PGCC Active Shooter Guidelines

Responding to an Active Shooter Incident

Follow these steps to ensure your safety during an active shooter incident on campus.

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When Instructed to Stay in Place

• Secure yourself and the immediate area.
• Lock and barricade doors.
• Turn off lights.
• Close all blinds.
• Remain quiet.
• Silence cellphone ringers.
• Keep yourself out of sight and find adequate cover.

When Instructed to Evacuate

• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Leave promptly using the nearest exit.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Keep your hands visible.

As a Last Resort

• If caught in an open area, you may need to fight back.
• Take action, and only when your life is in imminent danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter.
• Act with physical aggression, yell, and throw items at the active shooter.

Reporting an Active Shooter

The following steps explain how to report an active shooter spotted on campus.

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What to Report

• Your specific location—building name and room number.
• Number of shooters.
• Physical description of shooters.
• Number and type of weapons held by shooters.

How to Report

• Dial 0111 or *9-911 from any campus phone when safe to do so.
• Dial 301-546-0111 from any other phone.

Campus phones may be overwhelmed in an emergency; if this happens, immediately dial *9-911.