Safety Begins With You

The primary purpose of this guide is to increase awareness, reduce injuries and protect your property. Take responsibility for your own safety and that of others by reporting potentially dangerous concerns or incidents to Campus Police.

Accidents and emergency situations can happen to anyone and at any time. Safety begins with you. Through sound judgment and common sense, you can reduce the probability of an accident or theft.

Return to top

Crime Prevention Tips

For additional Crime Prevention Information call Campus Police at

303-556-3271.

Mark all belongings with identification and never leave them unattended.

Stay alert walk confidently. Avoid isolated, poorly lit routes and trust your instincts. If you think someone is following you, go to a public place and ask for help.

Nightrider, the campus safety escort service, is offered through the Parking

Department, 303-556-2000.

Report any suspicious activity or disturbance to Campus Police at 303-556-3271, no matter how minor it may seem.  Don't take chances.

Lock your office whenever you leave, even if you will only be gone for a minute. Thefts can occur in less than 45 seconds.

If you are working after hours, keep all outside doors locked and notify Campus Police.  Officers will periodically check on you and will arrange an escort to your vehicle, if necessary.

Double check that your car is locked when you leave and return. Keep all valuables out of sight. When driving, always keep your car doors locked.

Always lock your bike to a bicycle rack and use a quality U-shaped lock. Record your bike serial number and keep it in a safe place. Bicycle registration information is offered through Campus Police.

Phone Numbers

When calling 911 on campus phones or activating the emergency call buttons in elevators or at emergency boxes, the call goes directly to Campus Police Dispatch.

Be prepared to give Campus Police accurate and detailed information.

In times of a community emergency, listen to local radio or television broadcasts for current conditions.

Please remember that if you use your cell phone to dial 911 it will not alert the Campus Police and it can slow down response time.

Bomb Threat

If you receive a bomb threat:

Remain calm. Try to get as much information as you can. Remember exact wording of threat, background noises and distinguishing characteristics of the caller's voice.

Call 911 from any campus phone. State information as to the location of the bomb, time it is set to explode  and the time you received the call.

Do not create a panic for others. Campus Police personnel will coordinate any building evacuation.

If you are instructed to evacuate, move a safe distance away from the building (a minimum of 100 yards). Do not use elevators.

If you discover a suspicious object, do not touch or move the object. Report it to Campus Police.

Campus Police Officials will advise you when it is determined safe to re-enter the building.

If a bomb threat indicates a particular building:

Campus Police will advise occupants of the bomb threat.

The decision to evacuate is based on Campus Police's investigation of the bomb threat, but no one is forced to stay.

Campus Police will conduct and coordinate a complete search of the area identified in the threat and will advise the public when the situation is determined to be safe.

Medical Emergencies

In case of a medical  emergency:

Call 911 (Campus Police).  Be prepared to inform Campus Police of the type of emergency you are witnessing.

Campus Police Officers will be dispatched to the scene and will coordinate emergency services with other agencies, as needed.

You may seek assistance for minor medical problems at the Student Health Center located on the lower level of the Plaza Building, Suite 150. They will also coordinate counseling services with campus centers or will provide off-campus referrals.

Campus Police should be notified in all cases of mental health crisis, e.g. suicide attempt, disorientation, threats, and disorderly conduct.

Chemical or Biological Spills

Do not attempt to clean up a chemical or biological spill unless you are trained, know the hazards and have the proper personal protective equipment.

In the event of an emergency response spill follow "A - RACE" emergency procedures:

Call 911 from a safe location campus phone and notify Campus Police of the location, the materials involved, the quantity and the extent of the problem.

Campus Police Officers will be dispatched and will coordinate emergency services with other agencies, as needed.

Prevent spills by maintaining a neat and orderly environment. Your work area should have only those chemicals needed.  Have Material Safety Data Sheets just in case.

If you have any questions feel free to call Environmental Health and Safety at

303-556-8397. 

People with mobility issues should make others aware of their location and

remain in the building "Area of Rescue" until emergency personnel arrive.

If caught in heavy smoke, crouch low, but don’t crawl on your stomach.

Provide emergency personnel with relevant information about the fire, and the

location of any individuals left inside.

Do not re-enter the building until the horn has stopped or until emergency

officials advise you it is safe.

Gas Leaks

If you know of or suspect a gas leak:

If necessary, initiate "A - RACE" procedures.

Call 911 from a safe location campus phone, and notify Campus Police of the location of the leak and the extent of the problem. 

Campus Police Officers will be dispatched to the scene and will coordinate emergency services with other agencies as needed.

Severe Weather Conditions

If you are on campus during severe weather conditions be informed and protect yourself.  Go to an indoor safe area.

Listen to local radio and television stations, or call the Auraria switchboard recorded message at 303-556-2401.

Classes will be conducted except under the most extreme circumstances. The decision to close the campus due to inclement severe weather will be made by 5:30 a.m.  If the campus is open during the day, the decision will be made by 3:00 p.m. for evening classes.

Tornado Information

What to know:

TORNADO WATCH - Tornadoes are expected in or near the area. Be alert.  Tune in local radio and television stations to find out current conditions.

TORNADO WARNING - A tornado has actually been sighted in the area.

What to do:

If a tornado is sighted approaching the campus, take shelter immediately.
The community emergency alert signal is a 3-5 minute steady blast of sirens indicating the threat of a tornado.

Tune in local radio and television for information.

Stay away from windows.

Move to interior stairwells or hallways, or rooms without windows on the lowest floors.

Keep away from wide free-span roofs; e.g., gym or auditorium.

Do not attempt to leave the building until the danger has passed.