Active shooter on the loose - What do you do?

  • Published
  • By Maj. James Masoner
  • 17th Security Forces Squadron Commander
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Police will move in quickly, but the actions you take may save your life and the lives of others around you.

In the event of an active shooter situation, the base will sound the alarm using the Giant Voice system and with popup messages on your computer.

When you get the alarm, what should you do?
  • Get in a secure room or area as quickly as possible. If possible, lock the door behind you.
  • Don't gather belongings and don't stop to help injured people because you might be next.
  • Communicate the situation to others as you move.
  • Stay away from doors and windows.
  • Barricade doors with whatever is available.
  • Call Security Forces if you have pertinent information. Limit other phone calls so systems don't crash; this happens in almost every tragedy.
  • Do not respond to fire alarms unless you feel, see or smell a fire.
  • If the opportunity presents itself, such as the gunman reloading or not looking, use force to overpower the subject, but do not seek the gunman out.
  • If you are in a secure location, do not move around. Wait until mass notification or Security Forces announcement clear movement.
  • When Security Forces enter the building, do not make any quick moves that might confuse them with the suspect. Stay calm, keep your hands in the air and follow their instructions. Provide them with any information you may have that may help them locate the shooter.
Once the situation is terminated, announcements will be made with the Giant Voice system, popup computer messages and by word of mouth. At that time, take accountability of all personnel. Look for injured personnel and anything that might cause harm to personnel. Remember, the shooter may have placed explosive devices around the area. Immediately notify Security Forces if anything is found.

There are many lessons learned from previous active shooter situations such as telephone and cell phone lines quickly become overloaded and hindered law enforcement and medical response. Some people fled to places that could not be locked down and some called or texted the situation to media outlets which further complicated the situation for Security Forces and base agencies. The most important lesson learned was that preparing now will save lives when it happens.