Emergency Response Guide & Safety Videos
At Trinity University, campus safety and preparedness is our top priority. To help all Tigers prepare for any situation that may arise, we encourage you to watch the following safety and security videos and review the emergency procedures below. We all can do our part in ensuring Trinity is a safe and prepared place to work, live, and learn. Be Tiger Ready!
Safety Videos
These videos give students practical, confidence-building strategies for recognizing danger, protecting themselves, and responding quickly in critical moments. They turn awareness into action and help create a safer, prepared campus.
Surviving an Active Shooter Event
Surviving an Active Shooter Event is a dynamic training program designed to instill the survival mindset and teaches students realistic strategies for dealing with an Active Shooter situation on campus. The Trinity University Police Department wants students to be mindful, not fearful, and believes they're never without a weapon once they develop and maintain the proper survival mindset.
360° Stay Safe - Stay Safe at College
360° Stay Safe - Stay Safe at College is an important step toward helping students take more responsibility for their personal safety and security. This program has 7 chapters that discuss different situations that today's college student may come in contact with.
Secure Your Space
Secure Your Space highlights key elements of campus preparedness, with a focus on how to lock a variety of door types to secure yourself in the event of a threatening or critical situation. Not every door lock is the same, so please take a moment to watch Secure Your Space, and discuss with your classmates and roommates. Be Tiger Ready!
Protecting the welfare of students and faculty
The following are emergency response recommendations and procedures in the event of an active shooter, armed and disruptive individual, hostage situation, or bomb threat:
Active Shooter
If you witness an armed individual on campus at any time or an individual who is acting in a hostile or belligerent manner, immediately call 210-999-7000 or the University Police Department at 210-999-7070.
Active Shooter Situation Definition:
An active shooter is a person(s) who appears to be actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms, and there is no apparent pattern or method to their selection of victims. These situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, with immediate deployment of law enforcement to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to innocent victims.
Active Shooter response recommendations
-
- Go to a room that can be locked. Lock the doors and windows, and turn off the lights.
- Get everyone to lie on the floor and out of the line of fire.
- Call 210-999-7000 and inform the operator of the situation. Give your name, location and any other details that can be provided about the shooter(s), if possible.
- Stay at your location until the police or a known university official gives the "all clear."
-
- Determine if the room you are in can be locked. If so, follow instructions above.
- If your room can't be locked, move to a room that can, or exit the building - ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
-
- If possible, call 210-999-7000 and alert the police to the shooter's location; if you can't speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen and try to pinpoint your location.
- If you can't escape, attempting to overpower the shooter(s) by force is a LAST RESORT.
- If the shooter(s) leaves the area, proceed immediately to a safer place, if possible. Do not touch anything that was in the vicinity of the shooter(s).
- If you decide to flee, make sure you have an escape route/plan in mind. Do not carry anything; move quickly and quietly, keep your hands visible, and follow any instructions give by police officers.
- Do not attempt to remove injured people; tell the authorities of their location as soon as possible.
- Do not leave campus until advised to do so from the police.
Armed and Disruptive Individual
If you witness an armed individual on campus at any time or an individual who is acting in a hostile or belligerent manner, immediately call 210-999-7000 or the University Police Department at 210-999-7070.
Disruptive Individual Definition:
- An individual who makes threats of physical harm to you, others, or themselves.
- An individual who has a weapon.
- An individual who behaves in a bizarre manner or exhibits unstable behavior.
- An individual who is intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance.
Armed and Disruptive Individual response recommendations
-
- Contact the University Police Department (UPD) at 210-999-7000.
- Give your name and location with a brief explanation of the situation to the operator.
- Take note of the individual's age, personal appearance, vehicle, and any other information that would help identify them.
-
- Stay calm. Sit or stand up straight.
- Do not slouch. Smile and make eye contact. Speak clearly and distinctly in a confident, normal tone.
- Do not touch your face. (This may be seen as a sign of aggression).
- Do not touch the individual, sigh or glare at them, or invade their personal space.
- Use their name, if known, and ask them to sit down.
- Paraphrase what they say so that they know you are listening.
- Offer assistance and explain how you can help, using "we" to include them in the solution process.
- If possible, advise others of the potential problem.
Hostage Situation
If you see/hear/witness a hostage situation taking place
- Get away from being in immediate danger.
- Notify University Police by calling 210-999-7000.
- Provide as much information as possible; i.e., location of the incident; the number of hostage-takers and hostages; physical description and names of the hostage-takers (if known); any weapons the hostage-takers may have; and your name, location, and phone number.
