Understand an Active Shooter Situation: 

An Active Shooter is an individual engaged in attempting to kill people in a confined space of populated areas. Active shooters typically use firearms and have no pattern in their selection of victims. Active shooting situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes before law enforcement arrives on the scene.

Target Icon Calendar Icon
Over in 10 to 15 min Can happen at anytime
Town Icon People Icon
Can happen anywhere Anyone is a target 
Take Action For an Active Shooter Situation:
See Something, Say Something:
  • What is Suspicious Activity: Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or terrorism-related crime. This includes, but is not limited to, unusual items or situations (i.e., a vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage that is unattended, etc.); eliciting information (i.e., inquiries at a level beyond curiosity about a building's purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.); observation/surveillance (i.e., someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest, etc.).
  • How Do You Report It: If you see suspicious activity, report it to the MSU Police Department or a person of authority. Describe specifically what you observed, including who or what you saw when you saw it; Where it occurred, and Why it's suspicious.

  • Download MSU Safety App: Safety starts with you! Download the MSU Safety app available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app lets you report a tip. 

 

Run:
  • If you hear gunshots, don't wait to react. 
  • Getting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority. 
  • Leave your belongings behind and getaway. 
  • Help others escape, if possible, but don't let them slow you down.
  • Warn and prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
  • Call 9-1-1 or MSU PD when you are safe and describe the shooter, location, and weapons.

 

 

Hide:
  • If you can not escape, hide your hiding place should be out of the shooter's view and provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
  • Get out of the shooter's view and stay quiet.
  • Silence all electronic devices and make sure they won’t vibrate.
  • Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off lights.
  • Use anything and everything to block the door. 
  • Stay in place until law enforcement gives you the all-clear.
  • If you hear the fire alarm continue to Shelter-In-Place. Shooters tend to use the alarm to get people to come out.

 

Fight:
  • If absolutely necessary, fighting is your last resort. 
  • Commit to your actions and act as aggressively as possible against the shooter.
  • Recruit others to ambush the shooter with makeshift weapons like chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
  • Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the shooter.
  • Throw items and improvise weapons to distract and disarm the shooter.
  • Get the weapon away for the shooter. 

 

When Police Arrive:
  • Law Enforcement is trained to end the active shooter situation first then tend to the injured. They will pass the injured people when arriving on the scene.
  • Don't interrupt Law Enforcement efforts or run to them for help. Everyone is treated as a suspect until the situation is safe.
  • Be prepared for forceful and loud commands. Don't present yourself as a threat; keep your hands open and up have nothing in your hands.
  • Do not stop and ask officers for help.
  • Once the scene is safe, first responders will assess and treat the injured.

 

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