As many of you will have read by now, there was an incident yesterday at Ohio State University, where a suspect drove a car into a crowd of people who had been evacuated from a building due to a possible gas leak. The suspect then used a large knife to attack several students until he was shot by a university police officer. As soon as I heard the news, I remembered a video that was produced by Ohio State University, instructing people how to respond to an active shooter situation on the OSU campus. Because the university had a plan in place, they were able to immediately issue a “Buckeye Alert” today, with information and instructions for students and faculty.
OSU’s video is based on the tactics used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
1. RUN
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
- Leave your belongings behind
- Keep your hands visible
2. HIDE
- Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
- Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors
- Silence your cell phone and/or pager
3. FIGHT
- As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
- Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter
CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
Any thoughts about this instructional video?
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I agree with the methods shown in the OSU video. The one I would have a problem with is FIGHT but when there is no other way around the situation, go for it. I feel this video should be shown to as many school administrators and on as many college campuses as possible. The three words need to be taught at all fronts. Public education is needed at all levels. Life is too precious to not know how to Run, Hide, Fight.
As a fan of your web site, I couldn’t help noticing the belt around the closer trick. Does that work? Other than that, I thought it was appropriate in its level of scariness, considering the clear instruction. (I imagine it’s far more chilling to students at OSU if it was filmed on-campus.) I’d show it to my daughter and recommend it to her high school as part of their plan. I’m curious if others see bad suggestions or have better ideas.
The belt would not be my first choice, but it’s better than nothing. I think it might keep the intruder out for a bit, or maybe he would think the door was locked and move on. I haven’t tried it myself.
– Lori