Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency and notification of a campus lockdown, including an active shooter situation, a threat on campus, or a campus evacuation, please follow one of the procedures below (depending on the situation):

Active Shooter Procedure

Run

  • If you can escape or evacuate the campus safely, do so immediately!
  • Leave your belongings. DO NOT waste time.
  • Help others if possible.

Hide

  • Get out of sight quickly and quietly.
  • Find a place to hide and then lock or block the door and turn off the lights.
  • Stay low and out of sight from doors and windows.
  • Spread out, DO NOT group together.
  • Turn your cell phone off or silence the ringer.
  • Keep Quiet!

Fight

  • FIGHT ONLY as a last resort!
  • Act aggressively. Incapacitate the active shooter.
  • Throw objects at the shooter. Use chairs, keyboards, books, or anything nearby.
  • Make loud sounds, yell, and call for HELP!

Help

  • When you are safe call 911. Give your information to the operator.
  • When Law Enforcement arrives, stay calm and follow the instructions of Police Officers.
  • Drop any objects that you have and keep your hands visible at all times.
Run. Hide. Fight. — Surviving an Active Shooter Event

Threat on Campus Procedure

In an emergency involving the release of airborne, hazardous material, or a threat on campus grounds, Shelter-in-Place is the recommended first response.

  1. SHELTER – If you are inside, stay where you are. If you are outdoors, proceed into the closest building quickly or follow instructions from emergency personnel on the scene.
  2. SHUT – Find a room with the fewest doors and windows. Close and lock all windows and doors.
  3. LISTEN – Listen for information from official personnel. Wait for “all clear” from officials.

Campus Evacuation Procedure

Please evacuate the campus quickly and orderly. Walk, DO NOT go to or take your vehicle. Report to the closest evacuation point.

Locations are:

  • College Street Center parking lot at the corner of College St. and Hobbs St.
  • Corner of East Pryor St. and North Beaty St.
  • Kares Library parking lot, across from Carter Gymnasium

Inclement Weather Procedures

Athens State implements its Inclement Weather Plan when conditions make travel dangerous or other events cause serious safety concerns. During deteriorating weather conditions, it should be assumed that scheduled activities will continue unless an official announcement is made via University Communications and Campus Police. Those who travel to or from campus should use their judgment as to whether or not such travel is wise.

On-Campus Procedure

You should know where the “safer” areas are located in any building that you are in.

Things to remember about finding a “safer area”:

  • Try and get to the lowest level of any structure in which you are located.
  • Stay away from areas where windows and glass are present.
  • Put as many walls as you can between yourself and the outside.

In public buildings, bathrooms often have an additional wall.

Campus Severe Weather Areas:
Carter Gymnasium – Lower Level Hallway
McCain Hall – Interior Basement
Sandridge Hall – Lower Level Hallway just outside the Elevator area

Off-Campus Procedure

Times of inclement weather or other emergencies may force the University to delay or cancel classes. Every effort is made to make this decision in a reasonable timeframe that will permit students to be notified prior to traveling to campus. Typically, a decision is made by 6 a.m. in the morning or by 3 p.m. for evening classes.

IMPORTANT: If you attend Athens State University classes at one of our University Centers you should check to see if the host campus is open. If the host campus closes, no Athens State classes will be conducted. Students attending classes on Redstone Arsenal will always follow the schedule for the Athens State main campus.

How will I be notified if Athens State is closed or delayed?

  1. Notice will be sent out via the Emergency Notification System (Athens State Alerts).
  2. The closing or delay will be posted on the University’s website and social media.
  3. Information will be sent to the following television and radio stations:
  • Television – Channels 19, 31, and 48
  • Radio – FM – WZYP (104.3), WAHR (99.1), WDRM (102.1), WEUP (103.1), WRSA (96.9)
  • Radio – AM – WVNN (770), WKAC (1080), WBHP (1230)
mobile phone with alert symbol

Emergency Notification Enrollment

Athens State Alerts emergency notification system will notify you of:

  • Emergency conditions on campus
  • Closings and delayed openings due to weather or other events
  • Other situations requiring rapid notification

Enrolling is fast and easy!

Sign-In for Athens State Alerts

If you have an @athens.edu or @my.athens.edu email address, you are already enrolled in Athens State Emergency Alerts and will automatically receive a notification via email. To log in and choose other forms of notification, such as text message notifications, click the sign-in button above and choose “First-time users create password”.

Message and data rates may apply. You may stop your mobile subscription at any time by replying STOP to any text message from Athens State Alerts.