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APSU Alerts & Emergency Communications

Emergency Management Training


Emergency Terms Defined

Understand the alerts and commands used to keep our campus safe.

Get Out    Stay Put    Decide    All Clear

Urgent Alert


Alert Icon

What does this mean?

A potential threat to life safety has been reported. APSU Police are on site assessing the situation to determine if there is a risk to the campus community.

What should I do?

Maintain your normal activities but **avoid the specific area** mentioned in the alert. This keeps the area clear for police and emergency responders. Wait for an "All Clear" or further instructions.

 

Emergency Command: Get Out


Get out icon

What does this mean?

A confirmed hazard exists inside a building or area (such as a fire, gas leak, or lab emergency), and it is safer to be outside. All occupants must leave to ensure their safety and allow emergency crews to respond.

What should I do?

Calmly but quickly **evacuate** the building or area. Relocate to the designated rally point for your location or move to a safe distance away from the hazard. Follow all instructions from police and emergency personnel.

 

Emergency Command: Stay Put


Alert Icon

What does this mean?

A confirmed hazard exists outside (such as severe weather or a chemical spill), and it is safer to remain indoors. This is a **shelter-in-place** order.

What should I do?

Stay where you are. If you are outside, go into the nearest campus building. Move to an interior room away from doors and windows if possible. Await the "All Clear" message before leaving.

 

Critical Command: Decide (Run. Hide. Fight.)


Decide icon

What does this mean?

An **active shooter is confirmed** on campus. There is an immediate threat to life safety. You must take action now to protect yourself.

What should I do?

Immediately decide your best course of action based on your specific situation.

  • RUN: If there is a clear and safe escape path, run. Leave your belongings behind, keep your hands visible, and move away from the danger area.
  • HIDE: If you cannot escape safely, find a secure place to hide. Lock and barricade doors, turn off lights, silence your phone, and stay away from windows.
  • FIGHT: As a last resort, and only if your life is in immediate danger, act with aggression to disrupt or incapacitate the attacker. Improvise weapons and work with others if possible.

 

Urgent Alert: All Clear

What does this mean?

The situation has been investigated and resolved by law enforcement. While the investigation may continue, there is no longer an active threat to public safety.

What should I do?

You may resume your normal campus activities unless otherwise instructed.