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UCDPD Teaches Students How to Survive a Campus Shooting

Don't panic; we're not saying campus shootings happen often at UC Davis. However, it's always good to be prepared for emergeny situations. UCSF Today reports that the UC Davis Police Department recently visited the UC San Francisco campus to teach students, staff and faculty about how to react and increase survival chances during a campus shooting. The workshop included the following five survival strategies:

1. Escape

Your best chance of survival is to leave the scene. When attending class or dining out, Lieutenant Matthew Carmichael recommends sitting in the back of a room away from the door so that you can see the doorway when people enter the room.

2. Take cover if escape isn't an option

Don't scramble under your desk where you're still in sight. And remember that sheet rock walls won't guard against bullets, Carmichael says.

3. Hide

Once you're out of sight, remember to stay quiet and turn cell phones or other devices to vibrate or silent. If possible, barricade the door.

4. Play dead

If someone near you has been shot to death, Carmichael recommends covering yourself with the body.

5. As a last resort, if you have the chance, attack the attacker.

Try to take the attacker down by poking him in the eyes or hitting him in the head with a heavy object. If you're within a few feet, you may try taking the gun away from the attacker, but be prepared to use it as many attackers carry multiple weapons.

According to Carmichael, “most attacks [are] stopped by means other than law enforcement intervention.” This increases the importance of keeping your cool and knowing what to do in times of crisis, including learning first aid and being able to help those around you in need.

The UCD Police Department teaches workshops on the UC Davis campus for departments and other groups interested in learning how to improve their self-defense skills and survival chances in the case of a campus shooting. If you're interested in attending a workshop, contact Lieutenant Matthew Carmichael at (530) 752-5350 or at mecarmichael@ucdavis.edu.