In an active shooter situation, which sequence of actions is recommended?

In an active shooter situation, which sequence of actions is recommended?

• A. Evacuate if possible; Hide if evacuation is not an option; Take action as a last resort
• B. Hide first; Evacuate last; Call for help
• C. Fight immediately without evacuation
• D. Call authorities after leaving the building

Answer: (A)

The sequence Run, Hide, Fight is about maximizing your chances by moving away from danger first, then securing yourself if escape isn’t possible, and only taking action against the shooter as a last resort. If you can evacuate safely, do so quickly and decisively, avoiding putting yourself at risk. Leave belongings behind to move faster, help others if you can do so safely, and head to a safe location away from the building. Once you’re out, call emergency services from a safe place and provide as much information as you can. If evacuation isn’t possible, switch to hiding. Find a secure room with a solid door, lock or barricade it if you can, and keep out of sight. Silence your phone, turn off lights, and stay quiet. Stay low, away from windows and doors, and wait for authorities or for a safe moment to move. Only if there’s no viable escape or hiding option should you consider taking action against the shooter. This is a last-resort option meant to disrupt the attacker and create an opportunity to escape or for help to arrive. Work with others if possible, use available improvised tools, and act decisively to break the shooter’s ability to harm others, then move to safety as soon as you can. Calling authorities is best done as soon as you’re in a secure location or otherwise able to do so without exposing yourself to danger, providing your exact location and any information you have about the threat. This approach keeps you safer by prioritizing escape, then shelter, then confrontation only when absolutely necessary.

The sequence Run, Hide, Fight is about maximizing your chances by moving away from danger first, then securing yourself if escape isn’t possible, and only taking action against the shooter as a last resort. If you can evacuate safely, do so quickly and decisively, avoiding putting yourself at risk. Leave belongings behind to move faster, help others if you can do so safely, and head to a safe location away from the building. Once you’re out, call emergency services from a safe place and provide as much information as you can.

If evacuation isn’t possible, switch to hiding. Find a secure room with a solid door, lock or barricade it if you can, and keep out of sight. Silence your phone, turn off lights, and stay quiet. Stay low, away from windows and doors, and wait for authorities or for a safe moment to move.

Only if there’s no viable escape or hiding option should you consider taking action against the shooter. This is a last-resort option meant to disrupt the attacker and create an opportunity to escape or for help to arrive. Work with others if possible, use available improvised tools, and act decisively to break the shooter’s ability to harm others, then move to safety as soon as you can.

Calling authorities is best done as soon as you’re in a secure location or otherwise able to do so without exposing yourself to danger, providing your exact location and any information you have about the threat. This approach keeps you safer by prioritizing escape, then shelter, then confrontation only when absolutely necessary.