Responding to an Alert

How to respond to an alert from DePauw’s emergency notification system

1. Run, Hide, Fight
• Run  - If a safe path is available, run away
1. Always try to escape, even if others insist on staying
2. Call 911 when safe to do so, and provide as much information as possible 
3. Follow all law enforcement instructions
• Hide - If you can't get out safely, find a place out of sight to hide 
1. When hiding, turn out the lights, lock/barricade doors, and silence your devices
2. The hiding location should be out of the shooter's view
3. Text 911 and provide a short message with essential information
4. Stay in your hiding spot until police or other authorities give you the all clear
• Fight - As a last resort, try to incapacitate the threat 
1. Use this option only if your life is in imminent danger
2. Attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the shooter
3. If possible, use improvised weapons or tools to disarm or distract the shooter
4. Commit to your actions

2. Evacuate
• Locate the closest exits from your position
• Leave the area or building
• Use the stairs – do not take an elevator
• Move a safe distance away 
• If you need assistance or know someone who does, call 911 with the specific location
• After evacuating, wait for further instructions from emergency personnel or the emergency alert system 

3. Stay Clear of the Area
• Do not enter or approach the designated area
• Maintain a safe distance
• Use alternate routes
• Wait for further instructions from emergency personnel or the emergency alert system

4. Shelter in place
• Find a safe area nearby and take shelter
• Seek the lowest level of a building or interior room, or a hallway
• Avoid windows
• Do not leave until you receive further instructions from emergency personnel or the emergency alert system