Northwestern instructs students on how to react to violence

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) - Northwestern University has created a video this fall to help prepare students, staff and faculty on how to respond to a situation of active violence.

The eight-minute video simulates a shooter on the Evanston campus, and portrays students, faculty and staff reacting in the "Run, Hide, Fight" manner recommended by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The video demonstrates an active shooter, however Northwestern officials note an aggressor could use other weapons or a car in an attack.

In the video, a woman instructs viewers not to hesitate when hearing gunshots, to run away if it seems safe to do so and to call 911 upon reaching safety. The woman also advises viewers to give as much specific information as possible to a dispatcher.

University officials say part of the video messaging is to eliminate the mindset such violence couldn't occur on campus.