In the event of an active shooter or violent incident, what is the basic safety guidance?

• A. Evacuate immediately if possible, then call for help.
• B. Follow the organization’s emergency action plan: Run if safe, Hide if unable to run, Fight as a last resort if confronted; evacuate when possible.
• C. Stay put and wait for law enforcement to clear the area.
• D. Attempt to subdue the shooter without evacuating.

Answer: (B)

In an active shooter or violent incident, the best approach is to act according to your organization’s emergency action plan by following Run, Hide, Fight. Run if you can do so safely—get away from the threat, use the safest exit routes, and alert others to evacuate if possible, then call for help once you’re in a safe location. If running isn’t possible, Hide by finding a secure space, locking or barricading doors, turning off lights, silencing devices, and staying quiet while you observe and wait for a safe moment to escape. Fight only as a last resort and only if you’re confronted and have a reasonable chance to disrupt the attacker with improvised weapons or coordinated action. Evacuate when possible because increasing distance from the threat lowers your risk. Choices that suggest waiting for law enforcement to clear the area or attempting to subdue the shooter without evacuation place you at greater danger and aren’t the recommended first responses.