Active Aggressor/Shooter
Prepare Now
Active aggressor/shooter incidents can happen anywhere and anytime. Preparing now can help you act quickly when every second counts. Take the following recommended steps:
- Learn to recognize potentially violent behavior such as unprovoked outbursts of anger, use of hate speech, or dramatic mood swings.
- Identify at least two nearby exits whenever you enter a building. Get in the habit of doing this.
- Map out places to hide. Possible hiding places may include rooms without windows, behind solid doors with locks, under desks, or behind heavy furniture such as large filing cabinets.
- Sign up to receive Everbridge Alerts. This emergency notification system will notify you of a serious threat or emergency on or near BYUH campus.
- Learn basic first-aid and CPR on campus and watch training videos through workday.
- If you see suspicious activity, report it as soon as possible.
- Police 911
- BYUH Security Emergency (808) 675-3911
- Supervisor or Faculty member
- Report a concern
Situational Awareness
- Turn down or remove one or both headphones in public spaces
- Take note of exits and escape routes
- Take note of anything that could be used as a weapon
- Notice Abnormal Behavior - concealing something under clothing, excessive nervousness or agitation
- Listen to your gut instinct
- Contact 911 and/or BYUH Security
What to do
-
Toggle ItemRunGetting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority. Leave your things behind, plan your exit route, and run away. If safe to do so, warn others nearby. Call 911 when you are safe. Describe each shooter, their location, and their weapons.
What to do
1. Have an escape plan.
2. Help others if possible.
3. Leave your belongings.
4. Call 911 when you are safe. -
Toggle ItemHideIf you cannot get away safely, find a place to hide. Get out of the shooter's view and stay very quiet. Silence your electronic devices and make sure they won't vibrate. Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off the lights. Try to communicate with police silently — such as through text messages. Stay in place until law enforcement gives you notice that all immediate danger is clear.
What to do
1. Get out of the shooters view.
2. Silence your devices.
3. Lock and block doors.
4. Text 911. -
Toggle ItemFightYour best option when you are in immediate danger may be to defend yourself. Commit to your actions and act aggressively to stop the shooter. Ambushing the shooter together with makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, and books can distract and disarm the shooter.
What to do
1. Act aggressively.
2. Use makeshift weapons.
3. Throw objects.
4. Yell and call for help.
When Law Enforcement Arrive:
- Remain calm and follow instructions.
- Put down any items in your hands for example bags and jackets.
- Raise your hands and spread fingers.
- Keep hands visible at all times.
- Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety.
- Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
- Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating.
- Proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.
Be Safe After
When exiting the building during or after an active shooter incident, keep your hands visible and empty. Follow law enforcement's instructions and evacuate in the direction they tell you to.
Know that law enforcement's first task is to end the incident. When they first enter the building, they may have to pass injured persons along the way, but help will come later.
After the incident has ended, text or call your family and friends to let them know you're safe. Consider seeking professional help to cope with the long-term effects of trauma.
What to do
1. Drop any objects.
2. Keep hands visible and empty.
3. Assist law enforcement.
4. Contact friends and family.
5. Seek help to cope with trauma.
Information for Parents
In the case of an active aggressor emergency, please pay attention to the BYUH Safety and Risk Management Website and to any incoming alerts. For local alerts on emergency's, sign up for alerts from the City and County of Honolulu Alert system.
Additional Resources
Caution: Please be aware that these videos contain simulated acts of violence which may be disturbing and not suitable for all viewers.