Purdue University Northwest > Public Safety > Emergency Guides and Procedures > Campus Lockdown Procedures

Campus Lockdown Procedures

Goal/Purpose of Lockdown

The purpose of a lockdown is to minimize accessibility to rooms/buildings on campus to reduce the risk of injury or danger to faculty, staff, students or visitors.

Decision to Lockdown

A lockdown would be implemented when requested by the Chief of Police, the Chancellor or the Crisis Management Team. Under circumstances where a delay in seeking direction from the Chancellor or the Crisis Management Team would result in significant risks to the lives of the University community, lockdown procedures may be initiated immediately by University Police.

Incidents Requiring a Lockdown

Person(s) armed with a firearm or weapon on campus property, gunshots directed at or near the University campus, police incidents involving dangerous person(s) that are adjacent to or within a short distance of the campus, intruders, hazardous chemical spills, gas leaks, electrical conditions, or disasters close to the campus. These examples are not absolute but reflect the type of situation that may require a lockdown.

Emergency Lockdown Procedures

In the event of an emergency and notification of a campus lockdown, please follow the procedures below.

  • Remain calm. Encourage others to remain calm.
  • Immediately cease all activity (i.e. teaching, group work, meetings etc…)
  • Lock or barricade all doors where possible; use furniture or desks as cover
  • If possible, cover any windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into a hallway.
  • Shut the blinds or pull the shades down. Turn off the lights and try to give the impression that the room is empty.
  • Stay low, away from windows and doors
  • Sit on the floor or crouch under or behind desks and bookshelves where possible, so as to be as invisible as possible.
  • Immediately put all cell phones on “Vibrate” or “Silent” mode. Calls to University Police should be made only if specific information becomes available regarding the location or conduct of the intruder or if the status of the emergency changes.
  • Be as quiet as possible.
  • DO NOT respond to anyone at the door until an “all clear” message is received via campus notification systems (See Purdue University Northwest’s Alert Me Notification Information) or if you are certain it is safe to do so (i.e. if police are at the door).
  • If you are directed by police to leave your secured area, assist others in moving as quietly and quickly as possible.
  • Do not sound the fire alarm in the building unless there is a fire. People may be placed in harms way when they are attempting to evacuate the building. If a fire alarm does go off during a lockdown, do not evacuate unless you smell smoke or see fire in your area.
  • If you are outside of a building when a lockdown is announced, if it is safe to do so, run into the nearest building with hands raised above head and palms facing outward and follow the above lockdown instructions. If it is not safe to run into a building, hide behind a large heavy object (i.e. vehicle, tree). Notify University Police of your location when safe to do so. If off-campus do not return and follow official instructions from campus notification system.
  • Be aware of alternate exits if it becomes necessary to flee.
  • Individuals should not attempt to leave the building until told to do so by police personnel.

All faculty or staff in control of students at the time of the lockdown becomes responsible for those students at that time. Faculty and staff members are responsible for accounting for students and ensuring that no one leaves the safe area. Students without staff must be directed to the nearest classroom or safe building. When the condition causing the lockdown has been eliminated, an “all clear- lockdown is over” announcement will be made through the campus emergency notification system.

Purdue University Northwest’s Alert Me Notifications

What are the different ways to receive emergency notifications during a campus lockdown?

In the event of a campus lockdown, some of the following communication tools are used to deliver notifications during the incident.

  • Emails/Emergency Text Messaging Service (AlertMe):
    • How do I sign up to receive emergency messages via text and email?
      • Click here “Alert Me” and REGISTER TODAY!
      • Enter your information as requested.
        Please Note: In the field marked Telephone, please provide a cell phone number.
  • Website: During a lockdown, updates will on posted on the Purdue University Northwest website
  • TV/Radio Services:
    • Hammond radio station (WJOB-AM 1230),
    • Knox WKVI – 1520 AM, 99.3 FM
    • La Porte WCOE – 96.7 FM, WLOI-1540 AM
    • Michigan City WEFM – 95.9
    • South Bend WSBT-960 AM, SUNNY 101.5 FM
    • Valparaiso WAKE-1500 AM, WLJE 105.5 FM, Z 107.1 FM
  • Campus Public Address Systems