Valdosta State University
U.S. Patriot Act
Campus Homeland Security Policy
In conjunction with parameters set by National Homeland Security, Valdosta
State University is considering actions that we might take to address
threat levels. The following policy functions as a guide only, and the
same is subject to change as needed. Additional guidelines are available
in Valdosta State University's Emergency Response Plan and other polices
that are forthcoming. The Office of Public Safety will be responsible
for the implementation of specific actions under these guidelines.
Threat Level Yellow:
An Elevated Yellow Condition is declared when there is a significant risk
of terrorist attacks. Valdosta State will consider the following general
measures in addition to the other protective measures that will be developed
and implemented as required.
Measure Y.1
Increase the frequency of warnings and inform the Valdosta State Community
of the general situation to stop rumors and prevent unnecessary alarm.
Periodically update all members of the Valdosta State Community as the
situation changes.
Measure Y.2
At the beginning and end of each workday and at frequent intervals, inspect
the interior and exterior of buildings in regular use for suspicious activity,
packages, or for signs of tampering or indications of unauthorized entry.
Measure Y.3
Implement reasonable screening procedures for incoming deliveries, packages,
and mail to identify possible dangerous devices or materials. If appropriate,
implement reasonable screening procedures and other actions for computing
and networking.
Measure Y.4
Verify the identity of all personnel entering sensitive state facilities
(inspect identification cards or grant access based on visual recognition).
Measure Y.5
Increase liaison with local public safety agencies and request assistance
with monitoring the threat to state personnel and facilities.
Measure Y.6
Test each facility warning system. Insure that all elements of each facility
evacuation plan are in place and remind the Valdosta State Community of
actions to be taken if an order to evacuate is issued.
Measure Y.7
Implement measures to ensure the safety and containment of selected agents
as defined by appropriate federal agencies. "Containment" refers
to safe procedures for handling biohazardous material so that such materials
do not pose a hazard to people and/or the environment. Primary containment
focuses on protecting workers in the immediate area; whereas, secondary
containment deals with protection of the environment and the people outside
the immediate area. Containment is accomplished through: (1) the use of
appropriate procedures (2) the use of safety equipment, and (3) conducting
work in an appropriately designed facility.
Threat Level Orange:
An Orange Condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist
attacks. In addition to the protective measures taken in the previous
threat conditions, Valdosta State University will consider and might implement
some or all of the following general measures in addition to the department-specific
protective measures that they will develop and implement:
Measure O.1
Call in or retain all personnel responsible for implementing facility
specific emergency action or evacuation plans. If appropriate, dismiss
and evacuate non-essential personnel. If appropriate, initiate emergency
action or evacuation plans for facilities specifically targeted in order
to protect personnel and members of the Valdosta State Community.
Measure O.2
If appropriate, reduce facility access points to the absolute minimum
necessary for continued operation. If appropriate, erect barriers required
to control direction of traffic flow and to protect facilities vulnerable
to bomb attack by parked or moving vehicles. If appropriate, eliminate
parking and traffic on facility grounds near sensitive areas. If appropriate,
position barricades or vehicles, as a second layer of protection, to prevent
entry into these areas. Eliminate non-essential public access to grounds
and buildings. If appropriate, cancel or reschedule events, meetings,
or classes pursuant to the authority of the Board of Regents policy.
Measure O.3
Increase security activity to the maximum level sustainable. If appropriate,
consult local authorities about closing public roads and local facilities
that might make state facilities more vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
Measure O.4
If appropriate, parking may be restricted.
Threat Level Red:
A Red Condition is declared when there is an imminent risk of terrorist
attacks. The VSU Homeland Security Committee has identified the following
possible response actions that could be pursued during emergencies under
a Red Threat Level. These include the following:
Measure R.1
Sheltering Personnel could mean housing and/or protection of personnel
in a secured environment.
Measure R.2
Evacuation: The order to leave campus because of imminent danger. In such
cases, only essential personnel needed for protection and preservation
of essential services would remain.
Measure R.3
Partial Operation: It may be determined as a result of a threat that only
certain functions will take place on campus.
Measure R.4
Continued Operation could result when there are actions or activities
in other parts of the country that pose a threat to similar operations.
In addition to the protective measures taken in the previous threat conditions,
Valdosta State shall consider the following general measures in addition
to the department-specific protective measures that they will develop
and implement:
Measure R.5
Establish absolute control over access to key state facilities. Limit
facility access to those persons with a legitimate and verifiable need
to enter. Close and evacuate non-essential state facilities. For essential
facilities that will remain open, evacuate non-essential personnel. If
not already instituted under Threat Level Orange, consult local authorities
about closing public roads and local facilities that might make sensitive
state facilities more vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
Measure R.6
Identify the owners of all vehicles already parked at state facilities.
In those cases where the owner or presence of a vehicle cannot be explained
(owner is not present and has no obvious agency affiliation), inspect
the vehicle for dangerous items and take steps to remove the vehicle from
the vicinity. Screen all vehicles entering sensitive facilities. Inspections
should include cargo storage areas, undercarriage, glove boxes and other
areas where explosive or incendiary devices or other dangerous items could
be concealed. Briefcases, suit cases, boxes and other containers in vehicles
should also be inspected. Inspect all packages, mail, and other containers
such as suitcases, packages, and briefcases brought to the facility for
the presence of explosive or incendiary devices, or other dangerous items.
If reasonable, suspend all deliveries and prohibit packages, bags, and
other containers from being brought into state facilities.
Measure R.7
Establish a mechanism to periodically re-check all Threat Level provisions
(Threat Level Green through Red) to insure that specified measures have
been implemented and that they are sustainable.
Measure R.8
CAMPUS CLOSED STATUS IF THERE IS A DIRECT THREAT TO ANY VSU BUILDING OR
THE CAMPUS IS DECLARED "CLOSED", A SIGN OR SIGNS WILL BE PLACED
IN APPRORPITATE LOCATIONS SO INDICATING.
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