Which term describes an evacuation for an active shooter when individuals evacuate without an escort?

• A. Escorted
• B. Sheltered
• C. Unescorted
• D. Delayed

Answer: (C)

In active shooter evacuation terminology, the key distinction is whether people are moving out with formal guidance or on their own. The term that describes evacuating without an escort is unescorted. It means individuals leave the area by themselves, without a staff member, security, or law enforcement escort guiding or supervising them. This matters for safety and accountability: escorted evacuations provide protection and a known headcount as responders get organized, while unescorted evacuations are faster but carry more risk because there’s no accompanying authority to ensure everyone’s safety or to verify who has left. Sheltered describes staying in place and taking cover rather than evacuating; delayed means waiting for further instructions before moving.