A Lockdown Response (Shelter-in-place) is used when it may be more dangerous to evacuate the building than to stay in the assigned rooms.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Violent or potentially violent incident by an angry or deranged person.
  • Uncontrollable acts of aggression.
  • A person or persons threatening with a gun or other deadly weapon.
  • Robbery in progress.
  • Tornado warning.
  • Hazardous materials release.

How to Shelter in Place

You must immediately seek shelter in the nearest facility or building (preferably in a room with no windows) when:

  • You hear receive a campus Emergency Notification (ex. text message, phone call, email).
  • You are directed by ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department, police or fire department personnel.

Room Lockdown Procedure

  • Remain calm and stay with your students, visitors, employees or associate workers.
  • Lock room doors (if possible), windows and close shades immediately.
  • Notify ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department of the situation as soon as possible without endangering yourself.
  • Notify ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department of the type of disturbance, its location, the number of people causing it, who is involved, any weapon presence and your name.  Provide as much information as possible.
  • Keep persons quiet and away from doors and windows.
  • If a gunshot is heard, keep people down near the floor and shielded under/behind room furniture as much as possible.
  • Maintain a calming influence over your group. Reassure students, visitors and employees that everything possible is being done to return the situation to a normal condition.
  • Contact ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department (x4999 or 570-408-4999) as soon as possible of any medical emergencies.
  • Conduct a count of all persons and report any missing person to ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department.
  • Remain in the secure room until released by ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department.
  • If gunshots are fired and fleeing is necessary, run away in a zig-zag manner, not a straight line.

Building or Campus Lockdown Response

  • The decision to initiate a building or Campus-wide Lockdown rests with ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department.
  • A Lockdown consists of moving all students, visitors, employees and others off the grounds and into the buildings, securing all entrances, and denying access to any unauthorized persons.
  • Always begin the Lockdown procedure immediately following notification to do so.
  • Cancel all outdoor activities until approved otherwise by ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department.
  • No person should leave a building under a Lockdown order.
  • The Building or Campus Lockdown is to remain in effect until canceled by ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department.
  • Ensure all Instructions issued by ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥appPolice Department are followed immediately.