Which of the following is part of the evacuation phase of an active shooter response?

• A. Take your belongings with you
• B. Leave your belongings behind
• C. Return to retrieve belongings
• D. Hide and wait for instruction

Answer: (B)

In an evacuation, the priority is getting to safety as quickly as possible. Leaving belongings behind helps you move faster, maintain control, and avoid delays or trips that could put you in more danger. Grabbing items slows you down and can trap you in or near an exit, increasing risk for you and others. Returning to retrieve belongings pulls you back toward danger and wastes precious seconds. Hiding and waiting for instruction belongs to the shelter-in-place or “hide” approach, not evacuation, where the goal is to exit to safety. So the best choice is to leave belongings behind and proceed to the nearest safe exit, following instructions, and then call for help once you’re safe.