Active Shooter Safety Tips recommended by the Utah Dept. of Public Safety

Active shooter incidents are statistically very rare, but it is always good to be prepared.  

An active shooter is an event in which one or more persons are actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.  In most cases, active shooters use firearms, and there is no apparent pattern or method to their selection of victims.  These situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, with immediate deployment of law enforcement officers to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to innocent victims.

Procedures

If faced with an active shooter incident, there are THREE things you can do that make a difference.     RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.

RUN – When an active shooter is in your vicinity:

• If there is a way out, and you can get out, GET OUT!  This is your first and best option.
• Get out whether others agree to or not.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help prevent others from entering the danger zone.
• Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so.

HIDE – If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide.

• Lock and/or barricade the door.
• Silence your cell phone, including the vibrate feature.
• Hide behind large objects if possible.
• Remain very quiet and do not leave until directed by law enforcement officers.
• Your hiding place should:

• Be out of the shooter’s view.
• Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
• Do not trap or restrict your options for movement

FIGHT – AS A LAST RESORT, and only if your life is in danger:

• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with physical aggression.
• Improvise nearby items to use as weapons.
• Commit to your actions.  

POLICE RESPONSE – When law enforcement officers arrive:

• Keep your EMPTY hands raised and visible, with your fingers spread apart.
• Remain calm and follow instructions.
• Avoid pointing or yelling.
• The first police officers to arrive will not respond to or aid those who are injured.  They will go directly to the shooter.
• Know that help for the injured is on its way.  Rescue team officers and emergency personnel will care for the injured as soon as possible.
• The area is a crime scene.  Police officers may secure all witnesses until identified and questioned.

And, here is the link to the State of Utah complimentary online training produced by the utah Division of Risk Management if anyone would like to take it.