2008 Woodie Awards
UNL Web site offers tips to survive violent situations
Jamie Klein
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: News
Following the tragedy at Northern Illinois University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's department of communications posted updated tips on its emergency preparedness Web site on how to react to a violent incident.
University Police crafted and created the tips, said Kelly Bartling, news manager for UNL's communications department.
The Web site gives people access to information, raises awareness and prompts them to think about what to do in an emergency situation, Bartling said.
University Police has received many questions from concerned students, parents, faculty and staff asking what to do in the event of a school shooting, said University Police Officer Jim Davis.
"It's important for everyone in the campus community to keep in mind how they can prepare," Bartling said.
The Web site, Emergency.unl.edu, is designed to help answer questions.
Davis can't tell a person to run or to stay put because each situation is different, he said. But the site can give tips to learn how to assess a situation and know what to do.
"If you can get out, get out; but if the (shooter) is in the building then stay put," Davis said.
The best thing students, faculty and staff members can do to ensure their own safety in a shooting is to be aware of their environment, Davis said. Be aware of where the exits are in classrooms or what could be used as protective cover.
"Don't worry so much about it, but be aware and be conscious of what's around you," Davis said.
The site is under the authority of UNL communications but works in conjunction with University Police, Bartling said.
"It is something that is very important, and I do recommend that (students) visit it and get an idea of what's out there for them, and I really encourage moms and dads to look at it," Davis said.
"The site reinforces the message that safety is a priority on this campus," Bartling said.
The Web site was initiated in spring 2007, and since then the communications department has updated the site about every other month.
"Since the site was launched, we have made maybe half a dozen updates and additions," Bartling said.
"That's the beauty of a Web site: It's not ever set in stone," Bartling said. "There are things that can be added to it, moved and highlighted. We've done a number of those things since (the site) was launched."
The tips are on a section of UNL's Emergency Planning and Preparedness page, which can be found at Emergency.unl.edu. The site also provides tips on what to do in the case of a natural disaster, Davis said.
"Having a site like this sends people the message that preparation and being aware of what you can do to keep yourself safe is important," Bartling said.
jamieklein@dailynebraskan.com
University Police crafted and created the tips, said Kelly Bartling, news manager for UNL's communications department.
The Web site gives people access to information, raises awareness and prompts them to think about what to do in an emergency situation, Bartling said.
University Police has received many questions from concerned students, parents, faculty and staff asking what to do in the event of a school shooting, said University Police Officer Jim Davis.
"It's important for everyone in the campus community to keep in mind how they can prepare," Bartling said.
The Web site, Emergency.unl.edu, is designed to help answer questions.
Davis can't tell a person to run or to stay put because each situation is different, he said. But the site can give tips to learn how to assess a situation and know what to do.
"If you can get out, get out; but if the (shooter) is in the building then stay put," Davis said.
The best thing students, faculty and staff members can do to ensure their own safety in a shooting is to be aware of their environment, Davis said. Be aware of where the exits are in classrooms or what could be used as protective cover.
"Don't worry so much about it, but be aware and be conscious of what's around you," Davis said.
The site is under the authority of UNL communications but works in conjunction with University Police, Bartling said.
"It is something that is very important, and I do recommend that (students) visit it and get an idea of what's out there for them, and I really encourage moms and dads to look at it," Davis said.
"The site reinforces the message that safety is a priority on this campus," Bartling said.
The Web site was initiated in spring 2007, and since then the communications department has updated the site about every other month.
"Since the site was launched, we have made maybe half a dozen updates and additions," Bartling said.
"That's the beauty of a Web site: It's not ever set in stone," Bartling said. "There are things that can be added to it, moved and highlighted. We've done a number of those things since (the site) was launched."
The tips are on a section of UNL's Emergency Planning and Preparedness page, which can be found at Emergency.unl.edu. The site also provides tips on what to do in the case of a natural disaster, Davis said.
"Having a site like this sends people the message that preparation and being aware of what you can do to keep yourself safe is important," Bartling said.
jamieklein@dailynebraskan.com
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