When you are safe, and not before, call 9-1-1. If you are hiding, you should not call 9-1-1. Any noise could draw the shooter to you.
When the emergency dispatcher picks up the phone, it is important that you provide the following information:
- Your name
- Address and location in the building
- Active shooter's description
- Active shooter's location in the building, if known
- The number and types of weapons
- The number of potential victims at the location
- Your phone number
Here is an example of a proper response to the 9-1-1 dispatcher:
"My name is John Smith, and there is an active shooter in the building. I am at 123 Main Street, room 301. The active shooter is in the West Wing. He's male, about 6 feet, and wearing a grey hoodie. He also has a black backpack. He is holding two handguns. There are roughly 200 people in the building. My call back number is 870-888-888."
