Mass Casualty
A mass casualty event injures many people at once. An active shooter is someone currently shooting or trying to shoot people.
Core actions
- Move away from danger and keep others clear if safe Stay out of unsafe areas; follow emergency instructions.
- For an active shooter, escape if safe Otherwise, lock or block a door, hide, and silence your phone. Fight only as a last resort to survive.
- Once safe, call 911 and keep your hands visible to responders Follow school instructions about picking up children.
- Immediate danger or a serious injury? Call 911 as soon as you can safely do so.
Start here
- Learn how to respond to an active shooter PlanNowNYC and NYPD Avoid, barricade, and confront only when needed to survive.
- Get local emergency alerts Notify NYC Free alerts by app, text, email, or phone. Select basement alerts if needed. Multilingual alerts and ASL videos.
- Get support after crime or violence Safe Horizon NYC Hotline Confidential support and referrals, 24/7. Call 800-621-4673. Phone translation in more than 25 languages.
More help
- Understand school emergency procedures NYC Public Schools Lockdown, shelter, and evacuation procedures. Wait for school instructions about pickup or reunification.
- Take a free hands-only CPR class FDNY Public CPR training. Check dates and locations; this program does not provide CPR certification.
- Find bleeding control training in Queens Bayside Volunteer Ambulance Corps Stop the Bleed classes. Confirm the next public class, registration, and any cost.
- Find local first aid and CPR classes American Red Cross Greater New York First aid and CPR training. Class fees and schedules vary.
- Talk to someone about stress or distress NYC 988 Free, confidential mental health support, 24/7. Call or text 988. Phone support in 200+ languages; text and chat in English and Spanish.
- Find a local crime victim advocate NYPD and Safe Horizon Victim advocates in precincts. Find the advocate serving your neighborhood.
- Find victim services and possible financial help New York State Office of Victim Services Local providers and possible compensation for eligible crime-related expenses.