The most recent school shooting in Oikos University in Oakland where six students and one staff member was killed shows that campus shootings are not a fad. They will continue. We’ve all seen these tragic incidents on the news, but never think it could happen at our school. The students who have experienced live shooting scenarios on their campus never thought it could happen to them either. Let’s review what to do in the event of a campus shooting. Having a plan will help you remain calm and reduce your chances of becoming a victim. These simple steps could save your life and those around you.
If the Shooting Occurs Outside
If the gunman or gunmen start shooting outside immediately run to a building for protection if you feel you can safely get there. Once you enter a building lock the door if you have time. You will want to drop anything in your possession that may slow you down or trip you up. Speed is essential.
If you can’t make it to a building safely, hide behind anything such as a vehicle, tree or anything else that can provide concealment from the gunman. This is no time to try and play hero. It’s much safer for you to allow law enforcement to do their jobs and detain the gunman. There’s nothing cowardly about hiding or running for safety.
If you are caught in an open area with no building around or things to hide behind you should lay flat on the ground and be completely still until the gunman has left the area. They often have no specific target and will shoot at anyone who grabs their attention.
If you can, call 911 from your cell phone and provide a detailed description of the gunman and his whereabouts. If he has already gone when you call, provide the authorities a description of the direction he was headed. Also let law enforcement know if you or others need medical assistance.
If the Shooting Incident occurs Inside
In the event the shooter comes inside, you should take shelter and hunker down and remain in place. Remain in a room that can be locked or securely barricaded. If the door cannot be blocked or locked, try to move to a secure room if you can. If there is a clear opportunity to get outside and run away for safety – do it.
Inside the secure room, turn off the computer monitors and lights so the shooter thinks there is no one in the room. Make sure to keep as quiet as possible and stay away from the walls near the door or windows. Turn your cell phone to silent, but do not turn it off in the event you need to use it.
Call 911 as soon as you can and let them know where you are and how many people are with you. If you can, give a description of the assailant along with the direction he was travelling. Also report any injuries.
Do not respond to any voice commands even if you recognize the person. Even if the person says they are law enforcement but you cannot see them do not reveal your location. Let law enforcement come to you.
Live shooter scenarios are incredibly terrifying. Following these simple steps can help you stay alive in such a dangerous situation. It is important to discuss these steps with your friends and classmates. Forward this article to everyone you know and share the information with them. It could end up saving your life and the lives of your friends and classmates.