The Facilities Department is able to assist with any security or safety concerns. If however you face immediate danger/harm, please contact the appropriate authorities (Ex: Police, Fire, or Paramedics). This source is here to give some examples and insight to situations that might pose a security or safety threat to you, your colleagues, and/or the building. For more information on best safety practices, please visit UWPD’s Staying Safe webpage which provides an ample amount of resources and information about how to stay safe on campus, in the surrounding community, and in real world situations.

General Workplace Safety

  • Keep all walkways and door openings clear of any objects.
  • Limit the amount of exposed cords and those that are exposed please tape directly to the floor to limit the risk of tripping.
  • Do not leave out any sharp objects (scissors, envelope opening blades, box cutters, etc) when not in use.
  • Notify Facilities of any hazards including:
    • Broken glass
    • Water on the floor/leaks
    • Doors not opening/closing
    • Trip hazards on stairs, hallways, or rooms

Fire Safety

  • Plug appliances directly into outlets.
  • Do not clutter closed closet space.
  • Keep all items at least 24" clear of sprinkler heads.
  • If you are not using an item that requires electricity, unplug it.
  • Limit the use of extension cords.
  • All entrances/exits to your must remain clear with at minimum 36" as a walkway.
  • No smoking or lighting candles within the building.

Active Threat

  • Run

    • If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to immediately evacuate the premises.

      1. Pay attention to your surroundings.
      2. Have an exit plan.
      3. Move away from the threat as quickly as possible.
      4. The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better.
  • Hide

    • If evacuation is not possible, find a secure place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you.

      1. Keep distance between you and the threat.
      2. Create barriers to prevent or slow down the threat from getting to you.
      3. Turn off the lights.
      4. Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects and silencing your phone. 
  • Fight

    • As a last resort — and only when your life is in imminent danger — attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter.

      1. Be aggressive, yell, and commit to your actions—your survival depends on it.
      2. Throw items and use improvised weapons.
      3. Do not fight fairly — this is about survival.

Theft Prevention 

  • Keep your personal belongings on you at all times.
  • When you leave your office lock the door.
  • Any confidential files should be locked in the proper storage unit.
  • Be the best witness you can be, if you are unsure of why someone is in a space politely ask.
  • Do not showcase your personal belongings, you never know who is watching.