Emergency Procedures Guide

For all Emergencies, Dial:

• 911
• 911 On-Campus Telephone

For non-emergency, dial (989) 964-4141

Active Shooter Protocol 

An active assailant is any person actively engaged in or attempting to kill or harm others with or without a weapon (firearm, knife, sword, or any other object used to cause harm). The situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Your survival may depend on your reaction to the situation - Take Action Immediately! Avoid Deny Defend!

WHAT YOU DO MATTERS!

Avoid

• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• If you see or hear something that looks suspicious take action - Do Not hesitate
• Move away from the source of the threat as quickly as possible.
• Have an exit plan - get to the closest safe exit - - The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better

Deny

• Keep the attacker away from you - Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you.
• Lock or secure the door, turn off lights, silence phones
• Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding - behind large objects

Defend

• If you cannot Avoid or Deny, be prepared to defend yourself. - You have the right to survive
• Be aggressive and committed to your actions.
• Do not fight fairly. THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL
• Call 911 When it is SAFE to do so and inform the 911 operator that this is an active assailant situation.

When Law Enforcement arrives

• Follow all commands
• Show your hands (Drop items in your hands) - Provide information about the assailant(s); location, description, weapons if known

REMEMBER WHAT YOU DO MATTERS!

AVOID the attacker DENY access to your location DEFEND yourself

Automobile Accident

In the Event of an Automobile Accident

• Call University Police immediately.
• Give the dispatcher your name and location.
• Advise the dispatcher of the extent of any injuries and the number of persons injured.
• Have all persons and witnesses involved remain at the scene until the police arrive.
• Do not move vehicles

Bomb Threat Protocol 

Bomb threats are assumed to be real and should be treated as such until determined otherwise.

If you see something you believe to be a bomb or you receive a bomb threat refer to the below protocols.

Telephone Threat

Most bomb threats are received by phone. Follow the below guidelines:

• Remain calm
• DO NOT HANG UP and keep the caller on the line for as long as possible.
• Listen Carefully, Be polite, and show interest.
• If possible, get a coworker to call the University Police while you continue talking with the caller. (If not then call the University Police as soon as the caller hangs up)
• Ask the Caller the following Questions - Where is the bomb located (building, floor, room, etc.)?
• When will it go off?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it? What will make it explode?
• Did you place the bomb?
• Why?
• What is your name?
• Are you an employee or a student?
• Complete the information on the DHS Bomb Threat Checklist as soon as possible after the call.

Written Threat

Complete the information on the DHS Bomb Threat Checklist as soon as possible after the call.

Emailed Threat

• Remain Calm
• Leave the message open on your computer
• Do not respond to or click on any links or attachments in the email
• Take a picture of the email and note the date and time

Evacuation

Evacuation - Classroom Building

Evacuation of a classroom or area may be ordered by faculty or staff, University Police, or local public safety agencies, The purpose is to move occupants away from potentially threatening situations that do not require full building evacuation.

Evacuation of a building is used to move occupants out of the building by a pre-designated route (if usable) to avoid a potentially threatening situation that involves the entire building.

Orders to evacuate the building may be issued by University Police or local public safety agencies.

Evacuation Procedures

• Remain calm.
• Go immediately, in a calm and orderly manner, to the designated evacuation assembly area.
• Consider special-needs occupants that may need assistance evacuating.
• When leaving a room, feel the door with the back of your hand before opening it. Do not open any door that feels hot.
• If smoke is present, stay low. The best quality of air is near the floor.
• If your primary route is blocked or unusable, use your secondary exit route.
• Do not take personal items with you.
• Close doors behind you while exiting.
• Walk, do not run.
• Do not go into the restrooms.
• Do not use the elevators.
• Once you have reached the designated area, assist in accounting for all occupants and immediately report any missing occupant to University Police.

Hazardous Material Spills

Hazardous materials are substances with dangerous ingredients- particularly chemicals that can hurt the environment, cause injury, or even death

• Cover your mouth with clothing or a clean cloth to avoid breathing any vapor from the spill.
• Unless properly trained and equipped, DO NOT attempt to clean up the spill.

