Safety guidelines for active shooter on campus

While the likelihood of a shooter on campus is remote, it is best to be prepared for any situation. Armed intruder and active shooter situations are unpredictable, evolve quickly and are often over in 10-15 minutes. While law enforcement may only be minutes away, you must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation before law enforcement arrives on the scene.

PREPARE NOW SO YOU CAN RESPOND QUICKLY
You must quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Students are encouraged to follow the lead of instructors and college staff during critical incidents prior to the arrival of local law enforcement. Review the following options.

IF POSSIBLE, EVACUATE

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 the area where the active shooter may be
  • Keep your hands visible
  • Follow the instructions of any police officer
  • Generally, do not attempt to move wounded people
  • Call 911 when you are safe

FIND A SAFE PLACE TO HIDE

If you can't escape, find a place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:

  • Be out of the 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 a shooter from entering your hiding place 

  • Lock the door
  • Blockade the door with heavy furniture

If a shooter is nearby 

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

If escaping and hiding are not possible 

  • Remain calm
  • If possible dial 911 to alert police to the shooter's location
  • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen.

AS A LAST RESORT - FIGHT

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

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

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Surviving an Active Shooter Event
SPC Visitors can view this six-minute video on YouTube.

Shots Fired Video
SPC students can login to MySPC and select helpful links and Shots Fired Video to access this video.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Presentations are available by contacting Collegewide Security or Emergency Services at 727-791-2560; or at extension 2560 from a college phone.

Safety and Security