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Campus Emergency Lockdown Procedures

Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder 

 

In the event of a declared emergency, the University of North Florida will use multiple means of communication to notify and update the campus community regarding the nature of the emergency.  Means of communication may include the following:

 

  • text messages, 
  • indoor/outdoor public address system announcements,  
  • cell phone calls,  
  • messages on UNF’s Facebook and Twitter accounts,  
  • messages on UNF’s home page and myWings landing page, and  
  • messages in Canvas.  

 

The information provided below focuses on the “active shooter/hostile intruder” scenario. These guidelines conform to current best practices and recommendations established by federal, state and local governmental agencies for responding to an active shooter incident on a university campus.  In that context, this document continues the University’s commitment to provide its faculty, staff and students a nurturing and safe environment within its buildings and learning spaces.
 
On an annual basis you should familiarize both yourself and your staff with the procedures outlined within this document (taken from the Department of Homeland Security).    

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY:

 

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. 


UNF staff members 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.        

HIDE:

 

If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide. 


Your hiding place should:

  • 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.

 

The vast majority of campus spaces are equipped with mechanical thumb turns on the door that only require the thumb turn to be moved to a position in which the lock dead bolt is engaged with the strike of the door jamb. However in a number of larger classrooms and lecture halls on campus (Social Sciences Building, Brooks Brown Hall Addition, John E. Mathews Jr. Computer Science Building) a lock/unlock switch has been installed at the classroom near the entry/exit door or in the front of the classroom near the podium. If so equipped, an LED light indicating the lock status of the door will illuminate the switch.  In order to secure such doors, flip or push the switch to a position so that the indicator light on the switch changes from green (open) to red (closed). The activation of the switch will engage an electromechanical locking device that will secure the door(s) until emergency personnel clear the emergency.

 

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  

If evacuation and hiding are not possible:

  • 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.

 

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES:

  • 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.


Here is an informative video that puts many of the concepts in this document in context to an actual active shooter/hostile intruder incident.  It is strongly recommended that you take the time to review the material BEFORE debriefing members of your organization.  Should you deem it appropriate, showing the video to your staff is also encouraged and recommended.