Emergency Procedures

When any weather warning from the National Weather Service is issued you should take precautions. View a printable PDF of these precautions.

Usually, the only weather warning that will result in an activation of the outdoor sirens is a tornado warning. The sirens will be activated should the tornado be near the campus or on a path toward the campus.

If a campus alert for a tornado is issued and/or you hear the weather tone from the outdoor siren system, you should seek shelter immediately.

If inside a building:

• Go to the lowest level of the building, if possible.
• Stay away from windows.
• Go to an interior hallway if possible.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck in a "drop and tuck" position.
• Avoid the most dangerous locations of a building, usually along the south and west sides and at corners.

If there is no time to get inside:

• Lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck in a "drop and tuck" position.
• Use a jacket, cap, backpack or any similar items, if available, to protect your face and eyes.

Learn the location of the fire extinguishers, exits and fire alarm pulls stations in your area so you can use them when needed.

If you see a fire:

• Activate the fire alarm at a manual pull station.
• Evacuate the building, assisting those who may need help.
• Contact UPD immediately to report the fire - this will help them know it is not a false alarm.

When you hear a fire alarm:

• Evacuate the building in an orderly manner. (Remember - elevators may not operate when an alarm is sounding, so be prepared to use the stairs.)
• Assist those who may need help.
• If your department has designated an assembly point for evacuations assembly there.
• Alert first-responders to anyone you know that may be injured or left behind.
• Do not return to the building until an all-clear has been officially announced.

If there is smoke:

Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where air will be less toxic.

Should you become trapped inside a building during a fire:

• Call 911 and give them your exact location in the building.
• If a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for the responders.
• If there is no window, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.
• Shout at regular intervals to alert responders of your location.

IMPORTANT: After an evacuation due to an actual fire, report to your department head to let them know your status.

Some events that might prompt an evacuation are:

• Fire or Explosion
• Hazardous Materials Release (also see Shelter-in-Place)
• Bomb Threat
• Active Shooter

Procedure for Evacuation:

• Evacuation orders will be disseminated via JackAlert/Rave Guardian.
• Do not activate the building fire alarm system to achieve an evacuation.
• Remain calm but act quickly.
• Promptly secure equipment, research, etc. in a safe shutdown condition before leaving.
• Spread the word of the evacuation order to others as you exit the building or campus.
• Remember to take personal belongings with you (backpacks, briefcases, purses, car keys, personal computing devices, etc.).
• Exit the campus as directed in the alert message.
• Pedestrians should exit campus by the shortest route - use crosswalks, obey police direction - do not impede traffic flow.
• You may use your vehicle to leave campus unless directed otherwise in the alert message.
• If possible, Jack Track shuttle buses will continue to operate routes for outbound passengers only - bus pickup locations may be altered, changes will be announced and posted on the Campus Alert website.
• Parking and Traffic staff may direct traffic at some on-campus intersections.
• Police will assist with traffic control off-campus.
• Do not call 911 unless there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency
• Go to the Campus Alert website for regular updates on the situation and for information regarding returning to campus.

If you receive a call or message regarding a bomb threat, refer to the Bomb Threat Procedure and Checklist document for guidance.

If you witness any armed individual on campus at any time, or if an individual is acting in a hostile or belligerent manner, immediately contact UPD at 911 from a campus phone, or 936-468-2608 from a cell phone.

A lock-down procedure is used to secure all or part of the campus for the purpose of removing people from harm's way and attempting to prevent a perpetrator(s) from entering our facilities. It is a method of "sheltering people in place" during a potential or actual event involving a threat of violence against the campus community.

While there might be other instances where a lock-down is initiated, this directive would typically involve an "active shooter" situation where an intruder is threatening the personal safety and welfare of our students, faculty, staff, and guests.

SFA university police, along with other cooperating agencies, have adopted accepted law enforcement response procedures designed to contain and terminate such threats as quickly as possible. Part of that response may be to order a lock-down of facilities.

If a "Lock-Down" is ordered:

• Secure the immediate area.
  • If able, lock or barricade the door using whatever is available: desks, tables, file cabinets, other furniture, books, etc.
  • Turn off the lights in the room.
  • After securing the door, stay behind solid objects away from the door as much as possible.
  • If an assailant enters your room and leaves, lock or barricade the door behind them.
  • If safe to do so, allow others to seek refuge with you.
  • Avoid hiding in restrooms - they typically cannot be secured.
     
• Take protective actions to reduce your vulnerability.
  • Close blinds.
  • Block windows.
  • Turn off radios and computers.
  • Silence cell phones.
  • Place signs in exterior windows to identify your location and the location of any injured persons.
  • Keep people as calm and quiet as possible.
  • After securing the room, people should be positioned out of sight and behind items that might offer additional protection - wall, desks, file cabinets, bookshelves, etc.
  • Do not sound the fire alarms. This may cause others to flee the buildings and put them at risk.
  • Call university police using 911 from a campus phone or 936-468-2608 from a cell phone.
     
•  If you find yourself in an open area (i.e. an auditorium or gym) immediately seek protection.
  • Put something between you and a potential assailant.
  • Escape if you know where the assailant is and there appears to be a safe escape route immediately available to you.
  • If in doubt, find the safest area available and secure it the best way you can.

Watch the How to Survive an Active Shooter video.

RUN

• When an active shooter is in your building or vicinity, attempt to evacuate if there is an escape path.
• Evacuate, whether others agree to or not.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help others escape if possible.
• Prevent others from entering the area.
• Call 911 when you are safe.

HIDE

If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide.
Your hiding place should:

• be out of the shooter's view;
• provide protection if shots are fired in your direction; and
• not trap or restrict your options for movement.

FIGHT

• As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger, attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Improvise weapons (i.e. books, chairs, fire extinguishers, backpacks).
• Act with physical aggression.
• Commit to your actions.

When first-responders arrive:

• Remain as calm as possible and follow instructions.
• Keep your hands visible at all times.
• Avoid pointing or yelling.
• Know that help for any that may have been injured is on its way.