Every situation is different and the threatened individual will have to rely on his/her best judgment as to the best course of action, given the unique situation. Your own safety and the safety of others are the top priority. General guidelines include:

Observed or Terroristic Situation:

1. If you hear gunshots or witness an armed person, isolate yourself and others from the suspect. Close, lock and barricade doors, close curtains, lie on the floor. If in an open space, hide to the maximum extent possible.
2. Call 911 if it is safe to do so. Provide as much detail as you know. Follow police instructions. Do not expose yourself or others until notified by police that danger has passed.
3. Call 6099 at Willmar or
   Call 8555 at Hutchinson during normal business hours for campus assistance if it is safe to do so. Provide as much detail as you know.
4. Notify others on campus through telephone or email of what you know – Do not speculate – and what action you have taken, if it is safe to do so.

Hostage or Armed Confrontation:

1. Remain as calm as possible. Be cooperative and patient.
2. Offer to listen. Don’t judge or argue with perceptions. Treat each concern as important and valid. A person in crisis may only respond favorably to someone who is willing to listen, calm, respectful, and non-threatening.
3. Maintain polite, non-challenging eye contact. Keep gestures and body language open and non-threatening. Use a low, soft voice. Tell the person before you make any moves.
4. Be Truthful – to lose credibility can be catastrophic. Assure the person you will do everything you can to resolve his/her grievances in a fair manner, but do not make promises that have no likelihood of being kept.
5. Ask the aggrieved party to suggest a solution. A person in crisis will be more accepting of a solution that he/she has helped formulate.
6. Always look for a win-win outcome . Retaining dignity (saving face) is paramount to the person in crisis.

Be observant. Note as much as possible about the aggressor, including type and number of weapons, state of mind, what was said. Pay attention to details about the space you are in. If you are released or decide you must escape, this information will be needed by the police to ensure the safety of others.

Advanced Planning  |  Campus Chain of Command  |  Medical Emergencies
Threats or Violence  |  Severe Weather  |  Tornado  |  Fire or Explosion  | Bomb Threat
 Hazardous Material  |  Suspicious Package  |  Civil Disturbances  |  Building Evacuation  |  Emergency Closure  |  Power Outage