AppState-ALERT Emergency Messaging

Campus emergency conditions

The condition that the campus is currently operating under. This condition may change as information is received.

Recognized conditions are:

• Normal: The University is operating under normal conditions. There is no emergency information.
• Emergency: There is information of an immediate threat on campus or directly involving the University. (Examples may include an active shooter, hazardous materials leak on campus, or a tornado warning.)
• Special: The special condition is a non-emergency condition that indicates the University is not operating regularly . An example of a special condition is when the University closes or opens late due to adverse winter weather.

What is AppState-ALERT?

AppState-ALERT is the Appalachian State University 24/7 emergency messaging system. Using a combination of text messaging, voice messaging, the siren warning system, email and web technologies, AppState-ALERT is designed to provide Appalachian students, faculty and staff members with timely information in the event of a campus emergency. Cell phone text and voice messages will only be sent by the University when an emergency exists that is considered an "imminent threat." An "imminent threat" is defined as a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the life safety of the campus community. Learn more

Basic campus protective measures

Lockdown

• A lockdown is designed to prevent people from entering or leaving a building. Additionally, movement inside the building is to be restricted. If the term lockdown is used, App State Police will limit it to specific buildings that are in immediate danger. The term lockdown will only be used when there is information indicating an imminent threat of danger from an armed or dangerous person(s) on campus. Whenever possible, the specific building(s) affected should be identified in the declaration of a lockdown.
• When a Lockdown is declared the doors leading outside of the building should be locked (when possible) and people should not exit or enter the building. People should stay where they are and should not exit or enter a classroom, office or building. If people are in a hallway they should go to the nearest classroom or office.
  • Classroom and office doors should be locked or barricaded.
  • Lights and all electronic devices should be turned off, blinds should be closed and cell phones should be completely silenced, including vibration modes.
  • Keep occupants calm, quiet and out of sight.
  • If gunshots are heard, lay on the floor and try to use desks, file cabinets or concrete walls for additional protection.
  • If you are outside when a lockdown is declared, seek safe shelter (eg. unlocked building, large trees, walls, cars in a parking lot) away from the danger area.
  • Wait for the "all clear" to be given before leaving safe shelter.

Shelter in place ("Stay put")

• This is a term that may be used in an emergency where hazardous materials may have been released into the atmosphere.
• This means go indoors and find an interior room or hallway with no or few windows and taking refuge there until an evacuation can be safely initiated or an all clear is given.
• This does not mean leaving your building to go to a storm shelter, nor does it mean locking and sealing off your office or room.

Evacuation

• This is the movement of persons from a dangerous or potentially dangerous place to a safe place. In an extreme situation, (eg. flood) large portions of and perhaps the entire campus may be required to evacuate.
• When a fire alarm is activated, evacuation is mandatory.
• Don't use elevators, take the stairs.
• Take personal belongings with you.
• Help people with disabilities if possible.

All clear

• This means the immediate danger is over and that most functions may resume normal operations, occupants may re-enter buildings and/or move about campus without restriction unless specifically directed otherwise. Specific guidance regarding University events will be posted to the emergency webpage.