Active Shooter on Campus – Safety Tips

Introduction:
An active shooter scenario occurs when one or more armed persons are present on the university grounds and whose only objective is to cause serious injury or death to as many persons as possible. Normally there is no pattern concerning which victim will be selected by the intruder. However, there are certain things you can do to minimize your chances of becoming a victim. Scenarios of this type tend to escalate very quickly and will require the immediate response from armed law enforcement officers to contain and stop the incident. In the following guide you will find certain suggestions that faculty members, students and staff can take if you are ever confronted with a situation of this nature. Remember to stay calm, follow these simple steps during an emergency and your chance of being a victim can be greatly reduced.

Shooting incident outside:

1. Immediately run to a building, enter a room, and lock the door if possible.
2. Drop anything you are carrying that may slow you down.
3. Use a tree, vehicle, mailbox etc. for cover and concealment from the gunman.
4. If you are caught out in the open get on the ground and lay flat, do not move until
   the gunman has left the area.    
5. As soon as possible call 911 and tell the police where you are and if you need any medical attention.          
6. Provide a detailed description of the assailant and the direction he was last observed travelling toward.

Shooting incident Inside of a building:

1. Stay and shelter in place. Remain in a room that can be locked or barricaded.
2. If you are not in a secure location and it is safe to move, go to a near-by room
   that can be locked or barricaded.
3. Reinforce the door with furniture, desks, file cabinets or any other material available to you.
4. Turn off the lights and computer monitors, close the blinds and cover any door
   window with an opaque cover.
5. Keep as quit as possible, stay down low near a wall away from the door and windows in the room.
6. Place all cellular phones on silent or vibrate mode.
7. Call 911 as soon as possible. Give your exact location to the police. Tell them how many others are with you and if anyone needs medical attention.
8. Describe the assailant if he was observed by you.
9. Do not open the door to any voice commands even if you recognize the voice.
10. Wait until you are sure the police/public safety is present before opening the door.
    If needed, call 911 to confirm that law enforcement officers have arrived.

When Police arrive:

1. Follow the instructions of the police officers exactly.
2. Keep your hands visible at all times.
3. Do not touch anything at the crime scene.
4. Do not leave the campus until you are instructed to do so by the police
   or Public Safety personnel.
5. Remember you may be a witness to a crime and may be required to speak with investigators.

 St. Johns University Department of Public Safety