An active threat is defined as one or more persons who seek to inflict death or grievous bodily harm in a target-rich environment. Active threats generally involve guns, but can also include vehicles, blunt instruments, knives, or other sharp objects. An active threat usually lasts only a few minutes and comes to a conclusion when the individual is stopped by law enforcement or by injuring themselves.
Active threats are rare on Canadian campuses, but since they are dynamic and unpredictable, it is best to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
What to do in an active threat emergency:
Run: exit the area by the safest means possible
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Tell others to leave as you are leaving.
- Assist others if you can and warn them of the threat.
- Call 911 and campus security when it is safe to do so.
Hide: lockdown and hide if you cannot evacuate safely
- Lock the doors or barricade the doors with furniture.
- Close curtains and blinds and block visibility through windows.
- Turn off the lights.
- Stay low and keep away from entry points.
- Put your cell phone on silent mode and keep quiet.
- Prepare yourself for a possible confrontation.
- Remain calm and wait for additional instructions from police.
- Do not open the door for anyone — emergency personnel will have keys and identify themselves upon entry.
Fight: if your life is in imminent danger
- If you cannot run or hide, as a last resort, attempt to overcome the attacker with force if your life is in imminent danger.
- Look for objects that you can use to arm yourself in self-defence.
- Commit to the fight and use the force necessary to protect yourself.
- Work with the people around you.
When police arrive
Police are trained to neutralize the threat. They will first secure the campus and then work with UFV's security team to assist others once the threat has been neutralized. Officers will identify themselves as they approach barricaded rooms. When police arrive:
- Keep your hands raised and empty.
- Do not run to emergency responders or police unless directed to do so.
- Remain calm and follow instructions.
- Remain available when directed to do so for questions.