MHCC Active Shooter Event reference guide

On behalf of the Advocate and MHCC’s Public Safety Department, here is an Active Shooter Event quick reference guide:

What is an active shooter?

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically using firearms.

A few key things to remember about active shooter situations are that victims are selected at random and that active shooter events evolve quickly, often times lasting no longer than 15 minutes.

Knowing what to do can save lives:

Run: If you can escape safely, it should be your first course of action.

• Make sure to leave all belongings behind; your life comes first.
• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
• Help others escape, if possible.
• Do not attempt to move the wounded; your life is your first priority. Rescue teams are already on their way and will treat and remove the injured.
• Prevent others from entering the area where the shooter may be.
• Keep your hands visible while escaping, as law enforcement may already be on the scene.
• Lastly, call 911 when you are safe.

Hide: If you cannot run, you must hide.

• Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view, whether you are alone or with other students.
• Work together to lock, block or barricade the entry to your hiding place.
• Make sure yourself and everyone around you silences your cell phones (including vibrate) and remain quiet and still.

 

 

Fight: A last resort only when your life or the lives of others are in imminent danger.

• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
• Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter.
• Commit to your actions: Your life depends on it.

Important things to remember:

The first officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams to follow the initial officers.  Once you have reached a safe location, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

When law enforcement arrives:

• Remain calm and follow instructions.
• Drop all items in your hands.
• Raise your hands and spread fingers.
• Keep hands visible at all times.
• Avoid quick movements toward officers, such as holding on to them for safety.
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
• Do not ask questions when evacuating.

Important information to give 911 operators:

• Location of the active shooter
• Number of shooters
• Physical description of shooters
• Number and type of weapons shooter has
• Number of potential victims at location

For any further questions, contact MHCC Public Safety at 503-491-7310