Staying Safe in College Shootings

Gun safety has become a hugely controversial topic with the recent increase in not only individual shootings, but campus shootings as well.  This increase makes it critical for students to understand the current gun safety laws and how to handle an active shooter on or around campus.

Currently, the gun laws in Michigan are very specific in order to keep everyone safe and knowledgeable. Article 1, Section 6 of the constitution says, “Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state.”

Except for people who hold felonies on their record, everyone over the age of 21 is allowed to own a gun, according to the Firearms Laws of Michigan.  There are also exceptions to where you can have a gun including a college campus.

The Michigan State University police have provided safety guidelines in an active shooting situation.

If you are ever in a situation where you are faced with an active shooter, remember to get away if you feel it is the easiest thing to do. Once you have gotten to a safe place, immediately call 911.  It’s also important to pay attention to your surroundings once you have managed to get to a safe place. Did you hear a threat? How many shooters?

There are other ways to handle the situation if need be. If you can’t get out, safely hide. Find a well protected area and then call 911.

The best way to stay safe is to know the laws as well as question actions of people you find suspicious.  If you ever see someone with a gun, call the police immediately. Some situations could be the difference between life and death.

For more information about Michigan State University’s safety information when dealing with an active shooter, you can log on to:

http://police.msu.edu/resources/activeShooter.pdf

For more information about the current Michigan gun laws, you can log on to:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/Publications/Firearms.pdf