5.12 | Emergency Preparedness

SU complies with all relevant institutional, industrial and governmental regulations and policies regarding health, safety and security procedures. It is our goal to provide a safe, secure and healthful learning and work environment for the University and its guests. Plans have been developed to promote the health and safety of the University community in cases of accidents, fires, natural disasters, and other emergency events.

Plans are reviewed annually by an ad hoc committee of employees and updated as needed. In addition, changes are made whenever changes are made by relevant governmental or regulatory bodies.

 

5.12.1 | Emergency Notification

 

All students, faculty and staff subscribe to the Emergency Notification System (ENS) and receive email alerts in the event of campus-wide emergencies or incidents. These same notifications are also posted on the SU website and distributed via Instagram. All students, faculty and staff are responsible to ensure that their contact information is up-to-date and accurate. In addition, emergencies requiring the evacuation of SU facilities is also broadcast over a campus-wide public address system.

 

5.12.2 | Safety Resources

 

Academic program specific safety resources such as sharps disposal, material safety data sheets, biological pathogen disposal kits, eye protection, hand protection, hearing protection, eye wash and safety shower stations are located in the appropriate areas. The University is serviced by overhead sprinklers to assist with fire mitigation. Evacuation maps and first aid kits are also available on each floor. The campus is currently served by two health clinics staffed by professional medical personnel.

 

5.12.3 | Emergency Procedures

 

Fire

During orientation each semester, all faculty, staff and students are notified of fire extinguishers, fire hoses, emergency exits and manual alarm systems across campus and how to use them. Specific training is provided to Safety Captains who are on duty on each floor. Safety Captains receive specific training regarding the use of fire extinguishers and/or hoses, assessing a fire hazard, and notifying emergency officials.

The main building has an active fire control detection and suppression system. Signs of an active fire (smoke, gas odors, and/or increased room temperatures) automatically activates the fire alarm. In addition, there are manual station alarms located throughout the campus that can be activated by breaking glass and pulling the alarm.

If a minor fire appears controllable, General Affairs should be immediately notified. The individual or local Safety Captain should then promptly direct the charge of the fire extinguisher or water from the fire hose toward the base of the flame.

If the fire appears uncontrollable and poses a threat to health and safety, General Affairs should be immediately notified to request that the building evacuation alarm be sounded (if the automatic system has not previously sounded). All rooms should then be evacuated, closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen. Doors must not be locked upon exit.
Once the building evacuation alarm is sounded, the nearest Safety Captain will be mobilized to assist with the evacuation of their area by directing people to safety exits. Additional help will be provided to any handicapped individuals that require assistance. If a smoke event exists, the Safety Captain will remind everyone to stay as close to the floor as possible during evacuation. Evacuees will muster at three designated safety muster points located in outside areas clear of hazards.

Individuals will not return to the buildings until an “all clear” has been given by Emergency Responders or University officials.

Notes: 1) If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a signal for the rescue crews. If there is no window, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews. Do not panic. 2) After any evacuation, report to your designated campus assembly point. Stay there until an accurate headcount is taken.

Earthquakes

When an earthquake is detected, take cover under a desk, table or in a doorway; or stand close to the wall in a hallway. Stay away from windows or objects that could break or shatter. Wait approximately two minutes after tremors stop OR until the building evacuation order is given and then evacuate as per fire evacuation instructions.

Medical Emergencies

Student illnesses or minor emergency medical care requirements should be reported to the nearest faculty or staff member. These problems will be resolved by utilizing first aid kits or a referral to one of the health clinics. No medical care will be administered by faculty or staff (other than trained medical professionals assigned to the clinics). If a serious or life threatening medical emergency exists, immediately call 112.

Behavioral Disturbance

A behavioral disturbance can be either verbal or physical. Everyone is to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations and promptly reporting them.

Individuals who are a victim of or a witness to an on-campus offense should avoid placing himself or herself at greater risk. They should report any suspicious behavior or offense to a faculty or staff member as soon as possible and report the incident using the Incident Report Form. If you observe a criminal act, notify General Affairs.

If you observe someone appearing to be threatening with a weapon, explosive, or other dangerous device that could potentially threaten lives, notify General Affairs (GA) immediately. GA will notify security to secure the situation and notify local police. If there is a direct exit away from the event, use it. Do not enter hallways and do not pull the fire alarms. If a direct exit is not immediately available, follow lockdown in place procedures. Move to a classroom or office, lock the doors, make sure the lights are turned off and stay clear of doors and windows. When security and/or police officials arrive, follow all instructions. Remain in lockdown until security or campus officials provides an all clear signal.