Campus shooting calls in security measures

Over the past few years, headlines across the country have readily mentioned shootings on college campuses.

Shootings and other emergencies could happen here at UVU. Knowing when it happens and what to do is important.

Around campus there are red and black booklets titled Emergency Procedures that contain information on what one should do in a given situation. The booklet covers topics from what to do if there is a water leak to active shooters on campus.

The booklet suggests that if there is an active shooter, meaning that someone is currently on campus with a gun shooting, students should do the following:

1.Exit the building immediately.

2. Notify anyone else to exit.

3. Leave the campus in a safe and orderly manner.

If a student is not able to leave the building they should take these steps:

1. Go to the nearest room or office.

2. Close and lock the door if possible.

3. Cover the door windows.

4. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.

5. Do not answer the door.

6. Wait for law enforcement personnel to assist.

In any of these situations, students should call 911 or UVU Police at (801) 863-5555 if possible.

Being alerted to a dangerous situation can save lives just as much as knowing what to do.

Last year’s shooting at Virginia Tech served as a wake-up call to many schools across the country. UVU, like many other schools, reviewed what security measures were in place and have started to change and add new systems to help alert students of dangerous events.

As of now, none of the systems are in place since some of the systems are waiting for funding while others are almost finished with testing.

The closest project to completion is a text message system. This system will be available through UVLink. Students will have the choice to participate in the system or not.

An e-mail system is part of the emergency plan right now but is not connected to the text message system. Also, voice messages can be sent to campus phones as an alert.

Other systems that are possibilities are external air-raid sirens, information appearing on TV monitors around campus, e-mail, voice mail, digital signs and computer notification.