Responding to Campus Emergencies: How to Prepare and Empower Yourself

This week we were devastated to learn of a campus shooting at UVA. We have worked with so many students who attend UVA, and this incident just hits way too close to home. Although we absolutely hate thinking about this topic, we feel it’s important to share active shooter tips this week.

Knowledge is power, and it is better to know what to do if you find yourself in a situation like this someday.

Familiarize yourself with the Run Hide Fight model

The majority of colleges (and many high schools) across the country employ the Run Hide Fight model as part of their emergency protocols. Learning these steps can help you better assess an active shooter situation and make potentially life-saving decisions.

RUN:

  • Assess the scene and determine possible escape routes

  • If there is a safe path, run

  • Leave belongings behind and do not attempt to move those who are seriously injured

HIDE:

  • If escape is not possible, hide out of sight

  • Lock doors, block entryways, and turn off lights

  • Silence your phone and stay in place

FIGHT:

  • As a last resort, fight against the threat 

  • Mobilize the people around you

  • Use surrounding objects for attack and self-defense

Not sure you’ll remember these steps during an emergency? That’s okay! You can print or download a pocket card from the US Department of Homeland Security to keep with you. 

Learn about your school’s emergency protocols

Although the Run, Hide, Fight model is widely used, there may be additional procedures that your school employs in emergency situations. That’s why it’s important to visit your school’s campus safety website. Look for information on these topics:

  • How to report suspicious activities and emergency situations

  • Emergency communication channels and phone numbers

  • Evacuation plans

  • Emergency preparedness training courses and workshops offered on campus

Get connected

While looking at your school’s campus safety website, take a few minutes to program important numbers in your phone. Typically colleges have a campus safety office number, as well as an emergency line. Add both to your contacts! It’s also good practice to create one other new contact in your phone: ICE (in case of emergency). This may just be a copy of a family member’s number, but it will signal to officials who they should call if you’re not able to communicate. 

And don’t put your phone away just yet! Check to see if your school has a mobile safety app or texting system for campus alerts. If they do, get connected. That way you’ll be notified of emergency situations right away.

Take a preparation class

Your school’s campus safety office may provide valuable training courses in first aid and emergency preparedness. Take a look at their offerings and sign up for a class. 

Students can also earn their CPR/AED and First Aid certifications through the Red Cross. Visit their website to see a comprehensive list of courses and training dates. 

For those who reside in northern Virginia, Fairfax County CERT offers emergency preparedness training throughout the year. Their Stop the Bleed and Basic Training classes are open to students ages 13 and up. 

Finally, The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services offers a free Zoom course on Civilian Response and Casualty Care. The next class is on November 29. You can register here.

Share a tip

If you would like to share an active shooter tip or resource for students, please comment below.