Hostage Situation response recommendations
-
Remain calm, be polite, and cooperate. Avoid heroics and acting foolishly. DO NOT try to be a negotiator. DO NOT attempt to escape unless there is an extremely good chance for survival. It is better to be submissive and obey your captor(s). Speak normally. Do not complain or become belligerent. Comply with all orders and instructions. DO NOT draw attention to yourself with sudden body movements, comments, or hostile looks. Carefully observe the captor(s) and try to memorize their physical traits, voice patterns, clothing, and other details that can help provide a description later. Avoid getting into political or ideological discussions with your captor(s). Try to establish a positive relationship with your captor(s) and get to know them. Captors are generally less likely to harm you if they have a personal connection or respect for you. If you are forced to present any type of demands to the authorities, either on tape or in writing, state clearly that the demands are from the captor(s). Avoid making any pleas on your own behalf. Try to stay low to the ground or behind cover from windows or doors, if possible.
-
- DO NOT RUN. Drop to the floor and remain still. If that is not possible, keep your hands out and visible, bow your head, and standstill. Make no sudden movements that a tense rescuer may interpret as hostile or threatening.
- Wait for instructions and obey the instructions you are given.
- Do not be upset, resist, or argue if a rescuer isn't sure whether you are a hostage or a hostage-taker.
- Even if you are handcuffed and searched, DO NOT resist. Just wait for the confusion to clear.
- You will be taken to a safe area where proper identification and status will be determined.
Bomb Threats
In the event you receive or overhear a bomb or other mass threat, contact Trinity University Police immediately. For security reasons, it is best to (when possible) avoid using a cell phone or two-way radio when reporting the threat. Do not activate any fire alarms. In the event the threat is received by phone, keep talking to the caller as long as possible and listen carefully, try to document any pertinent information you can gather from the call. Follow all instructions that are given to you by University Police and/or other authorized personnel. If evacuation is required, do so calmly and respond to your assigned meeting place so that an accurate account of the building's occupants can be made.
Natural Hazards
General Guidance
Trinity University is committed to the safety and security of our campus community. The TU Office of Emergency Management monitors weather conditions, and maintains a partnership with meteorologists at the National Weather Service. The procedures below provide general guidance for protective measures during significant weather events, and all students, faculty, and staff should exercise good, independent judgment regarding conditions impacting personal safety. Visit the Texas Ready website for personal safety checklists, tips, and resources.
Procedures to be followed:
-
Watch:
A tornado or severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for development in the area. Continue normal activities, but monitor local weather conditions. Use good, independent judgment at all times, and be weather-aware until storms have passed.
Warning:
If the approaching severe weather strengthens and poses an immediate or imminent threat to campus, the watch may be elevated to a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning.You should take the following steps for personal safety:
Notify those around you of the weather warning, and heed emergency instructions provided by university officials and local weather sources. Reminder – register for TrinAlerts to receive emergency notifications.
For a thunderstorm warning, you should stay indoors and away from windows until the storm has passed. Report injuries or emergencies to 210-999-7000. When calling provide the following information:
Building name, number, and/or location
Type of emergency
Condition of the victim(s)
Any dangerous conditionsFor a tornado warning, you should seek shelter immediately in a sturdy structure, away from windows. Basements, interior hallways and rooms (without windows), and bathrooms on the lower floors with no windows or exterior walls, offer the best shelter. Do not seek shelter in gyms, auditoriums, and other large open areas. If you are in a vehicle, get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building or other structure. Follow the same steps above to report injuries and medical assistance.
After the severe threat has passed, immediately report damage or any injuries to TUPD at 210-999-7000.
Immediately leave a damaged building, and do not attempt to return to the building until directed to do so. Avoid fallen power lines, debris, and be aware of your surroundings.
Do not attempt to turn utilities or equipment on/off.
There are a number of "do nots" to keep in mind due to lightning threats:
Do not stand in an open area, such as the TU stadium, open parking lots, etc.
Do not stand underneath a tall tree (especially if it is in an isolated area).
Do not seek shelter in a small structure in an open area.
Do not stand in or around a body of water.
Do not stand or touch anything metal - mechanical equipment, golf clubs, wire fences, pipes, etc.
If you feel your hair standing on end, drop to your knees bend forward putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
-
It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs. Avoid flooded roadways, even if the road looks passable – find an alternate route.
If flooding occurs in your immediate area, move to higher ground.
Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams or low-water crossings. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!
