocket Card