Active Shooter

Be prepared for an 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.

Active Shooter
IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN
ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENT

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See Something? Say Something

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Before You Run, Know the Exits

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Find a Place to Hide
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Learn First Aid Skills
So You Can Help Others

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Help Law Enforcement

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Seek Help to Cope With Trauma
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RUN

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HIDE

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FIGHT
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. Learn more at ready.gov/until-help-arrives.

Active Shooter video
Click image to watch video at youtube.com

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.

Active Shooter Brochure Cover
Download
the Active Shooter brochure
by FEMA

TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE
IN YOUR SAFETY

Go to ready.gov and visit the active shooter page 

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

Find Emergency Safety Tips

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