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 extension 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/OfficeSecurity:
- 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)