Active Attackers

Public safety (police) emergency alerts are issued when there is an ongoing, urgent and significant threat to life that is neither isolated nor contained. In Ontario, the OPP issues public safety emergency alerts on behalf of other police services (e.g. Brantford Police Services) within the province. Alerts are issued via the Alert Ready system, which allows provinces and territories to issue emergency alerts through TV, radio and to wireless devices.

If you receive an emergency alert, stop what you are doing and follow the instructions provided. An additional link may also be included in the alert where you can get additional information. Call 911 if you need emergency assistance or if you have information that could help police restore safety. Do not call 9-1-1 for any other reasons.

Check if your cell phone is compatible with the Alert Ready system.

• Always be aware of your environment and any possible dangers. Take note of your two nearest exit points.
• Observe warning signs such as persons exhibiting unusual or violent communications, substance abuse, expressed anger or intent to cause harm.
• If you ‘see something, say something’ to local authorities. That includes suspicious packages, people behaving strangely or someone threatening to harm or kill others or damage property.
• Think of ideal places to hide if you could not escape. Rooms without windows, behind solid doors with locks, under desks, or behind heavy furniture such as large filing cabinets can make good hiding places.
• Establish a “buddy system” with colleagues or friends to help each other in the event of an incident.
• Evacuation routes should be posted in conspicuous locations throughout your school or workplace.
• Place removable floor plans near entrances and exits for emergency responders.
• Train students and employees of what to do in an active attacker incident including:
  • Understanding the difference between a lockdown and a hold-and-secure. Authorities may use these terms when providing instructions to you and they are not interchangeable.
    • A lockdown is a response to a threat of violence within or in relation to the building. Occupants take shelter and remain in place until the situation is resolved.
    • A hold-and-secure is a response to an emergency outside and not related to the building. The building’s occupants lock and monitor all exterior doors, but regular activities may still take place normally. No one can leave the building however until the situation is resolved.
  • Recognizing the sound of gun shots
  • Applying the Run, Hide, Defend survival strategy
  • Calling 911
  • How to react when police arrive
• Foster a culture of respect in your workplace and school. Be aware of indications of workplace violence and bullying taking remedial actions as necessary.
• Ensure counseling services are accessible to students and employees if required.
• Learn first aid skills so you can help others.

• When an active attacker is in your vicinity, you must react immediately. Apply the Run, Hide, Defend survival strategy described below.
  1. Your first reaction should always be to run.
     • Have an escape route in mind
     • Evacuate even if others don’t agree.
     • Leave your belonging behind.
     • Advise others to avoid areas where the attacker might be.
     • Keep you hands visible to all emergency responders.
     • Call 911 (and business security if applicable) when it is safe to do so.
  2. If evacuation is not possible, hide.
     • Find somewhere the attacker is unlikely to find you.
     • Be out of the attacker’s view.
     • Use a room with a lockable door otherwise try to secure it with furniture or wedges.
     • Remove any sources of noise (e.g. phones, tablets, TV, radio, etc.) and turn off the lights.
     • Hide behind large, solid furniture (e.g. cabinets, desks).
     • Cover windows where possible (e.g. blinds, curtains, paper).
     • Create a plan of action with others in the room in case you are discovered.
  3. If evacuation and hiding is not possible, or if you are located by the attacker, defend yourself.
     • Be aggressive as possible against the attacker(s) and commit to your actions.
     • Throw items and use improvised weapons (e.g. chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, and books).
     • Shout, yell, scream.
     • Fight to incapacitate the attacker(s).
• When police respond, their priority will be to pursue the attacker and stop them as quickly as possible. When they arrive:
  • Remain calm and follow instructions.
  • Put down items in your hands that could be mistaken for a weapon.
  • Raise your hands and keep them visible at all times.
  • Avoid making quick movements toward officers, pointing, screaming or yelling.
  • Officers may order you to lay down and/or handcuff you.
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help, questions or directions to escape.
  • Proceed in the direction from which officers entered the area.
• Information that can help police includes:
  • The location of the attacker or their direction of travel.
  • The number of attackers, if there is more than one.
  • A physical description of the attacker.
  • The number and type of weapons being used by the attacker.
  • Potential victims and their location.

• Take care of yourself first and then, if you are able, help the wounded.
• Account for all individuals at designated assembly points to determine who, if anyone, is missing and potentially injured.
• Consider seeking professional help to cope with the long-term effects of trauma.
• Evaluate your emergency plan and restock your emergency kit if used.

• Recognize Suspicious Activity | Homeland Security
• Active Attacker Survival - York Regional Police