Following School Shooting, IU Police Stress 'Run, Hide, Fight'
Last updated on Thursday, February 15, 2018
(UNDATED) - After yet another school shooting, IU Police are stressing the importance of what to do during an active shooter or aggressor appears to be actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area — typically using firearms but possibly using other weapons, such as knives, or vehicles.
At least 17 people were killed Wednesday in a high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said.
The suspect, 19-year-old former student Nikolas Cruz, is in custody, the sheriff said. Cruz was expelled for unspecified disciplinary reasons.
During a Wednesday night press conference, authorities said 12 out of the 17 victims have been identified.
Law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shortly before 3 p.m. The shooting sent students and staff streaming out of the school in a panic.
IU Police say with active shooters or aggressors there may be no pattern or method to their selection of victims.
These situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, so it's important that you act quickly and that you remember Run, Hide, Fight.
How to respond during active shooter or aggressor attacks
The following recommendations are options to be considered and should not be thought to be sequential. Select the best course of action according to the situation in which you find yourself.
RUN
If a safe path is available, run
Always try to escape or evacuate even if others insist on staying
Encourage others to leave with you but don't let their indecision slow down your escape
Try to prevent others from entering the danger zone.
Keep your hands visible for law enforcement
Call IUPD from either a non-campus phone or 911 from a campus phone to report the incident and description/location of shooter(s)
HIDE
If you can't escape, find a place to safely hide and be silent
Turn out lights, close window blinds/curtains, lock doors if possible and silence your cell phone ringer and vibration mode
Barricade doors and windows if able to with furniture and other objects
Stay low to the ground but don't sit down; be prepared to move
Gather items to use for self-defense
Identify other methods of evacuating should the opportunity to escape occur (other doors, stairwells or windows)
Render first aid to the injured if safely able to do so
If unable to evacuate, remain in place until the "All Clear" is released through IU-Notify or by law enforcement in the area
If safe to do so, call IUPD and report your location. If shooter is in the area and able to be heard, call and keep the line open for dispatchers to listen
FIGHT
As a last resort, act with aggression and use improvised weapons to distract and/or disarm the shooter
Throw objects at the shooter's head - aim for their eyes
Work together as a team if others are present
Upon use of a distraction device, immediately attempt to escape or take down the shooter
Commit to action as your life is at risk
Remove the weapon from the shooter's reach and safely hide it - do not handle it because law enforcement may perceive you to be a threat
If taking down the shooter, immobilize all limbs (arms, legs, head) until law enforcement arrives
If you decide to flee during an active shooting situation, make sure you have an escape route and plan in mind. Also:
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
Notify authorities of the location of wounded people as soon as possible
Do not try to drive off until advised it is safe to do so by police or campus administrators
Run Hide Fight training for your colleagues, student group
IUPD and Emergency Management and Continuity at IU offer a range of safety training and presentations and collaborate on presentations about active shooter or aggressor response. Check out the Protect IU training information.
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