General Safety Tips

Walk with a Friend:
Especially at night or when walking with a friend, use the LiveSafe app to invite friends, family, or security to monitor your walk virtually.

Know the People You Visit:
Be aware of who you are visiting, whether on or off campus. Let someone know your plans and expected return time.

Secure Your Residence/Office:
Always close and lock ground-floor windows when you are not in your campus residence or office. Ensure that doors are locked, especially at night.

Vehicle Safety:
Keep your vehicle windows rolled up and doors locked at all times. If you leave valuables in your car, lock them in the trunk or out of sight.

Notify Security When Working Late:
If you work in an academic building or office late at night or on weekends, notify Campus Safety and Security at 434.544.8102 or dial “0” from any campus landline phone.

Be Aware of Substance Use:
Recognize the risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Substance use can increase the likelihood of violent acts, including sexual assaults.

Using the LiveSafe App

Download the LiveSafe App:

• Google Play or Apple App Store: Search for “LiveSafe” and download the app with the blue shield.
• Sign Up: Fill in your profile information and create a password.
• Select University of Lynchburg: If the University does not pop up automatically, tap “Change” to select it.

Features:

• Emergency Assistance: Send your location to campus security in an emergency.
• Anonymous Reporting: Report tips anonymously to campus security.
• SafeWalk: Let friends, family, or security virtually monitor your walk on campus.
• Real-time Alerts: Receive broadcast messages and review emergency information and procedures.

Emergency Assistance

On-campus Emergency: Dial 434.544.5555 from any phone.

Off-campus Emergency: Dial 911 for local police, fire, and emergency medical services.

Emergency Threat Assessment

The University has multiple staff, policies, and procedures dedicated to enhancing safety on campus and preventing violence. Key points include:

• Community Responsibility: Everyone at the University, including students, employees, and visitors, is expected to take responsibility for campus safety.
• Personal and Property Safety: Individuals are strongly encouraged to take measures to ensure their own safety and property safety.
• Reporting Threatening Behavior: If you observe threatening or aberrant behavior that may represent a threat to the University community, contact Campus Safety and Security immediately. They will take appropriate action, including involving the Lynchburg City Police Department, other law enforcement agencies, and emergency medical and mental health services.

Professional On-Call (POC) System 

During the fall and spring semesters, administrators from University Experience offices serve as the professional on-call (POC) on a rotating basis. The POC system supplements, but does not replace, on-call emergency response systems implemented by Campus Safety and Security and the housing office.

• Support and Consultation: The POC provides consultation and aid to security and residential staff for safety, medical or mental health emergencies, and other unusual circumstances.
• Active Periods: The POC system is active during the fall and spring semesters after weekday office hours. Note that the POC system is not active during winter and summer breaks.

Please refer to The Student Handbook for more information on helping a troubled student or additional details on campus safety measures.

Responding to an Active Shooter

Remember the guidelines for responding to an active shooter:

1. If the shooter is outside, go to a lockable room, turn off lights, and stay quiet. Call 911 or Campus Security and wait for the “all clear.”
2. If the shooter is in the same building, find a lockable room or a safe location to escape.
3. If the shooter enters your space, try to stay calm, call emergency services, and hide if possible. Flee only if there’s a safe escape route.

Remember to call Campus Security or 911 and consider downloading the LiveSafe app for quick access to emergency services.

The current message from the FBI, DHS, and others is “Run, hide, or fight” in that order. If you hear gunfire and can get to safety, run. If you can’t run, hide quietly, silence your phone, turn off lights, and consider barricading doors. If the shooter is entering your area, fight back, especially if you’re with a group. Always notify the police or campus authorities of potential violence.

When police respond to an active shooter, they will move to the area where the shots were last heard to stop the shooting as quickly as possible. Respond calmly to their instructions, keep your hands visible, and inform the officers if you know the shooter’s location. Once you have escaped to safety, stay at the designated assembly point until released by the authorities.

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

Fire Safety

If a fire occurs on campus, please promptly report it to Campus Safety and Security (CSS) at 434.544.5555. Fires can disrupt education, destroy valuable property and equipment, and pose serious safety risks. It is crucial to be mindful and informed to prevent these incidents. Smoke detectors and alarms are in place to provide an early warning, and it is imperative not to tamper with smoke detectors, fire alarms, or other fire safety equipment — they may save your life.

• Fire Safety Features of Residential Facilities:
  • Most of the University of Lynchburg’s residential facilities have hard-wired fire alarm systems that directly communicate with Campus Safety and Security (CSS). Campus buildings with fossil fuel heating systems have carbon monoxide detection systems linked to CSS.
  • The University partners with the Lynchburg Fire Marshal’s Office to conduct annual fire/life safety inspections and to ensure compliance with state and local codes. Fire extinguishers are inspected monthly by Campus Safety Officers (CSOs), and fire safety systems are upgraded as necessary during construction and renovations.
• Fire Evacuation Procedures:
  • Activate the fire alarm system in the event of a fire or other emergency.
  • Remain calm and act swiftly.
  • Exit the building immediately, avoiding elevators.
  • Stay below smoke levels.
  • Check doors for heat before opening.
  • If trapped, seal the room with tape, clothes, or towels and use a wet cloth to aid breathing.
  • If your clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL!
  • Do not re-enter the building until it is safe to do so.
  • Inform campus security officers or firefighters about anyone trapped inside.
  • Follow instructions from campus authorities and emergency personnel.
• Fire Safety Policies:
  • Certain items in University residential facilities are prohibited to mitigate fire hazards, including candles, halogen lamps, incense, hookahs, space heaters, gas canisters, extension cords, and multi-plug adapters. Specific cooking appliances are permitted in residence hall rooms, and grills may be used outdoors per Residence Life Policies.
  • Possession or use of fireworks on campus is strictly prohibited. Smoking on campus is only permitted in designated areas.
  • Electric space heaters meeting specific safety criteria are allowed with a limit of one per room. All residential facilities are smoke-free. Fires are only permitted in designated outdoor areas.
• Fire Drills and Education:
  • Campus Safety and Security conducts fire drills semiannually in student residential facilities. Fire safety information is also available in The Student Handbook. Introductory meetings at the start of each fall semester provide basic evacuation instructions.
  • CSOs receive annual fire safety training, and student staff members in the Office of Housing and Residence Life are trained in building evacuation procedures. Violations of fire safety policies may result in educational sanctions.

ID Cards

Issuance and Use:

• Each student, faculty, and staff member is issued a University ID card, which serves as an identification tool and provides access to various campus facilities and services.
• Always carry your ID card with you and never lend it to anyone else.

Access Control:

• Your ID card grants access to residence halls, academic buildings, and certain restricted areas based on your role and permissions.
• Report a lost or stolen ID card immediately to the Campus Safety and Security Office to prevent unauthorized use.

Replacement:

• A fee may be charged for replacing lost or stolen ID cards. Visit the Campus Safety and Security Office for a replacement card.

Safety Tips:

• Do not share your ID card with others. If you find someone else’s ID card, return it to Campus Safety and Security.
• Be mindful of where you place your ID card, especially in public places, to prevent loss or theft.