Ideas for ways to be alert and be prepared

Joseph Massaquoi, Sam Gentle
Staff Writers

On Oct. 1, an enrolled student opened fire at Umpqua Community college.  The attack resulted in 10 dead and many injured. The shooting raised many questions on the ARCC campus about better protection for our students.

“Active shooter events are an unfortunate reality in our society and it is important that we prepare ourselves and our students,” said Mary Jacobson, ARCC Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

The shooting in Oregon is not an isolated incident in the United States.  For example, on June 18, 9 were left dead by a shooter in Charleston, S.C.  After this recent shooting, many schools, especially college campuses, have become concerned with their own safety.

“Recent events in Oregon and Arizona remind us all that this issue can take place anywhere at any time. It is important for all of us at Anoka Ramsey to be aware and to be informed to what we can do to prevent and respond if this situation were to ever to occur,” said Lisa Harris, Dean of Student Affairs.

In an email sent out to the ARCC community, Mary Jacobson shared some ways in which students on campus can stay safe in the event of an on campus shooting.

“Run-first and foremost, if you can get out, do it,” said Jacobson.

The second thing to do is to hide or barricade.

“If you can’t get out safely, you need to find a place to hide. Act quickly and quietly. Try to secure your hiding place the best you can,” said Jacobson.

According to Jacobson, the final thing students need to do concerns fighting or confronting.

“As a last resort, and only if your life is danger – whether you’re alone or working as a group, fight,” said Jacobson.

A flow chart was also released to summarize this information.