A lockdown at William Peace University occurred Monday Dec. 3, following reports of a gunman on campus. After two hours, police confirmed there was no threat. William Peace University, as well as NC State, have guidelines for students in place, to help in situations like these.
According to the William Peace University Student Handbook, in the event of an emergency, the university notifies individuals through its Pacer Alert system, an external public address system, instruction from staff, an additional warning system, and the university’s website.
The handbook explains students should follow certain guidelines during an emergency. Individuals involved should listen for information provided by the university and follow instructions, remain calm, avoid using elevators and know marked exits.
Instructions specifically regarding active shooter situations are also included. If the shooter’s location is known to be in a building, those informed should attempt to notify anyone to avoid the building as soon as possible. Call 911, but be prepared for the system to be overwhelmed, and provide name, location of the incident, number of shooters, if known, a description of them and potential injuries.
NC State has a similar policy, when it comes to active shooter scenarios, but there is less information on what to do regarding the police’s involvement. Both universities advise that individuals make decisions ultimately based on current circumstances, and acknowledge that situations may change quickly.
In the event individuals are stranded inside a building, the William Peace handbook advises barricading the door, turn off the lights and close the window blinds, and avoid line of sight with hallways. Be as quiet as possible, stay in the room until the police have given an all clear sign. When police arrive, remain calm, and avoid making quick movements or yelling.
NC State’s guidelines are very similar, suggesting barricading doors, blocking line of sight and turning off lights. Additionally, NC State advises taking cover behind dense, solid objects whenever possible, in an attempt to stop bullets.
John Everett, a fourth-year studying simulation and game design, said very little information was relayed to students, which did not help the situation.
“I was walking out of my room to go get lunch, and [I read] there was a lockdown, potential gunman on campus,” Everett said. “So I stayed here, that’s fine. Like 20 minutes later, Raleigh Police on campus. We didn’t hear anything for about another hour. Nothing being posted on the school website. I was getting more from just reading what different newspapers [were saying].”
Since 1951, there have been 17 school shootings in the state of North Carolina, two of which happened in this year. None have occurred in the Raleigh area.
The first of this year occurred at Wake Forest University on Jan. 20, and involved a student getting fatally shot at a party around 1 a.m. The second was at the David W. Butler High School on Oct. 29, where Bobby McKeithen, a sophomore, was shot and killed.
More information on NC State’s policies can be found on the Emergency Management & Mission Continuity website.
