Emergency Response Guidelines
Understanding Shelter in Place and Lockdown Procedures
During an emergency on campus, quick and effective action is critical. These guidelines will help you stay safe in the event of a Shelter in Place or Lockdown. Remember, each situation is unique, so always use your best judgment.
General Tips:
- Be Prepared: Know your options and plan ahead.
- Act Quickly: In the initial moments of an emergency, your actions can make a significant difference.
- Contact Help: If you become aware of an emergency before receiving an official alert, dial 0 or contact Campus Police at 918-293-5000.
Emergency Guidelines
Shelter in Place:
You may be advised to shelter in place during emergencies like hazardous material releases or severe weather. This will be communicated through official university notifications.
- Stay Inside: Move indoors quickly if you are outside.
- Seal the Area: Close windows to prevent exposure to harmful substances.
- Gather Supplies: If available, have food, water, a radio, and flashlights.
- Control Ventilation: Turn off fans, air conditioning, or ventilation systems if possible.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from official university emergency notification systems.
Lockdown:
A lockdown is necessary if there is a hostile or armed intruder on campus. This involves securing your location to prevent entry.
- Secure the Area: Lock or barricade doors and windows.
- Reduce Visibility: Close windows and window treatments, and turn off lights.
- Stay Quiet: Instruct everyone to remain silent and avoid hallways.
- Hide: Crouch down in areas not visible from doors and windows.
- Seek Shelter: If in hallways, find the nearest classroom or office suite. If outdoors, take cover immediately.
- Stay Updated: Monitor university emergency notifications for further instructions or the “all clear” signal.
Remember 5 & Stay Alive
For Bad Weather Shelter in Place:
- Get Low: Move to the lowest level of the building.
- Avoid Windows: Stay away from windows.
- Go to Interior: Find interior rooms and hallways.
- Protect Yourself: Use your arms to protect your head and neck in a “drop and tuck” position.
- Stay Informed: Monitor emergency communications for specific instructions.
For Violent Threats: Follow the 5 OUTS for Lockdown:
- Get Out: Evacuate the facility if it is safe to do so.
- Call Out: Use your mobile phone to call 0 or 918-293-5000.
- Keep Out: Do not lock exterior doors. Close, lock, and barricade interior doors if possible.
- Hide Out/Spread Out: Seek shelter in the nearest secured place, turn off lights, and keep out of sight. Be quiet and do not respond to anyone at the door.
- Take Out: As a last resort, use anything to distract or disable the suspect.
Emergency Resources:
- Print-Friendly Guidelines: Download a 2-sided handout of these emergency guidelines.
Stay safe by following these guidelines and being prepared for any situation.