Chemical Spills

• If a hazardous material spill occurs, call 911 immediately.
• Provide appropriate details of the incident including type of chemical if known.
• Alert People around the spill to evacuate.
• If possible, control access to the affected area by closing doors.
• Cover your mouth with clothing or a clean cloth to avoid breathing any vapor from the spill.
• Unless properly trained and equipped, DO NOT attempt to clean up the spill.
• If personally contaminated, seek eye wash and/ or an emergency shower.
• Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Remove all contaminated clothing.
• Flush with copious amounts of cool water for 15 minutes ensuring you do not scrub the chemical into your skin.
• Turn off all ignition and heat sources.
• DO NOT pull the fire alarm unless there is a fire.
• Stay upstream, uphill, or upwind of the release.
• Remain a safe distance from the building until an All Clear is announced and directed to do so by the authorities.

Intruder/Shelter In Place

Shelter-in-Place & Lockout

• The decision to lockdown the University rests with the University Police.  A Shelter-in-Place consists of getting all staff and students to a secured room/area and locking all interior and exterior doors and windows.

Shelter-in-Place Procedures

• Remain calm.
• Cancel all outside activities and direct students and staff to get into the building.
• Commence the lockdown immediately by closing and locking all interior and exterior doors if possible.
• Close all windows and keep all blinds and curtains open.
• Keep quiet and stay away from doors and windows.
• Maintain a calm environment through calm leadership. Reassure occupants that everything possible is being done to return the situation to normal.
• If a gunshot or an explosion is heard, call 911 immediately 
• Conduct frequent roll call of all students and immediately report any missing student to University Police at ext. 4141.
• Shelter-In-Place is to remain in effect until canceled by University Police and an All Clear is announced.

Intruder on University Property 

• If an intruder/unauthorized person enters the building call 911 or University Police at ext. 4141.
• Prepare to lockdown or start to Shelter-in-Place.
• Do not unlock your doors until you hear the All Clear announced.

Hostage Situation Procedures

• Call 911 immediately.
• Move everyone away from the hostage situation as rapidly and quietly as possible.
• Listen for instructions to evacuate the area or activate Shelter-In-Place procedures.
• Gather all the facts regarding the situation for the police, Gather detailed descriptions of the suspects and victims, including clothing, location and weapons. Keep notes on times, any communication from the person holding the hostages and other witness information.

Medical Emergency

If Someone Becomes Ill or Injured.

• Call 911 immediately. Non-emergency injuries should be reported to University Police at 964-4141.
• Do not move the injured or ill person unless it is a life-threatening situation.
• Try to make him/her comfortable, if possible.
• Unless qualified to provide first aid, do not attempt to render any first aid. Seek someone who is qualified.
• Use personal protective equipment (gloves) when exposing yourself to bodily fluids (e.g., blood, vomit).
• Comfort the ill or injured person and reassure him/her that medical attention is on the way. 
• If necessary, implement appropriate emergency procedure (e.g. Evacuation of Classroom/Area) to ensure that community members are not exposed to trauma or danger.

After the ill or injured person(s) immediate needs have been taken care of, remain to assist medical services with pertinent information about the incident.

Preserve the scene of the medical emergency in the event the incident will require an investigation by police.

Power Outage/Utility Failure

Power Outage

1. If the outage is within a campus building and is an emergency, contact University Police at 989-964-4141
2. Give your name and telephone number.
3. Give the exact location of the area(s) experiencing a loss of power. (Building and room number if applicable)
4. If the outage is not an emergency, notify SVSU Campus Facilities at 989-964-4080 during regular business hours (8:00 am-4:30 pm). If it is after hours, notify University Police at 989-964-4141.
5. SVSU buildings are equipped with emergency lighting to assist individuals in safely exiting the building.
6. Wait a few minutes for emergency power to come on and provide emergency lighting.Unplug all nonessential electrical equipment such as televisions and computers and turn light switches to the off position.
7. A power surge may blow out lights that remain on and other equipment when power is restored.
8. If evacuation of the building is required, assist any disabled persons by first asking how you can help.
9. Do not use elevators.
10. Contact Facilities Services for information regarding the sco

    A Watch is issued when severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms, tornados, flooding) is possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that severe weather will occur. It only means it is possible.

