UW-Whitewater alert system activated; 'no threat to life safety'
UW-Whitewater life safety alert, later canceled
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater says there is "no threat to life safety" after their emergency alert system was activated on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
WHITEWATER, Wis. - University of Wisconsin-Whitewater says there is "no threat to life safety" after their emergency alert system was activated on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
What we know:
According to the university, UW-Whitewater police received a report that an individual carrying what was believed to be a weapon entered Andersen Hall and began yelling before leaving without incident.
"Per our safety protocols, we initiated our emergency communication system until police gave the all-clear," UW-Whitewater said.
Police later located someone matching the description and confirmed there was no weapon and no threat.
The UW-Whitewater Police Chief told FOX6 that the object in question was an umbrella.
UW-Whitewater police update on life safety alert incident
WATCH: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater police chief offers an update on the incident involving the life safety alert that happened on Wednesday morning, Sept. 2.
Student reaction
What they're saying:
UW-Whitewater students shares reaction to life safety alert
FOX6's Jason Calvi has been talking with multiple University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students who shared their thoughts on the life safety alert that went out on Wednesday morning, Sept. 2.
More UW-Whitewater students react to life safety alert
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students shared their experiences on the life safety alert that went out late morning on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
UW-Whitewater student shares reaction to safety alert on campus
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater junior Zoey Faith joined FOX6 NOW to talk about the experience on campus, when a life safety alert was issued on Wednesday morning, Sept. 2, the first day of classes on campus.
UW-Whitewater student shares experience involving life safety alert
A University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student from Brodhead shared his experience involving the life safety alert that was issued on Wednesday morning, Sept. 2.
Activation of the emergency alert system
What we know:
A campus safety alert was initially posted around 11 a.m. that said the following: "There is an active threat to life safety on the Whitewater campus, RUN, HIDE, FIGHT! This is not a drill. University Police asks the Whitewater campus community to remain sheltered in place until told otherwise."
Around 11:37 a.m. the campus updated their safety alert, saying: "There is no threat to life safety. Police have confirmed there was no threat to life safety earlier today when the alert system was activated. We will share more information as soon as we are able."
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
ALL CLEAR at UW-Whitewater, where alert system activated
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater says there is "no threat to life safety' after their alert system was activated on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
UW-Whitewater statement
What they're saying:
UW-Whitewater released the following message regarding the activation of the emergency alert system.
"On Wednesday morning, Sept. 2, UW-Whitewater Police, along with law enforcement agencies from around the area, responded to a report of a life safety threat on the Whitewater campus.
Per our safety protocols, we initiated our emergency communication system until police gave the all-clear.
It was reported to UW-Whitewater Police that an individual walked into Andersen Hall with what people believed was a weapon and was yelling. The individual left the office without incident.
Police were later able to find the person who matched the individual’s description and concluded that there was no weapon and determined there was no threat.
The university is open and operational, including classes and activities.
We are grateful for all who responded to today’s incident and worked to ensure the safety of everyone on the Whitewater campus.
While we are relieved there was no active threat, we understand how deeply upsetting these situations can be for our university community, especially on the first day of classes.
Your physical safety, mental health and personal wellbeing are priorities. We want to remind everyone of the resources available.
The UW-Whitewater Emergency Guide features information on how to protect yourself and others in various situations.
Students, please reach out to University Health and Counseling Services for ongoing support with any mental health struggles. Counseling is confidential and provided at no cost to students. In addition, Mantra Health offers a great deal of personalized resources for wellbeing, including how to support each other.
If you need help immediately, please know there are a number of urgent care resources available.
Employees can access counseling, free and confidentially, via the Employee Assistance Program offered by Acentra through Human Resources. Many health insurance plans also cover the cost of licensed therapists, counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists. Contact your insurance plan to learn more about your benefits.
If you need help immediately, please know there are a number of resources available as part of our Worksite Wellness emergency offerings."
The Source: Information in this post was provided by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.