How to respond to an emergency on campus
Public Safety officers efforts are ongoing to plan for, respond to and mitigate life-threatening emergencies.Though educational institutions are some of the safest places in America, recent events have shown that there is no location in the country that is immune to severe weather, fire, crime and violence.
We take active steps to ensure your safety:
- Foot patrols of campus buildings and grounds, an extensive CCTV camera system, with 400 cameras on 6 campuses.
- Training of the officers in active threat response.
- Crisis Response Teams able to support first responders on campus during a crisis.
- An alerting system that is designed to inform you of a crisis via text, email, siren and computer alert.
Emergency Management Procedures
Watch the video to learn more about our emergency procedures for an active shooter, severe weather, AED and stop the bleed instructions.
Safety Suggestions from the Department of Public Safety
In a crisis, response by Public Safety and the County Police will be quick and sure, but the scene will be chaotic and ever-changing. What you do in advance, and what you do during the crisis may save your life.
Severe weather emergencies
Consider the following when responding to a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning:
Fire or explosion emergencies
Do not use the elevators during a fire, explosion or smoke emergency.
Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by on site authorities, or until you hear the alert tone and "All Clear" signal from the Whelan Alert System.
If you discover a fire, explosion or smoke in a building:
When a fire alarm sounds:
If there is a disabled person in your vicinity on the second floor or above:
In a crisis, response by Public Safety and the County Police will be quick and sure, but the scene will be chaotic and ever-changing. What you do in advance, and what you do during the crisis may save your life.
Severe weather emergencies
Consider the following when responding to a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning:
- If possible, proceed to a ground level or underground level of the building.
- Do not use elevators.
- Stay in a “safe shelter location” like a central hallway, stay away from windows, mirrors, glass, and unsecured objects such as filing cabinets or book cases.
- Remain alert for falling objects.
- Carry your cellphone and class roster with you.
- Remain in the “safe shelter location” until the tornado/severe thunderstorm warning has expired.
- Report injuries to Public Safety at 443.840.1111 or call 911.
Fire or explosion emergencies
Do not use the elevators during a fire, explosion or smoke emergency.
Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by on site authorities, or until you hear the alert tone and "All Clear" signal from the Whelan Alert System.
If you discover a fire, explosion or smoke in a building:
- Activate the fire alarm system: Find a wall-mounted red pull station and pull down its lever.
- Call Public Safety at 443.840.1111.
- Provide your location and specify the type of incident (fire, explosion, smoke, burning odor, etc.)
When a fire alarm sounds:
- Evacuate the building immediately.
- Remain approximately 100 feet from exterior building exits.
- Carry your cellphone and class roster with you.
- Notify authorities if anyone from your class or office area is missing.
If there is a disabled person in your vicinity on the second floor or above:
- Assist the individual to the nearest stairwell as the "area of refuge."
- Immediately contact 911 with the person's location.
- Stay with the person, if you can, until rescue personnel arrive.
Responding to an active shooter
