As of August 31, 2019, there have been 279 mass shootings in the U.S. They are such a prominent problem that they cannot be ignored, and you must know what to do if you are ever in that situation.

Within the next few months, phones will be installed in every classroom on all CAC campuses.  The phones at the Signal Peak Campus will automatically dial directly to Central Arizona College Police Department, whereas the phones at the other campuses will automatically dial 911. If you are ever in an active shooter situation at CAC, someone should pick up the phone. You must then take action to save your life. Run, Hide, Fight.

Run, Hide, Fight, is prioritized in that specific order. Running away should be your main priority; safely get to any exit you can. If you are not capable of running away, the next option is to hide. Try to find a place that the shooter will not easily find, one that offers some protection from gunfire in the event of being spotted. Fighting is the last available option; it is only for when running and hiding have failed or are not possible. It will be frightening, but you must fight for your life. Studies have shown that fighting the shooter, even unarmed, greatly limits the number of victims. Again, fighting is meant to be a last resort option, but if necessary, can be vital to saving lives.

If you would like to learn more, there will be multiple active shooter training classes; two are scheduled in Maricopa and one in Aravaipa, with more being planned soon for Signal Peak and Superstitious Mountain campuses. You can contact your campus director to sign up.  Please, be diligent and stay safe.