Be aware that roadways may be washed out under flood waters, and debris may be present, including downed power lines and hazardous waste. Do not wade into flood waters.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Trinity University will evaluate local conditions, and update the TU community if campus operations are impacted via TrinAlert.
-
The University will evaluate weather forecasts and local conditions ahead of inclement weather and determine changes to campus operations.
Monitor local weather forecasts and radars by visiting the National Weather Service website.
Resident students should remain indoors during inclement weather conditions.
Avoid unnecessary walking around on-campus due to slick conditions due to ice, sleet, or snow. Assess walkways, pathways, and roads before walking or driving during wintry conditions.
Monitor the Trinity University Emergency website for updates to campus operations.
-
The University will evaluate weather forecasts and local conditions ahead of inclement weather and determine changes to campus operations, as appropriate
Monitor local weather forecasts and radars by visiting the National Hurricane Center website and local National Weather Service website.
Resident students should remain indoors during inclement weather conditions.
Monitor the Trinity University Emergency website for updates to campus operations.
Be sure to have basic supplies in an emergency go-kit, stay informed of changing conditions, and heed instructions of university and local officials. Visit the Texas Ready website for checklists and tips.
Fires and Biohazards
Fires
What to do:
- Activate the nearest fire alarm.
- Call 210-999-7000.
- Notify occupants and help those in the immediate area who may need assistance.
- Evacuate the building by the nearest exit.
- Confine the fire by closing doors as you exit.
- Do not re-enter the building until permitted to do so by emergency personnel.
Building evacuation procedure:
- Evacuation is mandatory when a fire alarm has been activated.
- Do not use elevators.
- Take personal belongings, such as keys, wallets and purses.
- Close doors as you exit.
- Move people to a safe area away from the building.
Gas Leaks
If you detect natural gas, fumes or vapors:
- Do not pull fire alarms.
- Do not touch light switches or electrical equipment.
- Call University Police at 210-999-7000.
- Clear the area immediately if instructed to do so by the emergency dispatcher.
- Provide your location and the location of the odor to the dispatcher.
- Provide as many additional details as possible to the dispatcher.
Hazardous Spills
If the incident is indoors, close all doors in order to isolate the area if it is safe to do so.
From a safe area, call the University Police Department at 210-999-7000.
If possible, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Name of the material
- Quantity of the material
- Time of the incident
- Location of the incident
- If anyone has been injured or exposed to the material
- If a fire or explosive is involved
- Your name, phone number and location
Follow instructions offered by the emergency responders.
Evacuate the area if necessary.
Mass Notification (Siren) System
An outdoor warning system was installed at Trinity University in July 2013. The system uses a siren followed with a message to alert the campus community to take protective actions in the event of an emergency. The University tests the system once a month. The University is dedicated to ensuring everyone knows what to do when an emergent situation occurs, and is committed the health, safety, and security of the Tiger community. Additionally, most buildings have indoor warning systems to notify building occupants of an emergent threat, as conditions warrant. When the mass notification system is activated, please follow all instructions, be vigilant of your surroundings, warn/help others around you, and take protective measures immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
The system test takes place at approximately 1:20 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. The tests last approximately one minute. You do not need to take any action during the test. If a severe weather warning is issued for the area on a scheduled test day, the test will be cancelled for that month.
-
You should continue your regular activities during a system test. You do not need to take any special actions during a test.
-
Monthly tests will begin with the announcement, "This is a test." If you hear the sirens, and do not hear, "This is a test," this means there is an emergency. A system test will only take place at approximately 1:20 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. In the event of an emergency the siren and message will sound until the emergency is over, at which point you will hear an "all clear" announcement.
-
When you hear the siren and message you should follow the instructions given during an emergency situation.
-
The notifications indicate an emergent situation is occurring, and protective actions are advised – please follow all instructions as provided. The most likely cause of unsafe conditions is severe weather, but other situations may include the unlikely occurrences of an environmental hazard or an armed individual on campus. Notification messages are only used for emergencies that impact or present a danger to our campus. For example, the siren and message will not be sounded for a tornado watch in the Bexar County area, but they will be sounded if there is a potential tornado near or on the ground that has the campus in its forecast path, according to the National Weather Service.
-
The Mass Notification speakers are located on top of select buildings on the Trinity campus.
-
The outdoor sirens are loudest within the main campus. They are audible on both upper and lower campus, and are designed to be heard outdoors. You may not be able to hear the outdoor sirens [clearly] if you are indoors or are listening to music using ear phones, etc. Indoor notification systems will also be activated, as appropriate.