Be ready: Clemson offers resources in crisis situations

November 29, 2016

By Jackie Todd, University Relations

It’s becoming more commonplace. This week’s attack at The Ohio State University is among many that have occurred at college campuses across the country. While no one can prevent attacks from happening, we can do our best to prepare. Part of the preparation is understanding where to find resources.

And that’s where Clemson can help.

The university offers resources that you can use in the event of a campus attack or other emergency.

CU Safe Alerts

Should a crisis situation happen on the university’s main or satellite campuses, faculty, staff and students will receive a CU Safe alert through a text to your cell phone and via email.

Note: If you do not receive CU Safe alerts, click here to sign up.

The initial alert will be followed by more information through Inside Clemson emails.

Webpages

This summer, Clemson introduced an emergency webpage, which provides information and instructions during crisis situations on Clemson’s campuses. The CU Safe Alerts page will provide in reverse chronological order (meaning the most recent postings appear first) updates and instructions.

Need general tips, telephone numbers and safety information? Clemson’s CU Safety page offers all that and more. Among other things, the site provides information about victim services, crime statistics, campus alert methods and emergency preparedness for a variety of situations.

Smartphone app

Introduced to campus earlier this year, the Rave Guardian is a free app that can be downloaded onto your smartphone. Click here to read about Rave Guardian’s capabilities.

Social Media

If you use Twitter, be sure to follow @cusafety and @InsideClemson, which will also provide information.

For questions or more information, contact Clemson University Police Department.

Active shooter

Clemson University police say you should be prepared to act in the unlikely event you are confronted by an active shooter. You have three options: RUN, HIDE or FIGHT:

1 – RUN

• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
• Help others escape, if possible.
• Do not attempt to move the wounded.
• Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
• Keep your hands visible.
• Call 911 when you are safe.

2 – HIDE

• Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view.
• Lock door or block entry to your hiding place.
• Silence your cell phone (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet.

3 – FIGHT

• Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
• Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter.
• Commit to your actions. Your life depends on it.

Read more about what to do if there is an active shooter on campus.

Watch the active shooter video.