Avoid, Deny, Defend
PERSONAL SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR
HOSTILE INTRUDER/ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATIONS
A hostile intruder situation can change rapidly.
Thinking through scenarios in advance can help you respond faster. A hostile aggressor could use a gun, a knife, or other means to try to hurt people. Take time to understand your surroundings and environment, then make a plan.
During an active shooter or hostile intruder event, there are three choices you can make:
- Avoid
- Deny
- Defend
The Department of Safety and Security has staff available to teach small group workshops using this model. Call (603) 646-4000 to schedule the training. Watch a scenario using the concepts of Avoid, Deny, Defend:
AVOID
Avoiding the threat starts with your state of mind. Pay attention to your surroundings. Have an exit plan; if the aggressor is inside your building, get out. Move away from the threat as quickly as possible, and tell anyone you may encounter to leave. The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better. Do not try to carry anything with you, keep your hands high and visible to any responding police officers.
DENY
Getting away may difficult or impossible. You may need to create a refuge space in the nearest room or office. Keep distance between you and danger. Lock the door or create barriers. Turn off lights and silence your phone. Stay out of sight by hiding behind large objects. Do not answer the door or respond to voice commands until you are sure they come from a rescuer.
DEFEND
You have the right to protect yourself. If you cannot Avoid or Deny, be prepared to DEFEND yourself. If the offender is about to enter to your space, call 911. If you can't speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen to what's taking place. If you must fight, be aggressive and committed to winning. Do not fight "fairly"; this is about survival. Develop a plan of attack with others in the room, using whatever items are in the room as weapons.
When police arrive, they will pass any injured people and go to the area where gunshots were last heard. Keep your hands visible to officers. Tell them where the aggressor is, if you know. Stay where authorities tell you to go, until released. You will be a witness in a crime scene.
WANT TO PREPARE FOR OTHER EMERGENCIES?
Check out our Safety Tips for additional information on how to keep yourself and the Dartmouth community safe.