Run, hide, fight guidelines

In the event of an active threat, the safest response will vary depending on the circumstances. There are three major choices: Run, Hide, Fight. 

Read on to learn about each option and how to determine what to do in a worst-case scenario.

Run

When an active threat is nearby:

• Immediately evacuate if there is a safe escape path
• Exit the area whether others around you agree to evacuate or not
• Leave your belongings behind

When you’re safe, call 911 and, if possible, Broad Security (617-714-7777 or x7777) to report the threat.

Hide

If you’re not in immediate danger, or evacuation is not possible:

• Lock or barricade all doors and entrances
• Turn off the lights and lower the window shades
• Silence your cell phone and other electronics
• Hide behind large, thick objects
• Be quiet

Your hiding place should:

• Be hidden from the assailant’s view
• Provide protection from gun shots or weapons
• Not trap or restrict your options for movement

NOTE: Fire alarms during an active threat event:

If a fire alarm sounds while an active threat event is in progress, do not evacuate the building and do not move from your safe location. This may be an assailant’s tactic to get you out into the open. There are two exceptions to this rule:

• You are instructed to evacuate the building by verified law enforcement personnel or via Broad Alert
• There is a real fire, and you see visible smoke or flames

Fight

As a last resort and only if your life is in immediate danger:

• Attempt to incapacitate the active threat
• Act with physical aggression
• Use improvised weapons
• Work together with others
• Commit to your actions
• Don’t pick up the active threat’s weapon

Information to Provide to the Emergency Dispatcher

• Your exact location
• Location of the active threats
• Number of attackers, if more than one
• Physical description of the assailant(s)
• Number and type of weapons held by the assailant(s)

How to React When Law Enforcement Arrives:

• Remain calm, and follow officers’ instructions
• Raise hands and spread fingers
• Keep hands visible at all times
• Avoid making quick movements toward officers
• Do not stop to ask officers for help, their first priority is to neutralize the threat

Prevention and Preparedness

Broad has numerous measures in place that are designed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to an active threat incident.

Report a concerning behavior

• Broad Security (617-714-7777 or x7777)
• Human Resources
• You supervisor/manager/director
• BroadLife

Active Threat Education

The Broad Institute has adopted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Run. Hide. Fight.” program for responding to an encounter with an active threat. This video, created by the City of Houston and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, outlines the "Run, Hide, Fight" approach and covers the three basic options for response.