Response to an active shooter on campus requires a survival mindset.

This mindset entails:

Response to an active shooter on campus requires a survival mindset. This mindset entails:

1. Awareness: What is happening around you, using all your senses (e.g. what do gunshots sound like?).
2. Preparation: “What if” questions. Prepare yourself to do whatever it takes to survive.
3. Rehearsal: Mentally and physically practice your plan to build confidence and react quickly.

What you Should Do:

1. Figure Out: What action gives you the best chance to survive? Quickly evaluate and act.
2. Run Out. Can I safely get to a safer location? If yes, do so immediately. Do not wait for others to validate your decision; or
3. Hide Out. If you cannot get out safely, find a place to hide. Look for a place that offers some protection, is well hidden, and offers options for movement.
4. Call Out. When you are in a safe location, immediately call the Police Department at Extension 2289, or 760-891-7273, or 911. Do not assume that someone else already called. Provide the following information to the dispatcher.
   1. Your exact location, e.g. Storage room in MD-153.
   2. A description of the shooter if you can see them, if you know the subject supply their name.
   3. If you can see the shooter(s) relay their exact location to the dispatcher.
   4. Stay on the line with the dispatcher until they release you for emergency directions.

Keep Out. If you must “Hide Out”, do what you can to stay unnoticed and keep the shooter out.

1. Lock the door if possible.
2. Turn off the lights
3. Block the door with heavy objects.
4. Keep quiet, put cell phones and pagers on silent/vibrate.

Spread Out. If there are two or more people in a space, spread out.

1. Spreading out, rather than huddling together, causes the shooter to hesitate in looking for targets.
2. It also provides you with more options for action and opportunities to get out.
3. Prior to spreading out, quickly and quietly plan what to do if the shooter enters the area.
4. Everyone in the space must get into a “survival mindset” and commit to working together to survive.
5. Remain calm, which can be contagious, and keeps others focused on survival.

Take Out. If a shooter enters your space, assume him/her intentions are lethal.

1. Stick to your plan to take out the shooter, others will follow when you act.
2. Use anything you have with you and in the room as weapons.
3. As soon as the shooter enters, yell loudly and throw things at him/her, aiming for the face. His/her reaction will be to shield his/her face. Rush at the shooter and act as a team to overcome him/her.
4. Total commitment is critical; do not give up until you have won!

Remember, those in immediate danger are the “real First Responders”.

Immediately Call the Police Department at extension 2289 or 760-891-7273.

Give all information to the dispatcher and stay on the line for emergency directions

Listen for additional instructions through the InformaCast system. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel immediately to ensure your safety.

Classroom presentations are given upon request, and can be customized to address specific needs.  Contact Sgt. Lynch