Lockdown exercises show room for improvement

In 2024, UNSW introduced lockdown exercises to coincide with our annual emergency evacuation exercises.  

According to UNSW Director of Protective Services, Tara Murphy,  the response by the campus community overall to the lockdown exercises was disappointing. 

“UNSW regards safety of our students, staff and visitors as a priority, and it’s essential for our community to be prepared on how to respond to a lockdown situation should the need arise,” she said. 

“Instructions were generally not followed, and building occupants weren’t taking the exercises seriously. 

“While our campuses are generally safe environments, we can never become complacent and think we are immune to incidents occurring. It’s essential that our community are prepared, so they understand how they would respond if a serious threat occurred on our campuses.” 

The Emergency Management Unit (EMU) will be identifying how we can improve engagement and response during our lockdown exercises in early 2025. They hope to see a vast improvement in engagement with the exercises.

What is a lockdown?

A lockdown is when UNSW identifies an active threat to the UNSW community. This may be a threat where someone is actively trying to hurt people on or around campus. 

Building perimeter doors will be secured to protect the occupants, a message will be broadcast across affected areas, and additional information may be provided via SafeZone SMS alert. 

Why do we do lockdown exercises?

Lockdown exercises help students and staff become familiar with what actions they need to consider and take if a genuine threat situation occurs. This is the same with all our emergency exercises. Lockdown exercises are based on the National Security Guidelines of Escape, Hide and Tell.

What can you do to prepare for a lockdown?

1. Watch this video UNSW Lockdown Procedure on YouTube.
2. Listen to this recording to familiarise yourself with the instructions when a lockdown is triggered.
3. Enhance your situational awareness by familiarising yourself with your workspace environment. Prepare and determine your nearest exit points and suitable locations where you might hide if you cannot escape safely if your building was in lockdown – this may be a meeting room, service passage or under your desk. 
4. Participate fully in your building's annual emergency exercises.
5. Get in touch at emergency@unsw.edu.au for further information.