Sandy Hook Elementary School, Columbine High School, Virginia Tech University — these are just some of the school mass shootings that have occurred in recent years.
Marjory Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida, was added to the list of school mass shootings Feb. 14, when it left 17 people dead.
In light of the Parkland shooting, knowing and practicing how to respond to an active shooter situation could help students and faculty in times of crises.
Derek Myers, assistant chief of police at the University of Memphis, said the U of M has a “comprehensive, all-hazards, crisis management plan” that includes a specific active shooter section, as well as other resources to help guide students, faculty and staff to a strategy for better survival in a crisis situation.
“We have a multi-layer warning system in place across campus that includes LiveSafe alerts, an outdoor warning system, social media platforms and other means,” Myers said. “An emergency alert message would be the initial notification method followed by a campus-wide email with more details and instructions.”
Along with emergency alert messages to ensure safety of students and faculty, Myers said the University began replacing older classroom and auditorium door-locking systems around campus two years ago.
“We started with older locks that could not be locked from the inside as our highest priority, and now are replacing those that could be locked, with newer, enhanced security locking systems,” Myers said.
Myers said the goal for the newer locks is to be able to lock all classroom doors from the inside in the event it becomes necessary.
“Mass shooting events usually last only a few minutes,” Myers said. “So being able to lock an interior door can significantly increase the probability of survival and perhaps prevent injury and loss of life.”
In addition, Myers said university police officers participate regularly in mass casualty/active shooter preparedness training with the Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis and Shelby County Emergency Management/Preparedness offices and the FBI.
“The U of M has hosted several of the training sessions and will be participating this spring in training with the FBI and Memphis Fire that incorporates responding to shooting events with multiple casualties,” Myers said.
Another important piece to both individual and community well-being on campus is the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), made up of the associate vice president for student affairs/dean of students, director of police services, director of residence life, associate dean of students for student conduct and the university legal counsel. The BIT allows anyone to submit concerns regarding individuals, so issues get addressed promptly by the appropriate person or department, Myers said.
If an active shooter is outside your building:
- Proceed to a room that can be locked, close and lock all the windows and doors, and turn off all the lights; if possible, get everyone down on the floor and ensure that no one is visible from outside the room.
- One person in the room should call 911 or 678- HELP (4357), advise the dispatcher of what is taking place, and inform him/her of your location.
- Do not respond to any voice commands until you can verify with certainty they are being issued by a police officer.
If an active shooter is in the building you are:
- Determine if the room you are in can be locked
- If you cannot lock the room, determine if there is a nearby location that you can reach safely and can be secured, or if you can safely exit the building.
- If you cannot safely exit the room or building, quickly move to the same wall as the interior door, as far away from the door as possible.
- Quietly put something (desks, file cabinets, chairs, etc.) between you and the assailant. If several individuals are in the room, space yourselves apart to avoid becoming a “group” target for the assailant.
- Refrain from creating any loud noises, and place your cell phone in “silent” mode so it does not ring audibly and reveal your location.
If an active shooter enters your office or classroom:
- Dial 911 or 678-HELP, if you cannot speak, leave the line open.
- If there is no opportunity for escape or hiding, it might be possible to negotiate with the shooter.
- Attempting to overpower the shooter with force should be considered a very last resort.
- If the shooter leaves the area, proceed immediately to a safer place and do not touch anything that was in the vicinity of the shooter.
- Make sure you have an escape route and plan in mind.
- Do not attempt to carry anything while fleeing, move quickly, keep your hands visible and follow the instructions of any police officers you may encounter.
The Live Safe app also has a section with emergency preparedness plans. The app send safety alerts, notifications of inclement weather, and school closings.
