Run-Hide-Fight

The University has adopted the national Run-Hide-Fight (RHF) model to respond to an active attacker situation. Run-Hide-Fight alerts are used for active attackers.  

Instructions on how to respond to a Run-Hide-Fight alert:  

Pay close attention to the alerts. Run-Hide-Fight means we are in a dynamic, quickly changing situation.  

Stop what you are doing and pay close attention to emergency instructions, as these situations can evolve quickly. Instructors should stop teaching and not move their class online. Events on Grounds should stop so people can adequately respond to the UVA Alerts.

Alerts typically indicate the general area where the incident is believed to be centered.

If in the immediate vicinity of an attacker:

• RUN: Evacuate if there is a safe route available.
• HIDE: If it is unsafe to escape, hide. When possible, lock the door and block entry, turn off lights, and silence electronic devices.
• FIGHT: Prepare to defend yourself if necessary.

If you are outdoors, seek protection inside a building and hide out of view. If that is unavailable, move to a safe area as quickly as possible. If unable to get away, hide as best as you can.

If not in the immediate vicinity of the attacker:

• If inside, remain indoors and away from exterior windows and doors or, if safe to do so, leave the area.  
• If outside, get to the nearest building to hide. If that is not possible, get away from the area to safety, as quickly as possible, or hide behind or under a secure structure. 

Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-in-Place (SIP) alerts are used for an incident where police and emergency responders need members of the UVA community to go inside and stay inside, such as during a dangerous situation on or near Grounds, a HAZMAT or other environmental hazard, or a tornado warning. Remaining inside is not only vital for your safety, but it also enables emergency responders to manage a SIP situation more effectively. 

In general, unless instructed otherwise by emergency personnel, instructors may continue teaching if they wish to do so. Events or activities may continue indoors.

Instructions on how to respond to a Shelter-in-Place alert:

If inside, please stay inside and remain calm

• Move away from external doors and windows, if possible.
• Inside, you may move around the building to use the restroom, eat, and continue to work, teach, or study. 

If outside, get to the nearest building immediately

If that is not an option, move away from the area to safety as quickly as possible. Alternatively, if unable to get away, find a secure structure to hide behind or under.  

If other students or community members are with you, encourage them to do the same. 

Avoid the Area  

The Avoid the Area directive is used when it is imperative that, for the safety of you and others, you do not enter or approach an area under distress.  

• If you are currently near the area of alert, leave the area.
• If you are not in the area of the alert, continue to avoid the area. 

Emergency personnel will instruct individuals in the vicinity of the hazard about how to respond (e.g., evacuate the building). Examples of localized hazards are fire and police activity.

Always follow directives from law enforcement and UVA Alerts until an “all-clear” message is given by University officials.

Further information can be found in the FAQ below or by contacting Emergency Management. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Run-Hide-Fight FAQ

What should students do if they receive a Run-Hide-Fight alert while attending a class or activity on Grounds?

If you are in a clinical setting, follow the emergency alert instructions given to clinical staff.

Otherwise, stop class (both in person and remote).

Follow the Run-Hide-Fight guidance above. Stay in your classroom, dorm room, event space, or lab; do not move around the building. These alerts are Grounds-wide because the situation can evolve quickly. Stay alert to any changes and be prepared to act.

Remember that these alerts may be triggering for some people because of prior experiences. Try to calm or comfort others who appear upset.

Follow directives from law enforcement and UVA Alerts until an all-clear message is given by University officials.

Check the UVA Alerts website for additional information.

What should students do if they receive a Run-Hide-Fight alert and have a class on Grounds that will start shortly?

If you are off Grounds, do not come to Grounds until the “all clear” has been given by University officials. Do not go to class in person or online during a Run-Hide-Fight alert. These alerts are Grounds-wide because the situation can evolve quickly. Stay alert to any changes and be prepared to act.

Shelter-In-Place FAQ

What should students do if they receive a Shelter-in-Place alert about a tornado warning  or other weather event while in a classroom or activity space on Grounds?

Seek an interior room on the lowest level without windows, if possible, and encourage others to do the same. If you are in a clinical setting, follow the emergency alert instructions given to clinical staff. 

What should students do if they receive a Shelter-in-Place alert NOT due to a tornado warning or other weather event while in a classroom or activity space on Grounds?

Follow the instructions above for a Shelter-in-Place alert. Unless directed otherwise, you may continue attending class, participating in your activity, and moving within the building you are currently in. Stay away from exterior doors and windows.

Follow directives from law enforcement and UVA Alerts until an "all-clear" message is given by University officials.

What should students do if they have a class on Grounds that will start shortly, and they receive a Shelter-in-Place alert about a tornado warning or other weather event?

If you are off Grounds, do not come to Grounds until the alert has been lifted.

What should students do if they have a class on Grounds that will start shortly, and they receive a Shelter-in-Place alert NOT due to a tornado warning or other weather event?

If you are off Grounds, do not come to Grounds until the alert has been lifted. If you are safely indoors and can join class online, your instructor may shift your class to an online format.

What if a Shelter-in-Place directive lasts a long time and you get hungry?

Unless sheltering at the lowest level during a tornado warning, people may move within the building to access food but should stay inside and should not go to other buildings. Do not order food to be delivered. Individuals not associated with UVA may not be aware of the emergency, and you may be putting them in harm’s way by coming on Grounds. Please be patient.

Avoid the Area FAQ

What should students do if they receive an Avoid the Area alert while in a class on Grounds?

If your class is within the area of distress, the class should stop. Stay calm and encourage others to do the same. Follow instructions from emergency personnel.

If your class is away from the area under distress, you may continue class and move around Grounds while avoiding the area.

What should students do if they have a class on Grounds that will start shortly, and they receive an Avoid the Area alert?

If you or your classroom/activity space is near the area under distress, do not approach the area or go to the class/activity in person. Note that undergraduate residence halls are spread out across Grounds, and the likelihood that some people are near an area under distress is high. Do not travel (if through the area of the alert) to class or approach the area under distress until the alert has been lifted. Email your faculty or activity leader for further instructions.

If the class can safely join online, some instructors may shift your class to an online format.

Are you responsible for someone else obeying emergency alert instructions?

Everyone is responsible for their own actions. Remind others that they may be putting their own safety at risk by leaving, and that they also have a community safety responsibility. If emergency personnel are diverted to keep individuals who do not follow the instructions safe, they cannot attend to the emergency at hand, which may result in unnecessary harm.

General Safety FAQ

Am I responsible for letting others inside when the doors are locked due to a Run-Hide-Fight or Shelter-In-Place incident?

You are not required to open a door to allow someone entrance. Please bear in mind that opening the door may jeopardize your safety and the safety of those already sheltered inside the building.

What should you do if you or someone else has a medical emergency?

In the event of a serious illness or injury, dial 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Until they arrive:

• Remain calm and ask others to remain calm.
• If possible and safe, send someone to meet emergency responders outside and direct them to the person’s location.
• Keep the person still and comfortable. Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger.
• Check breathing and check for a pulse. If there is no pulse and you or another person in the room has been trained, perform CPR or use an AED. The AED machine will provide you with step-by-step instructions. A listing of academic division AEDs can be found on the Public AED List and locations webpage.
• Control serious bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound. In case of a minor injury or illness, provide first aid care. 

Are there other resources or information available?

• Information about emergency procedures
• Emergency preparedness information for students
• The University’s Active Attacker & Response Training video