Active Threat

Although active threats are rare, there are measures you (as an individual) and your department can take to be prepared. The University of Oregon is committed to the Run-Hide-Fight method as the most effective active threat response for our campus community. During an active threat event, each individual needs to assess their own safety and make decisions about how to respond. 

To get started, evaluate what response options may be available to you during an active threat incident.  

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 out of the building.
  • Practice alternative exits.
  • Apply this to other spaces you frequent on campus on a regular basis (e.g. meeting spaces, classrooms, places you visit for lunch, or residence halls) .

Hide

If you cannot leave the area, you may need to hide within your building. 

Individual Spaces 

Does the door lock?

  • If yes, close and lock the door, turn off the lights, and silence your cell phone.
  • If no:
    • 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 collectively or individually hide.

Fight

If you find yourself face to face with harm, you may choose to take action to defend yourself. 

  • Identify objects 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)

Report 

In some cases, you may be the first person who notices the incident. 

  • Call 911 to notify first responders when you are in a safe location.
  • Identify  multiple ways you can contact emergency responders (e.g. 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?

Training

Coming Fall 2026 - The UO Active Threat Training video covers the Run-Hide-Fight method and will be available for everyone in the campus community.

The Division of Safety and Risk Services offers in person and online active threat trainings for departments. Learn more about types of trainings, lead time, prerequisites, and request a training below. 

In-Person or Hybrid Presentation

This lecture-style presentation includes:

  • Review of the Active Threat Training video
  • Discussion of Run-Hide-Fight and other prevention methods.

1-2 months lead time required. 

In person participation is preferred.

Request Presentation
Active Threat Drill and Workshop

This interactive training includes:

  • Customized drill to practice Run-Hide-Fight in your space.
  • Post-drill discussion and workshop on lessons learned.

3-4 months lead time required. 

Completion of in-person or hybrid presentation is a prerequisite.

Request Drill and Workshop

Resources