A campus lockdown will generally be issued when an armed intruder is thought to be on or near campus. A lockdown does not mean that an active shooter situation is occurring. The lockdown is instituted so that campus law enforcement can attempt to confirm the existence and intent of an armed intruder. However, be aware that a lockdown could become an active shooter situation at any time.
An example of when a lockdown might occur is Campus Police receiving a call from someone who thought they saw a person enter a building with a gun concealed in their waistband. A lockdown would be initiated while police officers try to locate and identify that person.
The campus lockdown notification will be by one or more of the following:
- Text message
- Website posting
- Informacast
- Self initiated (e.g. hearing gunshots)
- Verbal notification
Response to Campus Lockdown
- Lock exterior doors to your building if possible.
- If in a classroom, lock the door, turn off all lights, remain quiet, silence cell phones, and line up all students along a wall away from any doors or windows.
- If in a hallway or other common area, proceed to the nearest classroom or other room that can be secured with a locking door.
- If you are outside on campus, leave the grounds immediately if it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to leave campus grounds, seek shelter in a building or room that can be locked.
Active Shooter
An active shooter is defined as one or more people who are actively engaged in the act of shooting people with a firearm. Past occurrences tell us that the shooter will continue to shoot people until they commit suicide or are stopped by law enforcement.
Remember to RUN-HIDE-FIGHT
- If you are in the vicinity of an active shooter, RUN away if it is safe to do so.
- If you cannot run away, HIDE from the shooter. Lock the door of your room, remain quiet, and silence cell phones.
- If the shooter finds you, be prepared to FIGHT to save your life.