Emergency Procedures

General Safety Guidance

The University of North Florida is a public institution and, with the exception of residence halls and labs, is open to the public during the day and evening hours when classes are in session. During times when the University is officially closed, University buildings are generally locked. The Department of Police and Public Safety provides regular patrol of buildings and parking lots.

UNF Police Department

Safe Ospreys App

The University uses a mobile safety app to communicate messages and alerts to the campus community: Safe Ospreys. By downloading the app, users will have access to the UNF Alert Feed for emergency notifications and various safety features. It is recommended that all camp/program directors download this app to receive emergency communications and resources while on campus. For more information, please visit:

 Safe Ospreys App 

Lightning Safety During Camp

UNF utilizes a lightning detection system that sends text messages to camp staff when lightning is detected within predetermined distances. There are two types of texts that will be delivered by this system. The Advisory text is informational and provides an alert when lightning activity has been detected. The Warning text requires action to be taken to leave the area and seek shelter.

• Advisory = lightning activity has been detected within a 30 mile radius of the camp. Severe weather may be coming soon. Continue to monitor weather conditions and additional texts.
• Warning = lightning activity has been detected within a 10 mile radius of the camp. All outdoor activities must be suspended. All campers and associated staff must seek shelter indoors (or to vehicles if building shelter not available).
• ALL CLEAR = this text will be sent once a full 30 minutes has passed since the last lightning strike within the “warning” area. Note – it is not 30 minutes since you received the warning text – that text notified you of the first strike within the warning radius.

Fire Safety and Evacuation

Safety Procedures:

• If a fire is discovered in any building on campus, the individual shall immediately pull the closest fire alarm.
• When a fire alarm is activated, all occupants will evacuate the building in a timely and responsive manner. Building Supervisors will assist with evacuation of their pre-determined areas as they leave the building.
• Building Supervisors should notify the UPD when a person is left behind in the building due to circumstances beyond their control (i.e. disability, injury, etc.).
• The fire alarm system is designed to indicate the location of the alarm and notify the UPD. The UPD will then contact the fire department and the University Incident Commander.

Evacuation Procedures

1. Become familiar with your work area and exit locations.
2. When the fire alarm sounds, prepare to evacuate immediately.
3. Do not panic, but walk quickly to the closest emergency exit.
4. Do not use elevators.
5. Walk in a single file to the right through corridors and stairwells.
6. Avoid unnecessary talking and keep the lines moving.
7. Individuals requiring assistance to evacuate should proceed to a stairwell entrance area and ensure someone is aware of the need for assistance.
8. If smoke is encountered, drop to the floor and crawl along the wall to the nearest exit.
9. When approaching a closed door, feel the door with the back of your hand. If the door is cool, carefully open the door and (if safe) proceed with the evacuation.
10. No one is to return to the building until the UPD/Building Emergency Coordinators grants permission.

Emergency Lockdown Procedures

In the event of an emergency notification, or if you become personally aware of an active shooter/hostile intruder event while in a University building, quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life.
You are encouraged to take the actions listed below:

RUN:
When an active shooter is in your vicinity:

• If there is an escape path, and it is safe to do so, attempt to evacuate.
• Evacuate whether others agree or not.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help others escape if possible.
• Prevent others from entering the area.
• Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.

• Be out of the shooters view.
• Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
• Not trap or restrict your options for movement.
• Allow you to lock and/or blockade the door.
• In classrooms where doors have glass panes, if available, use class furnishings to block glass openings

Once doors are locked and secured, only open doors for uniformed first responders.

When hiding:

• Turn off the lights.
• Silence your cell phone.
• Spread out, do not bunch together.
• Hide behind large objects.
• Remain very quiet. 

• Remain calm
• Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
• If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen

FIGHT:

• As a last resort, and ONLY if your life is in danger, attempt to incapacitate the shooter:
• Act with physical aggression.
• Improvise weapons.
• Commit to your actions.

• Remain calm and follow instructions.
• Keep your hands visible at all times.
• Avoid pointing or yelling.
• Know that help for the injured is on the way.

When informed to evacuate by emergency personnel, leave all personal effects behind unless instructed otherwise by emergency personnel.

Upon exiting a campus space, promptly proceed to the location designated by or led to by emergency personnel.

Do not reenter campus space until directed or given an all clear by emergency personnel.