An active shooter is someone actively trying to kill people in a crowded area. Recent incidents across the nation highlight the urgent need for preparation and awareness.

Recognizing Warning Signs of Active Shooter

Understanding and recognizing the warning signs of a potential active shooter can save lives. Keep a tiger eye focus and be vigilant and aware of the following behaviors:

  • Unusual Aggression: Sudden, unexplained anger or aggression towards others.
  • Threatening Remarks: Verbal threats or talk about harming people.
  • Behavioral Changes: Drastic changes in behavior or mood swings.
  • Interest in Weapons: Unusual fascination with firearms or other weapons.
  • Isolation: Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities.
  • Increased Stress: Severe stress or personal issues like divorce, job loss, or financial troubles.
  • Desperation: Expressions of hopelessness or desperate actions.

Responding to an Active Shooter

When confronted with an active shooter, remember these critical steps:

Run

If a safe path is available, run.

  • Do not hesitate to get out.
  • Leave your belongings.
  • Do not attempt to move injured people.
  • Call or text 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so, providing them as much detail as possible.

Hide

If you cannot get out safely, hide.

  • Stay out of the shooter’s view.
  • Be quiet and silence your phone.
  • Turn off lights.
  • Block entrances and lock doors.
  • Plan your defense

Fight

Fight only as a last resort.

  • Try to disable the shooter.
  • Use improvised weapons.
  • Be aggressive and commit to your actions.
  • Do not fight fairly – fight for survival.

The following video from the FBI demonstrates these three critical steps you can use to keep yourself and others safe during an active shooter attack—run, hide, and fight.

When law enforcement arrives

  • Show your hands.
  • Remain calm and follow their commands.
  • Avoid quick movements toward officers and holding on to them for safety.
  • Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.
  • Do not ask questions when evacuating.

Information to Provide 911 Operators

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

Run, Hide, Fight is just one response strategy to an active shooter event. Other strategies include: