Important Tips from the CU Office of Public Safety

The tragedy at Virginia Tech still looms in our collective memory. Since then, you might have asked yourself "what would I do in that situation?" In the event that you should find yourself in a similar situation, no matter where the location, Columbia University's Office of Public Safety has developed some basic tips for us to keep in mind.

If you are in a building when an event occurs, you should:
Secure immediate area:
-Lock and barricade doors
-Do not stand by doors or windows
-Turn off lights
-Close blinds
-Block windows
-Turn off radios and computer monitors
-Keep yourself out of sight and take adequate cover/protection (i.e., concrete walls, thick desks, filing cabinets - cover may protect you from bullets)
-Silence cell phones

Un-Securing an area:
-Consider risks before un-securing rooms
-Remember, the shooter will not stop until they are engaged by an outside force
-Attempts to rescue people should only be attempted if it can be accomplished without further endangering the persons inside a secured area.
-Consider the safety of masses-vs-the safety of a few
-If doubt exists for the safety of the individuals inside the room, the area should remain secured
-Know all alternate exits in your building

Contacting Authorities:
CU Security: 4-5555 from any CU Phone
NYPD: Use Emergency 911
Email: publicsafety@columbia.edu

Be aware that the 854-5555 will likely be overwhelmed. Program the alternate Columbia University Public Safety line (854-2797) into your cell phone for backup or consider 911 or e-mail. Remember, most cell phones provide the ability to make an emergency call, even if they have a lockout feature. E-mail may also be an option if, under the circumstances, you are unable to speak. E-mail is monitored by Public Safety personnel.

What to Report:
-Your specific location-building name and office/room number
-Number of people at your specific location
-Injuries-number injured, types of injuries
-Assailant(s)-location, number of suspects, race/gender, clothing description, physical features, type of weapons (long gun or hand gun), backpack, shooters identity if known, separate explosions from gunfire, etc

Police Response:
-Objective is to engage assailant(s) immediately
-Evacuate victims
-Facilitate follow up medical care, interviews, counseling
-Investigation