Look at recent headlines, and you’ll see that active threat situations on college campuses across the nation are a serious concern. At The University of Alabama, the UA police department is trained and ready to respond to any active threat situations.
What is an active threat?
An active threat is any incident that creates an immediate threat or presents an imminent danger to the campus community. While we most often think of active shooters, offenders armed with other types of weapons could also be considered an active threat.
What should I do if there is an active threat?
If you see someone with any type of weapon, immediately move to a safe location and call UAPD at 205-348-5454 or 911 as quickly as you can. You can also text 911 when it’s not safe to make a voice call.
Stay calm and provide the following information to the 911 operator:
- Your name.
- Your location.
- Nature of the emergency.
- Information about any victims, suspects, injuries or suspicious activity.
- Your phone number.
Stay on the line until the 911 operator tells you to hang up.
UAPD will respond and address the threat immediately and take any actions necessary to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible.
How can I protect myself?
If an active threat event occurs, you must quickly determine the best way to protect your own life.
RUN – If there is a way to get out of the area, do so. Help others escape if possible, and do not let others go into an area where there may be danger.
HIDE – If you can’t run, then try to find a place to hide. Go into a room where you can close and lock the door or block the door with furniture. Silence your cell phone and remain quiet. Text 911 to let first responders know where you are hiding.
FIGHT – As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter by yelling, throwing items, improvising weapons or acting aggressively. If you decide to fight, you must commit to your actions.
To learn more, watch this video.
If your department or student organization would like an active threat presentation, contact UAPD at ua.police@ua.edu.
UA Alerts
To make sure you always receive information about emergencies on campus, keep your contact information, especially your mobile phone number, updated in myBama. Instructions on updating your contact information can be found on the Office of Emergency Management website.
You can also receive UA Alerts through the UA Safety app. Download it for free for iOS and Android devices.
The UA Safer Living Guide and Office of Emergency Management’s website provide more information on what to do in case of emergencies on campus.
Safety Reminder: UA Alert System Test
The University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage, Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 11:55 a.m.