Active Threat/Shooter Protocol:

Alt="nul"

Run

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Hide

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Fight


Definition: An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically through the use of firearms.

  • Victims tend to be selected at random
  • Event is unpredictable and evolves quickly
  • Knowing what to do can save lives

When an active shooter is in your vicinity, you must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with the situation. Knowing what to do is vital to your survival!

You Have Three Options:

alt="nul"1/Run [If You Can Safety Do So]

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind
  • Leave your belongings behind
  • Do not pull the fire alarm
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
  • If possible, help others escape and do not attempt to move the wounded
  • Advise others not to enter the area
  • Keep your hands visible
  • Call 911 when you are safe

alt="nul"2/Hide

  • Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
  • If possible, turn off lights, lock door or block entry to your hiding place
  • If safe to do so, quietly call 911 and Security 514-398-3000 or 514-398-7777 at Mac
  • Then, mute your phone and remain quiet

alt="nul"3/Fight [Only You Can Decide To Do This!]

  • Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
  • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
  • Act with as much physical aggression as possible
  • Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter
  • Commit to your actions...your life depends on it
  • Anything you do or do not do becomes a life or death decision only YOU can make!

The first officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured. Know that rescue teams will enter after the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured once it is safe to do so.

Once you have reached a safe location, you will likely be held in that area by police until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned.

Do not leave the area until police have instructed you to do so.

When Police Arrive:

  • Remain calm and follow instructions
  • Drop items in your hands (i.e. bags, jackets)
  • Raise hands and spread fingers
  • Keep hands visible at all times
  • Avoid quick movements toward officers, such as holding on to them for safety
  • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
  • Do not ask questions when evacuating

Information To Provide To 911 Operators:

  • Location of the active shooter
  • Your location
  • Number of shooter(s)
  • Physical description of shooter(s)
  • Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s)
  • Number of potential victims at location

emergency.mgmt [at] mcgill.ca (Request the PDF version of the protocol )
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