The following guidelines are intended to reduce your personal risk in the unlikely event that an emergency incident should occur on campus.

  • In the event an active shooter whereby someone has entered the area and started shooting

    In the event an active shooter whereby someone has entered the area and started shooting, the following are recommended actions:

    • Exit the building immediately.
    • Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately.
    • Notify the police by calling 911 and Public Safety at 202-319-5111.
    • Give the operator the following information: Your Name, Location of the incident (be as specific as possible), Number of shooters (if known), Description of shooter (if known), Number of persons who may be involved, and Your location.
    • Individuals not immediately impacted by the situation should take protective cover within the shelter-in-place location, staying away from windows and doors until notified otherwise.

  • In the event of an active shooter whereby you are directly involved and exiting the building is not possible

    In the event of an active shooter whereby you are directly involved and exiting the building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

    • Go to the nearest room or office.
    • Close the door, lock if possible.
    • Move away from windows and doors.
    • Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room. Put cellphone on silent.
    • Notify the police at 911 and DPS at 202-319-5111.
    • Give the 911 Operator the following information: Your Name, Your Location (be as specific as possible), Number of shooters (if known), Description of shooter (if known),and Number of persons who may be involved.
    • Wait for the police to assist you out of the building.

  • In the event of a fire

    In the event of a fire:

    • Sound the fire alarm.
    • Before opening a door, feel the door handle: If it is hot, don't open it. Go to a window and call for help. If it is not hot, open cautiously. Check for smoke or fire before leaving. If there is smoke in your room or in the hallway while you are getting out, STAY LOW to the floor. If you cannot get out of the door, get someone's attention,(e.g., yell and scream out a window). If you can, hang an attention-getting item on or from a window (e.g., a sheet, sign or coat) and call 202-319-5111.
    • Once outside: Call the Department of Public Safety (202-319-5111) from a safe location. Report to the assembly area designated for the building ( see emergency policy poster map in each building).

    Please visit the EHS manual for more detailed fire safety information.

  • In the event of a bomb threat (or any threat to a person's safety)

    In the event of a bomb threat (or any threat to a person's safety):

    Take bomb threats seriously! If you receive a threat:

    • Stay calm and keep your voice calm.
    • Pay close attention to details. Talk to the caller to obtain as much information as possible.
    • Take notes. Write down other data: Date and time of call or written threat was received. How threat was received(letter, note, telephone).
    • Call the Department of Public Safety at 202-319-5111.
    • Submit your notes from the telephone call or the bomb threat (letter or note) to DPS.
    • Follow the University officials' instruction.

Faculty and Staff Responsibilities

Catholic University faculty and staff should immediately document and report incidents of aberrant, dangerous, or threatening behavior to the Department of Public Safety, Office of the Dean of Students, and/or the Counseling Center. For guidance, see Student Affairs Resources for Faculty Consultation and Referral. 

The University emergency management plan utilizes multiple redundant systems for notification including:

  • All-Campus Alert, an audible public address system. 
  • CUAlert, a service of Rave Mobile Safety, provides members of the campus community with the ability to receive urgent text, email, and voicemail messages to their personal devices. 
  • Emails to University faculty, staff, and students via Google groups. 
  • Building watch captains, resident assistants, and community directors. 
  • University’s Safety First Website.
  • Social media updates. 
  • Fire alarms. 
  • Audible public announcements broadcast via public safety vehicles. 
  • Verbal announcements via public safety foot patrol officers.