Lockout

Welcome to DU’s Lockout page. Most likely, you are here because you received an alert from the University, indicating that the campus or portions of the campus is in Lockout, due to an active nearby threat. This page is intended to provide additional information beyond the original message received. Remain calm and remember “Run, Hide, Fight” depending on what you see and hear. If you feel unsafe, secure your current location and try to remain indoors, where you are best protected.  

Remain calm and remember “Run, Hide, Fight” depending on what you see and hear. If you feel it is safe, evacuate. If it is not safe, secure your current location.  

 

Updates:

The University will continue to monitor conditions. Further updates will be provided here as they become available.

  • For Threatening Person
    • In the event there is a threatening person near campus, Campus Safety may initiate a Lockout to protect campus occupants in the event the threatening person makes their way onto campus. Since the threat is outside campus, it is generally safe to move about campus (indoors) as you would normally. However, it is important to: 

      • Continue to notice your surroundings at a heightened level – what do you see and hear? If you suspect danger, get to a room or office, lock the door, and close windows. If the door does not lock, try to use furniture to block the door or wedge items under the door. If in a restroom, stand on the toilet, lock the stall, and remain quiet. 

      • Remain indoors and keep doors and windows locked. 

      • Remember that in Lockout mode, no one should be allowed into a building, and no one should leave. Staying indoors is the safest option during Lockout.  

  • Card Access

    In a Lockout, card access will still operate as usual, but it is important to remember – always and especially during a Lockout – for each individual to use their own card to gain access to a building. Even if you recognize or know the person behind you, do not hold the door for them. This method will prevent a possible intruder from gaining easy access to a building.

Lockout is Not a Lockdown

Lockout and Lockdown are very different. A Lockout is called when the threat is far enough away from campus for building occupants to ensure safety indoors. Those outside should seek shelter inside a locked building. In Lockout, individuals may be able to move around the facility - even from room to room.

A Lockdown is called when the threat is close (most likely on campus) and safety cannot be assured, even when inside a locked building. In a Lock+-down, it is necessary to seek shelter in a locked interior room, closet, or other enclosed space for personal protection; run - far away from campus, as quickly as possible; or fight back against an attacker.

While movement is allowed during Lockout, keep in mind that if the threat moves closer to campus or on campus, a Lockdown may be called, and it may be necessary to run, hide, or fight. If this happens, it is important to familiarize yourself with your options - hiding in a safe, locked location; running to an off-campus location to call 911; or fighting against an attacker if that becomes your only option. The Lockdown web page can provide additional information.

The following are some possible situations in which Campus Safety will activate a Lockout instead of a Lockdown:

  • An intruder is inside a nearby building, such as a bank. A lockout aims to prevent the intruder from entering any DU facilities and causing harm or evading police.
  • There is a gas leak, chemical spill, or other hazardous material nearby, such as on the train tracks near DU. In this situation, it is likely Campus Safety will call both a Lockout and Shelter in Place. This will allow normal operations to continue indoors, yet prevent propped doors and windows or prolonged door openings.