During a recent Active Shooter Drill at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus, students in open areas were unsure where to go. While most have practiced classroom lockdowns, being caught in a hallway or lounge requires a different approach.
Shari Rowe, Manager of Emergency Management, offered the following guidance:
- Choose Your Best Option
MATC follows the Run, Hide, Fight framework. Because every situation is unique—especially with potential dangers occurring both inside and outside the building—you must assess your surroundings and make a judgment call.
- When to Run
If you don’t have a safe place to hide, your best option is to run.
- Have a Plan: Have a destination in mind, but be ready to change course if you encounter danger.
- Check Outside: Before exiting a building, observe the environment. Are others running? Where is law enforcement?
- Keep Going: If you leave the building, run as far away as possible.
- When to Hide
If the danger is outside, stay indoors and find a place to hide.
- Avoid Classrooms: Do not try to reach your specific classroom; they will likely be locked by the time you arrive.
- Door Policy: For faculty and staff in an office or classroom, check the hallway for stranded individuals only if it is safe. Once the door is locked, do not open it for anyone.
- Stay Prepared
Ask yourself: What do I see and hear? What are my options? What is my backup plan?
Need a Personal Safety Plan? MATC Public Safety is available to help students and employees develop individual safety plans and answer procedure questions. Contact them directly for more information.
