Armed subject—any person in possession of a gun, knife, or other item used in a dangerous manner.*

If an armed subject is actively or imminently causing death or serious physical injury, the following actions are recommended:

• If you are located in a building and it is possible to exit safely, follow these steps:
• Exit the building as quickly as possible and away from the immediate path of danger.
• Notify anyone you may encounter to exit immediately.
• While exiting, do not run in a straight line. If possible, use walls, furniture, or other objects to block you from the armed subject.
• Once outside, use trees, vehicles, or other objects to obstruct the attacker’s view.
• When you are away from the immediate area of danger, summon help in any way possible and warn others.
• If communication is possible, call Decorah police, 9-911, or Luther Campus Safety and Security, ext. 2111, providing specific information on your location, the number of armed subjects, and names of persons who may be involved and persons with injuries.
• Take protective cover. Stay there until assistance arrives.

If you are located in a building and exiting the building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

• Go to the nearest room or office. Do not stay in an open hallway.
• Do not sound the fire alarm as this may signal occupants to evacuate the building and thereby put them in harm’s way.
• Close and lock the door.
• Turn off the lights.
• Silence your phone including alarms and notifications to avoid detection in the event of a call. Ask others to do the same.
• Barricade yourself in the room with furniture or anything to secure the door.
• Seek protective cover. Stay low to the floor.
• Stay away from windows.
• Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
• Do not answer the door.
• If communication is possible from an on-campus phone, call Decorah police, 9-911, or Luther Campus Safety and Security, ext. 2111, providing specific information on your location, the number of armed subjects and names of persons who may be involved and persons with injuries.
• If using a cell phone, call Decorah police, 911, or Luther Campus Safety and Security, 563-387-2111. It is recommended that you preprogram these numbers into your cell phone.
• Wait for the local police or campus security to assist you out of the building.

If you are located outside a building and it appears that you can get away safely, follow these steps

• Run away from the threat as fast as you can.
• Do not run in a straight line. Use buildings, trees, vehicles, or other objects to block you from view.
• When you are away from the immediate area of danger, summon help in any way possible and warn others.
• If communication is possible, call Decorah police, 9-911, or Luther Campus Safety and Security, ext. 2111, providing specific information on your location, the number of armed subjects, and names of persons who may be involved and persons with injuries.
• Take protective cover. Stay there until assistance arrives.

If you are located outside a building and running away is not a safe option, consider one of the following recommendations:

• Quickly assess the area and find a good place to hide.
• If death or serious physical injury is being caused to others and you are unable to run or hide, you can choose to “play dead” among the victims.
• You can fight back. This is dangerous, but in some situations it may be the only option. Look for objects you might use as a weapon to defend yourself.
• Once the local police or campus security arrives, follow their instructions.