Active Shooter

Response to Active shooter - Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life.

CONTACTING AUTHORITIES - When you are safe:

  • Call Security or 9-1-1 and be prepared to give the following information concerning the incident:
    • Your exact location (building, floor, room number)
    • Specific location and direction of the assailant(s)
    • Number of assailant(s)
    • Sex, race and age of assailant(s)
    • Clothing color and style
    • Number injured, types of injuries

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 9-1-1 when you are safe

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 9-1-1, 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

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

To contact the Management Office, please call 617-542-2500.

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