When an active shooter is in your vicinity, you must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with the situation. You have three options:
-
Run
- Have an escape route and plan in mind.
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Evacuate, regardless of whether others agree to follow.
- Help others escape, if possible.
- Do not attempt to move the wounded.
- Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Call 911 when you are safe.
-
Hide
- Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view.
- Lock the door or block the 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 immobilize the shooter.
- Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
- Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter.
- Commit to your actions – your life depends on it.
WVU Alert
In the event of an active shooter situation, WVU will send WVU Alert text and email messages and display emergency details on campus InfoStations (digital signage).
Sign up for WVU Alert text messages(all incoming students are automatically enrolled)
Follow
@WVUsafety on X and turn on post notifications to get the most up-to-date
information during crisis situations.
Training
Active shooter training is available to students, faculty and staff:
Instructor-led active shooter training session
- Request in-person training
- You also may request a training by contacting University Police at 304-293-COPS (2677).
Additional Resources
Active shooter quick reference card (PDF)
LiveSafe App