Attacks on college campuses have prompted the need for these higher learning institutions to expand their emergency preparedness plans to include teachers and students. In the most recent assault that occurred at the Ohio State University campus, students and staff were told to “Run, Hide, Fight”.
These three keywords are crucial in reminding students how to react to an active shooter situation. The campaign began when the City of Houston, Texas and Homeland Security created a video to show employees and students alike what to do if they are ever faced with an active shooter, or as in the OSU situation, a knife attack.
The concept of “Run Hide Fight” is explained in the video which tells viewers to assess the situation before deciding which option is right for them. The Run option tells people to run away as fast as possible, taking as many people with them as possible and then calling 911 when it’s safe. The Hide option encourages those who can’t run to go to a designated “safe room” in the building, and once the room is filled, lock and barricade the door. Fight should be the last option used when all other options are gone. The video shows viewers how to use any object they can find as a weapon in these life or death situations.
The increase in threats on campuses and other public spaces have prompted an increase in the need for emergency management training. Universities are trying to meet this new demand by adding degree options and training courses. Continuing education courses in the field of emergency preparedness are also becoming a new standard as professionals understand that new threats in society keep this field from becoming static.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects growth in emergency preparedness careers to remain at 6% through 2024 with median pay of over $67,000 per year.
