Learning Lessons from Ohio State Attack

Regardless of whether this was an attack at a college, school or workplace the following are lessons that can and should be learned:

1. Individuals in a lockdown state at Ohio State, in the building of the attack (and others) were calling news outlets to describe the current situation. The news outlets (major and local) put them on air increasing the risk of harm. Reviewing lockdown protocols to eliminate cell phone usage during a lockdown is necessary, along with reaching out to media outlets to ask that they refrain from accepting calls from individuals in a lockdown. The “15 minutes of fame” desire, as well as the desire to be the first to the story will be well documented if these actions cause harm to innocent people. AFTER the lockdown is lifted, or even during a lockout (shelter in place) is more tolerable (but still with risk).

2. Be cognizant of the” copy cat effect” now in place for the next 10-14 days. Last years bomb threats increased by over 300% (during the month of December) after Los Angeles Public Schools closed their doors district wide. Whether prank or real, bomb threat or attack, the history of these type of incidents almost always result in a copy cat scenario.

3. See picture below. This was inside a classroom at Ohio State University during the lockdown. Using “Avoid-Deny-Defend” instructions provided to staff during training should include this picture as a great example of “Deny”