Guidelines for a Shooting Incident on Campus
Suggested Response by Students/Faculty/Staff/Visitors
In the unlikely event of an active shooter at a Fordham campus or building; remember:
Calls to Safety and Security and 911 should state, if known:
When Law Enforcement Officers Arrive on the Scene:
These guidelines are adapted from a variety of sources, including the New York City Police Department and federal law enforcement agencies.
The following videos are available for you to view:
Surviving an Active Shooter Event
Shots Fired on Campus
Suggested Response by Students/Faculty/Staff/Visitors
In the unlikely event of an active shooter at a Fordham campus or building; remember:
- Evacuate, if possible to do so safely
- Hide, if unable to safely evacuate
- Take Action, if unable to evacuate or hide
- Know the exits nearest to your location in every building in which you study, teach, or work. Leave your belongings behind and keep your hands visible.
- Hide in a secure area in which you can lock the door or blockade the door with heavy furniture; cover any windows; turn off all lights; silence electronic devices; lie on the floor; and remain silent. Call (718) 817-2222 and/or 911 when it is safe to do so.
- If your life is in imminent danger and you cannot evacuate or hide, as a last resort you should attempt to incapacitate the shooter as aggressively as possible. Actions might include throwing heavy objects at the shooter; rushing the shooter as a group; or striking the shooter with any hard object at hand.
Calls to Safety and Security and 911 should state, if known:
- The location of the shooter(s)
- The number of shooters
- The types of weapon(s) the shooter has
- The number of victims at the location
- A description of the shooter(s), including gender, race, distinguishing features, clothing or identity
When Law Enforcement Officers Arrive on the Scene:
- Remain calm and follow directions
- Immediately raise hands and spread fingers
- Avoid quick movements towards officers
- Avoid pointing, screaming, and yelling
- Don't stop officers but proceed in direction from which officers are entering premises when evacuating.
These guidelines are adapted from a variety of sources, including the New York City Police Department and federal law enforcement agencies.
The following videos are available for you to view:
Surviving an Active Shooter Event
Shots Fired on Campus



