Active Shooter

Response to Active shooter - Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life.

CONTACTING AUTHORITIES - When you are safe:

Call Security or 9-1-1 1and then Security at (312) 853-1554 and be prepared to give the following information concerning the incident:

  • Your exact location (building, floor, room number)
  • Specific location and direction of the assailant(s)
  • Number of assailant(s)
  • Sex, race and age of assailant(s)
  • Clothing color and style
  • Number injured, types of injuries

Run - if there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.

Be sure to:

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
  • Leave your belongings behind
  • Help others escape, if possible
  • Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
  • Keep your hands visible
  • Follow the instructions of any police officers
  • Do not attempt to move wounded people
  • Call 9-1-1 when you are safe

Hide - if evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.

Your hiding place should:

  • Be out of the active shooter’s view
  • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
  • Not trap you or restrict your options for movement

To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:

  • Lock the door
  • Blockade the door with heavy furniture

If the active shooter is nearby:

  • Lock the door
  • Silence your cell phone and/or pager
  • Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
  • Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)
  • Remain quiet

If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:

  • Remain calm
  • Dial 9-1-1, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
  • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen

Fight - As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

  • Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her
  • Throwing items and improvising weapons
  • Yelling
  • Committing to your actions

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