Campus Emergency Guide

If you receive a threat of any kind against the university or a person:

• If you received the threat by phone, stay on the phone with the caller. Attempt to get as much information as possible from the threatening caller.
• If the call was received on a university landline, trace the call as soon as the caller hangs up:
  • Get a new dial tone on the same line.
  • Dial *57 to initiate a call trace.
• DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY. If you are still on the phone with the threatening caller, have someone around you DIAL 911.
• Auburn Police will immediately respond to your 911 call. The police officers will assess the threat and advise the Auburn University Department of Campus Safety & Security if it is necessary to evacuate a building or any part of campus.
  • Many factors must be considered when evaluating response to a bomb threat, including the nature and credibility of the threat; activities occurring in the building or area at the time; potential hazards inside and outside the building; and other factors. Emergency responders should make decisions about the best course of action based on the totality of the circumstances.
• If you are told to evacuate, exit quickly and quietly.
• Be observant for any out-of-place or suspicious items located near the evacuation routes or assembly areas, and notify emergency responders if you see any such items. Make sure that someone who can respond is aware of the concern. Emergency responders should check the assembly areas prior to (if possible) or soon after their arrival on the scene for secondary devices.
• Remain in the assembly area until you are advised that it is safe to return to normal operations, either by emergency personnel or university administrators.

Bomb Threat Checklist

• REMAIN CALM.
• Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.
• Listen carefully to the caller’s voice and words.
• Record the time and caller ID number if shown.
• Ask the caller the following questions and write down the answers as soon as possible:
  • Where is the bomb?
  • When will it explode?
  • What does the bomb look like?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What will cause it to explode?
  • Did you place the bomb?
  • Why?
  • What is your name?
  • Are you an employee/student?
  • Where are you calling from?
• Write down any information such as: 
  • Background noises
  • Gender of the caller
  • Voice pitches and patterns
  • Exact time of call
  • Exact words of caller
  • Date
  • Phone number at which call was received
  • Any other information that stands out or seems unusual to you
• Call 911 and report the event immediately.
• ALL bomb threats and suspicious packages must be treated as a serious matter.
• If the bomb or suspicious package is discovered, do not handle the package. Get away.
• Do not use cell phones, radios, or other wireless devices in the building or area.
• Public safety personnel will advise regarding evacuation.
• If evacuation is ordered, look around as you exit for anything suspicious or out of place.
• Upon exiting the building, assemble outside and remain until instructed it is safe to return.
• Follow all instructions from public safety personnel.
• If you noticed anything suspicious while evacuating, tell public safety personnel.
• Do not re-enter the building unless told to do so by public safety personnel or building manager.

If you feel that a spill may be hazardous, take the following actions immediately:

• NEVER attempt to contain or clean up a hazardous material spill unless you are trained to do so.
• Alert personnel in the vicinity and evacuate the area.
• Close all doors and turn off air conditioners and heaters, if safe to do so.
• Activate the fire alarm pull station as you exit the building.
• Call 911 to report the spill when you reach a safe location.
• Be prepared to provide the following information to the dispatcher:
  • Your name, location, and call back number
  • Identity of the spilled chemical (if known) and the amount spilled
  • Location of the spill (building, room number, etc.)
  • Known or suspected hazards associated with the spill
  • If personnel have been exposed to the spill, give details on the extent of exposure and any injuries or symptoms the victim(s) may be experiencing.
• Remain at the location to meet responders when they arrive and warn others from entering the area.
• If anyone had contact with the hazardous material, they should be isolated and await treatment by emergency personnel.
• Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency personnel.
• Notify Risk Management & Safety at (334) 844-4870.

In addition, the following actions may be taken as appropriate:

• Remove contaminated clothing.
• Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
• Provide first aid if necessary and you are trained to do so.

Exit the Area Immediately

• Close all doors as you leave, taking keys and medications with you if possible. DO NOT delay evacuation to retrieve these items.
• Activate the closest fire alarm pull station along your evacuation route.
• Notify others as you leave.
• Call 911 and report the emergency after you are out of the building and safe.
• If the fire is small enough, you may attempt to extinguish it with a portable fire extinguisher, ONLY IF:
  • The fire alarm pull station has been activated
  • 911 has been notified
  • You are properly trained
• If 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 air is near the floor.
• Always use the stairs to exit upper floors.
• DO NOT use the elevator.
• Once the building is evacuated, do not re-enter it for any reason. Return to the building ONLY when instructed to do so by emergency responders or administrators.
• DO NOT return for personal belongings.
• Direct and assist visitors and persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.
• Notify Risk Management & Safety at (334) 844-4870 that a fire has occurred AFTER you exit the building.

