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Emergency Planning

Active threat

active threat: A situation where someone is using, or intends to use, violence to harm others. This may involve weapons, physical assault or other dangerous actions.

Active threat situations are rare. They usually unfold quickly and without warning. It’s important to understand what they are and what you can do to protect yourself if one ever occurs.

Video: Active Threat on Campus

This dramatized video shows how people on a university campus respond when a threat suddenly emerges nearby. As you watch, you’ll see how individuals:

  • recognize the active threat situation;
  • get out quickly when it’s safe to do so;
  • hide and barricade themselves when escape isn’t possible;
  • and in the most extreme case, fight back to stop the threat.

What to do

  1. Scan and assess your situation.
  2. Consider your options: get out, hide, or fight.
  3. Take action.
  4. Call 911, then Campus Security, when safe to do so.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, don’t wait for confirmation—act quickly to protect yourself.

Get out

Evacuate only if you know the location of the threat and it is safe to do so. 

  • Choose a safe exit and leave quickly.
  • Don't attract the attacker's attention. 
  • Protect yourself first before helping others. 
  • Police may have arrived. Keep your hands visible and follow police instructions calmly and carefully.

Tip: If you're unsure of where the threat is, or cannot exit quickly and safely, it may be safer to hide.

Hide

  • Hide.
  • Barricade your hiding place. Lock doors and cover windows. 
  • Turn off lights.
  • Stay out of the line of fire.
  • Be quiet. Silence your phone completely—ringer, alarms and vibration.

Tip: If the fire alarm rings and you don’t see smoke or flames, don’t assume it’s safe to come out. The threat might use the alarm to draw people out.

Fight

Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.

  • Commit to an aggressive physical attack.
  • Improvise weapons from nearby objects.

What to expect when police arrive

In an active threat situation, police officers will enter quickly with one priority: to stop the threat. Their actions may appear abrupt or intense, but they are trained to respond with speed and control to prevent further harm.

Knowing what to expect—and how to respond—can help you stay calm and avoid confusion.

What to expect from police:

  • They may not use sirens. Officers often arrive without lights or sirens to avoid alerting the attacker.
  • They may not stop to help. Their immediate focus is ending the threat, not providing assistance or direction.
  • They will move quickly and assertively. You may hear shouting or commands. This is normal and part of their trained response.

What to do when police arrive:

  • Remain calm.
  • Follow all instructions immediately.
  • Raise your hands and spread your fingers. This shows you are not a threat.
  • Keep your hands visible at all times. Do not reach into bags or pockets.
  • Do not run toward the officers or make sudden movements.
  • Avoid pointing, shouting or trying to get their attention.
  • Don’t stop to ask questions. Move in the direction they came from, unless instructed otherwise.

What to say to 911 or police

When safe to do so, call 911, then UVic Campus Security at 250-721-7599. Be prepared to share the following information:

  • The location of the threat (building name, floor, room number if possible).
  • Number of attackers, if more than one.
  • Physical description of the attacker(s): clothing, height, hair, etc.
  • Type of weapon(s).
  • Number of people injured or in immediate danger.
  • Your exact location. If you're hiding, let them know if it’s safe to speak or if you are staying silent.

Tip: If you cannot speak, leave the line open. Dispatchers can listen and send help.

Questions & support

If you have questions or want to explore this topic further, support is available:

Join an in-person Active Threat Information Session
These sessions offer space for discussion, questions and practical guidance in a supportive environment. Check UVic Learning Central [Filter by provider: Emergency Planning] for upcoming dates and to register. 

Need to talk?
It’s normal to have an emotional response after discussing emergency scenarios. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or would like support, help is available: