UND introduces ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ training for staff and faculty

Based on feedback heard during the most recent Town Hall Zoom meeting on Jan. 24, as well as other discussions across campus, UND President Andrew Armacost and UND Associate VP for Public Safety and Chief of Police Rodney Clark have approved mandatory active shooter/active threat video training that will be rolled out soon for all staff and faculty.

In a video message, President Armacost and Chief Clark discuss the importance of such mandatory training and explain how to prepare for these emergency situations.

Specifically, they address the “Run, Hide, Fight” approach to active shooter/active threat situations:

• Run — when there is an active threat and call 911 as soon as you can.
• Hide — when escape isn’t an option. Lock and block doors, avoid windows and silence phones.
• Fight — as a last resort when your life is in danger.

Chief Clark says that while UND is most often a safe place to be, training is an important way to raise awareness, reinforce muscle memory and gives an indication of what to do in an extreme situation.

Perhaps most importantly, regular training for these scenarios helps prevent a freeze response, or inaction that can put people in danger.

Apart from other active shooter/active threat response methods, “Run, Hide, Fight” is a simple set of steps to remember and act upon, Clark says, like “Stop, Drop and Roll” in the case of a fire.

Chief Clark says that UND’s Police Department can be available to units, offices and departments across campus to talk about security in specific locations and make recommendations on what to do during emergencies.

President Armacost concludes today’s video by emphasizing the importance of keeping each other safe. He said more information and guidance will be coming soon on the mandatory “Run, Hide, Fight” video training.