Emergency Notification

The purpose of an Emergency Notification is to advise students and employees of a significant emergency or dangerous event that poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of the campus community. An Emergency Notification will be issued immediately upon confirmation of the situation. The University employs the Livesafe platform to communicate emergency notifications with community members via email, SMS, and push notifications. If building evacuation is needed, the building’s fire alarm may be activated.

Timely Warnings

A Timely Warning is a notification to students and employees about serious or ongoing crimes on campus. It’s issued through LiveSafe by Campus Safety and Security and aims to inform the campus community about potential threats. Anyone with information about a crime or safety threat should contact Campus Safety and Security immediately at 434.544.5555 for emergencies or 434.544.8102 for non-emergencies.

Safety Announcements

A safety announcement differs from timely warnings and emergency notifications as it provides information about a non-immediate threat. It aims to aid the campus community in preventing similar incidents, explain the presence of emergency vehicles on campus, or provide relevant crime information. Typically issued through the LiveSafe App by CSS, it includes a “Safety Announcement” subject line, incident description, and suggested preventive actions.

Evacuation Information 

Depending on the nature and severity of an emergency, the campus may be subject to different types of evacuations. First responders and University officials will implement appropriate actions based on the situation:

• Shelter in Place: Stay where you are or move to a safe interior area of the building.
• Building Evacuation: Evacuate one or more buildings to designated on-campus locations.
• Campus-wide Evacuation: Move everyone on campus to designated on-campus or off-campus locations.

During an emergency, evacuation plans may be modified in consultation with Campus Safety and Security, a University Experience and Student Success professional on call, a Crisis Management Team, and local police or fire officials.

Shelter-in-Place Procedures 

Shelter in Place (or Place of Refuge) refers to taking refuge in a designated safe area when it is unsafe to go outside. The need may arise from air contamination, severe weather, an armed and dangerous person, or other criminal activity. All students, employees, and campus visitors should follow the shelter-in-place instructions provided. Announcements will be made via LiveSafe App, email, SMS, push notification, and/or text messages. Components of shelter-in-place procedures include:

• Contamination
  • Close all windows, exterior doors, and any openings to the outside.
  • If there is a danger of explosion, close window shades, blinds, or curtains.
  • Gather essential disaster supplies if possible.
  • Select interior room(s) above the ground floor with the fewest windows or vents.
  • Bring everyone into the room(s) and shut the door(s).
  • Remain in place until you are told all is safe or to evacuate. Updated information will be sent through the Livesafe App.
• Severe Weather
  • Close all windows, exterior doors, and any openings to the outside.
  • If in a laboratory, close fume hoods and sashes.
  • Gather essential disaster supplies if possible.
  • Select interior room(s) below or at ground level with adequate space.
  • Bring everyone into the room(s) and shut the door(s).
  • Remain in place until you are told all is safe or to evacuate. Updated information will be sent through the Livesafe App.
• Active Shooter or Other Criminal Activity
  • If an armed and dangerous person is outside your building:
    • Proceed to a room that can be locked. Close and lock all windows and doors, and turn off all the lights.
    • Get everyone down on the floor and ensure no one is visible from outside.
    • Call 911 and Campus Safety and Security at 434.544.5555. Inform the dispatcher of what is happening and where you are located.
    • Remain in place until the police or a University of Lynchburg administrator gives the “all clear.”
    • Do not respond to voice commands until you can verify with certainty that a police officer is issuing them.
  • If an active shooter is in the same building as you:
    • Determine if the room you are in can be locked. If so, follow the procedure above.
    • If your room can’t be locked, try to locate a nearby area that can be reached safely or exit the building if possible.
  • If an armed and dangerous person or active shooter enters your room:
    • Try to remain calm.
    • Call 911 and Campus Safety and Security (434.544.5555). If you cannot speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen.
    • Options include hiding and sheltering in place, escaping, negotiating, or overpowering the shooter (last resort).
    • If the shooter leaves the area, proceed immediately to a safer place.

Crisis Management 

The University of Lynchburg has a Crisis Management Team (CMT) that plans for and responds to campus emergencies. The team includes representatives from various departments and is responsible for making recommendations to the University president and senior staff. They also coordinate, communicate, and collaborate with external agencies during crises. 

The CMT looks after various aspects such as safety, communication, IT resources, facilities, personnel, etc. The team includes representatives from offices such as the President’s Office, Marketing and Communications, Finance, Campus Safety and Security, and others as needed.

Emergency Resource List

• Medical, Fire, or Police:
  • On-campus Emergency: 434.544.5555
  • Off-campus Emergency: 911
• Personal Crisis Resources:
  • Crisis Line of Central Virginia (Suicide Hotline): 434.947.HELP (4357)
  • Crisis Line of Central Virginia (Rape and Sexual Assault Hotline): 434.947.RAPE (7273)
  • National Lifeline Network (Suicide Hotline): 800.273.TALK (8255)
• Area Hospitals:
  • Lynchburg General Hospital: 434.947.3000
  • Virginia Baptist Hospital: 434.947.4000
• Non-emergency Contacts:
  • Lynchburg Police Department (LPD): 434.847.1602
  • Lynchburg Fire Department: 434.455.6340
  • Lynchburg Life Saving Crew: 434.845.1256
  • Health Department: 434.947.6777
• Other Resources:
  • Poison Control: 800.222.1222