Run, Hide, Fight

Active Shooter: Run, Hide, Fight

While it may seem self-explanatory, it is important that you fully understand the nuances behind Run Hide Fight to remain as safe as possible during an active shooter situation. The Department of Homeland Security outlines its Run Hide Fight recommendation as follows:

Run
Have an escape route and plan in mind
Leave your belongings behind
Keep your hands visible
Hide
Hide in an area out of the shooter's view
Block entry to your hiding place and lock/or block the doors
Silence your cell phone and/or pager
Fight
As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
Act with physical aggression and throw items at the shooter

It is important to note that these three steps shouldn't always be done in succession. If you can run, run. If you can't, try and hide. And if neither run nor hide are an option, fight. College Administrators need to make sure people understand Run Hide Fight prior to an incident to ensure everyone is fully prepared and understands what they need to do during an active shooter situation.

For more on Run Hide Fight, check out the FBI's 'Run. Hide. Fight. Surviving an Active Shooter Event' Video