Active Threat / Violent Intruder

Report suspicious situations or persons to 911 and/or Public Safety. To prepare for active threats, you should identify rooms near your work area or classrooms that provide the most safety and security. When possible, seek rooms that can be locked, sealed, have no windows, and hardened wall structures. Select a room with clear cell phone reception. (Note: Cell towers may be overwhelmed or damaged during emergencies.)

When in danger, prepare to Run, Hide, or Fight.

RUN: Escape as soon as a threat is apparent.

If you can get out of the building, “GO!”

HIDE: Secure in Place

Selecting a Secure In-Place Location:

  • No windows, or few windows.
  • Reinforced walls (concrete versus drywall). If reinforced walls are not an option, select a room with heavy furniture for slowing access through doors or windows. Push the furniture to block doors, windows, gunfire, or walls facing the threat.
  • TEST DOOR LOCKS: Choose a room where exterior doors and windows can be completely closed and locked.
  • TEST COMMUNICATIONS: Land line, VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone in the room, and cell phone reception. Cell phone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged in an emergency. Test your cell phone at these locations ahead of time.
  • When possible, place emergency kits and supplies in your Secure In-Place location.

Once in the room:

  • Lock all doors.
  • Turn off lights.
  • Close blinds.
  • Barricade doors and walls with furniture.
  • Silence cell phones.
  • Do not congregate in one portion of the room.
  • Avoid areas that can be seen from outside the room.
  • Identify defense mechanisms (fire extinguisher, chairs, scissors, etc.).

FIGHT:

  • Use any object that will serve to stop the intruder. If the doorway cannot be secured, quickly plan with others to stage near the entry. Tackle and pin the intruder when they pass through. Grab the weapon and push it to the ground. Protect yourselves!
  • When the police arrive, verify who they are, follow their instructions, and keep your hands visible.

When it is safe to do so, look for notifications from Dunwoody’s RAVE Emergency Notification System. Do not be distracted by emails, texts, or social media. Stay focused on the moment at hand.

What to Expect from Responding Officers
  • Officers are trained to neutralize the threat first to create a safe environment. If you are hurt, do not expect the officers to help you right away. There will be a second trained group to come in and help the individuals who are hurt.
  • Officers are looking for the threat and may point their weapons at you. Always keep your hands up and open to show you are not the threat.
  • Remain calm and always comply with commands from law enforcement officers.  In a stressful situation, law enforcement will need to focus on the threat.