UMKC: Be Informed, Be Prepared - Active Shooter Response Safety Information

The University of Missouri-Kansas City prioritizes the safety of all students, faculty, and staff. In the event of an active shooter situation, the most effective response will vary depending on your location and proximity to the threat. There is no single, universally safe course of action.

To ensure preparedness, UMKC strongly encourages faculty and staff to routinely integrate safety discussions into classroom settings and office environments. Regularly reviewing established safety protocols fosters a practical and informed campus community, better equipped to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.

Learn how to respond to an active shooter situation. Watch the RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.® Surviving an Active Shooter Event video, a collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security and Ready Houston. This short, federally endorsed video uses a workplace scenario to demonstrate the unpredictable nature of these events and the importance of knowing how to react. Watch it here:

When an alert is received, follow the instructions immediately. If you have not received an alert but hear gunfire, Decide on the safest course of action based on your location.

• Run– Run to safety! Your life is the priority. Leave everything behind and get away from the shooter(s). If you can safely warn others without putting yourself at risk, do so. Once you are safe, call UMKC Police at 816-235-1515 (or dial 911) immediately. Report what you saw and heard, including details about the shooter(s) like their appearance, location, and any weapons.
• Hide– If you cannot escape safely, find a hiding spot out of sight from the shooter. Stay completely quiet. Lock and barricade doors and windows if you can. Make the room seem empty by turning off lights and covering windows. Spread out and hide separately from others, along walls if possible. Stay hidden until police tell you it is safe to come out.
• Fight–If you are unable to Run or Hide, and you are in immediate danger, you must Fight. Act decisively and aggressively to stop the shooter. Distract and disarm the shooter(s) if you can by using makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, and books.

UMKC safety officials will keep you informed during an active shooter situation. Expect frequent updates on the situation as it develops. An "All Clear" alert will be sent when it's safe. 

Information about Active Shooter training is offered by the UMKC Police Department. Please contact umkcpd@umkc.edu or by contacting the Community Engagement Officer at 816-235-1716.

Additional Resources

• UMKC:
  • Active Shooter Response poster
  • ALERT Emergency Mass Notification
  • RAVE Guardian Safety App
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
  • Active Shooter Preparedness Products and Resources
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Active Shooter Response pocket guide