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: 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: Acting in concert with others
Acting as aggressively as possible
Throw items
Utilize improvised weapons (fire extinguishers, chairs, large objects, sharp objects)
Be decisive and believe you will survive
When Law Enforcement Arrives
Keep your hands visible (put objects down & raise hands)
Don’t run toward or grab officers or make sudden movements
Don’t scream
Follow officer’s directions
If known, advise officers of number of shooters and their location
Don’t expect help, officers are going to the source
Stay in a safe area until situation is under control and you’ve given your information to officers
Do not leave the safe area unless approved by officers
Post-Event Activities
Ensure police have your contact information
Assist in accounting for missing people
Volunteer your services through your supervisor
Give your supervisor a contact number
Inform them of any special skills you have
Navigation
Go to top of page
Close Menu
Home
Emergency Procedures
Annual Fire Safety & Security Report
Parking Regulations
Forms
Resources
Staff