Personal Safety

Whether on campus, in Lincoln or traveling, be aware of safety considerations.

• Think ahead and plan your journey, avoiding unpopulated areas;
• Try to avoid walking alone at night, and stay on well lit main paths when possible. You should try to avoid shortcuts like alleyways;
• Stay alert: Be aware of what is going on around you;
• Let someone know where you are going, the route you plan to take, and when you expect to return;
• Consider investing in a mobile phone;
• Try to avoid wearing headphones, your ability to hear traffic, strangers, and potential trouble can be restricted;
• Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to UNLPD via telephone (472-3555) or emergency blue phone.

Firearms and dangerous weapons are forbidden from UNL Property. Notify University Police, 472-2222, immediately if you are aware of weapons on campus.

Personal response to violent incidents

Violent incidents happening recently on campuses across the country require that our campus be aware of how to react to a dangerous situation should it occur. These kinds of situations are always unpredictable and generally are short in duration. It is critical that individuals take immediate measures to protect themselves and to alert others to the situation.

If it is possible to do so safely, exit the building immediately when you become aware of an incident, moving away from the immediate path of danger, and take the following steps:

As in any emergency, please notify anyone you may encounter of the situation.

1. Evacuate to a safe area away from the danger, and take protective cover. Stay there until emergency responders arrive.
2. Call 911 or University Police, 472-2222, providing the dispatcher with the following information:
   1. Your name
   2. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
   3. Number of shooters (if known)
   4. Identification or description of person(s) responsible
   5. Number of persons who may be involved
   6. Your exact location
   7. Injuries to anyone, if known
3. Anyone not immediately impacted by the situation should take protective cover, staying away from windows and doors until notified otherwise.

If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting your residence hall or building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

If you are not in your room, then go to the nearest room or office.

1. Close and lock the door.
2. Turn off the lights
3. Seek protective cover. Stay away from doors and windows.
4. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
5. Do not answer the door.
6. Call 911 or University Police, 472-2222, if it is safe to do so, providing the dispatcher with the following information:
   1. Your name
   2. Location of the incident. Be as specific as possible.
   3. Number of people involved (if known)
   4. Identification or description of person(s) responsible
   5. Your exact location
   6. Injuries to anyone, if known
7. If you have a cell phone, change the ringer to "silent" or "vibrate" modes for incoming text, e-mail and calls.
8. Anyone not immediately impacted by the situation should take protective cover, staying away from windows and doors until notified otherwise.
9. Wait for police to help you out of the building.

University Police, Lincoln Police and other local law enforcement agencies are trained and equipped to respond to an emergency incident of this nature. During the initial phase of the incident, the police will evaluate the situation to determine the best course of action for the safety of the university community.

Follow up assistance is encouraged from available on-campus resources: Student Health, Counseling and Psychological Services, Residence Life, University Police, Dean of Students and Human Resources.