The Department of Homeland Security defines an active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.”

These incidents happen quickly and are usually over within 10 to 15 minutes. Everyone must be prepared to react quickly to an active shooter situation.

Active Shooter Preparedness

AVOID - DENY - DEFEND

• AVOID: Pay attention to your surroundings. Have an exit plan. Move away from the source of the threat as quickly as possible. The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better. Call 713-743-3333 to reach UH Police directly, or dial 911.
• DENY: Keep distance between you and the source. Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you. Turn the lights off. Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects and silencing your phone.
• DEFEND: If you cannot Avoid or Deny be prepared to Defend yourself. Be aggressive and committed to your actions. Do not fight fairly; this is about survival.