What to Do If Shooting Starts on Campus -- New Lessons Come to Wayne State

Wayne State takes a step that's stark as well as sensible. It's also a timely acknowledgement that American students can face gunfire anywhere, any time.

Three "emergency preparedness" sessions in coming weeks will demonstrate responses to someone using a firearm. WSU's Police Department will conduct the free, voluntary campus drills.

"Active shooter incidents regrettably occur at public locations with increasing frequency," says a three-paragraph online announcement.

It is always best to be prepared. . . .

We all have a role to play in our personal and collective safety, and there are things that you can do during these life-threatening situations to improve your survival chances before police arrive.

 

Two-hour lessons next week and in March are "an opportunity to learn actions that will help you remain safe in the event of an active shooter . . . including tips for reacting in sniper incidents and motor vehicle attacks."

This program incorporates expert information, emergency preparedness videos and question-and-answer sessions with WSUPD officers.

The training also covers an often overlooked but critically important topic — what to do in those first chaotic minutes after law enforcement arrives at the scene.

Students, faculty members and staff can sign up for guidance on the dates below. As a precaution, only participants will get location details.

• Wednesday, Feb. 28 -- Noon-2 p.m.: Register
• Thursday, March 8 -- 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Register
• Friday, March 16 -- 10 a.m.-noon: Register

High interest is expected. "We will do our best to accommodate all size groups, but sessions may become full," the department advises.

Lt. David Scott at can answer questions at (313) 577-6064 or dscott@wayne.edu.

WSU spreads the word Thursday on Twitter, eight days after 14 students and a high school in Parkland, Fla.: 

Do you know what to do in the event of an active attacker? Being prepared can make all the difference. Sign up for the WSUPD's active attacker training program, where you will learn tips for staying safe in an emergency.https://t.co/GlDgiE4LQj pic.twitter.com/FqxEw9Qioi

— Wayne State Univ (@waynestate) February 22, 2018