The 2021 guidance "Run, Hide, Fight" reshaped how organizations prepare staff for active shooter situations, turning reactive panic into disciplined action.
Released and refined during 2021, this protocol emphasizes rapid decision-making based on real-time conditions rather than a one-size-fits-all order.
| Protocol Element | When to Use | Key Actions | Common Misconceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run | Escape is possible and safe | Evacuate in a perpendicular line, leave belongings behind, assist others if safe | You must announce before leaving |
| Hide | Barricade and silence are achievable | Lock doors, cover windows, silence phones, hide out of line of sight | Hiding is passive |
| Fight | Last resort when life is imminent and no other option | Coordinate with others, use improvised weapons, act decisively | Anyone is expected to fight |
| 2021 Guidance Update | Post-pandemic and hybrid work considerations | Flexible remote triggers, clear internal communications, role-based training | One announcement fits all scenarios |
Run Decision Criteria in 2021
Assessing Exfiltration Paths
In 2021, organizations refined Run criteria by mapping multiple evacuation routes and identifying staff who may need assistance without delaying escape. Training emphasizes that running is always preferred when exits are clear and the shooter’s location is unknown or moving away.
Hide Procedures and Enhancements
Barricade and Communication Protocols
The 2021 guidance strengthened Hide protocols, recommending door hardening, window coverings, and the creation of safe corners within rooms. Employees are taught to silence devices, use visual cues to indicate secure status, and maintain quiet to deny the shooter information.
Fight as a Last Resort
Team Coordination and Improvised Tools
Fight is addressed transparently in 2021 materials as a last option when Hide is not viable and law enforcement is minutes away. Drills focus on rapid coordination, assigning roles for distraction and intervention, and using everyday objects as deterrents only when absolutely necessary.
Implementation Across Industries
Sector-Specific Adjustments for 2021
Healthcare, education, and corporate settings adapted Run Hide Fight 2021 to their layouts and workflows, integrating with existing emergency mass-notification systems. Guidelines account for night shifts, public-facing areas, and remote staff who may need distinct instructions.
Key Takeaways for Workplace Safety
- Prioritize Run whenever a safe exit exists.
- Strengthen Hide with barricades, silence, and clear status signals.
- Reserve Fight for extreme last-resort situations.
- Customize protocols for shift patterns, building layouts, and remote staff.
- Integrate the framework with digital alerts and access control systems.
- Use scenario-based training to reinforce decision pathways.
- Review and update plans annually or after major incidents.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Run Hide Fight 2021 require employees to confront an attacker?
No, Fight is presented strictly as a last resort when escape and hiding are not feasible. The protocol prioritizes Run and Hide and only recommends Fight when individuals face immediate danger with no other options.
How does 2021 guidance address remote and hybrid workers? The 2021 update incorporates guidance for remote staff by specifying clear communication channels and alert thresholds. Remote workers receive tailored instructions, such as securing home workspaces and understanding how alerts map to local response times. Can Run Hide Fight 2021 be integrated with existing alarm systems?
Yes, organizations align the protocol with existing alarms, mobile alerts, and building access controls. The 2021 guidance emphasizes consistent language in messages, distinct signals for Run versus Hide, and redundancy in notification methods.
What training frequency does 2021 recommend for drills?
Annual live drills supplemented by quarterly brief refreshers are recommended in 2021 to maintain muscle memory without causing desensitization. Tabletop scenarios and role-specific rehearsals help staff practice decisions for Run, Hide, and Fight without full mobilization.