Hopefully, you’ll never face the kind of tragic situation that occurred at Virginia Tech or Sandy Hook Elementary School. But it’s worth taking a few minutes to think about what you would do in such a situation. 

“Think about what you would in this type of situation before you are in it,” said Andy Altizer, Emergency Preparedness director. “Have a plan to increase your survival chances.” 

Here are other tips for protecting yourself:

• Program the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) number into your phone: 404-894-2500.
• Make a habit of knowing your surroundings. Where are the exits? Does the door lock?  What floor are you on? Where could I hide?
• Report any suspicious person or activity to GTPD.
• If confronted with a possible violent situation, run away as fast as you can and seek help.
• If you can’t run away, hide in a secure room. Lock the door, turn off the lights, and make the area look like no one is there. If you can do so quietly, call GTPD.
• If you can’t get away, and you are being attacked, fighting back is an option.  Use whatever it takes to survive.

“Although the situation would never be the same, remember three important options — run, hide, or fight — plan to survive,” says Deputy Chief of Police Rob Connolly.

Another way to prepare is to take the “Plan, Prep, React — Active Shooter Response Options” class, offered by Emergency Preparedness. The next session is on Thursday, March 6, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in Room 240, Campus Recreation Center. Register at trains.gatech.edu.