We strongly encourage you to watch an informational video funded by the Department of Homeland Security and produced by the City of Houston. The video portrays a scenario of an active shoot and contains graphic content. For more information, visit the Active Shooter Safety Guidelines page on the HUPD website.

What is an active shooter:

  • An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically through the use of firearms.

How to decide what to do in an active shooter situation:

  • In an active shooter situation, you should quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. You should:
    • Run if there is an accessible escape path. Attempt to evacuate the premises.
    • Hide if evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.
    • Fight as a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter.
  • Call 911 when it is safe to do so

When law enforcement arrives:

  • Remain calm and follow instructions.
  • Put down any items in your hands such as bags and jackets.
  • Raise hand and spread fingers.
  • Keep hands visible at all times.
  • Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety.
  • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating

Information to provide to law enforcement or 911 operator:

  • Location of the active shooter.
  • Number of shooters.
  • Physical description of shooter(s).
  • Number and type of weapons held by shooter(s).
  • Number of potential victims at the location.