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Active Shooter

If you hear something that could be gun shots, take action immediately do not delay.  Evaluate the situation quickly and decide if it is safe to evacuate or do you need to find a place to hide and barricade the door.

Get Out:  If it is safe to do so, evacuation is your best course of action. 

  • Evacuate away from the shooter to a safe place as far away possible.
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Help others escape, if possible.
  • Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter is.
  • Keep your hands visible to show that you do not have a weapon.
  • Follow the instructions of any police officer.
  • Do not attempt to move wounded people.

Hide Out:  If you cannot evacuate then find a safe place to hide. 

  • Lock and barricade the door with desks or other heavy objects.
  • Move away from the door and stay out of the view of the active shooter.
  • Hide behind something solid that will protect you from shots fired in your direction.
  • Find a place that will allow you to move or evacuate later.
  • Silence your cell phone and/or pager.
  • Turn off any source of noise.
  • Remain quiet.
  • Remain calm.
  • Call 747-5611 or 911 if possible to alert police of the location of the shooter.
  • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen.

Call Out:  As soon as you feel safe, call 9-1-1 or (915) 747-5611 and provide any information about the situation and shooter. 

Take Out:  If confronted by the shooter, as a last resort take action against the active shooter.

As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

  • Acting as aggressively as possible against him or her.
  • Throwing items at the shooter that may distract him or her.
  • Yelling.
  • If with others, work as a team and be committed to your actions.
  • Attack the shooter and do everything you can to overpower him or her.

 Respond to Survive:

When Law Enforcement arrives, they usually will arrive in teams of four, wearing regular patrol uniforms or external bulletproof vests, Kevlar helmets and other tactical equipment. They may shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.

  • Remain calm, and follow the officer’s instructions.
  • Immediately raise your hands and spread your fingers.
  • Keep your hands visible at all times.
  • Remember they may not be able to identify you from the shooter.
  • When a police officer directs you to evacuate do not stop to ask for help or directions.
  • Exit in the direction from where the officers are entering.
  • Law enforcement officers will not stop to assist injured people.
  • A rescue team should follow with emergency personnel.