Call - 911 Immediately
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
FIRES
- In case of a fire, you should activate the nearest fire alarm
- Close doors behind you (DO NOT LOCK) as you exit the building.
- Evacuate to a safe area at least 500 feet from the building and out of the route of responding emergency equipment.
- Do not use elevators. Notify 911.
- Report any trapped or disabled persons needing assistance.
EXPLOSIONS
- Activate the building fire alarm.
- Evacuate the building using the closest safe exit and inform others to do the same.
- Move at least 500 feet away and upwind from the explosion site.
- Notify 911.
- Do not re-enter the building until Police declare it safe for reoccupation.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILL
- Evacuate personnel from the spill area and alert all people in the vicinity of the spill.
- Isolate persons who may have been contaminated by the spill and have them remain in the area for decontamination by emergency personnel. If appropriate, use safety showers immediately.
- Call 911 from a safe location. Be specific about the nature and location of the spilled material, if known.
- Isolate the spill area and close doors to the room if it is safe to do so.
- Do not re-enter the area until Police declare it safe for reoccupation.
ACTS OF VIOLENCE
- If you hear gunfire immediately seek refuge, preferably in an area that can be locked from the inside.
- Lock, wedge, or barricade doors.
- Turn off lights. Remain still and quiet.
- If it is safe to do so, use any available phone to call 911.
- Monitor your surroundings.
- Should you be confronted by the shooter(s) YOU must decide on your action:
- If you hide, minimize all movement.
- If you run, zigzag as you move.
- When you exit a building run as fast as you can to safety with your hands in clear view.
- If you must defend yourself, resolve yourself to winning the encounter; use every resource/weapon at your disposal, use the element of surprise, and do not ease your attack until the shooter is immobilized and disarmed.
- Be aware that you might be perceived as an attacker by responding law enforcement personnel. Do not make furtive or sudden moves when confronted by a responder.
BUILDING LOCK DOWN
A lock down is used to isolate persons from danger and involves locking a building and barring admission to outsiders.
- University Police or building monitors will lock inner doors and place postings that the building is under a lock down.
- Lock or secure offices and classrooms.
- Limit your exposure to view, remain quiet, and monitor your surroundings.
- Listen for commands or instructions from Police and building monitors.
- Use your cell phone for receipt of text messages updating instructions and information.
- Remain in shelter until notified by Police that the emergency is over, and it is safe to resume normal activities.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
- Dial 911 and report the emergency.
- Unless trained, do not attempt to render first aid before assistance arrives.
- Unless the environment becomes unsafe, or the injury becomes life threatening, do not move a person who has fallen or appears to be in pain. Keep the person stable, in a comfortable position, and covered if necessary.
- Appoint someone to go outside to direct emergency responders to the person needing attention.
AED USE
- If you are trained in use of an AED, ensure that the 911 system is notified.
- Appoint persons to guide the emergency responders to your location.
- Make sure that the scene is safe, and the victim can be approached safely.
- Open the AED case and activate the switch on the front of the unit.
- Follow the instructions contained inside the case, and the oral directions given by the AED to attach the leads, assess the victim and use the unit.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Several communication channels will be used during an emergency. These may include:
Penn State Greater Allegheny Web site (ga.psu.edu); PSUAlert (psualert.psu.edu/psualert); outside media announcements; voice mail