In the Event of an Active Shooter On Campus: Campus-wide Safety Alert

The Chancellor’s Office may initiate the emergency signal alternate steady tone with pre-recorded message "A shooting incident has occurred on campus.  Be aware of your surroundings. Find shelter and lock down immediately.  Follow instructions from police and university personnel. Check USC Aiken emergency website for information."  Concurrently a text message with the same instructions may be sent. The emergency website will be continuously updated by the Chancellor’s Office.

If the shooter is outside your building:

Turn off all the lights, close blinds, close and lock all windows and doors. If you cannot lock the door, try to barricade the door with desks and chairs (lock down condition directed through emergency notification and web page/phone tree to building emergency coordinators BECs).

1. If you can do so safely, BECs and faculty get all occupants on the floor and out of the line of fire.
2. If you can do so safely, move to the core area of the building and remain there until the police tell you it is safe to leave.
3. Keep quiet and out of sight, seek the safest spot in the room.  Hide behind concrete wall or a heavy object.
4. Do not respond to anyone who knocks on the door, and keep it locked, unless you are certain it is a police officer or campus administrator known to you.
5. Notify the officer or administrator about how many are in the room and if anyone is wounded.

If the shooter is inside your building:

If it is possible to escape the area safely and avoid danger, do so by the nearest exit or window. Leave books, backpacks, purses, etc. in the room.

1. As you exit the building, keep your hands above your head and listen for instructions that may be given by police officers. If an officer points a firearm at you, make no movement that may cause the officer to mistake your actions for a threat. Try to stay calm.
2. If you get out of the building and do not see a police officer, attempt to call the police by dialing 911 or 6111 from any campus phone or use a campus Emergency Blue Light Phone if available and safe. Tell the dispatcher your name and location and follow their instructions.
3. If you are unable to escape the building, move out of the hallway and into an office or classroom and try to lock the door. If the door will not lock, try barricading the door with desks and chairs. Lie on the floor and/or under a desk and remain silent. Wait for the police to come and find you.

If the shooter enters your office or classroom:

There is no set procedure in this situation. If possible call 911 and talk with a police dispatcher. If you cannot speak, leave the phone line open so the police can hear what is going on.

1. Use common sense. If you are hiding and flight is impossible, attempts to negotiate with the suspect may be successful. Playing dead may also be a consideration.
2. Attempting to overcome the suspect with force is a last resort that should only be considered in the most extreme circumstances. Only you can decide if this is something you should do. Remember there may be more than one shooter.
3. If the shooter exits your area and you are able to escape, leave the area immediately. Do not touch anything in the area and remember to be alert for responding police officers who may mistake you as the shooter.
4. While escaping, as soon as you see a police officer, put your hands over your head and immediately comply with the officers instructions.
5. While others are securing your place of refuge: BEC, faculty or other designated person call 911 or 6111 and provide police with critical information as follows:
   1. Your building and your location, in that building
   2. The number of assailants involved and description (race, gender, height, weight, clothing)
   3. Types of weapons being used (handgun, shotgun, rifle etc.)
   4. Number of people in your location, number injured and severity of injuries
   5. Comfort the injured and if able, provide first aid.

Learn more about Active Shooter Preparedness