Recent instances of campus violence across the country highlight the importance of creating a response and preparedness plan, and unfortunately illustrate that no campus is immune from the dangers from these acts of terror.
According to an FBI analysis, the average active shooter incident lasts 12 minutes with 37% of incidents lasting less than 5 minutes. Victims are often chosen at random.
In the event of an active shooter situation, your three courses of action are to RUN, HIDE or FIGHT.
RUN
- If it is possible to get to a safe place away from the scene, DO SO IMMEDIATELY.
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
- Help others escape, if possible.
- Do not attempt to move the wounded.
- Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Call 911 or 336-841-9111 when clear of the “hot zone” where the shooter is
HIDE
- If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you.
- Your hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view and provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
- To prevent an active shooter from entering your location, lock the door and create a barricade with heavy furniture.
- Silence your phone and turn off any TVs, radios or other electronic devices. Turn off the lights.
- Hide behind large items like desks or cabinets, and remain quiet.
FIGHT
- As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter.
- Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
- Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter.
- Commit to your actions . . . Your life depends on it.
When Law Enforcement Arrives:
The initial police officers’ primary mission is to stop the shooter. The first officers on scene will not stop to provide first aid or comfort victims. Initial responders may push bystanders down on the ground or out of the way.
- Do not make sudden movements towards the initial responders.
- Put down any items in your hands (bags, phones, etc.).
- Immediately raise your hands and spread your fingers. Keep your hands visible at all times.
- Avoid making any quick movements towards officers (such as attempting to hold onto them for safety).
- Follow all commands given by officers.
Prepare in advance; know where to go and how to get there; locate the nearest fire alarm and extinguisher. Get out of the building.
When the Alarm Sounds:
- Treat every alarm seriously. Until investigated, it is unknown whether there is a true fire or false alarm.
- A fire can double in size every thirty seconds – don’t waste time by not reacting to the alarm.
- Gather your immediate belongings (keys, wallet/purse) but do not waste time collecting non-essential items.
- Get out and away from the building. These designated rally points are far enough from the building to let first responders work unimpeded and protect against fire-related injuries.
- Do not go back into the building until an ALL CLEAR has been given by Security, Student Life or HPFD. The fire department routinely silences the alarm during their investigation so they can talk to each other—this does not mean that it is safe to go back inside yet.
If You Discover a Fire:
RESCUE anyone in immediate danger.
ALERT people of the fire by activating the nearest fire alarm.
CONFINE the fire by closing all doors and windows.
EVACUATE the building.
Most people die in a fire because of smoke inhalation, not the fire itself.
Know in advance how many doors you will have to pass along your evacuation route before you reach the nearest exit door. If heavy smoke is present, the exit signs above the doors may be obscured. Knowing how many doors you must pass will allow you to crawl or crouch low so you will know when you reach the exit door (even if you can’t see that it is the exit.)
Using a Fire Extinguisher:
If safe to do so, attempt to extinguish a small contained fire with a fire extinguisher. If there is any doubt, evacuate.
CLICK HERE to access a video demonstrating proper handling of a fire extinguisher
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Time is always of the essence since many fire extinguishers have a limited operation time of 8-45 seconds.
Always know your escape route. Keep your back to the exit and never let the fire get between you and the exit.
If Trapped in a Room:
- Put a wet cloth under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
- Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
- Call Security (336-841-9111) and provide your exact location.
- Be prepared to signal to someone outside.
- Cover your face with a wet cloth to protect against smoke inhalation, and stay low to the ground.
A bomb threat is assumed to be real and should be reported immediately. If you receive a threat of any kind, immediately call Security at 336-841-9111. Security will contact police and begin a preliminary investigation.
Bomb threats are typically received via phone, sometimes by note or letter. Most bomb threats are made by individuals wanting to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic – but all calls must be taken seriously. No actual explosive device has ever been discovered in a school after a bomb threat but one cannot assume it is simply a hoax.
If you receive a threatening call, remain calm and keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Write down as much detail about the call as possible (including a description of the caller’s voice, tone, background noise, caller ID). Have a friend of coworker contact Security.
Use this checklist as a guide for handling a bomb threat.
If You Receive a Suspicious Package:
Contact HPU Security at 336-841-9111 or extension 9111 if you receive or discover a suspicious package. DO NOT use a cell phone.
Do not investigate the package on your own. Do not shake or bump the package or letter – isolate the package. Calmly alert others in the area and exit. Wash your hands after handling any suspicious letters or packages.
