Active Attacker

If an Active Attacker Incident Occurs

Act quickly based on the information available to you. Your safest option may change as the incident develops.

1. Run: Leave the area immediately when you can reach a safe exit without moving toward the danger.
2. Hide: If you cannot leave safely, move to a secure location, lock or barricade the door when possible, silence your phone, and remain out of sight.
3. Defend: As a last resort, take action to protect yourself if you are confronted directly and cannot escape.

Call 911 when it is safe to do so. Provide your location and the information you have, then follow instructions from the dispatcher, police, emergency responders, and University officials.

Run

Leave the area immediately when you can reach a safe exit without moving toward the danger.

• Use the safest available exit
• Leave personal belongings behind
• Encourage others to leave, but do not delay your escape
• Keep your hands visible when approaching police
• Move well away from the affected area
• Call 911 from a safe location and provide the information you have

Do not return to the area until police or University officials confirm that it is safe.

Hide

If you cannot leave safely, move to a secure location and reduce the chance of being seen or heard.

• Lock the door and barricade it with available furniture when possible
• Turn off lights and move away from doors and windows
• Silence phones and other devices, including vibration
• Remain quiet and out of sight
• Do not open the door unless you are certain it is safe, or police direct you to do so
• Call 911 when it is safe, or communicate silently with the dispatcher if possible

Remain sheltered until police reach you or provide instructions.

Defend

Defending yourself is a last resort if you are confronted directly, cannot escape, and cannot remain safely hidden.

• Act only when necessary to protect yourself from immediate harm
• Work with others when possible
• Commit to your actions and continue looking for an opportunity to escape
• Move to safety and call 911 as soon as you can

When police arrive, stop what you are doing, keep your hands visible, and follow all instructions immediately.

When Police Arrive

Police may not immediately know who is involved in the incident. Remain calm and follow every instruction without delay.

• Stop moving and follow all police directions
• Keep your hands empty, raised, and clearly visible
• Avoid sudden movements, pointing, shouting, or approaching officers
• Do not stop officers to ask questions while they are responding
• Provide clear information if an officer asks you a question
• Continue moving toward the location police direct you to

Police may direct you to remain in a safe area while they confirm information and account for people affected by the incident.

Calling 911

Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so. Speak clearly, remain on the line, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Provide as much of the following information as you can:

• Your exact location, including the building, room, entrance, or nearby landmark
• What you saw or heard
• The last known location and direction of travel
• A description of the person or people involved
• The number and type of weapons observed, if known
• The number of people who may be injured or in danger

Do not leave a safe location to gather more information.

AlertWesternU and Official Instructions

During an active attacker incident, monitor AlertWesternU and other official University communications whenever it is safe to do so.

• Follow instructions from police, emergency responders, and University officials
• Do not rely on rumours or unverified social media posts
• Do not leave a secure location unless directed or unless remaining there becomes unsafe
• Share official information carefully and avoid posting details that could interfere with the emergency response
• Remain alert for updates, changes in direction, and the official all-clear

Emergency instructions may change as police receive new information. Continue following the most recent official direction.

After the Incident

Continue following instructions from police, emergency responders, and University officials after the immediate threat has ended.

• Remain in the designated safe area until you are told you may leave
• Do not return to restricted or affected areas
• Provide information to police if requested
• Preserve relevant messages, photos, videos, or other information
• Monitor official University communications for updates and recovery instructions
• Access available support services if the incident has affected your wellbeing

Avoid sharing unconfirmed details. Use official sources for accurate updates and instructions.