Civil Safety

Civil Safety Hazards include variable human caused threats to personal safety and security. The risk of impact changes based on circumstances. 

  1. Active Assailant
  2. Cyber Security

run hide fight

An Active Assailant is an individual who is trying to cause mass harm to people in a public space, business, or confined area. If you find yourself in active assailant situation, remember the phrase Run, Hide, Fight. 

  1. EVACUATE/RUN: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:
    • Have an escape route and plan in mind
    • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
    • Leave your belongings behind
    • Help others escape, if possible
    • Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
    • Keep your hands visible
    • Follow the instructions of any police officers
    • Do not attempt to move wounded people
    • Call 911 when you are safe
  2. HIDE: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:
    • Be out of the active shooter’s view
    • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
    • Not trap you or restrict your options for movement
    • To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:
      • Lock the door
      • Blockade the door with heavy furniture
    • If the active shooter is nearby:
      • Lock the door
      • Silence your cell phone and/or pager
      • Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
      • Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)
      • Remain quiet
    • If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:
      • Remain calm
      • Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
      • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
      • Take action against the active shooter
  3. FIGHT:As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:
    • Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her
    • Throwing items and improvising weapons
    • Yelling
    • Committing to your actions

Always be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone acting suspicious, contact your local authorities. Someone's skin color, religious affiliation, gender, or ethnicity is not an indicator of suspicious behavior. Suspicious behavior may look like an unattended bag in a public space, someone actively surveilling an area, asking questions about a facility's security, or collecting weapons, etc. If you see something, say something.

If you want to know more about active assailant safety information specific to your workplace or school. Contact your work supervisor or school district for evacuation and reunification plans.

Active Assailant Resources