Welcome
The likelihood you will ever encounter an active shooter is extremely remote.
Canadian schools are safe places but the possibility of violence exists anywhere in society. We encourage you to think through various emergency scenarios and ask yourself, what would I do in that situation?
When the unthinkable happens, it's essential to be prepared to act just like you would in a fire.
What is an Active Shooter?
An active shooter is a person actively shooting at people, usually at random, in a confined or populated area. In most cases, these people use firearms or other weapons and there is no pattern or method to their actions.
Active shooter events are unpredictable and evolve quickly. It is critical that during the first few minutes before police arrive, people take action to help protect themselves.
How will I know if there is an active shooter?
The message 'Violence Alert! Violence Alert! Get Out, Hide, Defend' will be broadcasted through speakers. The message will be visual on display clocks. Sheridan Alert app users will receive a push notification on their device.
It is possible that you may hear or see violence before the emergency notification system is activated. If safe to do so, call 911 or Security at ext. 4444.
Assess Your Situation
Every second counts in an active shooter incident. Trust your intuition. If it sounds like it could be a gun, react as though it is.
Assess your situation. Consider your options. Take action.
Everyone must scan and assess their situation, and choose whether to leave or hide according to their circumstances. You are responsible for your own course of action and doing what is right for you.
Get Out. Hide. Defend
Getting out is the best option if you can escape safely.
If you hear something that could be gunshots or any violent incident unfolding, and you have a clear path to an exit, don't wait... leave immediately.
Move as quickly as possible. Evacuate whether others agree to or not.
If you can, point out the exit to others around you who aren't familiar with the space.
Get Out. Hide. Defend
If you can't escape the area find a place to hide.
Get behind a lockable door if you can. Barricade the door. Improvise with any object you can to prevent someone from entering. Turn off the lights, hide from view and silence your phone. Be quiet.
Be prepared to stay there until police come to you or you hear the all clear message.
Get Out. Hide. Defend
When you can't get out or hide, your last resort may be to defend yourself. Defending yourself is an option if your life is in imminent danger. It's your decision.
Improvise weapons. Find an object you can use to strike them with, trip them with a chair, throw items or do anything you can to stop them.
Attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Commit to aggressive action. Be ready to fight for your life.
No one will force you to take this step, but you should be aware that it is an option. It is your decision.
Support
While such an event is extremely unlikely, the possibility exists. It's important to prepare. This material could help to save a life.
We understand that this is a difficult and upsetting subject. If you're upset, talk to someone who you trust about your feelings. Students can access counselling through Student Affairs. Employee counselling is available through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
More Information
If you would like more information visit the Security page on the Sheridan website.
Security Speaking:
That is correct.
Take a mental note of exits and hiding places for the spaces where you spend the bulk of your time.
Thinking ahead could make a critical difference in how you react in an emergency when you're under extreme pressure.
Security Speaking:
That is correct.
In an active shooter situation, the best advice is to get out, hide, or defend.
Everyone must assess their situation and surroundings in order to determine the best course of action for their circumstances.
Security Speaking:
That is correct.
It's not practical to have a detailed plan for every situation. But thinking ahead could make a critical difference in how you react in an emergency when you're under extreme pressure.
Take a mental note of exits and hiding places for the spaces where you spend most of your time.
Security Speaking:
Everyone must scan and assess their own situation and choose whether to get out or hide according to their circumstances. You are responsible for your own course of action and doing what is right for you.
It's okay if your response is different from your professor, classmates, manager or coworker. You can encourage those around you to take action and either get out or hide.
If you've chosen to leave, you can point out exits to others as you leave campus if you feel it is safe to do so. If you are hiding, you can invite others to hide with you, provided you feel it is safe to do so.
Security Speaking:
That is correct.
If you are able to do so safely, get out. If you can't, then hide.
Security Speaking:
That is incorrect.
Take a mental note of exits and hiding places for the spaces where you spend the bulk of your time.
Thinking ahead could make a critical difference in how you react in an emergency when you're under extreme pressure.
Security Speaking:
That is incorrect.
In an active shooter situation, the best advice is to get out, hide, or defend.
Everyone must assess their situation and surroundings in order to determine the best course of action for their circumstances.
Security Speaking:
That is incorrect.
It's not practical to have a detailed plan for every situation. But thinking ahead could make a critical difference in how you react in an emergency when you're under extreme pressure.
Take a mental note of exits and hiding places for the spaces where you spend most of your time.
Security Speaking:
Everyone must scan and assess their own situation and choose whether to get out or hide according to their circumstances. You are responsible for your own course of action and doing what is right for you.
It's okay if your response is different from your professor, classmates, manager or coworker. You can encourage those around you to take action and either get out or hide.
If you've chosen to leave, you can point out exits to others as you leave campus if you feel it is safe to do so. If you are hiding, you can invite others to hide with you, provided you feel it is safe to do so.
Security Speaking:
That is incorrect.
If you are able to do so safely, get out. If you can't, then hide.