What happens during a lockdown?
A lockdown is implemented to restrict access to specific areas or facilities in order to protect the NOVA community from an identified safety threat.
Examples of situations that may warrant a lockdown at a NOVA campus or facility include:
- Police or criminal activity occurring near campus
- Dangerous activity occurring in another area of a campus or building
- Any internal or external incident that poses a potential threat to the safety of students, faculty, staff, visitors or the security of a facility
The decision to implement a lockdown is made by NOVA Police based on the information available at the time of the incident. A lockdown is issued only when NOVA Police determine there is an active or imminent threat requiring immediate protective actions to safeguard the campus community.
Why is NOVA implementing a lockdown procedure?
The Virginia Community College System has directed all member colleges to establish and implement standardized lockdown procedures for emergency situations. This initiative is part of NOVA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing campus safety and preparedness.
Does a lockdown always mean I should stay where I am?
No. Under the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) principles, your response depends on your location and the circumstances. If you can safely leave the area before the threat reaches you, evacuation may be the safest option. If you cannot safely leave, secure your location and follow the principles of Deny until law enforcement provides further instructions.
How does a lockdown work? Are all doors locked automatically?
Every NOVA building is designed differently.
In buildings equipped with electronic locking systems, exterior doors — and in some cases interior doors — will automatically lock during a campus lockdown.
Once a lockdown has been initiated:
- Entry into a locked building will not be permitted until the lockdown has been lifted
- Individuals may leave a building if doing so can be accomplished safely; however, re-entry may not be possible
- Because a lockdown is only initiated when there is a confirmed or imminent threat, everyone is strongly encouraged to remain inside a secured location until an official “all clear” has been issued.
How will I know if a lockdown has been issued?
The NOVA community will be notified through several communication methods, including:
- NOVA Alert text messages to registered users
- Email notifications
- Digital displays and televisions across campus
- Instructions from NOVA Police or emergency responders
Always follow official instructions and avoid relying on social media or unofficial sources.
Should I open the door if someone knocks during a lockdown?
No. Do not open the door unless you can positively identify the individual as a law enforcement officer.
What if I have a disability or need assistance?
Individuals who may need assistance during a lockdown or other emergency are encouraged to plan in advance by contacting the appropriate NOVA accessibility or accommodations office to discuss their individual needs and available options for assistance.
What should I do if the fire alarm sounds during a lockdown?
If a fire alarm activates during a lockdown, do not automatically evacuate.
In some emergencies, an alarm may be activated intentionally to encourage people to leave a secure location. Before evacuating, quickly assess your surroundings and consider any information available about the threat.
- If you see signs of an actual fire, smoke or another immediate fire hazard, evacuate using the safest available route.
- If there is no evidence of a fire and you believe evacuating would place you in greater danger due to the active threat, remain in your secured location until you receive instructions from NOVA Police or emergency responders.
- Always follow the directions of law enforcement, firefighters or other emergency personnel if they are present.
Every emergency is unique. Use the principles of Avoid, Deny, Defend and make the safest decision based on the information available to you.
What if I receive conflicting instructions during an emergency?
Follow the directions of law enforcement and official NOVA emergency notifications. If immediate life safety requires you to act before receiving instructions, use the Avoid, Deny, Defend principles to make the safest decision based on your circumstances.
What happens if I'm outside when a lockdown is issued?
If you are outside when a lockdown begins:
- Do not attempt to enter a locked building.
- Do not knock on or attempt to force open locked doors.
- Move away from the area of danger as quickly and safely as possible.
- Follow the information provided through NOVA Alert regarding the location of the threat when available.
- Continue to a safe location and await further instructions from NOVA Police.
Can anyone enter a building during a lockdown?
No. During a lockdown, building access is restricted.
Only NOVA Police, authorized first responders and other designated emergency personnel may enter secured buildings while the lockdown is in effect.
How will I know when the lockdown is over?
Remain in your secured location until NOVA Police announces that the threat has ended.
The conclusion of a lockdown will be communicated through NOVA Alert and other official communication channels. Do not leave your location based solely on information from social media or unofficial sources.
Who has the authority to lift a lockdown?
NOVA Police are responsible for determining when it is safe to lift a lockdown.
Depending on the situation, officers may temporarily release interior door locks to allow movement within a building while exterior access remains restricted. Once the incident has been resolved, an official “all clear” notification will be issued through NOVA Alert.
Should I call 911?
Yes, if it is safe to do so. Provide your location, describe what you see or hear and remain on the line if instructed by the dispatcher.
Should I silence my phone?
Yes. Silence your phone and other electronic devices to avoid drawing attention to your location. Keep your phone available to receive NOVA Alert messages and emergency instructions.
Can I leave a locked building during a lockdown?
While it may be physically possible to exit some buildings, doing so could place you at greater risk. Unless remaining inside presents a greater danger, stay in your secured location until law enforcement directs otherwise.
What if I am in a room that cannot be locked?
If it is safe to do so, move to a nearby room that can be locked and secure yourself inside.
If you cannot safely leave the area, make the room as secure as possible by closing and, if feasible, barricading the door or entry point. Turn off lights, silence cell phones and other devices, remain out of sight and maintain silence.
What if I am in a laboratory or conference room that is primarily made of glass?
If you are in a laboratory, conference room or other space with extensive glass walls or doors, do not assume that the glass makes the room unsafe or that you should immediately leave. Your response should depend on your location and whether you can safely move to a more secure area.
If a safer, lockable room is immediately accessible and you can reach it without exposing yourself to danger, move there and secure the door.
If you cannot safely relocate:
- Lock the door if possible.
- Close blinds, shades, curtains, or other coverings if available.
- Move away from windows and glass doors.
- Position yourself in an area that is out of direct sight from hallways and other exposed areas.
- Turn off lights and silence phones and other devices.
- If appropriate and feasible, use available furniture or other objects to create additional concealment or separation from the glass.
- Remain quiet and await further instructions.
Do not break or remove glass, or attempt to exit through a window, unless remaining in the room presents an immediate and greater danger and you have a safe alternative.
What are my responsibilities as a faculty or staff member during a lockdown?
Faculty and staff play an important role in maintaining a safe and secure environment at NOVA.
Faculty and staff should meet with their direct supervisor to review and discuss their specific responsibilities and expectations during a lockdown, including procedures applicable to their work area, building and role.
What should I expect when law enforcement arrives?
Law enforcement’s priority is to stop the threat. Follow all instructions immediately, remain calm, keep your hands visible, avoid sudden movements and do not run toward responding officers.
Will NOVA conduct lockdown drills?
The college is preparing to conduct annual drills moving forward; look for updates pertaining to future drills
What are Capital Project and Non-Capital Project contractors expected to do during a lockdown?
All contractors are expected to follow NOVA’s lockdown protocols and instructions during a lockdown. Contractors may receive lockdown notifications and instructions from a capital project manager, project manager, college administration or emergency responders.
Contractors should immediately follow the directions provided, remain in a safe location and continue following instructions until authorized personnel issue an all-clear notification.
What is Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD)?
Avoid, Deny, Defend is NOVA’s response strategy for active threats.
- Avoid – Leave the area immediately if it is safe to do so.
- Deny – If you cannot safely leave, secure or barricade your location to prevent access.
- Defend – As a last resort, if your life is in immediate danger and you cannot avoid or deny the threat, be prepared to defend yourself.
What can I do now to prepare?
You can improve your preparedness by:
- Signing up for NOVA Alert
- Becoming familiar with buildings and exits
- Identifying rooms that can be secured
- Learning how to secure doors in your building, workspace or classroom
