Lockdown and Shelter-In-Place Protocols
Hard lockdown
A hard lockdown is for imminent, direct threats on or inside a building, such as an active shooter.
- Secure the area: Immediately lock all doors and windows. Barricade entryways with heavy furniture if the door cannot be locked.
- Maximize concealment: Turn off all lights and silence all electronic devices. Close blinds and stay out of sight from doors and windows.
- Remain silent: Occupants should stay as quiet as possible to avoid drawing attention.
- Prepare to defend: Occupants should be ready to fight back as a last resort if confronted by a threat.
- Do not open the door: Do not open the door for anyone, including apparent emergency responders, until an "all-clear" message is given by a verified source.
Soft lockdown
A soft lockdown is used for potential threats in the vicinity but not directly on campus, or for internal searches.
- Secure the perimeter: Exterior doors are locked, and no one is allowed to enter or leave the building.
- Normal activity continues indoors: Classes and other activities can proceed as usual inside the building.
- Limited movement: Hallway movement may be restricted to essential activities.
- Standby for updates: Students and staff are kept informed and are ready to transition to a hard lockdown if the situation escalates.
Before a lockdown
- Emergency notification system: VSU Police will send emergency notifications through the RAVE Alert System using text messages, voice messaging, emails, and loudspeakers to issue lockdown orders.
- Access control: VSU Police may use a universal lockdown system to remotely lock all selected doors, while a local lockdown relies on individuals to secure doors from the inside.
- Training and drills: Regular drills prepare students, faculty, and staff.
During a lockdown
- Initial announcement: VSU Police Chief or the University President issues the lockdown order.
- Specific instructions: Staff members are directed to secure their rooms and assist students, including those with special needs.
- Reporting: Faculty must account for all students and report any missing individuals or suspicious activity.
- Guidance for those outside: Individuals caught outside are instructed to evacuate the area or seek immediate shelter in the nearest secure building.
- Fire alarms: Occupants are specifically instructed not to activate or respond to fire alarms during a lockdown, as a threat may use it to draw people out of a secure area.
After a lockdown
- All-clear signal: This is the only authorized command to end the lockdown. It is delivered through the University’s emergency notification system to avoid confusion.
- Post-incident review: Campus Administrators conduct an assessment to identify areas for improvement and provide support to the community.
- Support services: Emotional and psychological support resources are made available for students and staff
Shelter-in-Place Procedures
Shelter-in-place protocols require immediate action to secure oneself inside the nearest sturdy building during threats like violent intruders, severe weather, or hazardous material releases.
- Immediate Action: Seek shelter in the nearest interior room, office, or classroom. Do not stay in open hallways or common areas.
- Secure the Space: Lock doors, close windows, and pull blinds. If possible, barricade doors with heavy furniture.
- Hazard-Specific Adjustments:
- Violent Intruder (Lockdown): Turn off lights, silence phones, and remain perfectly quiet.
- Hazmat/Chemical Incident: Turn off HVAC systems (fans, air conditioning) and seal gaps in windows/doors with tape or plastic if available.
- Severe Weather (Tornado): Go to the basement or lowest level in the building. If you don’t have basement, take shelter on the first floor. Go to a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level. Manufactured structures, such as mobile homes, are unsafe during a tornado.
- Communications: Monitor university emergency alerts (email, text, voice messages, and social media) for updates. Do not call the police unless you have information about the threat.
- Wait for "All Clear": Do not leave until instructed by VSU Police/Law Enforcement or University Executive Staff, even if a fire alarm sounds (unless smoke is present).
