What is the situation?
An armed suspect(s) is discharging a firearm at community members or law enforcement or randomly firing into an area where it is reasonably expected that persons could be struck by suspect fire.
These situations require law enforcement units to take immediate action to end the danger.
The information below provides guidelines for active shooter incidents on campus. However, every incident varies, making it impossible to provide an absolute answer for every situation.
How to respond when an active shooter is in your vicinity?
1. RUN
- Evacuate from the area
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
2. HIDE
- Hide in the an area out of the active shooters view
- Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors if possible
3. DEFEND
- As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
- Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter
- Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter
How to respond when law enforcement arrives on the scene
1. HOW YOU SHOULD REACT
- Remain calm, and follow officer's instructions
- Immediately raise hands and 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
- Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction from which officers are entering the premises
Always call 911as soon as it is safe to do so and the Bothell Police Department will respond.
These safety tips and guidelines are not all inclusive, but if understood and followed up with periodic reminders and training when feasible, it can increase your chances of surviving an active shooter incident.
More resources
To view videos on active shooter situations, please visit the Training Video by UWPD.