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Responding to An Active Threat

Active Shooter Preparedness: Options for Consideration

7:46

This video demonstrates possible actions to take if confronted with an active shooter scenario: running, hiding, or as an option of last resort, fighting the shooter.

AUPD Safety Tips

Helpful tips on preventing burglary, fire, and identity theft, as well as tips for staying safe on the metro or while using rideshare services. 

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Run, Hide, Fight

Responding to an Active Threat

Emergency? Call: 

Campus Emergency: 
(202) 885-3636
Off-Campus Emergency:
911
Emergency Information: 
(202) 885-1100
Run

Choose a Route Carefully

Pause to look before you enter stairwells, lobbies, and exits to ensure you can move quickly and not get stuck in the open.

Think Unconventionally

Doors are not the only exits. Observe surrounding windows, drop ceilings, or thin drywall.

Look Down

Drop from a second story window, feet first, ideally onto a soft surface.

Be Quiet and Stealthy

Edges of stairs are less likely to creak than the centers, stay low and duck when passing windows.

Someone running through a corridor

Hide

Block Doors

Lock and barricade with anything big and heavy, wedge objects at the farthest point from the hinges, prop something under handles, tie hinges and knobs.

Turn off Lights, Silence Phone

Make sure someone has alerted 911, cover windows or make sure you can not be seen through the glass.

Choose a Hiding Place

Get behind something made of thick wood or metal, make yourself as small as possible.

Make a Plan

Plan how you will get out or how you will react If the shooter enters the room.

Someone hiding behind a desk

Fight

Create Chaos

Throw anything that you can grab, make noise, keep moving.

Swarm

Using their body weight, a group of smaller people can bring a large person to the ground and hold them there.

Move the Weapon Away

Do not hold the weapon, cover it with something like a coat or trash can.

Attack

This Is last even among last resort options. If you try to fight, aim for vital areas such as the head, eyes, throat, and midsection.

People fighting a shooter