Heightened Security and State of Alert

What is “Heightened Security State of Alert?”

A mindset that leads you to notice unusual or suspicious behavior / circumstances and reporting your observations to authorities in a logical, rational and timely manner.

It is not intended to induce fear and panic. It is designed to have people go about their normal business while particularly attentive to their surroundings.

Be sure that normal procedures are carefully followed.

Public safety is the public’s business. Public authorities take the lead. However, in times like this, it is every citizen’s business.

Be aware of and report the following.

Suspicious Behavior/Circumstances

  • People in buildings or areas who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business (loitering).
  • People monitoring areas, buildings or entrances.
  • Unauthorized personnel in restricted, sensitive or private areas.
  • People request information who have no need for it.
  • People wear clothing inconsistent with the weather conditions at mass-population events (bulky coats in warm weather, etc.).
  • People abandon parcels or other items in unusual locations, high traffic areas (pedestrian/vehicle).
  • People attempting access to utility locations (water, electrical, petroleum, telecommunications, information systems).

Vehicles to Be Alert to

  • Abandoned vehicles.
  • Vehicles parked near buildings or common areas.
  • Unexpected or unfamiliar delivery trucks.
  • Unfamiliar vehicles parked for long periods.
  • Persons in vehicles “casing” buildings or areas.
  • Vehicles arriving or being left behind at odd hours.
  • Substances leaking or spilling from vehicles.

Building and Office Security

  • Do not prop open or compromise building/residence hall entrance doors/windows.
  • Account for and secure keys. Do not leave them unattended or give them to unauthorized persons. Report missing keys to supervisor immediately.
  • Secure all areas.
  • Be aware and report unfamiliar persons in your building/office.
  • Be prepared. Take time to familiarize yourself with evacuation plans and routes.
  • Report any suspicious person or activity.

Active Threat Information

Situations involving “active shooters” and “active threats” are a serious concern for our nation’s university and college campuses. An “active threat” situation can happen anywhere beyond campuses and schools including malls, businesses, special events, and within the workplace. Fairleigh Dickinson University Department of Public Safety has conducted training with neighboring law enforcement agencies to provide an effective response to active threat situations. The University has an Emergency Operation Plan that will guide and support the campus during such an event. The following information is presented to assist members of our campus community with their individual awareness and preparation. We pride ourselves on working with our community in order to provide a safe environment in which our students, faculty, and staff can study, conduct research, and work. Individual preparation and awareness is an important factor in working together.

Download My EOP app on the App store or Google Play store.

Run, Hide, Fight

In Case of an Active Shooter incident…

If you ever find yourself in the middle of an active shooter event, your survival may depend on whether or not you have a plan. This plan does not have to be complicated. There are three things that may make a difference: Run. Hide. Fight.

Run

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Help others escape, if possible.
  • Do not attempt to move wounded people.
  • Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
  • Keep your hands visible.
  • Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.

Hide

  • Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view.
  • Lock the door or block the entry to your hiding place.
  • Silence your cell phone (including the vibration) and remain quiet.

Fight

  • Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in immediate danger.
  • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
  • Act with as much physical aggression as necessary to stop the threat.
  • Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter
  • Commit to your actions…your life depends on it.

When law enforcement arrives…

  • Remain calm and follow instructions.
  • Put down any items in your hands (i.e. bags, jackets).
  • Raise hands and spread fingers.
  • Keep hands visible at all times.
  • Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety.
  • Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating.

Information to Provide to the 9-1-1 Operator

If you are able, try to remember the following information so you can provide it to the dispatcher when you call 9-1-1:

  • Location of the active shooter(s).
  • Number of shooter(s).
  • Physical description of shooter(s).
  • Number and type of weapons held by shooter(s).
  • Number of potential victims and the location.

The first officers to arrive at the scene will not stop to help injured people. Expect rescue teams to follow the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured. Once you have reached a safe location, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

Run.Hide.Fight. ® is a registered trademark of the City of Houston, TX.

Shelter in Place vs Lockdown

If you receive an alert…

Remain calm and follow the directions given in the alert.

Shelter in Place

You are to remain in the building and location that you are in due to an emergency that may be occurring outside. When the FDU alert system sends notification of a shelter in place:

  • Stay away from all doors and windows.
  • If outside, seek indoor shelter immediately.
  • Do not go to your vehicle to depart campus.
  • Teaching or activities within the building may continue if safe to do so.

Lockdown

A procedure that is initiated when there is a credible threat to student, faculty, and staff safety. When the FDU alert system sends notification of a lockdown:

  • Lock doors and windows and barricade yourself to block entry to area.
  • If you are in a hallway, seek shelter immediately in the nearest classroom or office.
  • During a lockdown, no one will be able to enter or exit the building or area. Resident students should secure in their residence hall rooms. Those outside should leave campus on foot.
  • If threat is nearby, follow Run, Hide, Fight protocol.
  • Remain in place.

In both instances, an “all-clear” alert will be sent when it is safe to resume normal activities.