Emergency Guide - Gunshot/Shot Fired

In the event that you are the victim of, a witness to, or have reason to believe that there has been a shooting incident including any firearm discharge, immediately:

  1. Get away from the suspect. Do not attempt to confront the suspect.  Find a safe location to take refuge.
  2. Call the police at 911 and provide the dispatcher with:
    • Your name
    • Your location
    • Your phone number
    • Details of the situation
  3. When it is safe to do so, provide the STCC Police with a clear description of the suspect/incident:
    • Height and weight
    • Gender
    • Hair color/length and presence of any facial hair
    • Race/complexion
    • Clothing description
    • Approximate age
    • Vehicle type, color and plate (including state)
    • Direction of travel
  4. Follow all instructions of the responding STCC Police officer, Springfield Police officer or MA State Police.

If directed by STCC Police or Springfield Police to "evacuate," take the following steps:

Know the building in advance:

  1. Know the nearest exit.
  2. Know two ways out of the building.
  3. During an extended evacuation, you may be instructed by emergency personnel to report to a designated short-term emergency evacuation center (i.e. Building 2 Theater or Gym, or the College Green).  Members of area Critical Incident Response teams, STCC Police, Springfield Police or a building coordinator will arrive at the center to act as communications liaison.

When you are instructed to evacuate:

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Leave promptly using the nearest exit.
  3. Alert other persons on your way out.
  4. Meet at the designated meeting location if established for the building and account for your personnel.
  5. Take keys and essential personal items.
  6. Evacuation Procedures

If directed by the STCC Police or Springfield Police to "remain in place," take the following steps:

  1. Proceed to or remain in an office, classroom, conference room, or other area with a door.
  2. Lock the door if possible.
  3. Close blinds/curtains if possible.
  4. Stay low, crouch or sit down in areas that are out of sight from doors and windows.
  5. Note the names of all present, including the names of any visitors, so they can be accounted for later.
  6. Turn off the lights and remain quiet and calm
  7. Do not open the door for anyone.  Faculty and staff will be contacted by phone, radio and/or e-mail, or the STCC Police or other designated College personnel and will unlock the door to the room you are in to notify you that the incident is under control and that the emergency has passed.

If the shooter is in the room - as a last resort:

  1. Take action, and only when your life is in imminent danger.
  2. Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter.
  3. Act with physical aggression, yell and throw items at the active shooter.

How to React When Outside Police Personnel Arrive:

  1. Officers might use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation.
  2. Officers might be armed with rifles, handguns or shotguns.
  3. Officers might shout commands and might push individuals to the ground for their safety.
  4. Remain calm and follow officers' instructions.
  5. Put down any items in your hands and immediately raise hands and spread fingers.
  6. Keep hands visible at all times.
  7. Avoid making quick movements toward officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety.
  8. Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP