Letter to the Editor: Upcoming Active Shooter drill
Unfortunately in today’s world, active shooter issues are becoming all too common, especially for school and college campuses, malls and shopping centers, and other locations where large groups of people congregate. The college has adopted the “Run-Hide-Fight” model, as developed by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
The plan is simple with “Run-Hide-Fight.”
Run: If you can escape and run away then do so. Encourage those around you to also evacuate, but do not argue if they refuse. Once you escape to a safe place you should contact 911 and, if it is safe to do so, prevent others from entering the area.
Hide: If you cannot run and escape, you can hide. When you hide, try to find an area that can be locked and secured. Place large items in front of the entrance to block the area. When hiding, turn your cell phone to silent, turn lights out, and stay as quiet as possible. If you cannot locate a locked area, hide behind large objects that obscure you from view.
Fight: If you cannot run or hide, then you can fight. Only when your life is at risk you should fight the attacker. Use improvised weapons and objects to disarm them. Attack with aggression and commit to your actions.
Once emergency services arrive remember to keep calm and listen to commands. Keep your hands visible at all times and avoid pointing and yelling. Responders first on scene are concerned with finding the shooter, but understand there is also help on the way for injured individuals. Your actions can make a difference in saving lives, in addition to your own. Always keep in mind the “Run-Hide-Fight” model.
Active shooter information is also accessible on the Public Safety webpage: www.mhcc.edu/publicsafety.
Mt. Hood Community College will conduct a lockdown drill at the Gresham campus on Thursday, May 5 at 1:40 p.m. Anyone who has questions or concerns is encouraged to contact Wayne Feagle, campus Public Safety manager, at [email protected].
MHCC counselors are available in room AC1152 for anyone seeking counseling. -Wayne Feagle, Public Safety
Up here at the health professions end of the campus, where the bosses never are (try to make an appointment with the dean up here, she’s always over at the nursing school), the keys to lock the lobby doors have been removed. I guess if you’re a health professions student or staff, run or fight are your only choices, because you can’t lock the doors and hide.