We all play a role in keeping our community safe. If you see something suspicious, report that crime using the contact methods on this website; or by texting MSUDPPS to CRIMES (274637) along with your message. You can also call our tip line at 844-99-MSUPD (844-996-7873).
Evacuation
Evacuation maps are posted at key locations throughout facilities on campus. If an evacuation alarm sounds or if you are ordered to evacuate an area, please keep safety in mind. Move quickly to the nearest exit and move away from the hazard or danger. In an active violence incident, this is the “Run” component in the Run-Hide-Fight paradigm and should be your first option.
There are also emergency classroom guidelines posted in classrooms throughout campus that identify accountability locations, weather shelter protocols, hazardous atmosphere shelter information, and suspicious package guidelines. Please familiarize yourself with exits at facilities you are frequently at.
Secure-in-Place
Secure-in-Place is a protective action to take when an active violence incident occurs. For an active violence incident, if you are not able to “Run” or evacuate, then “Hide” or secure-in-place. That means finding a hiding place that is secure, safe and protects you from the threat. Some examples include: bathrooms, file storage areas, or locked offices.
Below are suggestions for what to do and what not to do when officers arrive on scene of an active violence incident.
Things to do:
Things not to do:
Seeking Shelter
Hazardous Materials Outside:
Hazardous Weather:
Sheltering from severe weather is typically thought of for a tornado; however, severe thunderstorms can produce extremely high winds, heavy rains and lightning that can be hazardous or even fatal if precautions are not taken. MSU building Emergency Action Plans have pre-identified Weather Shelter locations that are shaded in yellow on the building’s posted emergency maps.
If you cannot locate a posted map, seek shelter in an area that is as removed from windows as possible. Become familiar with those locations and be prepared to move to shelter if a weather warning is issued.
MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities is continuing its work to install hundreds of new door locks for classrooms and teaching lab spaces across campus. These new locks allow those inside the classroom to lock the door while still allowing emergency personnel the ability to enter.
There are two main types of locks being installed across campus in classrooms and teaching labs:
1. Locks engaged with a new lockdown button. Doors with this feature will electronically lock once the button installed near the door is pushed, and emergency personnel will automatically be notified. Doors must be closed for the locking feature to work. With these locks, used mainly in larger auditorium-style classrooms with multiple entrances and exits, signage with directions is being posted next to the button.
2. New lever door handles that are locked by turning a “thumb turn” on the inside of the door.
Regardless of lock type, those inside a classroom or teaching lab will always have the ability to leave the room. Faculty, students and staff should only lock their classrooms and teaching labs during an emergency presenting a threat of active violence. It is not required to keep doors closed and locked at all times. Work on installing new locks will continue into the academic year.
As previously communicated, new locks are not being installed in office spaces, most of which already can be locked with a key or via a toggle on the door edge.