Active threat

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in shooting people, typically at random, in a confined or populated area. These events are unpredictable, rapidly evolving, and often lack any clear method or pattern. Knowing how to respond can save lives. 

If an active shooter is in your vicinity, whether at UBC or elsewhere, you must be prepared to act immediately. There are three basic response options to protect your personal safety immediately —Run, Hide, Fight. 

For updates during an incident, visit www.ubc.ca.

Run (Get out) 

If you see or hear an armed intruder and it is safe to do so, evacuate the area immediately. 

• Leave belongings behind. 
• Advise others to leave with you. 
• Assist others if you are able. 
• Warn others of the threat. 
• Call police 911, as soon as it is safe to do  

Hide (Hide out) 

If you cannot safely evacuate or are unsure where the shooter is, find shelter immediately. 

• Take shelter if you are inside a classroom or office, stay there. If you are in a corridor, go to the closest room and lock the door if possible. 
• Lock windows and doors. Follow any lockdown procedures posted in the room and await instructions from emergency personnel. 
• Barricade the entry if the door does not lock. Use heavy furniture such as tables and chairs. 
• Close curtains and blinds and turn off lights. 
• Keep quiet. Put your cell phone on silent mode, including the vibrate feature. 
• Hide behind large objects if possible. 
• Stay low and keep away from windows and doors. 
• Remain calm and await further instructions from emergency personnel. 
• Call 911 if safe to do so.  
• If the fire alarm is activated, remain where you are and await further instructions from emergency personnel. 
• Do not open the door for anyone unless they validate their identity as an emergency personnel. 

Fight/Defend (Take out) 

As a last resort, if you cannot run or hide and your life is in immediate danger. 

• Commit to your actions with the goal being to delay, block, or overcome the threat. 
• Work together with others around you. 
• Do what you need to stay alive, including using force to protect yourself. 
• Look for objects that could be used as tools for self-defense (e.g., chairs, fire extinguishers). 

When police arrive 

• Remain calm and follow all instructions. 
• Drop items in your hands (i.e. bags, jackets). 
• Keep hands raised (spread fingers) and visible at all times. 
• Avoid sudden movements toward officers, such as reaching out to them for safety. 
• Do not point, scream or yell. 
• Do not ask questions when evacuating. 

The first officers to arrive on scene are focused on stopping the threat and may not assist the injured. Medical rescue teams will follow once the area is secure. 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. 

Information to 911 operators  

• Your location. 
• Shooter’s location and physical description. 
• Number of shooter(s). 
• Number and type of weapons. 
• Number of potential victims at location.