An active shooter is a person(s) who appears to be actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in populated areas on campus. Active shooter situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly. These types of situations demand immediate response by the community and immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to minimize harm to the college population.
Individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to take direct responsibility for their personal safety and security. In general, how you respond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter.
If you see someone suspicious, making threats or brandishing a weapon, contact 911 or Public Safety Ephraim campus at 435-835-2345 or Richfield campus at 435-896-6471 immediately.
a. If safe, immediately scan the hallways and direct students/employees to come into
the room.
b. Lock the doors and windows. Close all blinds and window coverings.
c. Blockade the door with heavy furniture.
d. Hide behind large items if available.
e. Stay away from doors and windows. Stay as low to the ground as possible.
f. Turn off all lights, computers, projectors and other devices that may indicate
a room is occupied.
g. Silence all cell phones, pagers and devices that could generate noise.
h. Remain calm and quiet.
i. DO NOT answer the door unless an “ALL CLEAR” announcement has been issued or a
uniformed police officer or college official known to you directs you to do so.
Common Areas/Halls/Corridors
a. Avoid moving through common areas, hallways or corridors where you may encounter
the shooter(s).
b. If in the hallways, enter a room that is not already secured and secure it.
Open areas
a. If you cannot run, take cover.
b. If possible, try to hide in a well-hidden space or behind a large object such as
a brick wall, large tree, vehicle, etc. to block you from the view of the shooter(s).
c. If you can run, do not run in a straight line. Run in a zigzag pattern.
If you are trapped, do not do anything to provoke the shooter. If no shooting is occurring, do what the shooter says and do not move suddenly. Only you can draw the line on what you will or will not do to preserve your life and the lives of others.
If the shooter starts shooting people, you need to make a choice (at this point it is your choice):
a. Stay still and hope they do not shoot you.
b. Run for an exit while zigzagging, or staying behind cover as much as possible.
c. Take Action – If your life is in imminent danger, as a last resort, attempt to disrupt and/or
incapacitate the active shooter(s). Attacking the shooter is very dangerous, but certainly
no more dangerous than doing nothing in some cases. Any option chosen may still result
in a negative consequence.
• Commit to your actions.
• Act as aggressively as possible against him or her.
• Throw items and improvise weapons.
Note: This is not a recommendation to attack the shooter but rather a choice to fight when there is no other option.
Exit the building immediately if there is an imminent threat and only if it can be done quickly and safely.
a. Be aware of your surroundings. If possible, have a pre-planned route in mind.
b. Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
c. DO NOT sound the fire alarm, as it may cause unknowing persons to evacuate into
the danger zone.
d. Help others escape, if possible.
e. Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be located.
f. Keep your hands visible.
g. Follow the instructions of any police officer.
h. Do not attempt to move wounded people.
i. Call 911 when it is safe to do so.
When Law Enforcement Arrives Respond Accordingly
a. Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions.
b. Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets, etc.).
c. Immediately raise hands and spread fingers.
d. Keep hands visible at all times.
e. Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling.
f. Do not attempt to stop officers or ask for directions.
Information to Provide to Law Enforcement/911 Operator/Public Safety
a. Location last seen of active shooter(s).
b. Travel direction of shooter(s).
c. Physical description of shooter(s), including sex, race and clothing.
d. Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s).
e. Provide information on the location and severity of injured victims.
