Emergency Procedures

Understanding Emergency Scenarios

There are three general levels or types of emergencies:

Level 1 Minor Incident

A minor incident is defined as a local event with limited impact, which does not effect the overall functional capability of the University. Planning and response is carried out at a limited localized level. The Emergency Response Plan would not be activated.

Level 2 Emergency

An emergency is defined as a serious event that significantly disrupts one or more operations of the University and/or may effect mission-critical functions and/or life safety. Multiple University resources are involved. The Emergency Response Plan would be activated to the extent necessary

Level 3 Disaster

A disaster is defined as a very serious event(s) that significantly impacts or halts the operations of the University. The Emergency Response Plan is fully activated.

Listed below are some basic steps to take in responding to possible emergency situations

Active Shooter

If you are in a building when an event occurs:

Lock and barricade all doors
Close blinds and block windows
Do NOT stand by doors or windows
Turn off lights, radios and computer monitors
Keep yourself out of sight and silence all cell phones
Contact Public Safety at x36789 or 911 to provide your location, report any injuries and/or provide a description of the assailant(s) (ie. name, number of suspects, gender, race, clothing, physical features, type of weapon(s), etc.

If you are considering un-securing an area:

Do NOT leave until you are certain that the shooter(s) is contained by law enforcement
Do NOT attempt to rescue anyone if it will further endanger the persons within the secured area
When in doubt, remain within the secured area.

Bomb Threat

If you receive a bomb threat:

Keep the person talking as long as possible and secure as much information as possible including:
Where is the bomb?
When is it set to go off?
What type of bomb is it?
What does it look like?
Why has it been planted?
Who planted it?
What will make it explode?
Do NOT hang up the phone - Hold the line open and use another line to report the threat to Public Safety at x36789 or 911 from a campus phone.

If you are notified of a bomb threat in your building, see "Evacuation" instructions

Chemical Spill

If you discover a chemical spill:

Call the Department of Public Safety at 36789 or 911.
Inform them of the type and amount of spill (if known)
Immediately inform everyone in the area to leave the area
Do NOT clean up any chemical spill on your own

If the chemical comes in contact with any person:

Remove all contaminated clothing but do not discard

If contact is made with eyes:

Begin rinsing and continue for at least 15 minutes

If contact is made with a skin:

Thoroughly rinse and then wash with soap and water

If you discover a chemical spill within a classroom/laboratory setting:

Follow procedures outlined above as well as those posted inside the laboratory

Criminal Activity

If you discover a crime in progress:

Immediately call the Department of Public Safety at 36789 or 911
Do NOT attempt to apprehend or interfere with a criminal
Do your best to note the following characteristics of the criminal: Height, weight, sex, race, age, clothing, weapon (if any) and direction and method of travel.

If criminal flees the scene in an automobile, please note license plate, make, model, color and any other visual characteristics.

Fire

If you discover a fire:

Call Public Safety at x36789 or 911
Do NOT endanger yourself or others by trying to combat the fire.
Pull a fire alarm
Immediately exit the building while alerting others that there is a fire

If you are trapped in a fire:

Place a wet cloth material under the door to prevent smoke from entering

If you are unable to call for help, try to signal outside for help.

Do NOT break exterior glass unless absolutely necessary as smoke may be drawn into the room.

If you are caught in smoke:

Drop to the floor and crawl to an exit
Do NOT open a door that is hot to the touch; the fire may be on the other side
Stay as low as possible
Take shallow breaths through your nose and use a shirt or towel as a filter

Hurricane

A hurricane is one emergency that actually allows for preparation time. In light of that, when a hurricane is forecast, it is recommended that 1) all commuter students remain off campus and 2) all resident students make plans to vacate the campus until the emergency has passed. Resident students who remain on the campus will be evacuated to the Arena or Physical Education Center.

Resident Students - Before leaving your room:

Close and secure all windows
Clear items from window ledges and desktops
Remove any perishable foods
Turn off and unplug ALL electronic items - except for refrigerators
Remove all personal valuables
Lock all doors - Take your keys
Advise a Residential Programs staff member (and your family) of your intended destination

All Students - Monitor local television and radio stations in addition to www.hofstra.edu for operational updates. All instructions given by the University should be followed and NO attempt should be made to return to campus until the 'all clear' has been given

Medical Emergency

If you discover a medical emergency:

Immediately call the Department of Public Safety at 36789 or 911
Do NOT move the person unless he/she is in danger
Avoid leaving the person except to summon help
Render first aid or CPR if trained and qualified

Pandemic Flu

Like hurricanes, there will be information available preparing the University Community for a pandemic flu. When a pandemic flu is identified please monitor the updates provided on the Campus Alert website, www.hofstra.edu/alert and follow the directions provided within the updates.

Maintaining general hygiene procedures, such as washing hands, keeping rooms and bathrooms cleaned, not sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes and towels, will increase your chances of remaining healthy.

Power Outages

In the event of a power outage:

Call the Department of Public Safety at 36789 or 911
Remain calm
Turn light switches to the off position
Unplug all electrical equipment including computers and appliances
Await instructions from University personnel

If you are in an elevator when power goes down:

Do NOT attempt to exit the elevator by forcing open a door or hatch
Call for help - University personnel will respond to your location

Suspicious Packages

Do NOT touch any suspicious packages. If you have any doubts, call the Department of Public Safety at 36789 or 911. Be suspicious of packages with the following:

Marked 'Personal' or 'Private'
Lopsided
Postmarked different than return address
Missing return address
Oil stains or odors
Marked 'Fragile' or 'Rush'
Excessive tape or string
Excessive Postage
Protruding wires or foil

Workplace Violence

The victim/witness should:

Immediately contact the Department of Public Safety at 3678 or 911 and provide a location and description of the assailant or suspicious individual
Seek cover behind a locked door

Workplace violence includes, but is not limited to intimidation, threats, physical attack and property damage.

Hofstra University