As part of the University of Pittsburgh’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty, the University is installing panic buttons inside many academic classrooms. Our mission is to enhance safety, reduce risk and prevent harm, while utilizing this new technology designed to protect members of our University community from the potential for active threats.
**What if my classroom does not have an electronic lock installed? The Panic Button will still notify the police, BUT you will need to manually lock the classroom door.**
What are Panic Buttons?
- Panic Buttons are devices that, when pressed, will lock the classroom door while simultaneously notifying the University of Pittsburgh Police of an active threat or emergency.
Why are Panic Buttons used?
- Panic Buttons are used to limit card access into the room where the button is pressed in an active threat situation. These Panic Buttons are ONLY to be used in the event of an active threat or emergency.
How do Panic Buttons work?
- If there is an active threat situation outside the room, individuals inside should press the Panic Button and follow the Active Threat protocols of Run, Hide, Fight.
- University of Pittsburgh Police are immediately notified and will send Police Officers to investigate the alert.
- Individuals inside the room can still open the doors from the inside to exit. However, you will not be able to reenter the room.
What if someone misuses the Panic Buttons?
- Improper use or tampering with this system is a violation University policy and the Student Code of Conduct.
Where are Panic Buttons located?
- The Panic Buttons generally will be located near the podium and teaching console or mounted on the wall near the door.
What do the panic buttons look like?
- There are 3 types of Panic Alarm Buttons that are installed in classrooms, which include a mixture of Wireless and Hard-Mounted.
