To: Drexel University students, faculty and staff
From: Constantine Papadakis, President
Date: April 17, 2007
In the wake of yesterday's tragedy at Virginia Tech, I have the unfortunate but important task of ensuring that you know how to respond in the unlikely event that you ever encounter a situation with the potential for shooting violence on campus.
This type of incident is unpredictable, and your immediate response depends on the situation you face. The following guidelines have been developed by Bernard Gollotti, Drexel's senior associate vice president for public safety, based on the best practices established by law enforcement experts.
If it is possible to do so safely, exit the building immediately when you become aware of an incident, moving away from the immediate path of danger, and take the following steps:
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1. Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately.
2.
Evacuate to a safe area away from the danger, and take protective cover. Stay there until assistance arrives.
3.
Call 911 and the Drexel Public Safety Department at 215-895-2222, providing each dispatcher with the following information:
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a. Your name
b. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
c. Number of shooters (if known)
d. Identification or description of shooter(s)
e. Number of persons who may be involved
f. Your exact location
g. Injuries to anyone, if known |
4. Individuals not immediately impacted by the situation are to take protective cover, staying away from windows and doors until notified otherwise.
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If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting the building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:
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1. Go to the nearest room or office.
2. Close and lock the door.
3. Turn off the lights.
4. Seek protective cover.
5. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
6. Do not answer the door.
7. Notify 911 and Drexel Public Safety if it is safe to do so, providing each dispatcher with the following information:
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a. Your name
b. Your location (be as specific as possible)
c. Number of shooters (if known)
d. Identification or description of shooter
e. Number of persons who may be involved
f. Injuries if known |
8. Wait for local police or security to assist you out of the building. |
The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is trained and equipped to respond to an emergency incident of this nature. During the initial phase of the incident, the PPD along with Drexel representatives will evaluate the situation to determine the best course of action for the safety of the Drexel community. Once the PPD and other units respond to campus, they will be responsible for all tactical operations.
Department of Public Safety
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