Active Shooter and Violence on Campus

Since 2002, the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT)™ Program at Texas State University has been used to train law enforcement officers across the nation in how to rapidly respond to dangerous active threat situations. Over the years we’ve seen response times shorten and the capabilities of law enforcement increase. As a result of increased public awareness, many citizens have asked what individuals can do protect themselves and reduce the dangers faced during one of these events. Avoid | Deny | Defend™ has been developed as an easy to remember method for individuals to follow. As we’ve seen that hiding and hoping isn’t a very effective strategy.

For more information visit:

Avoid Deny Defend Website: http://AvoidDenyDefend.org

Pioneer Alert Indicating an Active Shooter

• When you receive a Pioneer Alert notifying you that an active shooter has been reported, try to stay calm and follow the instructions given.
• If you are not on campus, stay away until an official notice is sent telling you it is safe to return.
• Sign up for Pioneer Alert

What To Do On Campus (if you receive a Pioneer Alert or if you hear gunfire)

RUN

• Shooter Outside – RUN
• If you are outside and if you are able to do so safely, leave the area.
• Warn others that appear to be unaware of the situation, to stay away from the area as well.
• From a safe location, contact police and report the incident.
• Shooter Inside – RUN
• If you can escape without harm, evacuate the building.
• At a safe distance call 9-1-1 and provide as much information as possible.
• Warn others that appear to be unaware of the situation, to stay away from the building.
• If law enforcement approaches, put any items you have in your hands down, raise your hands over your head with your fingers spread. Remain calm. Do not run toward the police unless they direct you to do so.

HIDE

• Hide if it’s not safe to run. Lock or barricade yourself in a room. Use heavy objects to barricade the door if necessary (e.g. desks, tables, cabinets).
• Turn off lights.
• Silence cell phones.
• Close window blinds.
• Turn off computer monitors.
• Remain out of sight and as low as possible, with solid objects between you and the doors and windows.
• Stay quiet.
• Disregard alarm systems unless you are in immediate danger from fire or smoke.
• Wait for a law enforcement official or a Pioneer Alert on your cell phone to provide you with an “All Clear” announcement. Ask for identification to confirm the law enforcement official is legitimate and not the shooter trying to lure you away from safety.
• Leave the room and building as directed by law enforcement.
• Empty your hands and raise them over your head with fingers spread. Stay calm and quiet.

FIGHT

• When Confronted by the Shooter – FIGHT
• If you cannot escape, as a last resort attempt to disrupt or incapacitate them.
• Be committed to your actions, your life depends on it.
• Use physical aggression or throw items to disable the attacker (e.g. chair, book bag, fire extinguisher).
• As soon as you can, RUN to safety.

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When Law Enforcement Arrives

• Stay calm and follow the officers’ instructions.
• Put down any items in your hands (e.g. cell phones, bags, coats)
• Raise your hands above your head and spread your fingers
• Avoid any sudden movements
• Do not stop to ask questions or talk to officers while evacuating.

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Information to give Law Enforcement

• Location of shooter/attacker
• Number of shooters/attackers
• Description of shooter/attacker
• Types of weapons

 

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Active Shooter Pocket Card

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Stop the Bleed – Save a Life

Click above to expand.

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See Something, Say Something!

Person of Concern

If you have a concern about someone on campus

whose behavior is worrisome and you feel may become violent,

contact Campus Safety at (423) 636-7318. You may be helping

to stop a developing situation that could become more harmful

to that individual and to others.

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Thank you to the City of Houston and Houston Ready for providing “Run, Hide, Fight”.

Last updated: 8/12/2019

Office of Campus Safety • PO Box 5096 Greeneville, TN 37743 • (423) 636-7318 • campussafety@tusculum.edu