Chief advises students to run, hide or fight. from MWSU Campus Watch on Vimeo.

Two high school students murdered 12 fellow students and one teacher in Columbine, CO on April 20, 1999. Seven years later, a lone gunman at Virginia Tech shot and killed 32 people. November 1, 2013 a gunman armed with an assault rifle opened fire at Los Angeles International Airport killing a Transportation Security Administration agent.

These acts of violence are a testament to how fragile life is. No one knows if and when these instances will occur but Police Chief Dan Williams says there are three things to remember if they ever do: run, hide or fight.

“The three things we are going to concentrate on are: Run, which is the first option. If you can get out of a building and you are pretty sure that you can do it safely that’s your best option.”

Williams says if you decide to run know where you are running to and have an idea of a safe location in mind. He also says your second option is to hide.

“If you do that the key is to secure the immediate area. Whether it be a class room, an office or a restroom,” said Williams

The final consideration would be to fight. Williams says this is last resort and should be considered carefully before being attempted.

“ We (Police) encourage you and others in room to develop a plan. What are we going to do if he comes through that door? Again, it boils down to two options. One, you cower-down and become a victim, or potential victim and possible even die. Or you develop a plan and then you fight.”

Sound advice, unfortunately, though the active shooter seminar was open to all students Rachel Jones, was the sole member of the audience.

“Definitely more people should attend things like this. Because it not a rear thing anymore. You hear about them (shootings) so often in the news I think everyone should be prepared for cases like this. Giving them (Students) information… in the little booklets or things like that lets them be aware that this is not necessarily a hypothetical thing,” Jones said.

Williams said to increase attendance he might “opt-out” of the open seminar format and go to individual classes around campus.