Know the Code: Guide to SUU Campus Safety Protocol
Posted: April 20, 2026 | Author: SUU | Read Time: 2 minutes
SUU’s commitment to your success starts with a foundation of safety. Our emergency response protocol was designed to use clear, straightforward actions to ensure you know exactly what to do when you receive a campus alert. Depending on the situation, the University will communicate one of the following specific alerts or actions:
1. HOLD!
When there is a heightened risk or hazard inside or outside a building or area, such as criminal activity or a medical incident.
- The Goal: To keep hallways clear and individuals in a known, safe location until the "All Clear" is announced.
- The Action: Stay in your area
- What You Do: Stay away from the risk area and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement.
2. SECURE/CLOSURE!
Used for delayed starts, early outs, or full campus closures due to utility failures or severe winter weather.
- The Goal: To ensure the safety of students and staff during hazardous environmental conditions.
- The Action: Stay Away from Campus
- What You Do: Stay off campus until notified otherwise. Coordinate remote work or academic requirements with your supervisor or professors.
3. SHELTER!
Used during natural disasters, severe weather, or off-campus hazardous material incidents.
- The Goal: Protection from external environmental threats.
- The Action: Hazard-Specific Safety
- What You Do: If it's an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold; if it's high winds, stay away from windows.
4. EVACUATE!
Used for fires, bomb threats, or immediately after an earthquake.
- The Goal: To quickly and safely empty a building.
- The Action: Move to a pre-determined assembly location.
- What You Do: Bring your phone but leave other belongings behind; do not use elevators.
5. LOCKDOWN!
Used when there is imminent danger, such as an active threat or unconfirmed bomb threat.
- The Goal: To create a "sterile" environment where you are difficult to find.
- The Action: Lock all doors, turn off lights, and stay out of sight.
- What You Do: Maintain silence and do not open the door for anyone. If the threat is in your immediate area, follow the RUN, HIDE, FIGHT protocol.
SUU’s Alert System
- Real-Time Updates: Follow official SUU instructions and law enforcement guidance immediately.
- Emergency Contact: In an active emergency, call or text 911.
- For more information on SUU’s Emergency Response Protocols: visit suu.edu/em
Tags: Campus SUU Police Community
