Gunshots/Active Shooter/Armed Aggressor

On this page:

• Gunshots/Active Shooter/Armed Aggressor
• Adopt a survival mindset: Mentally and emotionally prepare to confront a life-threatening risk
• When Public Safety personnel arrive, be sure to:
• Additional Information

Gunshots/Active Shooter/Armed Aggressor

An active shooter/armed aggressor is a person who is actively threatening lives or apparently prepared to threaten lives in a populated area. These situations require immediate law enforcement resources to stop the shooting/aggression and mitigate harm to victims. Responding law enforcement agencies will provide information and direction if this occurs. The following are suggestions that may be followed, depending on the situation, in the event of an active shooter on campus.

Adopt a survival mindset: Mentally and emotionally prepare to confront a life-threatening risk

1. Run—When an armed aggressor is in your vicinity:
   1. If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate.
      1. Help others escape if possible.
      2. Evacuate, whether others agree to it or not.
      3. Leave your belongings behind.
   2. Keep your hands visible as you leave the building.
   3. Call 911 or 937-775-2111 when you are safe.
2. Hide—If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide:
   1. Proceed to a room that can be locked.
      1. If they cannot be locked, try and secure the door.
   2. Close and lock all windows and doors, and turn off all the lights.
   3. Blockade the door if possible.
   4. Silence your cell phone.
   5. Hide behind large objects.
   6. If possible, get down on the floor where you are not visible from outside the room.
   7. Do not huddle together.
   8. Your hiding place should;
      1. Be out of the shooter’s view,
      2. Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction,
      3. In addition, do not trap or restrict your options if you must move quickly.
3. Fight—As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger:
   1. Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter/ armed aggressor.
   2. Act with physical aggression.
   3. Improvise weapons,
      1. Fire extinguishers, books, chairs, etc.
   4. No matter what, be sure to commit to your actions.

Keep a survival mindset. Ultimately, the choice is yours. The only wrong action is no action.

These incidents are unpredictable and may change rapidly. Follow police instructions immediately.

When Public Safety personnel arrive, be sure to:

• Remain calm and follow instructions
• Keep your hands visible at all times
• Avoid pointing or yelling
• Know that help for the injured is on its way

Additional Information

If you see or know where an active shooter/armed aggressor is located, dial 911 or 937-775-2111, if possible and safe to do so, and alert Public Safety personnel to the shooter’s location. If you cannot speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen to what is taking place because the operator can often determine a location without a caller speaking.

In the event someone is hurt and/or a fire is caused by these events, contact  911 or 937-775-2111 if possible and safe to do so.

The Wright State University Department of Public Safety will inform the occupants once the building has been cleared for occupancy.