SECURITY ALERT - Oregon School Shooting
The personal safety of students, staff, faculty and visitors is of primary importance at the Graduate Center. In the wake of yesterday's school shooting Umpqua Community College in Oregon, we are once again reviewing our present security posture and emergency operation plans and will be looking at strategies to prevent such incidents from happening on our campus.
The personal safety of students, staff, faculty and visitors is of primary importance at the Graduate Center. In the wake of yesterday's school shooting Umpqua Community College in Oregon, we are once again reviewing our present security posture and emergency operation plans and will be looking at strategies to prevent such incidents from happening on our campus. However, a truly safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of the entire Graduate Center Community. Shooting incidents are often difficult to predict but many serious shootings related to workplace violence, domestic violence and other behavioral issues are often preceded by warning signs that are ignored. Therefore, we must all work together to minimize the threat of violence and maintain the safety we have enjoyed at the Graduate Center. Taking the proactive measures below can help us in that effort:
- Comply with the Graduate Center's ID/Access policy.
- Become familiar with workplace violence policies and procedures which can be viewed at http://www.gc.cuny.edu/About-the-GC/Resource-Services/Security-Public-Safety/Workplace-Violence.
- Become familiar with domestic violence policies and procedures which can be viewed at http://policy.cuny.edu/manual_of_general_policy/article_v/policy_5.061/pdf/#Navigation_Location.
- Become familiar with student intervention team policies and procedures which can be viewed at http://www.gc.cuny.edu/Prospective-Current-Students/Student-Life/Resources/Behavioral-Intervention-Team-(BIT).
- Sign up for CUNY Alert at www.cuny.edu/alert.
- Inform Security & Public Safety if you have a court order of protection.
- Become familiar with all fire exits on your floor.
- Immediately report violent incidents or threats of violence to Public Safety at x7777.
- In addition, immediately report any suspicious activity to Public Safety at x7777.
In the event that there is an active shooting incident on campus, you can follow the guidelines below, depending on the situation:
If someone enters the area you are in and starts shooting:
- Exit the building immediately only if it can be done quickly and safely.
- While exiting, notify anyone that you encounter to do the same.
- Do not sound the fire alarm as it may cause unknowing persons to evacuate into the danger zone.
- If safe to do so, call 911 and Graduate Center Security & Public Safety at x7777 and give them the following information:
- Your name
- Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
- Number of shooters if known
- Identification or description of the shooter(s)
- Number and type(s) of weapons used if known (handguns, shotguns, explosives, etc.)
- A direction of travel, if known
- Number and location of victims and extent of injuries
If you are unable to safely evacuate:
- Go to the nearest room.
- Close and lock the door. Try to barricade it if it cannot be locked. If possible, use rooms without windowed doors.
- Stay away from doors and windows and stay as low to the ground as possible.
- Take cover behind large objects such as cabinets or desks.
- Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
- DO NOT answer the door unless an 'all clear' announcement has been made.
- If safe to do so, call 911 and Graduate Center Security & Public Safety at x7777 and give them the following information:
- Your name
- Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
- Number of shooter(s) if known
- Identification or description of the shooter(s)
- Number and type(s) of weapons used if known (handguns, shotguns, explosives, etc.)
- A direction of travel, if known
- Number and location of victims and extent of injuries
- Wait for NYPD and/or Public Safety personnel to assist you out of the area.
- When the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve you being handcuffed or keeping your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons until the situation is evaluated.
If you are caught in an open area:
- If you can run, do not run in a straight line. Attempt to keep objects (desks, cabinets, fixtures, etc.) between you and the shooter. If outside, use vehicles and other objects to block you from the view of the shooters.
- If you cannot run, take cover and if possible, try to hide in a well-hidden space.
- Fighting back is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.
- If you are caught by the suspect and are not able to fight back, obey all commands and do not look the intruder in the eye.
If you are taken hostage:
- Remain calm, be patient and avoid drastic action.
- Follow the hostage taker's instructions. Do not speak unless spoken to. Avoid arguments.
- Stay alert and be observant. You may be released or be able to escape. The personal safety of others may depend on your memory.
To view the U.S Department of Homeland Security active shooter preparedness video go to: http://www.dhs.gov/video/options-consideration-active-shooter-preparedness-video
Other emergency procedures, security alerts and crime prevention information can be viewed at: http://www.gc.cuny.edu/About-the-GC/Resource-Services/Security-Public-Safety/Emergency-Procedures. Please call the Director of Security & Public Safety at x7761 if you have any questions or concerns.