The possibility of school shootings, like those at Columbine High School in Colorado 1999 and Virginia Tech in 2007, have lead to more awareness of how vulnerable schools can be to sudden unforeseen acts of violence.
On Nov. 14, University Police Chief Rene Chenevert presented the video “Shots Fired on Campus.” The purpose of the video, produced by the Center for Personal Protection and Safety, was to “heighten awareness of potential active shooter incidents on campus,” he said.
Knowing how to deal with an emergency was the primary reason Amy Robinson, literature professor, came to see the video.
“Faculty are in the trenches with students and should know how to handle an emergency situation,” Robinson said.
She hopes nothing will ever happen on campus but said, “It’s good to be prepared.”
Robinson is pleased about the duress button in her classroom but expressed concern over security issues now that she has relocated to Harbor Hall. Although the building is somewhat isolated from the rest of the university, Chenevert said three blue emergency phones were installed in the vicinity that afternoon.
While USF St. Petersburg has not experienced any reported shooters on campus, Chenevert said preparation is vital.
The video emphasized the importance of developing survival skills. A person must be actively thinking, “How will I get out? And what would I do?” because these instances are over in minutes.
Police officials suggest creating a survival plan. The plan should consist of awareness, preparation and rehearsal.
Gunshot recognition is the first step to awareness. Chenevert said most people don’t know what a real gunshot sounds like and the sounds of gunshots indoors and outdoors can be different.
However, police officials in the video said not to second-guess the sound. Reacting during those first few seconds can change the situation drastically.
Photo by Daniel Mutter/Three new police emergency call boxes have been placed around Harbor Hall to help make walks to class safer for USFSP students.
