Common cAlert Instructions for Campus Emergencies

An emergency phone and blue light on the University of Chicago campus

MARCH 20, 2023

It is important to take swift and decisive action in the event of an emergency. A good first step is to understand common instructions given during emergencies, which will help you make good decisions during challenging circumstances. Not every emergency is foreseeable, and our guidance may be adapted depending on the circumstance, but we have developed some pre-defined instructions based on best practices.

If an emergency takes place on the University’s main campus, you will receive a cAlert that briefly describes the situation and provides safety guidance or instructions. We recommend that you review these pre-defined cAlert instructions and what they mean:

  • Evacuate: This is often used in response to a fire or similar incident. It means leave the premises as quickly and safely as possible. The cAlert instruction will make it clear which building(s) need to be evacuated.
  • Shelter-in-Place: This instruction may be used during a weather event like a tornado, or in the case of an armed intruder on campus grounds. It means you should take immediate shelter within the interior of the building you are in (away from windows), or inside the nearest building if you are outside. In some cases, shelter-in-place alerts may be accompanied by guidance on specific areas around campus to avoid, or instructions to lock exterior doors or entrances to prevent an armed intruder from entering.
  • Lockdown: This instruction may be given in the event of an armed intruder or active shooter. If your building is affected, you should shelter inside a locked room, preferably without windows, with the goal of preventing access to the room. If possible, you should try to fortify the room’s entrance(s) with furniture or something heavy. The goal is to limit access into a specific space when an armed intruder is nearby or in the building. Individuals are advised to try avoiding detection by blocking lines of sight and remaining quiet.
  • Active Threat — Run-Hide-Fight: In the case of an active threat, such as an armed intruder on campus or an active shooting incident, you may receive this additional instruction. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends using “Run-Hide-Fight” during an active threat to increase your chances of survival. You should be prepared to take these actions even if you haven’t received a cAlert yet.
    • RUN: Your top priority is getting away from the attacker. Leave your things behind, get away, and call UCPD or 911 when you are safe. Please be aware of people with disabilities who may require additional assistance in an emergency.
    • HIDE: If you can’t run away, or there is no safe escape route, your next best option is to hide. Find a place to hide out of view of the attacker and put a solid barrier between yourself and the threat if possible. Lock and block doors with furniture or anything heavy. Close the blinds, turn the lights off, and stay silent.
    • FIGHT: This is an absolute last resort when it is not possible to flee or take cover.
  • All-Clear: This instruction will be given when the incident is over and the danger has passed.

Knowing these common cAlert instructions can help you prepare for emergency situations.

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