Active Shooter Response
In the unlikely event of an active shooter situation on campus, it’s crucial that you know how to respond. Following the FBI’s recommended strategies—Avoid, Deny, Defend—can significantly improve your chances of survival. Learn how to protect yourself and others by reading the guidelines below.
AVOID: Be Prepared to Move
Starts with your state of mind:
- Pay attention to your surroundings.
- Have an exit plan and know how to escape the building.
- Move away from the threat as quickly as possible.
- The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better.
- Once safe, call NSCC Police at 781-477-2100.
DENY: Create Barriers
When getting away is difficult or maybe impossible:
- Keep distance between you and the threat.
- Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you.
- Lock doors, turn off lights, and stay silent.
- Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects and silence your phone.
Your hiding place should:
- Be out of the shooter's view.
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
- Not restrict your options for movement.
DEFEND: If All Else Fails
As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger:
- If you cannot Avoid or Deny, be prepared to defend yourself.
- Be aggressive and committed to your actions.
- If you can, separate the attacker from their weapon.
- SURVIVAL IS THE GOAL. Do not fight fairly, consider items that you can use as an improvised weapon.
Arriving Law Enforcement
Arriving law enforcement's first priority is to stop and engage the shooter as soon as possible. Once the shooter has been stopped, first responders can tend to any wounded.
When law enforcement arrives:
- Remain calm and follow instructions.
- Keep your hands visible and empty at all times.
- Avoid pointing or yelling.
- Know that help for the injured is on its way.
Call NSCC Police at 781-477-2100 when safe and provide the following:
- Location of the shooter (campus/building/floor/room).
- Direction of travel.
- Number of shooters, if more than one.
- Physical description of shooter/s.
- Type of weapons held by the shooter/s.
- Location and injuries of potential victims (campus/building/floor/room).
Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
We are all in this together. Stay alert, stay informed, and work together to help ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
Be Prepared: Practice & Discuss
Research has shown that there is a significant advantage for people who have prepared to react in an emergency as opposed to those who are unprepared. Preparation helps develop a survivalist mind set.
Engage in the "what if's" exercise:
- Visualize potential scenarios and apply these guidelines.
- Discuss emergency plans with coworkers and students, getting everyone on the same
page is vital.
- Practice regularly. Preparation can make a critical difference.
Stay Informed: Register for RAVE Alert
To receive crucial emergency alerts, sign up for the college's RAVE Alert system. Simply log in to myNorthshore, search for "RAVE Alert" in the search bar, click the icon, and follow the prompts to complete your registration.
- Go to MyNorthShore.
- Type "RAVE Alert" into the search bar, follow the prompts to sign up, and stay informed.