WHAT IS A “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.”

Heightened Security is not intended to induce fear and panic.  People should go about their normal business while paying particular attention to their surroundings.

Suspicious Behavior/Circumstances:

Be aware of and report to University Police  (if an emergency 911, otherwise extension 22375):

• People in buildings or areas who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business.
• People monitoring areas, buildings or entrances.
• Unauthorized people in restricted, sensitive or private areas.
• People requesting information with no apparent need for that information.
• People wearing clothing not consistent with the weather conditions at large gatherings (bulky coat in warm weather etc.)
• Abandoned parcels or other items in unusual locations or high traffic areas.
• Individual attempting to access utility locations (water, electrical, petroleum, telecommunications, information systems).
• Multiple persons who appear to be working in unison, committing the above.

Be Alert to the following and notify the University Police at extention 22375:

• Abandoned Vehicles
• Vehicles Parked Near Buildings or Public and Common Areas
• Unexpected/Unfamiliar Delivery Trucks
• Unfamiliar Vehicles Parked For Long Periods
• Vehicles Containing Unusual/Suspicious Parcels or Material
• Vehicles Arriving and Being Left Behind at Odd Hours
• Substances Leaking or Spilling from Vehicles

Building/Office Security:

• Don’t prop open building/residence hall entrance doors/windows.  Rectify these situations when you observe them.
• Account for and secure keys.  Don’t leave them unattended or give to unauthorized persons.  Report lost keys to Facilities Management or the University Police.
• Account for and secure all sensitive material/information when not able to attend to it.
• Account for and secure sensitive deliveries in a timely manner. 
• Secure all areas when not attended.
• Be aware of unfamiliar persons in or visitors to your office/lab etc.
• Protect access codes, combinations and cards, change codes regularly.  Report compromised codes promptly to the person in charge of area. 
• Be Prepared:  Take time out to familiarize yourself with alternative exit routes you’re your building. 
• Report suspicious tampering with physical security (doors, locks etc.)
• Talk with co-workers; know what is out-of-place (unclaimed items etc.)
• Be prepared to work with University Police and/or fire fighters if there is a need to lock down or evacuate a building or the campus.
• Familiarize yourself with what belongs in your work area.  You may be asked to assist police personnel in determining whether a suspicious package actually belongs in the department or is a potential hazard.
• Familiarize yourself with the Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and American Red Cross guidelines for disaster preparedness for the home.  (see links below)

http://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/

http://www.fema.gov/

http://www.redcross.org/