ESCAPE | HIDE | ATTACK
Survive an Active Shooter Training Video
Workplace Violence Safety Training designed to enhance your awareness, preparedness, and responses to an active shooter situation.
EFFECTIVE ACTIVE SHOOTER RESPONSE
The alarming rise in active shooter incidents has had a profound impact on communities and workplaces across the United States. These events unfold unpredictably and often conclude within minutes-sometimes before law enforcement can intervene. This stark reality highlights the critical need for individuals to be prepared to respond effectively. The AVADE® Survive an Active Shooter strategy focuses on three essential actions to enhance survival: Escape, Hide, and Attack. Implementing these strategies can significantly increase an individual’s chances of surviving a mass shooting incident.
Key Character Traits of an Active Shooter
ACTIVE SHOOTER DEFINITION: [ ak-tiv shoo-ter ] the FBI defines an active shooter as an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and/or populated area.
Active shooters often exhibit pre-attack indicators and behavioral warning signs. While not every case is the same, AVADE® emphasizes situational awareness and recognizing potentially violent behavior before an attack occurs. Here are the main character traits and warning signs of an active shooter:
GRIEVANCE & FIXATION ON VIOLENCE
BEHAVIORAL CHANGES & ISOLATION
THREATENING OR AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
SUBSTANCE ABUSE OR INTOXICATION
FASCINATION WITH WEAPONS
COMMUNICATING HARMFUL INTENT
PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL CRISIS
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
The 8 Rules for Surviving an Active Shooter
Rule #1: Escape | Run
Your top priority in an active shooter situation is to escape. Stay aware of exits, move quickly, and don’t hesitate. Leave belongings behind and encourage others to follow, but don’t wait if they refuse. If escaping isn’t an option, find cover and prepare to defend yourself.
Rule #2: Hide & Cover
If escape isn’t an option, find a secure hiding place to take cover. Stay out of sight, lock doors, and barricade entry points. Remain silent, mute your phone, and avoid making any noise that could draw attention. Use solid objects for protection and stay hidden until law enforcement clears the area.
Rule #1: Escape | Run
Your top priority in an active shooter situation is to escape. Stay aware of exits, move quickly, and don’t hesitate. Leave belongings behind and encourage others to follow, but don’t wait if they refuse. If escaping isn’t an option, find cover and prepare to defend yourself.
Rule #2: Hide & Cover
If escape isn’t an option, find a secure hiding place to take cover. Stay out of sight, lock doors, and barricade entry points. Remain silent, mute your phone, and avoid making any noise that could draw attention. Use solid objects for protection and stay hidden until law enforcement clears the area.
Rule #3: Alert Authorities | 911
Once you are safe, call 911 immediately. Provide your location, a description of the suspect, and any known injuries. Stay calm and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If speaking isn’t possible, leave the line open or text if the option is available. Prompt reporting helps law enforcement respond more quickly and effectively.
Rule #4: Lock Doors
If escape isn’t an option, lock and barricade doors to prevent entry. Use heavy furniture, turn off lights, and remain silent. Stay away from windows and out of sight. A secured room can deter attackers and provide critical time for law enforcement to respond.
Rule #3: Alert Authorities | 911
Once you are safe, call 911 immediately. Provide your location, a description of the suspect, and any known injuries. Stay calm and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If speaking isn’t possible, leave the line open or text if the option is available. Prompt reporting helps law enforcement respond more quickly and effectively.
Rule #4: Lock Doors
If escape isn’t an option, lock and barricade doors to prevent entry. Use heavy furniture, turn off lights, and remain silent. Stay away from windows and out of sight. A secured room can deter attackers and provide critical time for law enforcement to respond.
Rule #5: Place Barriers
Strengthen your hiding spot by placing barriers against doors and entry points. Use heavy objects to block access and slow the attacker. Stay out of sight and be ready to move if necessary. A strong barricade can buy critical time for law enforcement to arrive.
Rule #6: Attack | Fight
As a last resort, fight to survive. Use any available objects as weapons – chairs, fire extinguishers, or sharp objects. Target vulnerable areas such as the attacker’s head, eyes, or neck. Commit fully and fight with everything you have – your survival depends on it.
Rule #5: Place Barriers
Strengthen your hiding spot by placing barriers against doors and entry points. Use heavy objects to block access and slow the attacker. Stay out of sight and be ready to move if necessary. A strong barricade can buy critical time for law enforcement to arrive.
Rule #6: Attack | Fight
As a last resort, fight to survive. Use any available objects as weapons – chairs, fire extinguishers, or sharp objects. Target vulnerable areas such as the attacker’s head, eyes, or neck. Commit fully and fight with everything you have – your survival depends on it.
Rule #7: When Police Arrive
Stay calm and follow all instructions from law enforcement. Keep your hands visible, avoid sudden movements, and do not approach officers. Their priority is eliminating the threat, so wait for their direction. Your cooperation helps ensure a safe and efficient resolution.
Rule #8: Stop the Bleed
If you or someone else is injured, ,em>apply firm pressure to wounds to control bleeding</em<. Use cloth, bandages, or your hands to slow hemorrhaging. If possible, apply a tourniquet for severe bleeding. Quick action can save lives. Learn more at StopTheBleed.org.
Rule #7: When Police Arrive
Stay calm and follow all instructions from law enforcement. Keep your hands visible, avoid sudden movements, and do not approach officers. Their priority is eliminating the threat, so wait for their direction. Your cooperation helps ensure a safe and efficient resolution.
Rule #8: Stop the Bleed
If you or someone else is injured, ,em>apply firm pressure to wounds to control bleeding</em<. Use cloth, bandages, or your hands to slow hemorrhaging. If possible, apply a tourniquet for severe bleeding. Quick action can save lives. Learn more at StopTheBleed.org.
Create a Culture of Safety at Your Workplace
Download Your Free:
Survive an Active Shooter Poster
This quick-reference poster outlines essential strategies to Escape, Hide, or Attack, helping your staff stay prepared and protect themselves and others in an active shooter situation.
BE AWARE | BE PREPARED
Know How to Respond to Extreme Violence.
With the rise of active shooter incidents across the country, integrating the Eight Rules for Surviving an Active Shooter is essential for personal safety and protecting those around you. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines and practicing situational awareness, you can develop the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in critical situations.
Proactive education and preparedness not only enhance your own safety but also foster a culture of resilience and security within your community. By working together, we can save lives and help prevent the tragedies of mass shootings and extreme violence.
ESCAPE
HIDE
ATTACK
IF SOMEONE OPENED FIRE AND BEGAN SHOOTING IN YOUR WORK AREA OR PUBLIC PLACE THAT YOU ARE IN. WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?
SURVIVE an Active Shooter: Awareness, Preparedness, & Response for Extreme Violence is another important part of an effective workplace violence prevention plan. The AVADE® principles are incorporated into David’s approach on how to SURVIVE an active shooter.