Emergency Information - Active Shooter Situation

How to respond to an active shooter situation

Run

  • Have a primary and a secondary escape route and plan in mind.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Evacuate the area, even if others don’t agree to follow.
  • Help others escape if you can do so safely.
  • Don’t attempt to move the wounded.
  • Prevent others from entering the area.
  • Keep your hands visible.
  • Call for help: BUPD — 570-389-2211 or 911

Hide

  • Hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view.
  • Try to pick an area that gives you other options of escape, such as a window or second door.
  • Lock the door or block entry to your hiding place.
  • Silence your cell phone (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet.

Fight

  • Fight as a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger.
  • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
  • Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
  • Improvise weapons, or throw items at the active shooter.
  • If you are able to remove the weapon, secure it and separate yourself from it.
  • Commit to your actions — your life depends on it.

The Bloomsburg University Police Department would like to present this video on how to protect yourself during an active shooter situation. Our department strives to protect our community and we want you to be informed and involved.

If you have questions or would like to participate in an in-depth training or have an officer come to speak for an event, contact us at 570-389-2211

Information you should provide to BUPD or 911 operator

  • Location of active shooter and victims
  • Number of shooters
  • Physical description of shooter(s)
  • Number of and type of weapon being used
  • Number of potential victims in location

What to do when help arrives

  • Remain calm and follow officer’s instructions.
  • Immediately raise hands and spread fingers.
  • Keep hands visible at all times.
  • Avoid making quick movements toward officers, or holding onto them for safety.
  • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating — just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering premises.

Please Note: The first officers to arrive on the scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams to follow initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured.

Once you have reached a safe location, you likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

Emergency Numbers

Bloomsburg University Police Department: 570-389-2211

Emergency Line: 911

Emergency Notification System – MyHusky