Run – Hide – Fight Philosophy Explained
Recent incidents remind all of us to be vigilant and prepared for the unthinkable. The University of Missouri-Kansas City has an outstanding team of public safety professionals who work hard every day to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff, but we can all use a refresher about the fundamental steps each one of us can take to be intentional about our safety.
We ask that each of you—students, faculty and staff—review the following:
• Active shooter response tip sheets (Click Here)
Tip sheets and posters have been provided for most classrooms and office areas at the university.
• RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.® Surviving an Active Shooter Event (Click Here)
The actions that you must take during an active shooter situation are not the same for everyone. You must make a decision on your best and safest course of action depending on your situation and location relative to the threat. We encourage faculty and staff to regularly review safety and security procedures with students in the classroom and coworkers in office spaces.
When an alert is received and you are on campus, or if you have not received an alert but hear the sound of gunfire, you must stop what you’re doing and determine which of the following actions is best for your situation:
• Run – Getting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority. Leave your things behind and run away. If safe to do so, warn others nearby. When you are in a safe place, call 911 to report what you have seen and/or heard. Be ready to describe the shooter or shooters, their locations and weapons.
• Hide – If you can’t get away safely, find a place to hide. Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet. Silence your electronic devices and make sure they won’t vibrate. Lock and block doors, close blinds and turn off the lights. Don’t hide in groups— spread out along walls or hide separately to make it more difficult for the shooter. Stay in place until law enforcement gives you additional instructions.
• Fight – Your last resort when you are in immediate danger is to defend yourself. Act decisively and aggressively to stop the shooter. Distract and disarm the shooter if you can by using makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors and books.
When an active shooter alert is received and you are off campus, do not come to campus.
After an active shooter alert is sent, campus safety officials will provide frequent updates of the evolving situation. An “All Clear” alert will be sent when the situation is resolved.
Active shooter training is available through the campus police department.
Contact:
UMKC Police Department
Officer Phillip Murphy
Phone: 816-235-1716, Email: murphypj@umkc.edu
Phone: 816-235-1515
https://www.umkc.edu/finadmin/police/contact-us.asp
Thank you for taking the time to review this important material. Your safety is our primary concern.