How to Survive a School Shooting Quiz
Questions: 15 · 10 minutes
1. You reach a protected location and can safely call emergency services. What information would you give first?
A complete account of everything you heard from the beginning
Your name and why you believe the school's safety procedures did not work
The school location, your specific location, what you directly observed, and any known injuries or suspect details
The school location and the most recent information shared by other students
2. While moving toward an exit, you discover that the route ahead is blocked and you cannot confirm what is beyond it. What is your next move?
Wait beside the blockage for the route to reopen
Try to pass through quickly before more people arrive
Return to the last protected location and stay there without considering another route
Change to a known route away from danger, or enter a securable space if no safe exit remains
3. You hear sounds that may be gunfire from another wing. An exterior classroom door opens onto a clear area leading away from the sounds. What would you be most likely to do?
Wait for a public-address announcement before deciding whether to move
Use the clear exterior route immediately, leaving belongings and moving away from the danger
Step into the interior hallway to determine exactly where the sounds came from
Take temporary protection near the exterior door while checking whether an official alert confirms the situation
4. A social-media post says one side of the school is clear, but the school alert gives different instructions. How would you respond?
Treat the post as useful but wait for classmates to decide which source seems right
Follow the verified school or responder instruction while continuing to notice immediate hazards
Choose whichever message offers the shortest route outside
Pause in a protected location and seek confirmation through an official channel before changing course
5. The immediate area appears secured, and a classmate has severe bleeding from an arm. What response best matches your preparation?
Apply firm direct pressure with available protection, call for emergency help, and use a bleeding-control kit or tourniquet only as trained
Move the person elsewhere before attempting first aid
Find the first-aid kit before applying any pressure to the wound
Stay with the person and wait for an adult or responder to begin treatment
6. During an evacuation, your usual exit would take you closer to the reported danger, but you know another usable exit. How would you choose?
Use the alternate exit that leads away from the reported danger
Follow the largest group because they may know more about the situation
Remain where you are until someone personally directs you to an exit
Use the usual exit because it is the route practiced most often
7. A fire alarm sounds during a lockdown, but you see no smoke, fire, or other immediate fire signs. What would you do?
Automatically use the normal fire-evacuation route because alarms always take priority
Stay protected while checking for credible fire signs and verified instructions before changing actions
Open the door briefly to ask people in the hallway whether the alarm is genuine
Remain in place unless a trusted adult in the room decides the alarm requires evacuation
8. The room’s door will not lock during a lockdown, and no clearly safe evacuation route is available. How would you respond?
Use available furniture to reinforce the entry if feasible, move people away from it, and keep reassessing escape options
Hold the door closed yourself so others can remain farther inside
Move out of sight and rely on the closed door to discourage entry
Leave through the hallway to find a room with a working lock
9. While evacuating, a friend wants to leave the route to search for a missing student. What would you do?
Help search nearby because the missing student may need guidance
Stop at the edge of the route and call the missing student repeatedly
Keep moving to the designated safe area and promptly tell a responsible adult or responder who is missing and where they were last seen
Encourage your friend to continue evacuating, then mention the missing student after reaching the group
10. After evacuating, a family member asks you to leave the official reunification area and meet on a nearby street. What would you do?
Leave once you can see the family member from the reunification area
Tell a friend where you are going, then meet the family member
Ask reunification staff whether they can release you directly to that family member
Remain in the official process until authorized release, so responders can account for you
11. Officers enter the area where you have been sheltering and give rapid instructions. What would you do?
Approach them to explain immediately what you know
Keep empty hands visible, avoid sudden movements, and follow their instructions
Remain still until an officer addresses you individually
Follow the group while keeping your hands where officers can see them
12. You must choose a position in a room during an active threat. Which factor would guide you most?
Staying near classmates so nobody has to shelter alone
Using the location assigned during the most recent drill, even if the room setup has changed
Getting out of direct view while remaining ready to move if a safe route appears
Seeking both concealment and the strongest available barrier from the direction of danger
13. An attacker is entering your space, escape is no longer possible, and the danger is immediate. Which response is closest to your preparation?
Stay in the original hiding position and hope attention remains elsewhere
Move around the room to look for a new place of concealment
Follow others' lead if they begin a last-resort response
Use the plan-consistent last-resort actions you have rehearsed to disrupt the attack and create an opportunity to escape
14. A lockdown is announced while you are in a classroom with an open door. Which response best matches what you would do first?
Move away from the doorway and wait for the teacher to assign each task
Close and secure the door according to the school plan, then reduce visibility and silence devices
Close the door but remain near it so you can hear what is happening outside
Help close the door and lights, then look for the room's designated protected area
15. Once you are sheltered, family members begin sending repeated messages asking where you are. How would you handle your phone?
Send a brief message when safe, silence the device, and avoid posting live locations or unverified details publicly
Keep responding so family members receive every update as events develop
Post a general update online so several people receive the same information
Send your location to one trusted person, then limit use while monitoring official alerts