Staying Ready in Light of University Swatting Calls
More than 19 universities across the country have recently experienced swatting reports – false claims of emergencies that create confusion and disrupt daily life. While these calls are not real threats, they remind us of the importance of knowing what to do if a genuine emergency occurs on our campus.
At ACU, our Emergency Action Plan provides clear steps for responding to an active shooter or active threat. The response framework is Avoid | Deny | Defend:
Avoid
- Identify an escape route ahead of time
- Leave belongings behind and exit quickly
- Keep your hands visible for law enforcement
Deny
- If you cannot escape, move out of sight
- Lock or barricade doors and block entry
- Silence phones and remain still and quiet
Defend
- Only as a last resort if your life is in immediate danger
- Take action to incapacitate the attacker
- Use physical aggression and available objects with determination
When evacuating, remain calm, move quickly, keep hands open and visible, and always follow the instructions of police officers.
Staying Ready Together
Preparedness is part of keeping our university community safe. Call 911 when it is safe to do so, and rely on first responders for guidance. For more information on ACU’s Emergency Action Plan please contact the Office of Institutional Compliance and Risk Management at risk@acu.edu.