The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical.
Below are general guidelines that can help you to remember what to do in the event of a Lockdown vs Shelter-in-Place request on, or near campus issued by an SCU Bronco Alert or the Police Department.
Each situation is unique and will present unique challenges to our campus community. The most important aspect in both a Shelter-in-Place and Lockdown event is to put safe, effective barriers between you and the threat.
SHELTER-IN-PLACE (no immediate human threat to your location + immediate environmental threat)
You may be advised to "shelter in place" rather than evacuate your building during emergency situations such as a dangerous incident near your building, or in the surrounding neighborhood. Other triggers include a large hazardous material release, or severe weather emergency. The request to shelter-in-place will be conveyed through SCU Bronco Alert or the Police Department.
- Stay inside the building or go indoors as quickly as possible if you are working outside
- Close windows to provide tighter seal against chemicals vapors, smoke and/or fumes
- Locate supplies you may need such as food, water, radio, or flashlights if you have them
- In the event of a hazardous material release, turn off fans, air conditioning or ventilation systems (if you have control of these systems)
- Monitor SCU Bronco Alert for additional incident information, and for further instructions
LOCKDOWN (immediate human threat to your location)
A lockdown request is triggered during situations such as the presence of an active threat inside a building, a dangerous incident at, or near your location, or immediate neighborhood.
A lockdown requires locking doors, windows, and barricading oneself (and others), blocking entry to a campus building, a classroom, or to an office or office suite.
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Lock or barricade class and office doors
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Close any windows and window shades
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Turn off all lights
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Instruct everyone to remain silent and not to go into hallways
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Crouch down in areas that are out of sight from doors and windows to conceal yourself as much as possible
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If you are in hallways during the emergency, seek shelter immediately in the nearest classroom or office suite
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If you are in outdoor areas, you should immediately take cover
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Monitor SCU Bronco Alert for additional incident information, and for further instructions, or an “all clear” signal from thr Police Department or Campus Safety Services