Take Action

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

• Call UNCG Police at 336.334.4444 or 911 and follow directions.
• Provide the location, nature of injury or illness, current condition of the victim, and other requested information.
• DO NOT move the victims unless they are in immediate danger.
• If a victim is unconscious and not breathing, start CPR, locate an automated external defibrillator (AED), turn it on, and follow the instructions provided by the unit.
• Have someone meet the ambulance at the building entrance or at a safe location, and direct emergency personnel to the victim.

• 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.

In the event of severe weather conditions, you should:

• Monitor local weather.
• Stay alert for severe weather warnings from Spartan Alert.
• Stay calm.
• Warn persons in your area of the threat.
• Seek shelter and remain there until the threat is over.
• Make an emergency kit: you need enough water, food and supplies in your kit for three to seven days for each person and pet.
• Report any damages to campus police as soon as possible.
• Evacuate any damaged structures

Tornado Warnings and Watches

The University will send out notifications through Spartan Alert when there is a tornado warning that is specific for campus. The University will also send out notifications through the Spartan Safe App whether is a tornado watch issued specifically for Guilford County.

Tornado Warning: Take Action!

If the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning for the campus area, the University will activate the Spartan Alert emergency notification system. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted, or that radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation that can spawn a tornado.

You need to take immediate safety precautions:

• Seek shelter immediately.
• Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
• Avoid windows.
• If no shelter is available, lie down in a low-lying area.
• Protect yourself from flying debris.

Spartan Alert will send a text message to registered cell phones and start other notifications including campus e-mail, Spartan Alert social media and the Spartan Safe App.

Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!

A watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. The weather service says people in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.

If the NWS issues a tornado watch for Guilford County, the University will send an a notification primarily through the Spartan Safe App and social media.

You need to be prepared:

• Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies in your safe room.
• Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
• Acting early helps save lives!

Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The weather service updates this information regularly. The University will not send additional notifications to the campus community about a tornado watch since the status of those often change frequently during a weather event. If a new weather pattern enters the area that prompts a fresh watch after a 24-hour period, the University will reissue the watch notice as part of the ongoing monitoring efforts for potential serious weather conditions.

More Information

• Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources
• National Weather Service Safety Tips
• ReadyNC

• 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 turn lights on or off.
• DO NOT use cell phones or radios.
• DO NOT activate fire alarm.
• Evacuate the area and proceed to rally point.
• Once safe, call UNCG Police at 336.334.4444

• 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 use cellphones, radios or electronic devices.
• DO NOT handle suspicious package or other items.
• From a land line, call UNCG Police at 336.334.4444
• Proceed as instructed by emergency personnel.

• 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.

• Seek medical attention (if needed)
• Call Campus Violence Response Center (CVRC) at 336.334.9839 (Confidential)
• Call the UNCG Police at 336.334.4444
• Call the Title IX Office at 336.256.0422