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.
