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UIT Active Threat Training

Whether at home, at work, or in a public space, it is essential to know your options and have a plan in place in the event of an active threat (e.g., active shooter). Below is a video recording and outline of an active threat training conducted by Pete Posada of Stanford University Department of Public Safety.

1. Raising Awareness

Review of previous Active Threat events around the country and sharing what we have learned.

2. What to do in the event of an Active Threat

Run – Hide – Fight

3. RUN

  • Use your mental plan running in the opposite direction of the threat.
  • DO NOT PULL THE FIRE ALARM.
  • Use the most accessible exit route.
  • Improvise exit - if no accessible route; break window, climb fence, etc.
  • Leave belongings behind - Heavy backpacks and purses may slow you down.
  • Keep your hands in front of you with open palms.
  • Run as far away from the threat as you can. Notify supervisor that you can have left and don’t return till advised to do so by your manager or police.
  • Call 9-1-1 when it’s safe to do so.

4. HIDE

  • Plan hiding spots ahead of time.
  • Hide a place where the shooter is less likely to find you.
  • Lock doors and barricade if necessary.
  • Turn off lights.
  • Silence your phone and don’t make noise.
  • Call 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so.

5. FIGHT

  • As a last resort - FIGHT.
  • Need to be close to the shooter and avoid the end of barrel.
  • Attack the weapon.
  • Improvise weapons.
  • Once weapon has been separated from the assailant, secure weapon away from them.

6. Speaking to 9-1-1 Operator

  • Catch your breath and stay calm. Tell the operator what is happening. If confirmed Active Shooter… Say Active Shooter.
  • Provide the following: Location, Description of Suspect (head to toe), gender, skin color, clothing, shoes, height, weight, tattoos, piercings.
  • If they are moving or have left the area, provide direction of travel. Use monuments as direction, i.e. towards Hoover Tower, Law School, Campus Drive, Wilbur Field, Main Quad etc.

7. Police Arrival

  • Do not ask questions to responding police as this may slow their response.
  • If you have details of the suspect or location tell responding officers.
  • There could be more than one agency response (Stanford DPS, Palo Alto PD, Highway Patrol, County both Santa Clara and San Mateo etc.)
  • Review different uniforms including plain clothes personnel.

8. Situational Awareness

  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Active Shooter is looking notoriety and large population in a small area- soft targets.
  • Mentally rehears these drills at work, shopping, concert venues etc.…
  • Stay off your cell phone in public places where there are large crowds.
  • Always have a plan- Run Hide and/or Fight.
  • If you see something, say something – Call-in Suspicious activity.
  • Mental Health Resource line 24/7. Call 988.
     
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