Purpose
In a rapidly evolving emergency, knowing what to do in the first few seconds can make a critical difference. The Run, Hide, Fight protocol is a simple, practical framework designed to guide your actions during an active threat situation. It outlines three response options — run to safety, if possible, hide if escape is not an option, and fight only as a last resort to protect yourself. Understanding these steps ahead of time helps reduce panic, supports quick decision-making, and increases your ability to respond effectively under stress. The following overview explains each option and when it may be appropriate.
Policy Type
Institutional
Implementation
If an active shooter comes into our campus:
RUN: Evacuate if possible.
- If you have a clear path of escape, run to the nearest emergency exit and leave the building.
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Encourage others to come with you, but do not let indecision slow you down.
- Try to prevent others from entering the area where the shooter may be.
- Always keep your hands visible.
- Call 911 when you are in a safe place.
HIDE: Conceal yourself in a silent and safe space.
- If you do not have a clear path of escape, hide in an area out of the armed person’s view.
- Lock and barricade access doors with furniture.
- Turn off lights, silence phones and other electronics, and stay quiet.
- Call 911 if possible and alert police to the shooter’s location. If you cannot speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can hear what is taking place.
- Do NOT pull the fire alarm.
- Stay in place until law enforcement gives the all-clear signal.
FIGHT: Take action to disrupt or incapacitate the aggressor.
- As a last resort, fight.
- If you cannot evacuate or hide safely, and only when your life is in imminent danger, take action.
- The goal is to disrupt or incapacitate the aggressor.
- Act with aggression and commit to your actions.
- Improvise weapons with items in your area, such as fire extinguishers or chairs.
- Call 911 when it is safe to do so.
If the active shooter is inside our building but not on our floors:
- Shelter in place
- Secure the room you are in by locking and barricading the door using available materials.
- If you cannot secure the room, determine whether there is a nearby location you can reach safely and secure, or, if you can, safely exit the building.
- Call 911 if possible and alert police to the shooter’s location.
- Do NOT pull the fire alarm.
- If sheltering in place, always wait for law enforcement’s all-clear signal.
When Police Arrive:
- Wait for the “all-clear” signal from recognized authority and follow directions of law enforcement.
- Keep your hands visible at all times.
- Avoid pointing or yelling.
- The first responders on the scene are not there to evacuate or tend to the injured, they are there to stop the shooter. Do not try to move any injured people, know that help is on its way.
- Follow instructions and evacuate as instructed