Active Shooter

It is an unfortunate reality that we must even consider this possibility.  Pre-planning for such an incident will be your best chance for surviving an active shooter incident.  Know your escape routes, know how you will respond, and be prepared to "flip the switch" from being the prey to becoming the predator. 

The guidelines below are based on the best available information.  The Otterbein College Security Department strongly urges each of you to familiarize yourselves with each scenario and the options provided. 

Active Shooter Power Point Presentation

Ask yourself: "What would I do..."

When there is an active shooter incident...

...and you can evacuate the building:

• TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!
• If you can evacuate, DO IT!
• Run away from the building as quickly as possible.
• Call 911.
• Gather at the Campus Center (100 West Home Street) or another safe location as determined by the Otterbein College Security Department and law enforcement.

When there is an active shooter incident...

...and you are unable to evacuate the building AND your door opens to the inside of the room:

• TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! 
• Take shelter in the nearest office, room, or closet.
• Lock and barricade the door with anything you have available (desks, chairs, etc.)
• Tie down the door, if possible, by using a belt attached to the door handle.
• Cover any windows that may be in the doors.
• Look for alternate escape routes (windows, additional doors in the area you are sheltered in, etc.).
• Call 911.
• Set your cell phone to vibrate or silent.
• Stay low to the ground and remain as quiet as possible.
• Breathe to manage your fear - focus your mind.
• DO NOT answer the door for anyone.  The Otterbein College Security Department and law enforcement will enter the room after the incident is over.
• You may have to take the offensive if the shooter(s) enter your area.  Gather weapons (pens, pencils, books, chairs, etc.) and mentally prepare your attack.
• Position yourself in the room in a location that will allow for the element of surprise if the shooter(s) enters.

When there is an active shooter incident...

...and you are unable to evacuate the building AND the door opens to the hallway (outside the room):

• TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! 
• Close and lock the door, if possible.
• Barricade the door with anything possible (desks, chairs, bags, etc.).
• Tie down the door, if possible, by using a belt attached to the door handle.
• Cover any windows that may be in the doors.
• Look for alternate escape routes (windows, additional doors in the area you are sheltered in, etc.)
• Call 911.
• Set your cell phone to vibrate or silent.
• Breathe to manage your fear - focus your mind.
• Position yourself in the room in a location that will allow for the element of surprise if the shooter(s) enters.
• Plan to survive:
  • Obtain weapons and attack as the suspect(s) enter your area
  • Play dead

When there is an active shooter incident...

...and you must evacuate the area where a shooter(s) is active:

• TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!
• Run Option:
  • Run in a zig-zag pattern
  • Cover your head with a bag, books, or other items that would offer some level of protection
  • Do not stop running until you are well clear of the building
• Window Option:
  • Consider if a fall from the window kill you
  • Break the window, if necessary
  • Make an improvised rope out of clothing, belts, or any other item that can be used to limit the distance you will fall.
  • Hang by your hands from the window ledge
  • Attempt to fall into shrubs, mulch, or grass to decrease the potential for injury
• Gather at the Campus Center (100 West Home Street) or another safe location as determined by the Otterbein College Security Department and law enforcement.

When there is an active shooter incident...

...and you cannot escape, but a shooter(s) is in your room:

• TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!
• Options:
  • Run
  • Fight
    • Throw anything available at the shooter(s), aiming at the face to distract his/her aim 
    • Attack in a group (swarm) 
    • Use all available weapons to attack and secure the shooter(s) - anything can be a weapon
    • Grab the shooter's extremities (arms, legs, head) and take him/her to the ground using body weight to secure him/her.
    • "Fight dirty" to survive - bite, kick, gouge eyes, etc.
    • Continue to fight until the shooter(s) is no longer a threat
  • Play dead

When there is an active shooter incident...

...and you have incapacitated the shooter(s):

• Call 911 and advise law enforcement the shooter(s) is down.
• Provide your location and stay on the line, if possible.
• Secure the suspect (belts, body weight, etc.).
• Move any weapons away from the shooter, but DO NOT HOLD A WEAPON.
• DO NOT RUN from the room.  Help will be there very soon.
• RAISE YOUR HANDS and DROP TO YOUR KNEES.  Do not appear threatening to responding law enforcement officers.
• Provide first aid to others in the room, as needed.