    A Warning is issued when severe weather (e.g. thunderstorms, tornados, flooding) is occurring or imminent in the warning area.

    pe and expected duration of the outage.

Plumbing/Flood

If a plumbing failure or flooding occurs, cease the use of electrical equipment, and immediately contact University Police.

Ventilation Issues

Smoke or abnormal or irritating odors coming from the ventilation equipment should be immediately reported to University Police and Campus Facilities. If necessary, evacuate the area and/or the building

Power Outage in a Lab

• Laboratory personnel should secure experiments or activities that may present a danger when electrical power is off. Also, consider what could happen if the power is unexpectedly restored.
• Notify the lab supervisor immediately.
• Take actions to preserve human and animal safety as well as research if possible.
• Keep essential research refrigerators and freezers closed throughout the outage to keep them cold as possible for as long as possible.

If conditions are hazardous, call 911 immediately

Sexual Assault

If Someone is Sexually Assaulted

• Render assistance to the victim.
• If the victim wishes, please call police at 911 from any phone.
• Obtain as much information as possible regarding the assailant including a physical description and clothing information (e.g., age, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, color of shirt, pants, coat, medical status, if appropriate, etc).
• Protect the crime scene as much as possible.
• Try to prevent the victim from using the shower or bathing as they could destroy vital evidence.
• Stay with the victim until police arrive on the scene.
• Report to Student Conduct Programs, if applicable.

Suicide Attempt or Threat

Suicide Attempt or Threat

If a community member expresses suicidal thoughts via verbal or written means, or attempts suicide:

• Call Police at 911. If unable to call, seek the assistance of others.
• If weapons were used to attempt suicide, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISARM the individual.
• Stay with the individual until help arrives.
• Do not try to handle the situation alone. Seek immediate assistance.

Verbal/Physical Altercation

Threat Dealing with a Difficult Individual

• Stay calm and be aware of your surroundings.
• Assess the level of threat. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK if you think an altercation could occur.
• Time and distance are important - the more time you have, the more time you will be able to prepare yourself. Keep a distance of at least an arms length between you and the individual, Call for assistance, if needed.
• Try to de-escalate the situation:
  • Listen to the person
  • Empathize with the person and be respectful - do not shame, blame, or judge
  • Use a clear, calm, strong voice
  • Keep body language non-threatening
  • Do not use words that threaten or intimidate
• If you are unable to de-escalate the situation, call for assistance immediately.

If an Altercation Occurs

• If an altercation is taking place, DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK.
• Call 911 immediately.
• Try to call for assistance of a nearby community member.
• After the altercation has occurred, if safe to do so, move any victim to a private office/area. Ensure the victim is in a safe place and assist in making him/her comfortable.
• Do not leave the victim alone.
• Be prepared to give as much of the following information as possible to the University Police:
  • Your name and location
  • What happened
  • Victim's name and age
  • Location of victim
  • Description of the assailant
  • Location of the assailant or direction of their escape
• If the victim(s) requires medical attention, see the information tab regarding Medical Emergencies.
• Remain calm and reassure students that all possible actions are being taken care of for the injured person and for the protection of others.

Fire Safety Protocol 

If you know how to recognize and reduce potential fire hazards, you can increase your chances of protecting yourself and those around you.

Be Prepared

• Be aware of your surroundings and locate alternate routes to exit from your area and the building.
• Take note of the locations of fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations in your area.
• Participate in fire drills.
• Know how to use a fire extinguisher

If a Fire Alarm is Activated

1. If you hear a fire alarm in your building, you should exit the building immediately
2. Proceed to the nearest exit - DO NOT use elevators
3. Using the back of your hand, feel the handle and the top and bottom of the door for heat. DO NOT open the door if it is hot. If it's not hot open the door slowly standing behind the door and to one side; be prepared to close it quickly if fire is present. If you feel heat or heavy smoke is present, proceed to an alternate exit.
4. Exit the building in a calm manner using the stairs DO NOT use an elevator. Close any doors as you pass through them.
5. Stay low if moving through smoke.
6. Once you exit the building respond to the designated assembly location.
7. Do not re-enter or return to the area until instructed to do so by emergency personnel.

