DUSON Emergency Awareness: Armed Intruders

DUSON is committed to the safety of its faculty, staff and students. This month’s awareness focuses on what to do in case of an armed intruder.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends that you quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Students, patients and visitors are likely to follow the lead of employees during an active shooter situation.

Evacuate: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.

• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Keep your hands visible.
• Do not attempt to move wounded people.
• Call 911 when you are safe.

Hide Out: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.

• Hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view.
• Lock the doors and block entry to your hiding place, for example, with heavy furniture.
• Don’t trap or restrict your options for movement.
• Remain quiet and silence your cell phone or any other source of noise.

Take action against the active shooter as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.

• Attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter.
• Act as aggressively as possible against him/her.
• Throw items and improvise weapons.
• Yell.
• Commit to your actions.

Call 911 when it is safe to do so.

This safety message has been brought to you by DUSON’s Emergency Preparedness Team. For more DUSON emergency information and tips, visit our Emergency Information Center.