By Jillian Gaskins, Class of 2018
Clemson University Relations
In light of recent events in Florida and across the nation, Clemson University’s active shooter plan has been tested and approved to handle emergency situations on campus. Law enforcement advises faculty and staff learn and prepare for those situations using a concept called run, hide, fight.
Running is the first option in a dangerous situation. The first priority is to run if it is possible to leave the scene without running directly into the threat. Always exercise this option when you have a visible escape route. Remember to familiarize yourself with multiple exits in your daily routine, not just the ones you use regularly.
Hiding is the next best option if you are unable to evacuate. Hiding does not simply mean to disappear out of sight. It means to barricade your current location. Choose a location that will give you the best opportunity to secure yourself away from the threat. Faculty and staff should be aware of their work environment and items useful for fortifying their position. For example, a computer cord may be used to tie a door handle shut and cabinets or furniture can be moved to block doors.
Fighting is the last option, because it is the most dangerous. However, it may be necessary if the threat is imminent and the other two options are not available. Again, be aware of your environment. For example, a fire extinguisher could be used as a weapon or a distraction device. The goal is to defend yourself or incapacitate the assailant and find an avenue for escape.
Clemson has several mass notification systems.
- In case of an emergency, sirens will sound on the main campus with voice messages, and
- CU Safe Alert will send text, email, RSS and Twitter notifications. Learn how to sign up for text alerts here.
- Detailed information will be posted on the Alerts web page and emailed through Inside Clemson.
- Depending on the level of the crisis, messages will also be updated on Clemson’s home page banner and sent through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). IPAWS is part of the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure and is capable, among other actions, of altering mobile devices in a given geographic area.
Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) Lt. Chris Harrington has spent 12 years protecting Clemson’s campus, and currently serves as the CUPD training manager and recruitment coordinator. Harrington oversees the training programs for all of the university’s certified police officers and recruits new talent to strengthen the agency.
“Preparation is one of the most important components in an active shooter situation,” said Harrington. “We have to be thinking about these things ahead of time and be aware of our surroundings.”
“With a more than 3,500 participants in our preparedness program to date, departments or entities may reach out to receive active shooter training and we’ll accommodate it as best we can. The training can be scheduled to accommodate a variety of time blocks. Training focuses on the building layout, common sense, safety practices, and promotes the run, hide, fight response model.”
To request a department drill, please contact Harrington at harrin4@clemson.edu. If suspicious activity is noted on campus, please call 864-656-2222 or dial 911 for immediate response.
“The only way for us to succeed is for all of us to deny assailants the ability to have victims,” Harrington said.
Other resources
Watch the Department of Homeland Security video and learn more active shooter preparedness tips on its web page.
