Each February, LMU Emergency Management hosts a campus-wide active threat drill, helping to empower all Lions with the knowledge and tools they need to respond, in the unlikely event of an active shooter.
Statistically, the probability of ever being caught in an active threat situation are extremely low. But just like the annual campus-wide earthquake drill each October, it’s important to know your response plan – the more you practice, the more instinctual it becomes, should you ever need to rely on your preparedness.
This year, the university’s active threat drill will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19 for all three LMU campuses.
On Feb. 19, Lions will receive an LMU Alert at 10:15 a.m. (and again at 6:15 p.m. for those with evening classes), announcing the start of the drill.
Once you receive the LMU Alert, you should stop what you’re doing and think through the options of how you’d react in a real-life situation:
- Where are your exits?
- How would you barricade a door?
- What improvised weapons do you have nearby to disarm the shooter?
You can refer to the 2026 drill guide to help facilitate discussion with classmates and colleagues of these and other essential questions. Beyond the bluff, it’s beneficial to get in the habit of asking yourself these hypothetical questions in any busy area you frequent, including restaurants, malls, movie theaters, and other locations.
Additionally, members of LMU Emergency Management will be tabling at Wellness Wednesday on Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Stop by and learn more safety tips about how to protect yourself and those around you!
For further resources, please visit the Emergency Management active threat page, and be sure to participate in the Feb. 19 drill. While it remains statistically unlikely you’ll ever need the knowledge gained, it’s imperative to never be caught without it.