If You are Trapped and Cannot Evacuate

• Close any doors between you and the fire.
• If available, wedge wet towels or cloth materials along the bottom of the door to keep out smoke.
• Call 911 and notify the dispatcher of your location.
• Remain on the phone with the 911 dispatcher as long as possible.
• Break a window only as a last resort, such as needing oxygen to breathe.
• Use caution when breaking any window.

Response to Fire Alarms

• If the alarm sounds and/ or emergency strobes begin to blink, evacuate immediately.
• NEVER assume that a fire alarm is a false alarm.

For More Information

• http://www.auburn.edu/administration/rms/pdf/fire-emergency.pdf

• REMAIN CALM.

• Call 911 and report the emergency. Request an ambulance be sent.

• Send someone to meet the EMS and rescue crews at the street.

• Do not move the person unless there is a threat to life to leave them in that location.

• Provide as much information to the dispatcher regarding the illness/injury as possible (nature of injury, location of person, age of person, etc.).

• If trained to administer first aid, such as bleeding control and CPR, do so.

• Be sure to wear personal protective equipment. Be aware of hazards associated with blood-borne pathogens.

• Do not come into contact with body fluids.

• If exposed to suspected infectious materials, wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention.

• Do not jeopardize your health or the health of the patient. Wait for professional help if you are not able to provide proper first aid and safety.

• Remain with the party until help arrives.

• Comfort the patient and reassure them that medical assistance is on the way.

• If the medical emergency is related to an on-the-job injury or a visitor injury/accident, notify Risk Management & Safety at (334) 844-4870 of this incident as soon as possible after the victim has been transported by the ambulance.

If a person enters or threatens to enter the building for the purpose of causing physical violence either to persons or property:

• Call 911 as soon as possible. Explain to the dispatcher what is happening.
• Be sure to give good directions to the dispatcher.
• If safe, stay on the phone with the 911 dispatcher as long as possible.
• Remove students and yourself from any danger, if possible.
• Barricade yourself and students in a room away from the intruder.
• If anyone becomes injured or needs medical attention, tell the 911 dispatcher.
• Do not confront the intruder.
• Do not leave your safe position until told to do so by police or emergency responders.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS IN DISTRESS

If you are aware of a distressed student and are concerned about their well-being, please call these resources for help:

Student Counseling Services
844-5123

Safe Harbor
844-7233

Cater Center
844-7277

AU Medical Clinic
844-4416

V.P. of Student Affairs
844-1300

East Alabama Medical Center
Emergency Room
(334) 528-1150

For additional information or referral, call Educational Support Services at 844-4710.

Student Counseling Services:
www.auburn.edu/scs

Auburn University has installed a weather monitoring radar system that can track approaching storms across the state of Alabama and beyond.

Auburn University maintains contact with local and state emergency management agencies as well as the National Weather Service.

Upon receipt of a severe weather watch or warning, tone alert radios in buildings on campus will be activated. The nature of the emergency will be given along with instructions on how to remain safe.

Upon receipt of a tornado warning, the outdoor warning sirens will be activated.

The Lee County Emergency Management Agency tests the outdoor tornado sirens every fourth Wednesday at noon.

Definitions

Watch: Conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather in the Auburn area. Everyone should closely monitor the situation in case it gets worse.

Warning: Severe weather has actually been observed, and there is an imminent threat to the Auburn area. Listen closely to instructions provided by weather radios/emergency officials.

Thunderstorm: Frequently have high winds, cloud-to-ground lightning, heavy rain, and tornados.

Lightning:

• Stay away from telephones, electrical appliances, and plumbing.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck.
• Go to a safe shelter immediately.

In the Event of Severe Weather

If you receive an alert that there is a Tornado Warning, take shelter immediately in designated shelter locations. Shelter locations are clearly marked with signs, and are identified on building diagrams in building-specific emergency plans.

• If shelter is not available, move to the center and lowest point of your building.
• Stay away from windows and doors to prevent injury from glass or other flying objects.
• Cover your head with any heavy/bulky object to protect yourself.
• Do not go outdoors to see the storm. Trained storm spotters will be monitoring the situation.
• If you are in a vehicle, seek shelter in a building, ditch, or other safe place. Automobiles are very dangerous during high winds.
• If flood water rises, do not attempt to wade or travel through the stream. Even small amounts of water can be very dangerous.
• Report any injury/damage to the 911 dispatcher. Provide them as much information as possible to respond to the emergency.
• Once the storm has cleared, notify Campus Safety & Security at (334) 844-8888 of any damages or injuries.

Shelter or secure in place refers to the need to remain where you are for your own safety.

Employees and students generally cannot be forced to shelter-in-place; however, there are circumstances when university officials and emergency personnel will order that everyone must stay where they are for their own safety and well-being. You should consider how and where to shelter-in-place prior to having to perform this measure.

