Stay Calm. Stay Safe. Stay Prepared.
An active shooter situation is one of the most unpredictable and terrifying emergencies anyone can face. In just minutes, lives can be lost—and how you respond in those first few moments can make all the difference.
At QSSI, we train individuals and organizations to react swiftly, confidently, and smartly under pressure. This article will guide you through what to do before, during, and after an active shooter event—based on guidance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and our own safety training standards.
🔍 What Is an Active Shooter?
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area—usually with firearms. These events often occur in workplaces, schools, hospitals, or public spaces, and they typically unfold quickly—often before law enforcement can arrive.
🧠 The “Run, Hide, Fight” Strategy
Run. Hide. Fight. This is the recommended order of action. Let’s break it down:
1. 🏃 RUN – Escape If You Can
- Have an escape plan in mind—know where the exits are
- Leave your belongings behind
- Encourage others to come with you, but don’t let them slow you down
- Keep your hands visible for responding law enforcement
- Once you’re safe, call 911 and describe the shooter, location, and weapons if known
Key Tip: Distance = safety. The farther you get from the shooter, the better your chance of survival.
2. 🫥 HIDE – If Escape Isn’t Possible
- Find a room with a lockable door, preferably without windows
- Turn off lights, silence phones, stay out of sight
- Lock and block the door with furniture
- Stay quiet and remain still
- Text law enforcement if calling isn’t safe
Key Tip: Think like prey—make it hard to be found and harder to be reached.
3. 🥊 FIGHT – As a Last Resort
If you are confronted directly and can’t run or hide, you may have to fight.
- Commit to aggressive action
- Improvise weapons (fire extinguishers, chairs, tools)
- Disrupt the shooter’s focus
- Act as a group if others are with you—overwhelm the attacker
Key Tip: This is a last resort—only fight if your life is in immediate danger.
👮 What to Expect from Law Enforcement
When officers arrive:
- Their priority is to stop the shooter, not tend to victims
- Remain calm, follow instructions
- Keep your hands raised and fingers spread
- Don’t point, yell, or make sudden movements
- Avoid grabbing officers or asking them for help—wait for medics
📋 After the Incident
- Follow all police instructions
- Don’t leave the area until cleared by authorities
- Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries
- Report anything you saw that may help investigators
- Consider speaking with a counselor—these situations are traumatic
🏢 How to Prepare Your Workplace or Facility
Preparation saves lives. Here’s what every business or organization should have in place:
- A written active shooter response plan
- Regular drills and training sessions
- Clear evacuation maps and escape routes
- A notification system (alarms, texts, PA announcements)
- Employee access to QSSI’s Active Shooter Preparedness Training
✅ Final Thoughts
In an active shooter situation, awareness, training, and quick decision-making are your best defenses. Most active shootings are over in less than 10 minutes—how you respond in those critical first moments can protect your life and the lives of others.
At QSSI, we offer Active Shooter Awareness Training tailored to schools, offices, hospitals, and industrial facilities. Our course helps your team understand threats, react safely, and create an action plan to reduce panic and save lives.
Don’t wait for a tragedy to take action.
Visit https://qssisolutions.com to schedule your workplace training or learn more about our security and emergency preparedness services.
Be prepared. Be empowered. Be safe.