Active Shooter
Call Security or 9-1-1, and be prepared to give the following information concerning the incident:
- Your exact location (building, floor, room number)
- Specific location and direction of the assailant(s)
- Number of assailant(s)
- Sex, race and age of assailant(s)
- Clothing color and style
- Number injured, types of injuries
Be sure to:
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
- 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 may be
- Keep your hands visible
- Follow the instructions of any police officers
- Do not attempt to move wounded people
- Call 9-1-1 when you are safe
Hide - If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.
Your hiding place should:
- Be out of the active shooter’s view
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
- Not trap you or restrict your options for movement
To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:
- Lock the door
- Blockade the door with heavy furniture
If the active shooter is nearby:
- Lock the door
- Silence your cell phone and/or pager
- Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
- Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)
- Remain quiet
If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:
- Remain calm
- Dial 9-1-1, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
- If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
Fight - 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/her
- Throwing items and improvising weapons
- Yelling
- Committing to your action
Click here to watch an informative video that provides key steps you should take if you encounter an active shooter. This video, entitled Run, Hide, Fight, has been prepared by the Department of Homeland Security, and the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety.
