Be Mavready

If you are outside and hear a warning siren, go inside, stay away from windows, and look for shelter in an interior part of the building (follow designated storm shelter signage if applicable). If you can, turn on a weather alert radio, radio or a T.V. for information on actions to take or wait for instructions from MavAlert. Sirens can be activated for 5 reasons:

• Tornado in the immediate area,
• Severe weather with winds over 70 mph,
• Large damaging hail,
• Elected official or President of the University designates siren activation for other emergencies and,
• Testing on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m., if the weather is clear. The City of Arlington also tests outdoor warning sirens the 1st Wednesday of every month at 1pm. 

Siren identifies that there is a potential for lightning to strike in the area. Go inside as quickly as possible.

If the lights go out, then call the Facilities Management Service Call Center-817-272-2000. Give your name, phone #, building name, floor or area affected, and room #.

Leave the building by the nearest exit and go to an area that will not impede responder actions if you are not affected by the event.

As you leave the building activate the building fire alarm, if it is not already sounding. Leave the building by the nearest exit and go to an area that will not impede responder actions. Call 817-272-3003 from a campus phone or cell phone; use the code blue emergency phones; or Dial 9-1-1.

The directive “Lockdown” is used to protect occupants in proximity of an immediate threat by limiting access to buildings and rooms.  If no specific locations are given, all buildings should initiate lockdown procedures.

If you are outside a building in lockdown:

• DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING. Move as far away as possible from the building under lockdown.
• Await further instructions from law enforcement.
• Check the university’s website and university social media sites for updates and further information as it becomes available.
• DO NOT CALL THE LOCATION THAT IS IN LOCKDOWN. Phone calls to anyone inside the building that is in lockdown may endanger them.
• DO NOT LEAVE YOUR SAFE AREA until law enforcement has opened the door.

If the threat is outside your building:

• If the exterior doors are not electronic and it is safe to reach them, lock them.
• Close and lock interior doors if possible. Barricade the doors.

If the threat is inside your building:

• RUN:  Get OUT OF THE FACILITY if possible. Use mobile devices to call emergency personnel (911 or 817-272-3003) and provide relevant information. High mobile phone volume may interfere with emergency communications and should be limited to contact only emergency personnel.
• HIDE:  Seek shelter in the nearest secured place, e.g., classroom or office. Turn off lights and any devices that may indicate that the room is occupied. If you are on the first floor, close any window blinds or curtains. Stay away from doors and keep out of line of sight. Sit or lie on the floor or crouch behind or under desks. Be as invisible as possible. BE QUIET. DO NOT respond to anyone at the door while in lockdown mode. When it is safe, law enforcement will announce themselves and release anyone in the room. If the fire alarm is activated during a lockdown, wait for direction from the building public announcement system or from the police before evacuating. If there is smoke or fire present, you may need to evacuate.
• FIGHT:  Your last resort. Use anything to distract or disable the suspect.

Shelter-in-place means to take refuge inside a building. You shelter in place for tornados, active shooter, hazardous materials, and severe weather (hail, lightning, etc.).

• For a tornado, go to an interior room without windows / below ground floor if possible (follow signs for designated storm shelter areas if applicable).
• For active shooter, see above.
• For hazardous materials, do not go outside unless told to evacuate. Otherwise stop work or class; close and lock all windows, exterior doors, and any openings to the outside. Listen to fire panel, radio, television, or MavAlert for further instructions.
• For severe weather (hail or lightning), take refuge inside a building. Stay away from glass doors and windows. Wait for the all clear via fire panel, first responder, or MavAlert.

Planning for natural, technological or man-made disasters is not just for institutions and businesses; it’s just as important for families and households, in order to ensure everyone is prepared when an emergency occurs. Go to FEMA's Ready website to prepare your household and its members. Once completed, discuss the plan, and practice the plan. Elements to consider when creating your Family/Household Disaster Plan:

• Out-of-state contact

• Reunification area(s)

• Alternate routes to and from work/home

• Pet preparedness

It is recommended that everyone acquire 3 emergency kits: one for home, one for the car, and one for work. Kits containing all the essential emergency supplies can be bought online or in stores. However, it is important to customize each kit according to you and your household’s needs. Click here for a suggested list of items for your Emergency Preparedness Kit.