Run, hide and fight. This three-word strategy is a building block to stay safe in an active shooter event.
“The run, hide, fight plan is vital for survival during an active shooting situation,” said assistant chief and director of police operations at the University of Memphis, Derek Myers.
With the recent increase of school shootings, police services are studying preparedness on campus.
Recently, the office circulated emails explaining what campus community members should do during an active shooter event.
“Familiarize yourself with the building you are in, the exits and the layout in the event an active shooter is on campus,” Myers said.
Police services recommends people to quickly determine the most possible way to protect their lives. Next, think quickly and plan an escape route. Run if there is a reasonable chance to escape.
If running is too dangerous, hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view, and barricade or block the entry to the hiding area.
Be prepared to mentally and physically fight. Use whatever weapon that is available to beat the shooter when lives are on the line.
Online information is also available to students, faculty, and staff including, a three-minute Department of Homeland Security film on active shooters, and best practices during a crisis by the FBI.
Brochures, and pamphlets are also online that can help in the case of a crisis. The University’s police department also studies campus layouts and lighting to limit possible hiding places for shooters and monitors more than 700 cameras equipped with software for examining recordings of events or suspects.
When emergencies do occur, TigerText alerts and emails notify students. An outdoor warning system also can broadcast emergency sirens and messages.
“We have an outstanding police service office,” said Dr. Arant, chair of the department of journalism. “Who notifies us of crime events and they are training our department staff again on campus safety for active shooters.”
Campus police participate in continuous training opportunities, including multi-agency exercises with the Memphis Police, and the FBI.
The University has a Behavioral Intervention Team to work with students and staff who may be in crisis situations, which can help prevent a stress-related shooting.
“I am not fearful, because the University of Memphis has the lowest crime rate of any campus in Tennessee, and Resident Life gives us safety guidelines upon moving into the residence halls,” said on-campus resident student Ashley Todd.
