An Active Threat is an event in which one or more people are actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. An active threat encompasses more than just an active shooter. Active threats can involve knives or other non-conventional weapons. However, active shooter events are particularly dangerous and the guidance for these events are similar for others.
The Lehigh University Police Department has adopted the Avoid/Deny/Defend model of response to an active threat incident. This model is similar to the traditional Run/Hide/Fight method. Each aspect of the Avoid/Deny/Defend Model is outlined below. Please note that the Avoid/Deny/Defend action steps may not always occur in this order, so memorizing them as options regardless of order is key to a quick response.
What to do in an Active Threat Situation
-Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
-Report suspicious activity by calling 610-758-4200.
-Know where your exit points are.
-Avoid the situation by leaving the area immediately, even if others don’t agree with you.
-If necessary, leave the area through windows, emergency exits, and other non-traditional exit points.
-Leave your belongings behind.
-Call for help when you are safe; don’t assume others will do so.
-If you can’t leave the area, hide behind a closed door.
-If you can’t hide in another room, hide somewhere out of the shooter’s view.
-Lock the door. If the door cannot lock, block the door with heavy objects.
-If the door opens out, secure the door with belts, ropes, or tension straps.
-Try to pick an area with other escape options, such as windows.
-Turn out the lights.
-Be quiet. Silence your phones.
-Stay in place until law enforcement says it is safe to come out.
-If you decide to run after hiding for some time, listen, and attempt to look at your escape route to ensure there is no threat.
-Fight as a last resort, and only when your life is in danger.
-Stand near the door and fight the shooter as they enter the room.
-Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
-Improvise weapons (Fire extinguishers, chairs, etc.) or throw items at the shooter.
-If you can remove the weapon, secure it, and separate yourself from it.
-Commit to your actions - your life depends on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best method to contact the Lehigh University Police is by calling 610-758-4200 by cellular phone or 84200 on a University landline. You can also report an emergency through the "Emergency Contacts" section of the HawkWatch App. If you cannot make a phone call for safety reeasons, you may also text the Campus Safety Communications Center through the Hawkwatch App.
The quickest way to get a police response while you are on campuy is to call 610-758-4200. By caling 911, there will be a time delay in notifying our police officers. However, if you accidentally call 911, do not panic and stay on the line. The 911 center will notify Lehigh Police.
The first responding officers' main objective is to stop the active threat and create a safe environment for medical help for the injured. Officers who arrive later will help identify victims that need medical care and conduct interviews and counseling.
When officers arrive, be prepared to calmly, quickly, and accurately tell them what they need to know:
1 - Location of the shooter
2 - Number of shooters, if there are more than one
3 - Description of the shooter
4 - Number and kinds of weapons they have
Always follow the officers instructions. officers will take command of the situation by shouting orders and/or physically directing individuals to a safe place or the ground.
The HawkWatch app can be downloaded here - https://lehigh.apparmor.com/clients/lehigh.edu/
The university’s goal is to prevent any unsafe situations before they happen, so we encourage you to report all suspicious behavior and concerns as soon as you notice them. If you experience any immediate threats to your safety or the safety of others, call 610-758-4200. If you notice concerning behaviors in a friend, coworker, or classmate, call 610-758-4200 to speak with an officer.
The Lehigh University Police offers active threat training to organizations, clubs, buildings, and departments on campus. The training lasts about 90 minutes. You can request the training here.
For more information, please watch these beneficial videos