A shelter or secure in place order may be issued for several reasons:

• Severe weather
• Hazardous materials
• Intruder on campus
• Hostage situation
• Any situation where it is best for you to stay where you are to avoid an outside threat

The reason for the shelter or secure in place order may not be immediately communicated to everyone. If a shelter-in-place order is issued:

• You should be alert for instructions and updates as they become available from the emergency personnel and university administrators.
• If class is in session, if possible, do not allow any students to leave. If you are in other buildings such as dorms, have everyone remain there.
• Keep everyone CALM.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

Severe Weather

You should know where the shelter areas are in your building. If you do not, attempt to seek shelter in the basement or interiormost portion of the building, avoiding windows and glass doors.

Intruder

• Secure doors if possible and seek concealment (out of sight) away from doors and windows.
• Turn the lights off and close any blinds or curtains. If you are not able to lock the door for any reason, attempt to barricade the door with furniture without endangering or injuring yourself.

All Clear

Remain in the shelter until told everything is all clear by emergency personnel. Do not leave until you are sure of the identity or source of the person making the announcement.

• Evacuate the immediate area.
• Turn off all air conditioners and heaters when leaving, if it is safe to do so.
• From a safe location, call Facilities at (334) 844-HELP and report the odor. Be as specific as possible about the nature of the odor:
  • When was it first noticed?
  • Is it recognizable?
  • Is the cause known?
• Remain outside until told it is safe to re-enter the building.
• If additional assistance is needed, Facilities will notify the proper departments.
• Notify Risk Management & Safety at (334) 844-4870 that an event has occurred.

Suspicious packages are any items capable of concealing or containing harmful substances that have been left unattended and/or visibly show indicators of posing a potential threat.

Characteristics of Suspicious Packages or Mail

• Excessive postage
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
• Misspellings of common words
• Strange return address or no return address
• Incorrect titles or title without a name
• Not addressed to a specific person
• Marked with restrictions, such as "Personal," "Confidential," or "Do not x-ray"
• Marked with any threatening language
• Postmarked from a city or state that does not match the return address.

Key Indicators

• Oily stains
• Discolorations
• Odor
• Excessive packaging material
• Excessive weight
• Ticking sound and/or protruding wires or aluminum foil

​Additionally, items such as a briefcase, gym bag, suitcase, etc. may be deemed suspicious solely because it is discovered unattended in a public place or near a sensitive facility.

What to Do with a Suspicious Package, Letter or Container

• Do not panic. It is important for all of your actions to be careful & deliberate.
• If the item is leaking or clearly contains an unknown substance, do not touch, move or attempt to clean up the unknown material.  Wash hands with soap and water as soon as possible.
• Isolate the area and evacuate others from the immediate vicinity.
• DIAL 911 to report the situation.
• Do not use radios or cell phones.
• Make a list of names and contact information for all individuals who may have come into contact with the item and unknown substance.  Provide this information to emergency responders.
• Carefully follow the instructions provided by emergency responders and university administrators.

Many times, problems with the utilities will not be an emergency. To report a non-emergency utility problem, call the Facilities Help Line at 844-HELP. However, if it is an emergency, call 911.

Under no circumstances, are you supposed to turn utilities back on once they have been turned off (even if you are the one who turned it off). Leave that for the utility workers.

Gas Leak

• If you smell gas or see a gas leak, leave the area and warn others as you leave.
• Call 911 from a safe location. Tell the dispatcher where you are and what the emergency is.
• Do NOT attempt to correct the leak or problem unless you are qualified to do so.
• Provide assistance to others in your immediate area who may be unfamiliar with the area or evacuation routes.
• Remain outside until emergency personnel tell you it is safe to enter the building.

Water Leak and Power Failure (Non-Emergency Failures)

• Report non-emergency water leaks and power failures to the Facilities Help Line at 844-HELP.
• Shut down and protect critical equipment, if safe to do so.
• If you are in a dark area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.

Power Lines

• Call 911 to report the location of downed wires.
• Treat any downed wire as if it is energized.
• Telephone or cable television wires that are touching a power line could become energized and should also be avoided.
• Stay clear of areas where there is a lot of debris or downed trees, as they may conceal energized lines.

If you believe that a student or other person is in possession of a weapon:

• Get away from that person.
• Lock yourself in a secure area, if possible.
• Call 911 and explain the problem in detail.
• Remain on the phone with the 911 dispatcher as long as possible.
• Remove students and yourself from any danger, if possible.
• If you fear the person, barricade yourself and other students in a room away from the person.
• If anyone becomes injured or needs medical attention, tell the 911 dispatcher.
• Do not confront the armed person.
• Remain in a safe area until told to leave by police or emergency responders.