Emergency Preparedness

Run. Have an escape route and plan, leave belongings behind, and keep your hands visible.

Hide. Block entry to your hiding place and lock doors, silence your cellphone and other devices, and hide behind something solid if possible.

Fight. Last resort: attempt to incapacitate the shooter, work as a team, and find a weapon such as a fire extinguisher or a chair.

How to React When Law Enforcement Arrives

1. Remain calm and follow all DPS and SPD instructions.
2. Exit the building with hands raised and fingers spread. Leave belongings behind.
3. Avoid making quick movements toward officers, such as attempting to hold on to them.
4. Avoid pointing, screaming, and/or yelling.

When in a safe place, call DPS or 911, or use the Orange Safe App.

1. Get as much information from the caller as possible. Try to remember: the words the caller uses, what the caller wants, and who the caller asks for.
2. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Listen for tone and characteristics of voice, your familiarity with the voice, gender/age, and background noise.
3. Call DPS and provide the dispatcher with your name, your location, details of the situation, and the time you received the call.
4. Do not touch anything unusual.
5. Follow all directions from DPS or SPD.

If evacuated, move 500 feet from the area and do not re-enter the building until instructed.

1. Get away from the suspect.
2. Call DPS immediately and provide the dispatcher with your name, your location, your phone number, and details of the situation.
3. Provide DPS with a clear description of the suspect and incident: height/weight, gender/age, hair color/facial hair, race/complexion, clothing, vehicle type/color/plate (including state), and direction of the suspect's travel.
4. Follow dispatcher instructions.
5. Notify your department head.

How to Report a Fire

1. If fire or smoke is seen, leave the area immediately and pull the fire alarm as you evacuate the building.
2. Alert others on your way out and close doors behind you to confine the fire.
3. Do not use elevators.
4. After evacuation, call DPS to report the fire, including the building name, floor and area of fire/smoke, and any other relevant details.

What to Do When You Hear a Fire Alarm

1. Evacuate the building.
2. Do not use elevators.
3. Shut/lock doors behind you as you leave.
4. Take keys and essential personal items.
5. Move at least 500 feet away from the area.
6. Await instructions from emergency personnel.

Do not re-enter the building until instructed by emergency personnel.

In the event of a chemical spill or release of a toxic or hazardous material that presents a potential for or has caused harm:

1. Notify all personnel in the affected area and evacuate.
2. When in a safe location, call DPS.
3. Be prepared to give DPS your name, phone number, and safe location; the location of the incident (building/floor); the nature of the incident; the name/type of substance (if known); the estimated quantity; and known hazards (flammable, explosive, toxic).
4. Stay in a secure area to meet emergency responders.

Do not re-enter the spill area to perform rescue operations or participate in cleanup.

If a person becomes ill or is injured and requires immediate assistance, call DPS.

1. Be prepared to give the building name, floor/office, and details of the illness or injury.
2. Stay on the phone for further instructions.
3. Do not move the injured or ill person.
4. Do not attempt medical assistance before trained help arrives if you are not trained, unless circumstances require immediate steps to preserve the person's life or health.

Wild animals, alive or dead, can spread disease and may pose physical hazards. Avoid all contact with wild animals.

1. Notify your supervisor/department head.
2. Call DPS. Do not attempt to remove or disturb the animal. Depending on the incident, Physical Plant/Housing will respond, and/or pest management will be contacted.
3. If there has been potential contact with the wild animal, notify your supervisor/department head and DPS.

Be prepared to tell DPS your name, phone number, location, and the nature of the incident, including the type of animal, its behavior, and any injuries sustained.

1. Remain calm.
2. Turn off any unnecessary appliances, computers, office equipment, and tools. Leave lights on as an indicator of the return of power.
3. Remain indoors and in the vicinity of your normal work area. Evacuate if told by an authority to do so.
4. During an extended power outage, call Physical Plant at 315.443.1234 for a status report.

Note: Many campus buildings are equipped with backup generator power, which will completely or partially restore power to the building.

Regularly stay informed by following the news. Check the forecast as part of your routine to be prepared.

Flood

If you are in an area that may flood and feel uncomfortable, do not wait for the order to leave—evacuate yourself. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. If time permits, disconnect appliances. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Never go near an area if water covers an electrical outlet or power cords are submerged.

Thunder & Lightning Storm

1. Go to a secure location if you hear a severe thunderstorm warning.
2. Keep away from windows.
3. If you are outside, do not take shelter under a tree—go inside a sturdy building immediately.

Tornado

1. Find shelter in a windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
2. If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.

If you come across injured people and are properly trained, provide first aid until emergency responders arrive.