Active Shooter / Armed Subject / Hostage Situation
If There Is a Shooter
- Take immediate cover.
- Remain calm; do not panic.
- Drop to the ground and out of the line of fire.
- Do not draw attention to yourself.
- Get into the nearest room, out of sight of the shooter.
- Lock all doors.
- Pull window shades down and then keep away from the windows.
- Hide in far corner or under desks.
- Keep still.
- Stay silent and listen.
- Note and remember physical characteristics of the shooter, direction of travel, multiple shooters, type of weapon, etc. Convey that information as soon as possible, without compromising your own safety, to the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445, or to the police via 911.
- If possible, maintain the attendance record of your students and convey that information to the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services or the police.
- If in a safe location away from the shooting, remain there, use cover and hide, if possible.
- "Cover" means putting a solid barrier between yourself and the shooter. This can be a solid wall, a thick wooden desk, an engine block in a car, or anything solid enough to stop bullets from penetrating.
- If an opportunity presents itself to escape, be willing to act quickly to run away from the scene.
- If you can safely do so without drawing attention to yourself, call 911.
- If injured, try to stop bleeding wounds by applying and maintaining direct pressure.
- Only if you feel your life is in imminent danger should you consider trying to overpower the shooter.
Contacting Authorities
- Call 911.
- Call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
Be aware that the 911 system will likely be overwhelmed. Program Brooklyn College emergency numbers (718.951.5444 / 5445) into your cell phone for emergency use.
What to Report
- Your name and address
- Your building name, office/room number, and specific location
- Number of people at your specific location
- Injuries — number and types
- Assailant(s) — location, number of suspects, race/gender, clothing description, physical features, type of weapons (long gun or handgun), backpack, shooter's identity if known, separate explosions from gunfire, etc.
If a Weapon Is Found
- Isolate the area.
- Do not touch the weapon.
- Police will secure the weapon for evidence.
If Subject Is Visible
- Stay calm and do not approach subject.
- Do not attempt to confiscate the weapon.
- Communicate and cooperate with the subject.
- Stay calm if a suspect threatens you with a weapon.
- Follow the suspect's directions.
- Do not try to be a hero.
Hostage Situation
- If the shooter is unaware of your presence, remain quiet and hidden. Do not draw attention to yourself.
- Try to remain calm until police arrive.
- Do as the shooter demands.
- If the shooter asks you a question, answer directly and concisely.
- Do not look at the shooter directly but try to remember any physical characteristics.
- If the shooter demands money or other valuables, give them up quickly with no hesitance or resistance.
- Upon arrival of the police, drop to the floor; do not run.
Staff Response Checklist
- Secure immediate area.
- Lock and barricade doors.
- Turn off lights.
- Close blinds.
- Turn off radios and computer monitors.
- Keep occupants calm, quiet and out of sight.
- Keep yourself out of sight and take adequate cover/protection (e.g., concrete walls, walls, thick desk, filing cabinets, anything that may protect you from bullets).
- Silence cell phones.
- Place signs in exterior windows to identify the location of injured persons.
- Stay where you are.
Un-securing an Area
- Consider risks before un-securing rooms.
- Remember, the shooter will not stop until engaged by an outside force.
- An attempt to rescue people should only be undertaken if it can be accomplished without further endangering the persons inside a secured area.
- Consider the safety of many versus the safety of a few.
- If doubt exists for the safety of individuals inside the room, the area should remain secured.