Weekly Toolbox Talk: Active Shooter Awareness

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 firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION

• Victims are selected at random
• The event is unpredictable and evolves quickly
• Law enforcement would be required

COPING WITH AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION

• Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you are located
• Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
• Evacuate via a preplanned evacuation route to a safe area
• If you are in an room with a door, stay there and secure the door
• If you are in a hallway or open area, get in a room or hide in a secured area.

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY

1. RUN

• Have an escape route and plan in mind
• Leave your belongings behind
• Keep your hands visible

2. HIDE

• Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
• Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors
• Silence your cell phone

3. FIGHT

• As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter 
• Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES

• Remain calm and follow instructions
• Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
• Raise hands and spread fingers
• Keep hands visible at all times
• Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating

INFORMATION YOU SHOULD PROVIDE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OR 911 OPERATOR

• Location of the active shooter
• Number of shooters
• Physical description of shooters
• Number and type of weapons held by shooters
• Number of potential victims at the location