University Housing
Upon receiving a lock down directive through one or more of the methods comprising the OU Alert Notification System, the following procedures will be implemented:
GENERAL GUIDELINES – ALL RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
All exterior doors of residential buildings and all interior doors of rooms and facilities shall be locked.
During any lock down process, occupants should be advised to:
- remain calm and quiet
- stay away from windows and doors
- not enter building corridors
- close window treatments
- turn off lights, computer monitors, televisions and radios
- turn cell phones to vibrate and refrain from using telephones except for emergency notification to the OUPD at (248) 370-3331
- assist persons with disabilities who may be in need
Remain in the room/building, even if a fire alarm has been activated, unless:
- an “all clear” message has been disseminated through the University’s Emergency Notification System
- occupants are in imminent danger
- occupants have first hand knowledge of a fire that is an imminent threat
- advised to leave by a uniformed emergency first responder (police, fire, etc.)
However, no one should attempt to physically restrain any person who demands to be allowed to leave a locked down room or facility.
Student workers within the building (Desk staff, Nightwatch, Computer lab, etc.) should take cover following the same procedures identified above.
LOCK DOWN DIRECTIVES ISSUED DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS
Staff will call all Residence Directors, RAs, Desk, Nightwatch, custodial and maintenance personnel to inform them to notify residents that a lockdown directive has been issued and to follow procedures. Staff should not attempt to go outside to another building.
Keys have been issued to the following offices in Vandenburg Hall: Auditors, Career Services, Controller and honors. During business hours, these individuals could assist in locking down Vandenburg Hall.
Custodial Staff have keys and could assist in locking down residential buildings.
Extra keys are available in the Hamlin Key box.
Exit and entrance doors of both Vandenberg and Hamlin Halls will generally be open during normal business hours and will therefore require a physical lock down.
Matthew Court locking is controlled by each individual resident.
Exit and entrance doors to Fitzgerald, Hill, and Van Wagoner Halls, as well as USA, are locked at all times (24/7).
LOCK DOWN DIRECTIVES ISSUED OUTSIDE OF NORMAL OFFICE HOURS
The Residence Director, Nightwatch, Desk and/or available RAs will start individual attempts to notify staff in other buildings, apartments, cottages and occupants residing in the building they are assigned.
The Residence Director will notify the Assistant Director of Residence Life. If the Assistant Director is not available, the HD On Duty will try to contact other staff until a professional staff member has been informed.
ANNUAL DISTRIBUTIONS AND REVIEWS
Annually, members of the University Housing Department, along with professional staff and other offices located within Housing facilities, will receive a copy of these procedures. A copy of the procedures will also be included in the University Housing Student’s Handbook and staff manual and reviewed as part of student staff training. The distribution and review of these procedures is designed to coincide with the annual fall opening of residential halls. Distribution is the responsibility of the Director of University Housing, the Associate Director of University Housing and the Assistant Director of University Housing.