Hostile Intruder(s) or Active Shooter in a Building

The University has developed this guidance to assist community members in responding to an active shooter or hostile intruder(s) on campus; this guide cannot, however, cover every possible situation which might occur. It is intended as a training tool to help reduce the number of injuries or deaths, but circumstances may warrant other actions.

When an active shooter or other hostile person(s) is actively causing deadly harm or the imminent threat of deadly harm within a building, we recommend the following procedures be followed if you are in the immediate vicinity of incident:

• Seek shelter in an enclosed space. If possible, lock yourself in the room you are in at the time of the threatening activity.
• Try to stay calm and be as quiet as possible. Turn off lights and any audio equipment.
• Call 6-911 to alert Bryant Public Safety.
• Do not sound the fire alarm to evacuate a building during a hostile intruder incident. A fire alarm evacuation might place building occupants in potential harm as they attempt to exit.
• Barricade yourself in the room with furniture or anything you can push against the door. Lock the windows and close blinds or curtains if possible.
• Stay away from windows. Crouch down if necessary to stay out of sight.
• Don't stay in an open area that is unsecured. If for some reason you are caught in an open area such as a hallway or lounge type area, try to seek shelter in an enclosed room. If this is not possible, you must decide what action to take.
   
  1. You can try to hide, but make sure it is an inconspicuous space or you may be found as the intruder moves through the building looking for victims.
  2. If you think you can safely make it out of the building by running, then do so. If you decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Keep any objects you can between you and the hostile person(s). Use trees, vehicles or any other object to block you from view as you run. When away from the immediate area of danger, summon help any way you can and warn others.
  3. If the person(s) is causing death or serious physical injury to others and you are unable to run or hide, you may choose to play dead if other victims are around you.
  4. If you are caught by the intruder and are not going to fight back, follow their directions and don't look the intruder in the eyes.
  5. The last option you have if caught or trapped by a hostile person may be to fight back. This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.