If you are involved in a situation where someone has entered the area and started shooting, the following is a list of actions that are recommended. It should be noted that this type of incident is unpredictable. The below guidelines are recommendations that are based on past experiences. You may have to alter some of these suggestions, depending on the situation.

Run

  1. Exit the building immediately and notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building also.
  2. Get as far away from the incident as possible and find cover. It is not recommended to leave the campus by vehicle as this may cause a traffic jam which could put people in danger. It could also impede incoming emergency vehicles. Attempt to let a supervisor or fellow worker know your status so that everyone can be accounted for.
  3. Call 911 immediately and then the Penn State York University Police & Public Safety Department at 771-8444 or 8444 from any campus phone. There are also emergency phones in all student parking lots.
  4. Give the dispatcher at York County control the following information:
    • Your name
    • Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
    • Number of shooters (if known)
    • Identification or description of shooter
    • Number of persons who may be involved
    • Your location

If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting the building is not safe, the following actions are recommended:

Hide

  1. Go to the nearest room or office.
  2. Close and lock the door.
  3. Cover the door windows.
  4. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
  5. DO NOT answer the door.
  6. Notify 911 and campus security.
  7. Give the dispatcher at York County Control the following information:
    • Your name
    • Your location (be as specific as possible)
    • Number of shooters (if known)
    • Identification or description of shooter
    • Number of persons who may be involved
  8. Wait for local police or security to assist you out of the building.

Fighting is the last resort, to be used only when your life is in imminent danger:

Fight

  1. Attempt to incapacitate the attacker.
  2. Find an object to use as a weapon, such as a fire extinguisher or chair.

Police Response

Police are trained to respond to an active shooting incident by entering the building as soon as possible, and proceeding to the area of the shooter(s). They will move quickly and directly. Early on in an incident, they may not be able to rescue people because their main goal is to get to the shooter(s). People need to try to remain calm and patient during this time, so as not to interfere with police operations. Normally, a rescue team is formed shortly after the first responding officers enter the building. They will be the Officers who will search for injured parties and get everyone safely out of the building.

For more information, see the Penn State Active Attacker Response Program.