Lockdown Safety Guide for Students

Las Positas College

Lockdowns are rare, but they are serious situations used to protect everyone on campus from potential danger, such as a person with a weapon or nearby police activity. Knowing what to do—and staying calm—can make a difference.

🔒What a Lockdown Means

A lockdown is called when there is a possible threat to the campus community.

When you receive a lockdown alert:

• Stay where you are.
• Do not move between buildings.
• Secure your surroundings and follow the directions below.

🚪If You Are Indoors

If you are in a classroom, office, or study room:

1. Lock and secure the door. If it does not lock, block it with heavy furniture.
2. Turn off lights and silence all phones and devices.
3. Stay out of sight and away from doors and windows.
4. Remain quiet and do not open the door until an official all-clear is announced.
5. Only open the door for law enforcement who clearly identify themselves or when directed by an official message.

⚠️If the Threat Enters Your Area

If a threat comes into your space and you cannot safely escape:

• Your last option may be to defend yourself.
• Commit to your actions — use nearby items (chairs, fire extinguishers, backpacks, scissors, etc.) to disrupt or stop the attacker.
• Work together with others if possible; there is strength in numbers.
• Aim for vulnerable areas such as the head or eyes, and be loud and forceful.

These actions are only for extreme situations when escape is not possible.

🌳If You Are Outside

If you are outside when a lockdown begins:

• Do not try to enter campus buildings. Once a lockdown is announced, all buildings will automatically be locked for safety.
• Move away from the area of danger as quickly and safely as possible.
• Find cover behind solid objects such as walls, trees, or large structures.
• Stay low, quiet, and out of sight.
• If you are in a vehicle, leave the campus if it is safe to do so. Otherwise, park out of view and remain inside with the doors locked until you receive an official all-clear.
• Avoid open areas and do not attempt to re-enter buildings until campus officials announce it is safe.

📢Staying Informed

During a lockdown, information will come through:

• Campus emergency text alerts and emails
• Loudspeakers or intercoms

Only rely on official updates. Avoid social media rumors or unverified information.

Check your phone only if it is safe and discreet to do so.

✅After the Lockdown

Wait for an official all-clear message before leaving your location.

When it’s safe to move, follow directions from law enforcement or campus officials.

If you feel anxious afterward, reach out to Student Health & Wellness Services or Counseling for support—help is available.

🧭Quick Reminders

Step	Action
🔒	Lock the door
💡	Turn off lights
📱	Silence phones
👀	Stay hidden
✅	Wait for the all-clear

If escape isn’t possible and you are directly threatened — defend yourself as a last resort.

Your safety is our top priority. Stay alert, stay calm, and stay safe.

 

Active Shooter Event

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.

• Victims are selected at random.
• Event is unpredictable and evolves quickly.
• Knowing what to do can save lives.

When law enforcement arrives:

• Remain calm and follow instructions.
• Drop items in your hands. (e.g., bags, jackets)
• Raise hands and spread fingers.
• Keep hands visible at all times.
• Avoid quick movements toward officers, such as holding on to them for safety.
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
• Do not ask questions when evacuating.

Information to provide to 911 operators:

• Location of the active shooter.
• Number of shooters.
• Physical description of shooters.
• Number and type of weapons shooter has.
• Number of potential victims at location.

When an Active Shooter is in your vicinity, you must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with the situation.

You have three options:

1. RUN

• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Evacuate regardless of whether others  agree to follow.
• Help others escape, if possible.
• Do not attempt to move the wounded.
• Prevent others from entering an area  where the active shooter may be.
• Keep your hands visible.
• Call 911 when you are safe.

2. HIDE

• Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view.
• Lock door or block entry to your hiding place.
• Silence your cell phone (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet.

3. FIGHT

• Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
• Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter.
• Commit to your actions…your life depends on it.

The first officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams to follow initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured.

Once you have reached a safe location, you likely will be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

• Download the Active Shooter Reference Guide (pdf)