Emergency Procedures

• Determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life and call UDC Police 202.274.5050 or 911 when it is safe to do so.
• RUN. Evacuate if you can (this may be your best chance for survival.) Have an escape route in mind. Leave valuables behind and keep hands visible.
• HIDE in an area outside of the shooter's view. Block entry to your hiding place and lock doors. Turn off lights and silence electronic devices.
• FIGHT as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Act with physical aggression.

All threats should be taken seriously. They can be received by telephone, e-mail, or letter.
If you receive a telephone bomb threat, follow these procedures:

• Call UDC Police 202.274.5050 or 911.
• Remain calm.
• Keep the caller talking to obtain as much information as possible to complete the Bomb Threat Checklist with the following information:
• Location
• Time of explosion
• Reason for bomb
• Caller's number (if phone is equipped with caller ID)
• Notify supervisor or person in charge of the threat.
• Take no further action until advised to do so by UDC Police or emergency personnel.
• If you see a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus:
• Stay calm.
• Exit the area or building immediately.
• Call UDC Police 202.274.5050 or 911.

Closure Procedures

• UDC Communications will contact the appropriate media with details.
• Signs may be posted on all buildings affected by the closure.
• UDC’s main switchboard recording will be updated with the closure information.
• UDC’s website, social media pages etc. will be updated with the closure information.
• Information about the closure will be broadcasted via LiveSafe.
• Individual departments will follow their procedures for notifying staff members of the closure.
• Essential and designated personnel are required to work during closures

Persons who may need assistance during an evacuation should plan in advance by notifying a supervisor or department head of their need for assistance during a building evacuation. During an emergency in which a building must be evacuated (e.g. fire emergency); elevators should not be used. A mobility-impaired individual that is unable to negotiate the stairs must:

• Proceed to the stairwell landing (safe area) or remain in your room.
• Ask someone leaving the building to notify emergency responders of your location. If a phone is available, call 911 or University Police at 202.274.5050 and notify them of your location.
• Await the arrival of emergency-response personnel (e.g. fire department) to aid in evacuating the building.

Rescue is the fire department's top priority. To aid in the evacuation of the mobility-impaired, EvacuTrac Chairs are available. This chair is designed to transport the disabled user, with the assistance of a helper, down the flight of stairs to safety. Know the locations of these chairs in advance.

• Activate the nearest fire alarm if not already activated and call UDC Police 202.274.5050 or 911 if possible. If there are no fire alarms, knock on doors and yell "fire" as you exit the building.
• Evacuate the building. Do not use elevators!
• Feel closed doors with the back of your hand. Do not open if doors are hot.
• Move well away from the building when evacuating and assemble at designated assembly areas.
• Do not re-enter the building until cleared by authorized personnel.

• If an emergency develops or if anyone is in danger, call UDC Police 202.274.5050 or 911 and be prepared to provide the following:
  • Name
  • Location
  • Type of chemical or name of chemical
  • Approximate amount of spilled or released material
  • Extent of any injuries
• Move away from the site of the hazard to a safe location (up wind if possible).
• Follow the instructions of Emergency Responders.
• Alert others to stay clear of the area.
• Notify Emergency Responders if you have been exposed to the hazard or have information about its release.

• Call UDC Police 202.274.5050.
• Provide as much information as you can (i.e. location, nature/severity of the injury, name of the injured person, etc.).
• Do not attempt to move a person who may have neck or spinal injuries.
• During operational hours Student Health Services may be reached at 202.274.5030

• Remain calm and call UDC Police 202.274.5050.
• Provide assistance to others if necessary.
• Move cautiously to a lighted area. Exits may be indicated by lighted signs if the emergency power is operating.
• If asked to evacuate the building by Emergency Responders or other designated personnel, exit as calmly and carefully as possible.
• Do no re-enter the building until authorized by authorities. Listen for information regarding building/college closings.

• Contact UDC Police 202.274.5050.
• DO NOT open or shake it.
• DO NOT carry or show to others.
• DO NOT bring to the Police Department.
• DO NOT sniff, touch or taste.
• DO place on stable surface, preferably a Bio-Safety Cabinet.
• DO alert others in the area as well as your supervisor, instructor, or professor.
• Leave the area, close doors and prevent others from entering by using signs or guarding.
• Distance and separation are the safest precautions to take.
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Create a list of persons in the room where the package was received
• DO NOT use cellular phones or two-way radios.

Suspicious Package Checklist, What to Look For:

• Foreign mail, air mail, and special deliveries.
• Restrictive markings such as “CONFIDENTIAL” or “PERSONAL”.
• Excessive postage.
• Handwritten or poorly typed address.
• Incorrect titles.
• Misspellings of common words.
• Oily stains or discoloration on package.
• Excessive weight.
• Rigid, lopsided, or uneven envelopes.
• Excessive tape or string.
• Visual distractions.
• No return address.
• Protruding wires

• Do not physically confront the person.
• Do not let anyone into a locked building/office.
• Do not block the person's access to an exit.
• Call UDC Police 202.274.5050 and provide as much information as possible about the person and his/her direction of travel.

You may be able to prevent some dangerous situations by watching for these signs:

• Marked change in academic performance or behavior
• Poor performance and preparation
• Excessive absences or tardiness
• Repeated request for special consideration (especially when this represents a change from previous functioning)
• Unusual or changed pattern of interaction
• Avoidance of class participation
• Domination of class discussions
• Excessive anxiety when called upon
• Disruptive behavior
• Problems with peers of family members
• Exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation

Unusual Behavior or Appearance

• Depressed or lethargic mood
• Hyperactive or rapid speech
• Swollen or red eyes
• Change in personal hygiene or dress
• Dramatic weight loss or gain
• Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality

References to Suicide, Homicide, or Death

• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
• Severe psychological pain or overt references to suicide
• Isolation from friends or family
• Homicidal threats

Alert a faculty or staff member, who will refer the situation to the Counseling or Health Center for the appropriate actions, including:

• Talk to the person in private
• If you have initiated the contact, express your concern
• Give hope
• Avoid judging, evaluating, and criticizing
• Maintain clear and consistent boundaries and expectations
• Refer the person the Counseling Center, Health Center, or the UDC Police Department
• Follow-up with the referral
• Consult with the Counseling Center, Health Center or Public Safety for direction

High Wind Event

• If a high wind/tornado warning is received, seek shelter immediately in an area that is in an interior hallway or room; at the lowest level in the building; and/or an area free of windows or glass.
• Protect your body from flying debris with furniture and/or sturdy equipment.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Follow instructions as broadcasted via the Mass Notification System.

Earthquake

• Remain calm. Your self-control helps others stay calm.
• Protect yourself from debris by crouching face down next to a desk or table.
• Avoid things that will fall on you such as bookcases, cabinets, lights and glass.
• If you are outside, stay in an open area away from power lines, walls, trees, etc.
• Do not use a lighter or match inside a building in case gas lines have ruptured.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
• Call UDC Police 202.274.5050 or 911 only if necessary so as to leave lines open.
• After the quake, evacuate carefully but quickly. Follow instructions from Building Managers or emergency personnel. Be aware of hazards and probable jammed doors and broken windows.
• Follow instructions as given by Emergency Personnel.