The Federal government has established a Homeland Security Advisory System as a means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts. The system is designed to help heighten the nation's awareness to possible threats. 

Currently the government has established a threat level of Elevated Risk or Level Yellow. This level is declared when there is a elevated risk of terrorist attacks. A heightened security alert is not intended to promote fear or panic. It is intended to encourage members of the community to notice unusual or suspicious behavior/circumstances and report observations to law enforcement officials in a timely manner.

Washington University has not received or been alerted to any specific threats to our campus. We do, however, wish to remind our campus community of the need to be attentive during this time of a higher national alert. 

General Precautions 

• Wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. 
• Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Unusual behavior, suspicious packages and strange devices should be promptly reported to police or other security personnel. 
• Do not be afraid to move or leave an area if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.
• Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Notice where exits are when you enter unfamiliar buildings. Plan how to get out of a building, congested public area or traffic.

Suspicious Behavior/Circumstances

• People in buildings or other areas who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business. 
• People monitoring or photographing areas, buildings or entrances.
• Unauthorized persons in restricted, sensitive or private areas. 
• People requesting information with no apparent need for that information.
• People wearing clothing not consistent with the weather conditions at events with large populations (i.e., a bulky coat in warm weather, etc.) 
• Abandoned parcels or other items in unusual locations or high traffic areas.
• Individuals attempting to access utility locations such as power, telecommunications, information systems, etc. 

• Abandoned vehicles 
• Unexpected/unfamiliar delivery trucks
• Unfamiliar vehicles parked for long periods 
• Vehicles containing unusual/suspicious parcels or materials 
• Vehicles arriving or being left behind at odd hours
• Substances leaking or spilling from vehicles 

• Lock your room/office door whenever you leave--even if it's for a short time.
• Never prop open exterior doors. If you see a door propped, close it.
• Don't allow people you do not know to "tailgate" behind you into the building.
• Account for and secure keys. Don't leave them unattended or give them to unauthorized persons. Report lost keys to your building manager or department head immediately.
• Account for and secure all sensitive material/information when it will be unattended.
• Account for and secure sensitive deliveries in a timely manner.
• Be aware of unfamiliar persons in your office, lab or res hall.
• Report suspicious tampering with physical security (doors, lock, etc.)