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Crime & Safety

Napa Police: What to Do When Shooting Starts

The Napa Police Department and local school district have safety plans for school shootings. But what about the rest of us? A police captain shares advice for bystanders when the unthinkable occurs.

The school shootings in . Friday sent a shocking message to small cities and towns around the country: If kindergartners and teachers can be mowed down in their classrooms during the Christmas season, then none of us may be safe anywhere.

In Napa, police have long worked with the schools to develop safety plans that have been put into action more than once this year when police pursuits led to lockdowns.

"Additionally, the police department trains to deal with situations that involve active shooters in many types of environments, including schools," said Napa Police Capt. Jeff Troendly.

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Regardless of where a mass shooting occurs, Troendly advises:

  • People should attempt to leave that area as quickly as possible. 
  • If people are limited on where they can go, they should seek cover in an area that can provide protection from unwanted persons, such as room that has a door that can be locked. 
  • If cover is not an option, then seeking a place that offers concealment from the armed person would be the next option. 
  • If you must lock yourself in a room or hide, it is best to remain as calm as possible and do not make noise to give your position away. 
  • Once in place, stay in place and wait for law enforcement personnel to assist you.

Click here to read the Napa Valley Unified School District's response to the Newtown shootings.

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