During a Fire

1. Activate the nearest fire alarm
2. Notify occupants and help those in your immediate area who may need assistance
3. Contain the fire by closing doors as you exit
4. Evacuate the building at the nearest exit. Use stairs when evacuating upper levels and DO NOT use elevators
5. Stay low under any smoke.
6. Go to the designated assembly area for the building
7. Call 911 or activate a blue light phone as soon as you are in a safe place
8. Re-enter the area only when directed by authorities

*Use a fire extinguisher on small (wastebasket-size) fires; but ONLY if it is safe to do so.

If Trapped

1. Retreat and close as many doors as possible between you and the fire
2. Seal cracks around doors and vents to prevent smoke from entering
3. CALL 911 to report your location
4. Open a window a few inches for fresh air and hang out a brightly colored cloth, piece of clothing or bed sheet. If you have a flashlight, use it to signal at night.

If Caught in the Smoke

1. GET LOW AND GO!
2. Drop to your hands and knees and crawl or crouch low with your head 30 to 36 inches above the floor, watching the base of the floor as you go.
3. Breathe shallowly through your nose using a shirt, blouse, or cloth (hold your breath as much as possible)

Through the Flames

1. If you are forced to advance through flames, follow these recommendations
2. Hold your breath
3. Move quickly, covering your head and hair
4. Keep your head down and close your eyes as often as possible
5. Once you clear the area remember Stop, Drop, and Roll to smother if you are on fire.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Use the "P-A-S-S" method

1. Pull - Pull the safety pin from the handle
2. Aim - Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze - Squeeze the handle
4. Sweep - Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire

Natural Gas Leak

If you smell natural gas (a rotten egg odor) or suspect a leak:

• LEAVE the area immediately and get to a safe place outside
• DO NOT USE electronics, including cell phones until you are safely outside
• DO NOT try to locate the source of the gas leak

When Safely Outside

• Call 911
• Meet at the designated assembly area
• Re-enter the area only when directed by the authority

Suspicious Package

If you come in contact with a suspicious package/mail that is OPENED:

1. Place it down immediately.
2. If powder spills from the container DO NOT attempt to clean up.
3. Leave the room and close the doors as you exit.
4. Advise others to avoid the area.
5. Move to a location that will minimize exposing others.
6. If possible, wash hands with soap and water.
7. Call 9-1-1.

If you come in contact with a suspicious packages/mail that is UNOPENED:

1. Do not go near the package.
2. Advise others to avoid the area.
3. Call 9-1-1.
4. Follow instructions from public safety officials

Suspicious Activity 

• Always report unusual or suspicious activity to the University Police or proper authority!
• SEE Something? SAY Something! Be aware and alert. Listen, look, pay attention to the people, and places around you.
• Trust your Intuition: Do not simply dismiss something if it doesn't feel or look right.
• Tell Someone (Say Something). Provide the information to somebody in charge or contact the police or other authority.
• Information to share (Who, What, Where, When, Why)
  • Who, or What did you see occurring
  • When did it occur or is it still - Where did it occur
  • Why was it suspicious

Severe Weather Information

Weather Emergencies

When severe weather occurs, the administration will determine whether university offices will be closed. Check SVSU's status page, call the weather hotline, or listen to local TV and radio news broadcasts for the most up-to-date information. Remember, weather emergencies can pose a serious threat, so always stay calm and alert!

