Title: How to Respond to an Active Shooter - Safety and Security - Vassar College
Headings: How to Respond to an Active Shooter
Safety and Security
How to Respond to an Active Shooter
Run / Evacuate
Hide Out
Fight / Take Action Against the Active Shooter
When Law Enforcement Arrives
Post-Event Activities

Content: Individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with the active shooter situation until law enforcement arrives on the scene. Run / Evacuate
If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to: Have an escape route and plan in mind
If possible, you should identify a second escape route
Leave your belongings behind
Evacuate regardless of whether or not others agree to follow
Help others escape, if possible
Generally, do not attempt to move wounded people
Prevent individuals from entering the area where the active shooter may be
Go to a safe place
Call 911 and be prepared to give: Number of assailants
Location of assailants
Description of assailants
Quantity of weapons
Number of victims visible
Hide Out
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 (move away from windows & close blinds)
Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction. Not trap you or restrict your options for movement (if possible)
To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place: Lock the door (if possible)
Blockade the door with heavy furniture
Turn off lights and any source of noise
Close blinds
Stay away from windows
Turn off your cell phone
Remain quiet
Prepare an action plan in the event the shooter enters your hiding place: Develop an action plan with others in your hiding place
If possible, spread out within the hiding place
Fight / 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: