Active Shooter Response Cheatsheet: Critical Actions for Survival

Introduction: Understanding Active Shooter Events

An active shooter incident involves one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. These situations are unpredictable, evolve quickly, and typically end within 10-15 minutes. Knowing how to respond can significantly increase your chances of survival and help protect others. This guide outlines evidence-based strategies for responding to such emergencies.

Core Principles of Active Shooter Response

Primary Response Protocol: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT

1. RUN: First Priority

• Evacuate regardless of others’ decisions to stay
• Leave belongings behind except essential items
• Plan escape route before beginning to move
• Use cover when possible during movement
• Keep hands visible when law enforcement is present
• Move away from the incident until reaching a secure location

2. HIDE: If Running Is Not Possible

• Seek a secure hiding location with these characteristics:
  • Out of shooter’s view
  • Provides protection from bullets (concrete walls, brick, etc.)
  • Doesn’t restrict movement options
• Lock and barricade doors using heavy furniture
• Silent all electronics (phones, radios, etc.)
• Turn off lights and close blinds
• Remain quiet and signal others to do the same
• Position yourself away from doors and windows

3. FIGHT: Last Resort Only

• Commit fully to your actions
• Act with maximum aggression and determination
• Improvise weapons from environmental objects
• Coordinate with others if possible
• Target vulnerable areas (eyes, throat, groin)
• Disarm and immobilize the shooter if successful

Step-by-Step Response Process

1. Recognize warning signs
   • Gunshots (may sound like fireworks)
   • Panicked crowds
   • Direct observation of armed individuals
   • Emergency alerts
2. Make immediate survival decision
   • Quickly assess: Can I safely evacuate?
   • If yes → RUN
   • If no → HIDE
   • If directly confronted → FIGHT
3. During evacuation (RUN)
   • Keep distance from walls (bullets may travel along them)
   • Move at right angles away from shooter’s position
   • Use available cover during movement
   • Help others escape if possible without slowing yourself
   • Prevent others from entering danger area
4. During concealment (HIDE)
   • Barricade entry points using available materials
   • Create obstacles between you and potential entry points
   • Silence all devices and remain quiet
   • Text information to authorities if safe to do so
   • Prepare to fight if hiding place is compromised
5. When law enforcement arrives
   • Keep hands empty and visible
   • Follow all instructions immediately
   • Avoid quick movements toward officers
   • Provide clear information about the shooter
   • Evacuate in the direction officers came from

Key Techniques for Specific Situations

For Open Spaces (Malls, Parks, etc.)

• Identify multiple exit routes upon arrival
• Use substantial cover (concrete pillars, thick walls)
• Avoid congregating in groups when fleeing
• Move away perpendicular to shooter’s line of sight
• Use distraction tactics to improve escape chances

For Buildings and Classrooms

• Know primary and secondary exits for each room
• Identify lockable/barricadable rooms in advance
• Learn how to secure doors without locks (belts, cords around closers)
• Identify improvised weapons in each environment
• Know where to position yourself in secured rooms

For Public Transportation

• Exit at the next stop if possible
• Move to a different car away from the threat
• Use seats as shield/barricade when necessary
• Be aware of limited exit options and plan accordingly
• Know emergency exit/window locations on all transport

For Special Populations

• Assist mobility-impaired individuals when possible
• Have pre-established plans for those needing assistance
• Consider evacuation chairs/devices in workplaces
• Know alternative communication methods for hearing-impaired
• Establish buddy systems in work/school environments

Comparing Response Options by Situation

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Freezing Under Stress

Solutions:

• Practice mental rehearsal of emergency scenarios
• Focus on controlled breathing (4-count inhale, 4-count exhale)
• Simplify your thinking to immediate action steps
• Use self-talk: “Move now” or “Find cover”

Challenge: Uncertainty About Shooter Location

Solutions:

• Listen carefully for sounds of gunfire
• Watch movement patterns of others fleeing
• Use environmental clues (fallen items, etc.)
• When in doubt, treat all directions as potentially dangerous

Challenge: Helping Injured While Staying Safe

Solutions:

• Only render aid when immediate area is secure
• Apply life-saving interventions only (major bleeding control)
• Drag injured to safety if possible without exposing yourself
• Direct ambulatory injured to evacuate themselves if possible

Challenge: Communication During Crisis

Solutions:

• Use text rather than calls when possible
• Keep messages brief and factual
• Include specific location information
• Follow facility emergency communication protocols
• Use plain language, not codes

Challenge: Interacting with Law Enforcement

Solutions:

• Follow all commands immediately without question
• Avoid movements that could be perceived as threatening
• Clearly state “I am not a threat” if necessary
• Point out the actual threat’s location if known
• Provide concise, factual information when asked

Best Practices for Preparedness

Personal Readiness

• Develop a personal emergency plan for places you frequently visit
• Identify multiple exit routes in buildings you regularly enter
• Stay aware of your surroundings and note anything unusual
• Trust your instincts about concerning situations or behaviors
• Keep emergency contacts readily available

Workplace/School Preparation

• Participate in all drills and take them seriously
• Know your organization’s emergency procedures
• Identify safe rooms with solid doors and locking mechanisms
• Report security concerns (broken locks, propped doors)
• Suggest improvements to existing protocols if gaps exist

Family Planning

• Establish meeting locations if separated during emergency
• Create communication plans for contacting each other
• Discuss age-appropriate safety information with children
• Practice basic response techniques together
• Know the emergency protocols for schools and workplaces

Mental/Emotional Preparation

• Acknowledge that preparation isn’t paranoia
• Develop stress management techniques for high-pressure situations
• Build confidence through training and knowledge
• Balance awareness with normal functioning
• Seek professional help if preparedness causes excessive anxiety

Recovery and Aftermath Considerations

Immediate Aftermath

• Follow law enforcement instructions completely
• Expect detailed questioning about what you witnessed
• Reunite at designated areas with family/colleagues
• Seek medical attention for any injuries, including minor ones
• Contact support networks when safe to do so

Longer-Term Considerations

• Be aware of potential trauma responses (may be delayed)
• Utilize counseling services when offered
• Participate in community recovery efforts if appropriate
• Review and improve personal response plans based on experience
• Support others who may be struggling with aftermath

Resources for Further Information

Official Guidance

• Department of Homeland Security: “Active Shooter: How to Respond” guide
• FBI: “Run, Hide, Fight” training materials
• FEMA: “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” program

Training Options

• ALICE Training (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate)
• Run Hide Fight training programs
• Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE)
• Stop the Bleed courses (emergency bleeding control)

Mental Health Support

• National Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
• Local crisis intervention services
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• School counseling resources

IMPORTANT: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Different organizations and law enforcement agencies may have specific protocols that supersede this general guidance. Always follow your organization’s official emergency procedures and the instructions of law enforcement during an actual incident.