Violent Threat

The likelihood of a violent threat on campus has escalated in recent years due to the environment and political conditions throughout the world.

A violent threat can take many forms to include a gunman roaming the halls, a robbery, or family domestic disputes that erupt on campus.  It is impossible to address every scenario but all violent threat should be approached similarly using the procedures mentioned below.

Action

The first action to take in all violent threats is to attempt to remove yourself and others from harm's way as quickly as possible.  Doorway exits are convenient but may not be available for use if doing so would place you in direct contact with the threat.  If in a room with windows and you are blocked from safely exiting through the doorways consider breaking a window to escape.  Once outside the building continue to move away from the building until you reach a safe distance.

If you not able to exit the building, attempt to barricade yourself in a room.  Lock the doors, and use tables, desks, chairs, and anything else available to create a blockage between you and the threat.  If the threat involves a firearm, remember that a bullet will penetrate most walls, and depending on the round used may even penetrate metal.  Lie on the floor or stay close to the floor.  This may reduce your chances of being struck by a round coming through a wall or door.  If possible form a wedge or v-shaped block using tables or desks with the point of the v pointed towards the direction of the threat.  If a round is fired through the wall or door it may force the round the ricochet providing some safety to you.

Call 911, but only after you are reasonably safe.

Remember, only as a last resort when there is no other method to protect yourself remaining should you attempt to subdue the threat.

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