The Lehigh University Police Department offered a series of emergency preparedness presentations for all Lehigh students, faculty and staff on Nov. 5-6 to prepare individuals if an active shooter were to come to campus. If this were to happen, LUPD recommends calling them instead of 911 because LUPD officers are in a better position to respond quickly, and they know the campus and are familiar with all locations.
“If you call the 911 Center, they will take the information, ask for directions or addresses for your location, and then contact us to respond,” said Lehigh Chief of Police Edward Shupp.
If there is an active shooter on campus, and a student locks his or her doors and hides, LUPD officers who arrive on the scene will announce their presence and provide clear instructions on how to proceed.
“It is extremely important that you cooperate until we are able to contain the situation,” Shupp said. “It’s also important to note that the police officers will not stop to assist anyone who is wounded until the situation is under control.”
Students are encouraged to sign up for LU-ALERTS and the EmergenSee safety app. These ensure accurate, up-to-date information of any occurrences and allows for the avoidance of potentially unsafe areas of campus. To be even better prepared for a state of emergency, students and faculty can contact the LUPD to devise a plan for a particular building, such as a residence hall or academic building.
The LUPD will send a public safety officer to review the particular area and make safety recommendations. LUPD can advise you to hide or run in an active shooter situation. Students can also schedule an active shooter safety presentation for a group, such as a fraternity or sorority, directly on LUPD’s website.
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