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Definition

An active assailant/armed intruder is an individual(s) actively killing or attempting to use deadly physical force on other people in a confined or populated area.

Introduction

Active assailant situations are unpredictable and dynamic and evolve quickly. Given that these incidents are often over within minutes before law enforcement arrives, it is essential to be prepared mentally and physically to do whatever is necessary to protect yourself. Your actions during that time could be the difference between life and death.

Run, Hide, Fight

Note: The following does not necessarily represent sequential actions to be taken. Existing circumstances may yield one of these actions as the only viable option for an individual to protect themself

• Run – Exit the building quickly and safely, distancing yourself from the threat.
• Hide – If you can’t safely evacuate your building or are unsure of the location of the threat, secure in a room, classroom, or office, creating as many barriers between you and the threat as possible. If you are outside, seek shelter inside the nearest building, and secure in an interior space. Additionally, take the following actions:
  • Secure doors
  • Turn off lights
  • Move into concealed areas of the room, away from doors and windows.
  • Remain calm and quiet
• Fight/Defend – If there are no other options to escape safely, and you are confronted by the assailant/intruder, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the assailant/intruder using all available resources (acting aggressively, yelling, throwing items, improvising weapons).

What You Should Do

• Make sure you have an escape route in mind.
• Do not attempt to carry anything in your hands while fleeing; move quickly.
• Keep your hands visible, and follow instructions from any police officers you may encounter.
• If you know where the shooter is located, tell the officers.
• Do not try to move any injured people; leave them where they are and notify authorities of their location as soon as possible.

What You Should Expect

• Responding police officers are trained to proceed immediately to the area where the shots were last heard; their purpose is to stop the shooting as quickly as possible.
• The first officers to arrive will not stop to aid injured victims. Rescue teams of additional officers will follow the first team into secured areas and remove injured persons.
• The first officers on the scene will likely be from the University. Depending on the situation, they may be joined by officers from different agencies and dressed in different uniforms. There may even be some officers in civilian clothes wearing an external bulletproof vest. Some officers may be wearing or armed with special tactical equipment. Do as the officers tell you, and do not be afraid of them.

Active Assailant/Armed Intruder Response for Building Occupants (Faculty/Staff)

If an Armed Intruder Alert is Issued

• Secure inside a classroom/office (ideally behind a locked door with limited glass exposure).
• Close the blinds and turn off the lights.
• Keep occupants low to the ground until the situation has ended.
• Keep all occupants indoors and wait for the “All Clear” from UNCG Police (through Spartan Alert) before resuming regular activity.

Use Good Judgment

• The circumstances and environment at specific locations vary, so exercising independent judgment and discretion, in the interest of safety for you and those around you remains an understood and necessary option.
• There are possible risks associated with whatever decision you make during these situations.
• Personal safety should be the first consideration of building occupants when taking action to assist others during an active assailant situation. Furthermore, building occupants are not required (and, during highly volatile situations, not encouraged) to help those seeking refuge in their building/office/classroom gain access.
• If you choose to allow someone into your building/office/classroom, have them:
  • Leave anything they are carrying outside
  • Lift their shirt, coat, and jacket until the waistline is visible and rotate 360 degrees to see if they are concealing a weapon.

More Information

• Request the “Run, Hide, Fight” training from UNCG Police
• Request Emergency Preparation Training from Emergency Management Department

• If you observe smoke or fire, activate the fire alarm using a manual pull station.
• If you are in a lab, secure any hazardous materials or equipment before you leave.
• EVACUATE the building at the nearest exit.
• When evacuating, use the closest stairs. DO NOT use elevators.
• Notify emergency personnel of persons with disabilities who are unable to evacuate.
• As you exit, move to designated assembly area that is a safe distance away.
• Do not re-enter until notified by emergency personnel.

• Remain calm, turn off sensitive equipment, secure any hazardous materials/equipment, exit the area, and provide assistance to others if necessary.
• If there is a possible danger to building occupants, exit the building and call UNCG Police at 336.334.4444 or 911.
• To report a power or utility failure, contact Facilities Operations 336.334.5684 Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or UNCG Police 336.334.4444 for after hours emergency.
• Alternatively, you may also contact building liaisons where they can submit work orders related to the issue.

• DO NOT attempt to clean the spill.
• Inform others in area and evacuate to a safe location.
• Call UNCG Police at 336.334.4444 or call 911 and follow instructions of emergency personnel.
• Attend to anyone contaminated (including yourself) by utilizing emergency safety showers or eye washes.
• Notify emergency personnel if you have been exposed or have information about its release.

• DO NOT physically confront a suspicious person or block their access to exit.
• DO NOT allow a suspicious person to enter a locked buildings or office.
• Call UNCG Police at 336.334.4444 and provide as much detail as possible about the suspicious person or activity.
• Notify your supervisor or professor.
• Follow UNCG Police instruction. If asked to evacuate, take personal belongings.