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Active Shooter

In San Joaquin County, we are committed to keeping our communities safe and informed. Taking a few simple steps now can make a critical difference in how you respond when every second counts. This page provides information on what to do if you ever find yourself in an active shooter situation, how to recognize early warning signs of potential violence, and what to expect after an incident occurs.

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.

Community members should stay alert and take time to prepare. Awareness, readiness, and quick action can make all the difference in an emergency. During an active shooter event, remember the key steps that can protect your life and the lives of others. 

Learn more about the Run, Hide, Fight and how to stay prepared during an active shooter situation. To report a threat, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or report online at www.tips.fbi.gov. 

Download the Active Shooter Event Quick Reference Guide.

RUN

  • Always know where the nearest exits are.
  • If you can safely get out, leave right away. Getting away from the shooter is the most important thing.
  • Leave your belongings behind and focus on getting to safety.
  • If you can, help others escape, but don’t wait for anyone! Go even if others stay behind.
  • Try to warn people and stop them from entering the area where the shooter might be.
  • Once you are safe, call 911. Give as much information as you can, like what the shooter looks like, where they are, and what kind of weapons they have.

HIDE

  • If you cannot safely run from an active shooter, your next step is to find a secure place to hide.
  • Choose a location that is out of the shooter’s view and provides protection if shots are fired in your direction.
  • Once inside, lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off the lights.
  • Silence your phone and any other electronic devices, making sure they will not vibrate or make noise.
  • Try to communicate with law enforcement silently if possible, using text messages, social media, or a visible sign to indicate your location.
  • Remain in your hiding place and stay as quiet as possible until police give the official all-clear. Your goal is to stay safe, out of sight, and protected until help arrives.

FIGHT

  • Only as a last resort, when you cannot run or hide and your life is in immediate danger, act quickly and decisively to stop the threat.
  • Commit to your actions and be as aggressive as needed to distract, disarm, or incapacitate the attacker.
  • Use whatever is at hand as improvised tools chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, or similar items and, if possible, work with others to overwhelm the attacker.
  • Throw items or create a diversion to break the attacker s focus and create an opportunity to escape or gain control.
  • Be aware that your actions may cause serious harm, but do what is necessary to protect life.
  • Once you are safe, move to a secure location and call 911.

What to Do Once the Threat is Gone

  • Keep your hands visible and empty.
  • Know that law enforcement’s first task is to end the incident, and they may have to get injured along the way.
  • Officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns, and/or handguns and may use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation.
  • Officers will shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.
  • Follow law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they come from, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Take care of yourself first, and then you may be able to help the wounded before the first responders arrive.
  • If the injured are in immediate danger, help get them to safety.
  • While you wait for first responders to arrive, provide first aid. Apply direct pressure to wounded areas and use tourniquets if you have been trained to do so.
  • Turn wounded people onto their sides if they are unconscious and keep them warm.
  • Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term effects of the trauma