Active Shooter/Violent Intruder
If facing an active shooter/violent intruder situation, use the below recommendations to guide your response decisions.
RUN – when an active shooter/violent intruder is nearby:
- Immediately evacuate if there is a safe escape path
- Evacuate yourself whether others around you agree to evacuate or not
- Leave your belongings behind
- When you are safe, call MIT Police (x100 or 617-253-1212) to report the attacker
HIDE – if you are not in immediate danger or evacuation is not possible, find a safe place to hide:
- Lock and/or barricade all door(s) and entrances
- Turn off lights and lower window shades
- Silence your cell phone and other electronics
- Hide behind large, thick objects
- Remain silent
Your hiding place should:
- Be out of the attacker’s view
- Provide protection from gun shots or weapons
- Not trap or restrict your options for movement
FIGHT – as a last resort and only if your life is in immediate danger:
- Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter / violent intruder
- Act with physical aggression
- Use improvised weapons
- Work together with others
- Commit to your actions
- Don’t pick up the active shooter / violent intruder’s weapon
Information You Should Provide to the Emergency Dispatcher:
- Your exact location
- Location of the active shooter / violent intruder
- Number of attackers, if more than one
- Physical description of attacker(s)
- Number and type of weapons held by the attacker(s)
How to React When Law Enforcement Arrives:
- Remain calm, and follow officers’ instructions
- Raise hands and spread fingers
- Keep hands visible at all times
- Avoid making quick movements toward officers
- Do not stop to ask officers for help
Prevention and Preparedness
The Institute has numerous measures in place that are designed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to an active shooter / violent intruder incident:
Ways to Report Concerning Behavior:
- MIT Police (x100 or 617-253-1212)
- Human Resources
- Division of Student Life (DSL)
- Supervisor/Manager/Director
Prevention:
- Behavioral Assessment and Response Team (BART)
- Mental Health Resources: