If there's immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number when it's safe to do so.
If you're worried someone may access your device, use a safer device or private way to look for help when possible.
Where you're
When it happens where you are.
Work, school, transit, events, hotels, stores, restaurants, and public buildings all have different layouts. The basics don't change much.
Know who can help, where you can go, and how to get official information.
Workplace
- Move toward exits, staffed areas, security, or designated emergency spaces when appropriate.
- Follow workplace emergency procedures.
- Contact 911 in immediate danger when safe.
- Follow emergency personnel instructions.
- Don't return until authorized.
School or campus
- Follow school or campus emergency procedures.
- Move to safety when appropriate.
- Listen for official instructions.
- Contact campus security or emergency services when safe.
- Reconnect with family or trusted contacts after you're safe.
Transit
- Move toward transit staff, operators, attendants, official exits, or public areas if possible.
- Follow transit announcements and emergency instructions.
- Contact emergency services when safe.
- Don't enter an affected area.
- Use a public meeting point if separated.
Event or venue
- Move toward marked exits, staff, venue security, first aid, or public areas.
- Follow venue announcements.
- Avoid bottlenecks and crowd pressure when possible.
- Contact a trusted person after you're safe.
Hotel or accommodation
- Use official staff and emergency information.
- Know the route to public areas, exits, and the front desk.
- Follow hotel emergency instructions.
- Contact local emergency services when appropriate.
Store, restaurant, or public building
- Move toward exits, staff, public areas, or safer interior spaces as the situation requires.
- Follow staff and emergency instructions.
- Don't return until authorities say it's safe.
Every building is different. Follow official local procedures when they're available.
If your situation involves ongoing control, abuse, stalking, or barriers that make leaving unsafe or difficult, visit: When leaving isn't simple.
Go to When leaving isn't simpleLast reviewed: 2026-09-16. Official guidance can change. Follow local authorities and emergency personnel in a real emergency.