Give Apply Now
Give Apply Now

Active Shooter

Email us
shooter image

More information

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. 

Active shooter situations are unpredictable, evolve quickly and typically require law enforcement to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. 

Being prepared for emergencies and understanding your skills and limitations will help you to respond in the best possible manner.

  • Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
  • Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit.
  • Call 704-330-6911 when it is safe to do so.

More information

The following three options are recommended — in order — for the best possible outcome.

Run

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind. 
  • Move away from the threat as quickly as possible, regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Create as much distance between you and the threat as possible.
  • Call 704-330-6911 when it is safe to do so.

Lock/barricade

If you can’t safely get out of the building:

  • Lock the door.
  • Barricade the door with heavy furniture (e.g., desks, chairs, tables), and stay out of the shooter's view.
  • Once safely barricaded, turn off the lights. Remain calm and quiet, and silence all sources of noise (e.g., phones, computers, TV).
  • Be prepared to Shelter in Place for several hours. It could take the police time before they can get to you and escort you out of the building.
  • Call 704-330-6911 when it is safe to do so.

Fight

  • Be prepared to act as aggressively as possible to disrupt and/or incapacitate the shooter to save your life and the lives of those around you.
  • Distract the shooter and try to control the weapon. 
  • Use anything you can as a weapon and fight back. 
  • Call 704-330-6911 when it is safe to do so.

Information to provide to the dispatcher

  • Location of the active shooter
  • If possible, provide: 
    • number of shooters
    • physical description of the shooter(s)
    • number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s)
    • number of known people at the location
    • number of victims

When law enforcement arrives

Law enforcement’s priority is to stop the active shooter as soon as possible. Officers will proceed directly to the area where the suspected shots were reported. 

  • Officers may arrive individually or in teams. 
  • Officers may wear street clothes, patrol uniforms or body armor.  
  • Officers will be armed.  
  • Officers may use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation. 
  • Officers may shout commands, and push individuals to the ground (this is for everyone’s safety).

How you should act

  • Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions. 
  • Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets, phones, books).
  • Immediately raise hands and spread fingers. 
  • Keep hands visible at all times. 
  • Do not: 
    • make any quick movements
    • attempt to grab on to officers
    • point, scream, or yell at officers
  • Follow the instructions of the officers.