This year, you may have noticed Run, Hide, Fight posters in the classrooms around campus. These are to remind you how you should respond when faced with an active harmer situation.
This program was developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and works whether you are at the mall, in a grocery store or even here on campus. We use the term 鈥渁ctive harmer鈥� because the weapon the person may choose could be a gun, a knife, a car or something else.
The steps of Run, Hide, Fight are appropriate no matter what the weapon the attacker is using:
- 搁耻苍:听Once you realize that you are near an active harmer situation, run away from danger to a safe place. Leave your belongings behind and help people who may need it. Once safe, stop other people from entering the dangerous situation and call 911.
- Hide:听If escape is not possible, hide from the attacker. Silence all electronic devices and turn off vibration mode. If possible, lock the doors and turn off the lights. Try not to hide in large groups, and stay in place until law enforcement tells you it is clear to go.
- 贵颈驳丑迟:听As an absolute last resort, fight. Commit to your actions and act with aggression towards the harmer. Get others in the room involved, and improvise weapons with chairs or fire extinguishers.
Law enforcement will respond, but it could take a minute or two before the first units arrive. When you see law enforcement, keep your hands visible and empty. Officers may be armed with large weapons and may shout commands to get you to safety, but they may not stop to help you. They are focusing on finding the active harmer.
Being prepared for such an incident听may increase your chances at surviving an active harmer incident. You can find more information and watch a short video that reinforces the steps to Run, Hide, Fight听on the .
