How to respond to an Active Shooter Situation
An active shooter (person or persons causing great harm to as many people as possible by any means) is a frightening experience causing panic and disorientation throughout the event. Knowing what to do in advance increases your chances of survival and minimizes the horrific and all too often deadly outcome of an active shooter event!
In concert with our community outreach efforts and active shooter presentations, the University of Minnesota Police Department wants to ensure the University community has the tools to overcome an active shooter.
These three words -- RUN, HIDE, FIGHT -- may save your life or the lives of others.
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
- Leave your belongings behind
- Keep your hands visible
- Run to a place of refuge, well beyond the norm
- If running is not possible, hide
- Lock and barricade doors; shut off lights
- Remain silent, yet vigilant
- Avoid huddling together
- Fighting is a last resort, use only when your life is in imminent danger
- Use improvised weapons, i.e. chair, fire extinguisher
- Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter
- There is strength in numbers; work together against the active shooter
Call ONLY if safe and with information about the active shooter
Clarify you are on the University of Minnesota campus and where you are
Give the location of the active shooter(s)
Provide physical description of active shooter(s)
Describe type of weapons held by the active shooter(s)
Notify the dispatcher of victims and their location
Remain calm; follow officers’ instructions
Keep your hands up and out in front of you, assuring your hand are empty
Keep hands visible at all times
Avoid making quick movements towards officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety
Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling
Move quickly towards the nearest exit or where directed to by police
Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating
Emergency responders need to account for everyone! Once you are in a safe place, DO NOT LEAVE. As the event unfolds and is better understood, law enforcement will provide additional instructions as to where you should be or when you will be able to leave. Please be patient with us. Your safety is our most important concern!
Online Active Threat Training
The University of Minnesota Police Department and Department of Public Safety has created this online active threat training course. The course is designed to share resources and to provide an overview training of how to respond to an active threat situation on campus.
Note: You must have a UM email address to enroll
Video: Run. Hide. Fight. Surviving an Active Shooter Event.
Please be aware the video contains simulated violence and sounds of gunfire.
Request an Active Shooter Presentation
The police department offers presentations and information on responding to an active shooter. To set up a presentation, please fill out a Community Outreach Officer form and indicate you would like an active shooter presentation.