Although active assailant incidents are rare, they are often unpredictable and evolve rapidly. Being prepared before an emergency occurs can help save lives.
Situational awareness is your first line of defense. Become familiar with your surroundings, know the locations of exits, and think about how you would respond if an emergency occurred. Developing a survival mindset before an incident happens allows you to react more quickly under stress.
If You Encounter an Active Assailant
When an active assailant is in your immediate area, remember these three response options:
Run • Hide • Fight
RUN
If you can safely escape, evacuate immediately.
- Leave the area immediately.
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
- Leave personal belongings behind.
- Help others escape, if possible.
- Prevent others from entering the danger area.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Move well away from the building before stopping.
- Call 911 when it is safe.
HIDE
If the assailant is too close to safely run, find a place to hide.
- Lock and barricade doors using heavy furniture if possible.
- Turn off lights and close blinds if available.
- Stay low and out of sight. Try to get behind a large solid object for cover.
- Silence phones and other electronics; be as quiet as possible.
- Do not respond to knocks, voices, or alarms unless you confirm it is safe to evacuate or law enforcement directs you to do so.
- Prepare a plan in case the assailant enters the room.
FIGHT
If your life is in immediate danger and escape or hiding is no longer possible. Once started, mentally commit to the offensive attack.
- Act decisively and aggressively.
- Work together with others if possible.
- Use available objects as improvised defensive tools (chairs, blocks, books, electronics, fire extinguisher, etc.).
- Throw objects to distract the attacker.
- Focus on stopping the assailant until you can safely escape or law enforcement arrives.
Call 911 When It Is Safe
Provide as much information as possible, including:
- Your name and current location.
- Building name, floor, and room number.
- Number of assailants and their location.
- Physical description of the assailant(s).
- Type of weapon(s), if known.
- Number and location of injured people.
- Any additional information that may assist responding law enforcement.
Do not assume someone else has already called 911.
When Law Enforcement Arrives
The priority of responding officers is to stop the threat. They may move quickly past injured people until the scene is secure.
- Remain calm and follow commands.
- Keep your hands empty, raised, and visible at all times.
- Leave personal items where they are unless instructed otherwise.
- Continue to move in the direction you are directed.
- Provide suspect information if requested.
Report Suspicious Activity
If You See Something, Say Something
If you observe suspicious or threatening behavior, report it immediately.
- 911
- Department of Public Safety 813.253.7911
If you see something that does not seem right, report it. Early reporting can prevent violence and protect our campus community.
Speak Up Reporting Form can be used for any behaviors of concern involving Hillsborough College students, faculty, or staff, whether the behavior occurred inside or outside the classroom. There may be a delay in viewing these concerns.
Additional Resources
The content of this video includes a fictional scenario that suggests violence, which may be personally disturbing to some.
- FBI RUN*HIDE*FIGHT VIDEO Produced by the FBI, this video shows patrons at a bar reacting to an active shooter incident. By employing the Run, Hide, Fight principles and knowing the basics of applying Stop the Bleed techniques, individuals are prepared, empowered, and able to survive an attack.
- Active Shooter Safety Resources — FBI This FBI page provides educational resources, videos, and preparedness materials to help individuals recognize warning signs, understand response options, and prepare for an active assailant incident.
- Active Attacker - Response and Prevention - University of Michigan This award-winning video produced by the University of Michigan covers the Run, Hide, Fight principles and reinforces the importance of the “If You See Something, Say Something” concept.
- Evan Video This 2.5-minute video produced by the Sandy Hook Promise — Preventing Gun Violence details how to recognize the signs of a potential active assailant.
- Department of Homeland Security CISA Preparedness This Homeland Security page aims to enhance active assailant preparedness through a “whole community” approach.
Training to Survive an Active Assailant
Hillsborough College encourages all students, faculty, and staff to participate in Active Assailant Response Training. This training provides practical information on how to recognize potential threats and respond during an active assailant incident. Training is available through the Department of Public Safety at each campus. Students, faculty, and staff interested in scheduling or participating in training should contact Public Safety at 813.253.7911 for additional information.