Emergency Preparedness

A quick and effective response is crucial in an emergency. Proper preparation can increase your confidence and ability to handle a real emergency.

Review these tips and resources for possible emergencies on a college campus. 

 

Active Threat

RUN as far from the area as possible, HIDE in a secure location, or FIGHT if in immediate danger. Call or text 911 only if it is safe and with information about the threat.

For more: DPS Active Shooter Response 

Shelter in Place 

The University of Minnesota will use a SAFE-U Alert to issue a shelter-in-place order in an emergency or severe weather event. Find a safe indoor location, stay there, and wait for additional instructions. 

Lockdown 

The University of Minnesota will use a SAFE-U Alert to issue a lockdown in an emergency.

  • Close all doors and windows and stay out of sight
  • Turn off lights and monitors
  • Remain silent, including all electronic devices
  • Come out of hiding ONLY when an “All Clear” notification is given from law enforcement or a SAFE-U Alert.

 

For more: Video: Evacuation & Sheltering

Severe Weather

When the National Weather Association issues a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning, find shelter inside a building. The safest places are windowless interior rooms such as hallways, bathrooms, or conference rooms on the lowest floor possible. 

Stairways, lobby areas, atriums with vaulted ceilings, auditoriums, and gymnasiums are unsafe sheltering areas during severe weather.

For more: Video: Severe Weather Preparedness

 

Evacuation

An evacuation response aims to move people away from potential or actual danger and toward a safer location. 

During emergencies such as a fire, chemical spill, structural issue, bomb threat or other physical threat:

  • Call 911 
  • Evacuate immediately to a safe location away from the building
  • Do not use elevators 
  • Do not go back into the building for any reason

Return to the building only after emergency officials or the building coordinator give the all-clear signal. Silencing the alarm does not mean the emergency is over.

For more: Radioactive incidents biological spills

 

Medical Emergency

In a medical emergency, call 911 and provide information about the injury or incident. Follow the instructions of the emergency personnel until help arrives. 

For more: AED and Stop the Bleed locations

 

Disruptive/Dangerous Behavior 

Dangerous behavior, including harassment or stalking, weapon brandishing, threats of physical harm, intimidating actions, or suicidal threats and gestures, should not be ignored. Call 911 if you encounter any of these situations and leave the area if you feel unsafe. 

For more: mentalhealth.umn.edu