The best way to stay safe in dangerous situations is to know emergency procedures.
University officials provide materials to learn about procedures, but they don’t always communicate them in effective ways. Students should research the procedures to stay aware, but officials also should communicate them more clearly.
An Emergency Resource Guide is located in every classroom on campus. The guide contains instructions on how to react in case of fires, hazmat spills, floods, tornadoes, and active shooter situations.
As severe weather season begins, it is important to know what to do in case of tornadoes or high-speed winds. Students should “proceed to the nearest interior room at the lowest level of the building” or a tornado shelter, and close the door, according to the guide. There are 17 emergency shelter locations on campus, including Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center, which is open 24/7. People should remain in the shelter until campus police or the Oklahoma City fire department announce that it is safe to leave.
Click HERE for more information on severe weather.
Officials are working with a mass communications class to create an informational video explaining the correct procedures in active shooter situations.
The three main points to remember are to either evacuate, hide out or take action against the shooter. The order of the steps depends on each person’s situation, though.
The Emergency Resource Guide emphasizes to “determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life.”
When evacuating, find an accessible and safe escape path and call campus police at 405-208-5911 when safe. Hide out if evacuation is not possible, making sure to lock and barricade the door with furniture.
“As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter,” according to the resource guide. The guide suggests acting aggressively, throwing items, improvising weapons, or yelling.
Campus police responds within minutes, but, while they are on their way, it’s up to you to keep yourself safe.
The Emergency Resource Guide also is available on okcu.edu/main/emergency/resources.
Students should read up on things that could affect them in the future, and officials should share the information more often. Even posting links to the guide on the university’s social media accounts could help students better understand what they are to do.
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