General Information

Follow these general recommendations if severe weather occurs:

• If weather conditions appear threatening, listen for a WATCH or WARNING through commercial radio, weather radio, and local television. The sirens on campus will be activated during a tornado warning.
• Keep a small, battery-operated radio on hand to listen to. It is a good way to stay informed.
• Use telephones for emergency calls only.
• Stay away from downed power lines. DO NOT handle live electrical equipment in wet areas.
• Leave the area immediately if you smell gas or vapors from chemicals.
• Help injured persons if you can do so without putting yourself at risk of injury. Provide first aid if you are trained. Report injuries by CALLING 911. DO NOT move injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
• Report damage on campus to Facilities Services (989-964-4080) or Risk Management (989-964-6101).

Watch vs. Warning

A Watch is issued when severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms, tornados, flooding) is possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that severe weather will occur. It only means it is possible.

A Warning is issued when severe weather (e.g. thunderstorms, tornados, flooding) is occurring or imminent in the warning area.

Learn More about watches, warnings, and advisories

Tornado

Follow these recommendations if there is news of a tornado in your area:

• If you hear about a tornado in your area, DO NOT wait until you see it to take cover.
• Seek shelter in the nearest building shelter area; if unknown, seek indoor shelter in the lowest interior space of the building (hallway, basement, restroom) away from windows, glass, and doors.
• Crouch near the floor or under heavy, well-supported objects. Cover your head.
• Avoid windows, corridors with windows, or large free-standing expanses (such as auditoriums and cafeterias). DO NOT use elevators during a tornado warning!
• If you are caught outside with no shelter, lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head.
• Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Tornado Safety

Understand Tornado Alerts

Prepare! Don't Let Tornadoes Take You by Surprise

What to do During a Tornado

Earthquake

Follow these recommendations if you experience an earthquake in your area:

• If indoors, drop to the ground and take cover by getting under a sturdy table or a piece of furniture. Hold on until the shaking stops.
  • If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
  • Stay away from anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or heavy bookcases.
  • Use a doorway for shelter only if it is nearby and if you know it is strongly supported.
  • Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to move about. Injuries most often occur when people inside buildings attempt to move during the earthquake. Beware of aftershocks.
• If you are outdoors, stay there. Move away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.
  • If in a VEHICLE, stop in the safest place available, preferably away from power lines and trees, Stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle for the shelter it offers if no other shelter is available.
  • After the initial shock, evaluate the situation and if emergency help is necessary call the University Police at 911.

Be Prepared for Earthquakes

Flood

Follow these recommendations if there is news of a flood in your area:

• Be prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate at a moment's notice.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without warning clouds or rain.
• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service.
• Flooding can happen anywhere at any time of the year. In Michigan, they are more likely during the spring and fall months. Floods are dangerous and can happen very quickly.
• The best protection in cases of floods is to stay informed.

Turn Around Don't Drown

Flood Safety Tips & Resources

Winter Weather 

Pre-planning before a winter storm is the best practice. Make sure your home, office, and vehicles are stocked with supplies you may need

Winter Preparedness

How to Prepare Before the Storm

During the Storm

If caught OUTSIDE in a winter storm and unable to find shelter indoors call University Police at 911.

If you must drive during a storm: SLOW DOWN! The speed limit is designed for optimal driving conditions not for winter weather.

Take a fully charged cell phone with you.

Let someone know where you are going and what route you will be taking.

Check the Before the Storm Button for emergency supplies that should be in your vehicle.

Additional Tips and information if outside, in a vehicle, or inside.

During a Winter Storm Tips

Severe Thunderstorm

• Severe Thunderstorms are officially defined as storms that are capable of producing hail one inch or larger in diameter and/or wind gusts over 58 mph.
• Stay informed about ongoing and future weather conditions. If a warning has been issued or you see the storm approaching:
• If OUTSIDE, move to a sturdy building. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly as the tree may fall on you and you are at a greater risk of getting struck by lightning.
• If INSIDE, stay away from windows in case of damaging wind and/or hail. If damaging wind and/or large hail are approaching do not seek shelter in large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
• If in a VEHICLE drive to the closest secure shelter area if there is sufficient time to do so. If no other shelter is available, remain in the vehicle.

Severe Thunderstorm Safety

Understand Severe Weather Alerts

Prepare! Don't Let Severe Weather Take You by Surprise

What to Do During Severe Weather