VITEMA is the U.S. Virgin Islands agency with the primary responsibility for ensuring the territory’s resilience to disasters.

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VITEMA Headquarters 8221 Estate Nisky St. Thomas, VI 00803

contact@vitema.vi.gov

STT: (340) 774-2244
STX: (340) 773-2244
STJ: (340) 776-2244

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Active Shooter

Be prepared for an active shooter.

Home • Active Shooter

Recent national tragedies remind us that the risk is real

Taking a few steps now can help you react quickly when every second counts.

An active shooter is an individual engaged in attempting to kill people in a confined space or populated area. Active shooters typically use firearms and have no pattern to their selection of victims.

It can happen anywhere. It can happen anytime.

Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable and evolve quickly. In the midst of the chaos, anyone can play an integral role in mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident. If you ever find yourself in the middle of an active shooter event, there are three things you can do to make a difference.

shooter

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENT

See Something? Say Something

Learn First Aid Skills So You Can Help Others

Before You Run, Know the Exits

RUN

Reminder: before you run, know the exits.

Find a Place to Hide

HIDE

Help Law Enforcement

FIGHT

Seek Help to Cope With Trauma

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN YOUR SAFETY

READY.GOV

Go to ready.gov and visit the active shooter page

FEMA APP

Download the FEMA app to get more information
about preparing for an active shooter.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER THREATENS

PREPARE NOW

If you see suspicious activity, let an authority know right away.

  • Many places, such as houses of worship, workplaces, and schools, have plans in place to help you respond safely. Ask about these plans and get familiar with them.If you participate in an active shooter drill, talk with your family about what you learned and how to apply it to other locations.
  • When you visit a building such as a shopping mall or healthcare facility, take time to identify two nearby exits. Get in the habit of doing this.
  • Map out places to hide. In rooms without windows, behind solid doors with locks, under desks, or behind heavy furniture such as large filing cabinets can make good hiding places.
  • Sign up for active shooter, first aid, and tourniquet training. Learn how to help others by taking FEMA’s You Are the Help Until Help Arrives course.
SURVIVE DURING

Run

Getting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority.

Leave your things behind and run away.

If safe to do so, warn others nearby.

Call 911 when you are safe. Describe each shooter, their locations, and weapons.

Hide

If you cannot get away safely, find a place to hide.

Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet. Silence your electronic devices and make sure they won’t vibrate.

Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off the lights.

Do not hide in groups—spread out along walls or hide separately to make it more difficult for the shooter.

Try to communicate with police silently—such as through text messages or by putting a sign in an exterior window.

Stay in place until law enforcement gives you notice that all immediate danger is clear.

Fight

Your last resort when you are in immediate danger is to defend yourself.

Commit to your actions and act aggressively to stop the shooter.

Ambushing the shooter together with makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, and books can distract and disarm the shooter.

BE SAFE AFTER

Keep Hands Visible and Empty

  • Know that law enforcement’s first task is to end the incident. They may have to pass injured persons along the way.
  • Follow law enforcement’s instructions and evacuate in the direction they tell you to.
  • Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term effects of trauma.

Get Emergency Alerts on the Go

Have emergency alerts sent to your smartphone (or email)

GET ALERTS