Violent Intruder Protocol

Background

Run–Hide–Fight is a personal safety framework for responding to an active threat when law enforcement is not immediately available. It is not an order, but a decision-making process that prioritizes the preservation of life and allows individuals to determine the appropriate response based on their circumstances.

Emergency notifications and instructions may be issued by Campus Safety, emergency personnel, or other authorized members of the HMC community. Because each building on campus is unique, individuals may receive notifications to lockdown through a variety of communication channels, including Mudd Alert, the HMC Exterior Broadcast System, email, and other official campus communications.

In any emergency, remain aware of your surroundings, monitor official notifications and updates, and quickly determine the most reasonable action to protect your life based on the circumstances. Report any suspicious or unusual activity to Campus Safety at 909.607.2000 and/or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

RUN

Safely leave the area if you can do so without increasing risk:

● Evacuate in a direction away from a violent intruder.
● Evacuate whether or not others agree to follow.
● Leave personal belongings behind.
● Keep your hands visible and empty.
● Follow all instructions from emergency personnel.

HIDE

If you cannot escape safely, secure yourself and remain out of sight.
Take the following actions, as circumstances allow:

● Lock and barricade the door. Use furniture to prevent or delay entry.
● Seek cover behind large, substantial objects that may provide protection.
● Turn off lights and close curtains, blinds, or other window coverings.
● Stay low to the ground. If others are with you, spread out within the space.
● Remain as quiet as possible. Silence any source of noise.
● Monitor emergency notifications from Campus Safety, Mudd Alert, and all official campus channels.

FIGHT

As a last resort, and only if your life is in imminent danger, take action to stop or disrupt the violent intruder:

● Yell and throw objects to distract/stop the intruder.
● Use available objects or the environment to create distance from the threat.
● Work together with others, if possible.
● Continue these steps until you can safely escape the threat.
● When safe, move away and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

These are guidelines and are not all inclusive, however they can increase your changes of surviving a violent intruder incident.

Following a violent intruder event, wait for official release via Campus Safety, Mudd Alert, exterior broadcast announcement, email, and other official campus communication channels before leaving your sheltered area. It may take several hours before a release is possible.

Additional information regarding emergency procedures on campus can be found at the HMC Emergency Procedures section.