USM: Active Shooter Response

If it is possible to do so safely, exit the building immediately when you become aware of an incident, moving away from the immediate path of danger, and take the following steps:

Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately.

  1. Evacuate to a safe area away from the danger, and take protective cover. Stay there until emergency responders arrive.
  2. Call USM Police or 911 from land lines, and (207) 780-5211 from cell phones, and provide the University of Southern Maine Police Department dispatcher with the following information:
    1. Your name
    2. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
    3. Number of shooters (if known)
    4. Identification or description of shooter(s)
    5. Number of persons who may be involved
    6. Your exact current location
    7. Injuries to anyone, if known
  3. Individuals not immediately impacted by the situation are to take protective cover, staying away from windows and doors until notified otherwise.

If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting your building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

Go to the nearest room or office.

  1. Close and lock the door.
  2. Turn off the lights.
  3. Seek protective cover.  Stay away from doors and windows.
  4. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
  5. Do not answer the door.
  6. Call USM Police at 911 from land lines, and (207) 780-5211 from cell phones, if it is safe to do so, and provide the dispatcher with the following information:
    1. Your name
    2. Your location (be as specific as possible)
    3. Number of shooters (if known)
    4. Identification or description of shooter
    5. Number of persons who may be involved
    6. Injuries to anyone, if known
  7. Wait for police to assist you out of the building.

If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting the building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

Go to the nearest room or office.

  1. Close the door.  If the door has an interior lock, please lock. If there is no lock, barricade the door if it is safe to do so.
  2. Turn off the lights.
  3. Seek protective cover.  Stay away from doors and windows.
  4. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
  5. Do not answer the door.
  6. Call USM Police at 911 from land lines, and (207) 780-5211 from cell phones, if it is safe to do so, and provide the University of Southern Maine Police Department dispatcher with the following information:
    1. Your name
    2. Your location (be as specific as possible)
    3. Number of shooters (if known)
    4. Identification or description of shooter
    5. Number of persons who may be involved
    6. Injuries to anyone, if known
  7. Wait for police to assist you out of the building.

USM Police and surrounding law enforcement agencies are trained and equipped to respond to an emergency incident of this nature. During the initial phase of the incident, the police will evaluate the situation to determine the best course of action.

Follow up assistance is encouraged from available on campus resources, including University Health Services, University Counseling Services, Residential Life, USM Police, Dean of Students, Human Resources, and the Vice Preisdent for Student & University Life.

For further information or problems with this page, contact: Craig Hutchinson