GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The attack at Ohio State University is a reminder to all campuses across the country that when something terrible happens, getting word out to students and staff quickly can be a matter of life or death.
"Run, Hide, or Fight" is a protocol universities are taking when faced with an active shooter or attacker emergency.
“First option is always if you can safely get away, get away” says Calvin College's Director of Public Safety William Corner. “Get out and get as far away as possible from the threat. If you can’t do that, the next thing your doing is looking for a place you can secure yourself; that’s to hide.”
Grand Rapids Police say if neither running or hiding is an option, then the last resort is to stand your ground.
“If all else fails, and you got no other option, we want you to fight,” says Dan Savage, deputy chief of operations for GRPD.
Police also say to be aware of your surroundings so you will know what to do when the time comes to take action.
“Look around, look for other exits,” Savage said. “Don’t always think the way you came into a building is the way you need to leave.”
Calvin College and other universities in West Michigan have a Rave Emergency Notification System that allows campuses to send out emergency notifications to students and faculty through social media, emails, texts or phone messages.
Police say emergency precautions are necessary for college campuses to make sure they're prepared for the worst.
