Over the years, the U.S. has experienced numerous mass shootings. The question students have to take into consideration is what are the protocols when there is an active shooter on campus?

Here at Oswego State, the University Police strongly recommends students to follow their protocols in this order, according to the Oswego State Emergency Response Plan.

1. If you hear gunshots or see someone has entered a building with a weapon, the first thing to do is seek secure shelter. If it is possible, go to the nearest room with a door that has a lock. It is very important to get out while there is an active shooter firing his/her weapon.

2. The next step is call UP at 312-315-5555 if possible. Police intervention arriving as soon as possible is the best approach. Violent incidents evolve rapidly, and violent individuals are unpredictable in their behavior. Tell the police where you are, where the shots were heard and how many people are in the room.

3. Provide as much information as possible. Try to stay calm and, if possible, give the police an accurate description of the person or people involved, including clothing, height, weight, sex, other physical characteristics and direction of travel or location. If possible, give a description of any weapons involved.

4. Close and lock the door or barricade the door if there is no lock. Close and cover the windows. Seek to find a room without windows, only if time permits. Stay away from the windows and pull the shades, if any. Use whatever moveable furniture is available to barricade the door. This is especially important if there is no time to find a room with a lockable door. Some doors open outward rather than inward, but blocking the entrance may deter the perpetrator.

5. Turn off lights and get on the floor. Keep out of sight by hiding behind tables, desks, cabinets or other furniture. This also provides additional protection. Keep absolutely quiet and act like no one is in the room.

6. Remain in the place of refuge until escorted from the building by police or other security personnel. Do not attempt to leave a secure hiding place on your own. Do not answer the door or speak to anyone. Always wait for police to identify themselves and give instructions. Be absolutely sure before responding and taking the directions provided.

7. Once you have reached safety, call family or friends to assure them you are safe and tell them not to come to the college. Additional traffic to the area may affect efforts to contain and respond to the emergency. Recent events have shown that, if the opportunity arises, you can take action to terminate the hostile action.

“We need to follow this so that there is no chaos,” Oswego State senior Kevin Russell said.

Russell said he believes that if more people are running around in the same area, then there is a greater probability of students getting injured.

Graphic by Samantha Flavell | The Oswegonian