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What to do if…
you hear gunshots or explosions nearby and do not know where to take cover

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

If a route clearly leads away from the sounds without taking you toward the danger or across an exposed area, move away to a safer location. Otherwise, get out of sight behind the most substantial fixed barrier available or into a lockable room, silence your phone, and call 911 when you can do so safely.

Do not do these things

  • Do not go toward the sounds, look through windows, or step outside to investigate.
  • Do not assume the sounds are fireworks, construction, thunder, or a vehicle backfiring.
  • Do not cross an open or exposed area when remaining sheltered appears safer.
  • Do not stop to collect belongings, take photographs, or record video.
  • Do not assume an ordinary door, wall, or piece of furniture will stop gunfire.
  • Do not use an elevator if an explosion, fire, smoke, or structural damage may have affected the building.
  • Do not leave protection only because the sounds have stopped.
  • Do not touch suspicious objects or disturbed debris.

What to do now

  1. Reach the earliest safer pause. Move away from the sounds if you can see a route that does not take you toward the danger or through an exposed area. Leave belongings behind. If no such route is clear, stay nearby and improve your protection.

  2. Choose the best available protection. Prefer a place that is out of view and behind a substantial fixed barrier, such as a concrete or substantial masonry structure. If that is unavailable, use the nearest lockable or blockable room and move away from its door, windows, and glass.

  3. Secure the room if you are hiding. Lock the door and block it with heavy furniture if this can be done quickly. Silence your phone, including vibration, stay quiet, and keep out of sight.

  4. Respond to explosion damage. If objects are falling, protect yourself under a sturdy table or desk until the immediate falling stops. If there is fire, heavy smoke, a gas odor, falling debris, or obvious structural damage, use a clear route away from those hazards when one is available. Use stairs rather than an elevator.

  5. Call 911 when it is safe. Give your exact location, including the building, floor, room, or nearby landmark. Report what you heard and any fire, smoke, injuries, damage, or armed person you actually observed. Say when you are uncertain and follow the call-taker’s instructions.

  6. Monitor official information quietly. Keep your phone available for emergency alerts or direct instructions while keeping sounds and vibration off. Stay protected until responders direct you otherwise, unless fire, smoke, structural damage, or another immediate hazard makes remaining there more dangerous.

  7. Make your hands clearly visible when officers reach you. Put down anything you are holding, avoid sudden movements, remain calm, and follow instructions promptly.

What can wait

You do not need to identify the exact cause of the sounds, contact everyone you know, retrieve belongings, inspect damage, post updates, or decide when to return. Those tasks can wait until emergency officials say the immediate danger has passed.

Important reassurance

Gunshots, fireworks, mechanical noises, and explosions can be difficult to distinguish. You do not need certainty before taking reasonable protective action, and choosing distance, concealment, substantial barriers, and emergency help is appropriate when the cause is unclear.

Scope note

This guide covers only the first steps during possible nearby gunfire or explosions. Later decisions about injuries, temporary accommodation, property damage, reporting, or returning to the area may require help from emergency services or other specialists.

Important note

This is general safety information, not professional emergency, medical, legal, or law-enforcement advice. Conditions can change quickly, and instructions from 911 call-takers and responding authorities take priority.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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