Active Shooter Situations
Campus Safety is committed to the safety of all members of the NHTI campus community. The following information can enhance knowledge on how to react in a active shooter situation.
Active Shooter Preparedness
A situation involving a hostile intruder can change rapidly. In addition to being aware of surroundings and escape routes, individuals should think about how they will react to a particular situation in advance. This will help them act more quickly and efficiently should an event occur.
‘What If’ Thinking
Running through different scenarios can help individuals respond faster. They should take the time to understand their surroundings and environment, then make a plan. Each environment may have a different plan for response.
Run. Hide. Fight.
During an active shooter or hostile intruder event, there are 3 choices an individual can make:
- Run: If possible, individuals can run to an exit and get to a safe location. If a safe exit is available, they should take it immediately and encourage others to come with them, but should not get slowed down. Once they have made it to a safe location and are no longer in danger, they should call 911.
- Hide: If a safe escape is not possible, individuals can hide until help arrives or a safe exit is available. They should close, lock, and barricade doors and windows, turn off lights, hide behind something thick, and silence cell phones. The goal is to stay out of sight and prevent the shooter from reaching them. They should make sure to spread out and not be in a group while hiding; this will make it harder for the intruder should they gain access to the individual’s location to harm everyone and could create an exit at the same time. Barricades also distract the shooter, allowing more time for responders. Individuals should not answer the door or respond to voice commands until they are sure these commands are coming from police or other legitimate responders.
- Fight: As a last resort – and only if their life is in danger – individuals may choose to fight. They should be aggressive, use improvised weapons (fire extinguishers, scissors, hot coffee, glass items, or anything else available), and commit to their actions. They should fight as a group, if possible. This action distracts the shooter and allows time and opportunity for police to act.
Classroom Safety and Emergency Protocols
NHTI values the safety of is community members and guests. To report suspicious activity or if individuals are need of assistance, they should contact Campus Safety Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at 603-230-4042; after hours and on weekends, they an call the Emergency Line at 603-224-3287. If it is an emergency that requires police, fire, or medical response, contact 911 first, then contact Campus Safety.
Emergency information will be provided to the college community via email, phone, and text through the NHTI Alerts program RAVE. Individuals should ensure their information is current in RAVE by going to https://www.getrave.com/login/nhti.
Campus Safety provides its Annual Security Report and information on Campus Policies, Emergency Response, and Crime Prevention at https://www.nhti.edu/departments/campus-safety/
To aid in emergency response situations, all NHTI classrooms and offices have fire evacuation plans posted by the door and emergency cards at teacher stations. Emergency cards contain emergency response information along with first aid box/AED locations throughout campus. Individuals should familiarize themselves with these items. Questions or concerns can be directed to Campus Safety at NHTIcampussafety@ccsnh.edu.
