SD Homeland Security
The South Dakota Office of Homeland Security works to prevent terrorism, enhance security and support response for all-hazards incidents.
Be Prepared for an Active Shooter
An “active shooter” is an individual who is engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined or populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Knowing what to do can save lives.
When an active shooter is in your vicinity, you have three options:
1. RUN
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
- Leave your belongings behind
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
- Help others escape, if possible
- Do not attempt to move the wounded
- Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be
- Keep your hands visible
- Call 911 when you are safe
2. HIDE
- Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
- Lock door or block entry to your hiding place
- Silence your cell phone (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet
3. FIGHT
- Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
- Act with as much physical aggression as possible
- Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter
- Commit to your actions…your life depends on it
Resources for Active Shooter Preparedness
U.S. Department of Homeland Security; be informed, visit Ready.gov
History
The South Dakota Office of Homeland Security was established in 2003. The Office of Homeland Security works with all levels of government as well as public and private agencies to improve security in the state. The Office provides safety and security information, critical infrastructure assessments, assists agencies to develop response plans, administers federal grants, funds training for specialized response teams such as Taskforce 1 and SWAT teams, supports the Fusion Center, and promotes citizen awareness and reporting of suspicious activity.
Resource Library
Homeland Security Documents
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