Valley Children’s Hospital was placed on lockdown Sunday after receiving a threatening phone call, prompting a law enforcement response and temporary diversion of incoming patients, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office said.

The Sheriff’s Office said there was no active attack occurring at the hospital. Deputies were at the hospital investigating the threat and working with hospital staff to protect patients, families and employees.

As a precaution, Valley Children’s implemented hospital diversion protocols and stopped accepting patients arriving by car, ambulance, or helicopter.

The Sheriff’s Office also closed access to the hospital property from Peck Avenue and Randall Avenue and asked the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

Officials advised people not to attempt to access hospital property until further notice.

Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 and follow instructions from dispatchers, the Sheriff’s Office said.

“We are taking the threat seriously and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” the agency said.

Sunday’s incident follows another lockdown at Valley Children’s Hospital on Oct. 16.

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