Although active threats are rare, there are a number of preparedness measures you and your department can take which are good practice for any emergency. Learn the best steps to take if an active threat occurs.
Space Self- Assessment
During an emergency, each individual needs to asses their own safety and make decisions about how to respond. The Space Self-Assessment can assist in evaluating what response options may be available to you in the space in which you work on campus.
Run
In most cases, the best option during an emergency is to get out of harm's way by leaving the area.
- Identify ALL the ways you can get from your workspace out of the building.
- Once a week, practice alternative exits in or out of your space.
- Apply this to other spaces you frequent on campus on a regular basis (e.g. meeting spaces, conference rooms, or places you visit for lunch) .
Report Out
In some cases, you may be the first person who notices the incident.
- Notify first responders - 911.
- Identify all the ways you may be able to make emergency notifications (Teams phone, cell phone, wall mounted emergency phones, outdoor phones).
- Notify co-workers. Do you have a team chat or group text you can use to notify others?
Hide
If you cannot get out, you may need to get out of harm's way within your building.
Individual Office Spaces
Does your office door lock?
- If yes, close the door, lock it, turn off the lights, and silence your cell phone.
- If no, consider the following options:
- Is there a nearby location that is lockable that you can safely get to? Identify those locations near you.
- Can you safely move furniture to block your door?
Shared Spaces
- Identify which spaces can be locked or can be block by moving furniture.
- Identify shared spaces that have options where people can hide.
- Identify places you can hide.
Fight
If you find yourself face to face with harm, you may choose to take action to defend yourself.
- Identify objects in your individual workspace that could be used as weapons (e.g. water bottles, laptops, books, fire extinguishers, pens, scissors)
- Identify objects in your shared spaces that could be used as weapons (e.g. fire extinguishers, coffee pots)
Resources
Watch RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. CSU Active Shooter Safety Training© 2017 California State University.
Behavioral Evaluation Threat Assessment - The UO Behavioral Evaluation and Threat Assessment Team (BETA-Team) is dedicated to the early identification, assessment and management of incidents and behaviors that threaten the safety and well-being of the university community.
Training
The Division of Safety and Risk Services offers a number of departmental trainings regarding active threats, both in-person and online.