from a mass attack.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nGuidance to faculty, staff, and students<\/h4>\n
In general, how you respond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter, bearing in mind there could be more than one shooter involved in the same situation. If you find yourself involved in an active shooter situation, try to remain calm and use these guidelines to help you plan a strategy for survival.<\/p>\n
If an active shooter is outside your building<\/b>, 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, advise the dispatcher of what is taking place, and inform him\/her of your location; remain in place until the police, or a campus administrator known to you, gives the \u201call clear.\u201d Unfamiliar voices may be the shooter attempting to lure victims from their safe space; do not respond to any voice commands until you can verify with certainty that they are being issued by a police officer.<\/p>\n
If an active shooter is in the same building you are<\/b>, determine if the room you are in can be locked and if so, follow the same procedure described in the previous paragraph. If your room can\u2019t be locked, determine if there is a nearby location that can be reached safely and secured, or if you can safely exit the building. If you decide to move from your current location, be sure to follow the instructions outlined below.<\/p>\n
If an active shooter enters your office or classroom<\/b>, try to remain calm. Dial 911, if possible, and alert police to the shooter\u2019s location; if you can\u2019t speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen to what\u2019s taking place. 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, after all other options have been exhausted. 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.
\nNo matter what the circumstances, if you decide to flee during an active shooting situation, 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. Do not attempt to remove injured people; instead, leave wounded victims where they are and notify authorities of their location as soon as possible. Do not try to drive off campus until advised it is safe to do so by police or campus administrators.<\/p>\nTips to consider<\/h3>\n
There are a few critical aspects you as an individual should know when preparing yourself for such an incident. A few of them are as follows, but the brief 5 minute video below.<\/p>\n
Please review this list and view the video.<\/p>\n
Call University Police when safe to do so \u2013 the quicker, the better.<\/p>\n
Did you know dialing 4911 from a campus-based phone connects with NSUPD?<\/p>\n
And if you dial 911 from your cell phone, you will reach TPD rather than NSUPD?<\/p>\n
There is a critical difference in the response time of these 2 agencies. Time is the most vital aspect of this scenario and NSUPD is already on campus. Consider programming (985) 448-4746 into your cell phone and saving as a speed dial or as a favorite for quicker access. Both police forces will respond regardless, but NSUPD is your on-site, campus police professionally trained to effectively respond to these scenarios.<\/p>\n
Run, hide, fight<\/b> \u2013 in that order. This is the current message supported by the FBI, DHS, and others.<\/p>\n
If you hear gun fire and if you can get out of your location to run to safety, then GET OUT.<\/p>\n
If you are unsure where the shots were in relation to you and think it is too close for you to run, then HIDE. If you hide, do so quietly, silence your cell phone, consider turning off lights, and consider barricading doors if possible.<\/p>\n
If these two are not an option and the shooter is entering your area\/room, FIGHT BACK. This is even more effective if you are with a group and can do so collectively.<\/p>\n
If you ever become aware of a situation that may lead to violence, please notify the police or other campus authorities. ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ has a threat assessment team who can and do evaluate potential problems and seek to find appropriate, fair and compassionate resolutions.<\/p>\n