Active Shooter Response

Remember the acronym ALICE

A - Alert

L - Lockdown

I - Inform

C - Counter

E - Evacuate

These guidelines are not part of a sequential or circumstantial plan, but rather a dynamic tool kit to empower you to take your survival into your own hands. Do what is best for you in that moment.

Alert:

  • Stop and listen for unfamiliar noises. Be aware that gunshots may not sound as you would expect.
  • Call 911 
  • Subscribe to SPC emergency notification system
  • Take all alerts seriously
  • Alert others in your area if possible
  • Do not use code words to signify a shooter on campus

Lockdown:

  • Lock all entrances
  • Secure and lock windows
  • Barricade all entry points with multiple layers
  • Stack anything and everything possible against doors
  • Tie up any mechanism that assists with opening door
  • Use any items as makeshift ropes to tether and pull outward opening doors closed
  • Cover windows
  • Turn out lights
  • Spread out. Do not huddle together
  • Prepare to counter ("Counter" will be discussed later in this section)
  • Once secure do not open door for anyone even if given an audible "all clear." Notification that emergency personnel are recovering survivors will be issued through emergency notification systems. Police/Emergency personnel will
come get you. They will find a way in. The shooter may try to deceive you. Protect the lives of people in the room over one person in hall. Only open door if preparing to evacuate.

Inform:

  • Give detailed information if communicating to 911 or police
  • Be a play by play announcer
  • Any information is good information
  • Most crucial information is shooter location

Counter:

  • Counter is not just fighting; it is taking back control.
  • Countering is not a last resort or a requirement. It must be a personal choice that can be initiated at a time of your choosing.
  • Countering utilizes simple movements rather than martial arts or fighting tactics.
  • Distract shooter any way possible. This disruption may be the factor that provides survivors an advantage. Throw things, create noise, move erratically, or use countermeasures (improvised weapons. Anything can be used as a weapon. Be creative.

  • Rush the shooter as a group if possible
  • If multiple survivors are present, each person should pin a limb of the shooter tight against their body (LIMB TO BODY MASS). This will immobilize the shooter. Drag shooter down and continue to restrict limbs as a group. Once the shooter is down, remember that the body goes where the head moves. Instruct an additional person to pin the head to the floor.
  • If alone and you choose to counter, make the decision to take your survival into your own hands and do what you can to survive.
  • Secure the weapon. Place weapon in a container such as a trash can and hold container or place container over the weapon and sit on it while others have the shooter disabled. Await police response and notify them of the location of the weapon. Follow instructions.

Evacuate:

  • Removes targets from the scene.
  • Plan your route ahead of time. Know all exits to buildings you frequent.
  • Be creative. Do not be afraid to break out a window or break through a wall if possible. To break a window strike it with an object on a top corner rather than in the center of window.
  • It may be prudent to take your counter device with you to utilize as a weapon or distraction should you encounter the shooter. Do not take time to gather other personal items.
  • Do not return to the area you have escaped unless circumstances require you to do so to survive.
  • Do not evacuate in vehicles. Flee the area on foot.
  • Unless instructed by police keep fleeing area to safe location off site. Do not wait in parking lots.
  • As you encounter police keep your hands up and palms out.
  • Follow police instruction.

Police Response:

  • First team of police will not stop to provide aid unless the threat has ended. A second team of police or emergency personnel will follow-up to aid/rescue wounded.
  • Do not grab or yell out if officers pass you by. Another team will stop to help.
  • Empty your hands of all potential weapons.
  • Keep your hands up and palms out if it would not jeopardize health/survival.
  • Follow all police instructions.

Notes to License to Carry Holders:

  • It may be faster and more effective to immediately rush the shooter than to draw, aim, and fire a handgun.
  • Although use of firearm may be warranted, it may not be the best option.
  • You must consider factors of the situation
    • What is around/ behind the assailant?
    • Are other people rushing the assailant that you would attempt to shoot?
  • It is not your role to hunt down the shooter.
  • You have the same responsibilities as any other civilian. Your firearm is simply an additional tool that you possess.

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