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Emergency Guide

An Emergency can occur at any time. The guidelines provided here will help prepare you to respond in the event an emergency does occur.

These same guidelines can be find in the hundreds of Emergency Guide flip charts located around campus and in the SafeRedbirds app.

  • Active Shooter
  • A shooting is occurring/has occurred on campus.
  • The shooter is not yet caught.
  • There is an immediate threat.

If an active shooter is reported on campus:

  1. If possible, run to a safe area and take precautions until an all-clear message is issued. Response depends on the situation, which is unpredictable.
  2. If you can't run, hide in what you believe to be a safe place. Get down, take cover, turn off lights, close blinds and, if possible, lock/barricade the door.
  3. If you can't run or hide, fight with everything you have.
  • Armed Robbery
  • An armed robbery is NOT an active shooter situation.
  • A person committed an armed robbery or home invasion with a gun/weapon and is believed to be on or near campus.
  • The person is not yet apprehended and is believed to be armed and dangerous.
  • There is the potential of an immediate threat.

If an armed robbery is reported on campus:

  1. Remain aware and alert of surroundings.
  2. Call 911 if you see any suspicious, threatening, or alarming behavior. Move away from the person before calling.

If confronted by an armed person who is NOT actively shooting:

  1. Follow the person's directions.
  2. Do not get into a power struggle over personal items/valuables.
  3. Get a good description, and call 911 as soon as possible.
    • Tell the 911 operator your name, location, and whether you need medical attention.
  • Bomb Threat / Suspicious Packages

View ISU and DHS Bomb Threat Checklist

If you receive a bomb threat by phone:

  1. Remain calm and secure as much information as possible.
  2. Try and keep the person on the line. Do not hang up.
  3. Use another line, or have someone else call 911.
  4. Follow directions of the police. If directed to evacuate, report to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area, unless told to do otherwise by police.

Note: Please ensure this Bomb Threat Procedures document is readily available, especially to those personnel who answer main phone lines

If you receive a suspicious package:

  1. Call 911.
  2. Do not handle the package.
  3. Leave the room and close the door.
  4. Wash your hands.
  5. Identify and isolate anyone who came in contact with the package.
  6. Do not go to the emergency room.
  7. Follow directions of the police. If directed to evacuate, report to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area, unless told to do otherwise by police.
  • Chemical Spill / Hazardous Materials

A significant spill is one that by volume and/or because of its characteristics cannot be cleaned up safely with supplies and equipment immediately available.

If there is a significant chemical spill:

  1. If safe to do so, isolate the area by closing doors to prevent others from entering.
  2. Notify others in the area/building of the need to evacuate. Report to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area.
  3. Call 911. Identify this is an Illinois State University campus emergency. If known, state the type and amount of chemical spilled.
  4. Do not attempt to clean up any chemical spill without the proper training or without consulting Environmental Health and Safety staff at (309) 438-8325.
  5. Isolate any potentially contaminated person until first responders arrive.

If an individual has been contaminated:

  1. Remove contaminated clothing.
  2. Use eye wash, emergency shower, or other means of continuous water irrigation for 15 minutes to flush affected area.
  3. Call 911. Arrange for someone to meet emergency responders.

If a hazardous materials incident occurs in the community An Emergency Alert System (EAS) public service announcement will be issued via radio and television. An ISU Emergency Alert will also be sent, including instructions on what to do if you are in an impacted area.

  • Earthquakes

If there is an earthquake:

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Seek refuge under a desk, table, or stable item. Face away from windows/glass.
  3. Cover the back of your neck and head. Hold onto the object to remain protected, should it move.
  4. If outside, get to the nearest open space. Stay away from buildings, overhangs, utility poles, and power lines.

After the earthquake stops:

  1. Evaluate the severity. Check for personal injuries. Protect yourself at all times and be prepared for aftershocks.
  2. Call 911 to report injuries/immediate health hazards.
  3. Go to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area so that an accountability process can be started. Take keys, wallet, purse, and emergency supplies, and use the exit routes that are closest and safest. Do not use elevators.
  4. Let the police or fire department know if someone is missing or trapped inside, and/or needs assistance.
  5. Remain at the designated Evacuation Assembly Area until you are released.
  6. Stay out of the way of emergency personnel and equipment.
  7. Do not re-enter the building until you are approved to do so by University Police or Environmental Health and Safety staff.
  • Explosion

If there is an explosion:

  1. Immediately take cover under sturdy tables, desks, or other objects that will give protection against a secondary explosion, flying glass/debris, etc.
  2. Remain inside the building until it is considered safe to exit.
  3. Evacuate by following the nearest exit routes. Do not use elevators. Activate the fire alarm pull station as you leave.
  4. Assist anyone needing help, if safe to do so.
  5. Once safely out of the building, call 911. Identify this is an Illinois State University campus emergency.
  6. Go to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area so that an accountability process can be started.
  7. Remain at the designated Evacuation Assembly Area until you are released.
  8. Let the police or fire department know if someone is missing or trapped inside, and/or needs assistance.
  9. Stay out of the way of emergency personnel and equipment.
  10. Do not re-enter the building until you are approved to do so by University Police or Environmental Health and Safety staff.
  • Fires

If you see smoke or fire:

  1. Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
  2. Exit the building as explained below.
    1. Use the nearest exit route to leave immediately.
    2. Be alert for smoke as you identify an exit path.
      1. Check doors and handles with the back of your hand. If hot to the touch or smoke is present, don't open the door. Find an alternate exit path.
      2. DO NOT use elevators.
    3. Assist anyone needing help, if safe to do so.
    4. Call 911 once you are safely out of the building. Identify the fire as an Illinois State University campus emergency.
    5. Go to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area so that an accountability process can be started.
    6. Remain at the designated Evacuation Assembly Area until you are released.
    7. Let the police or fire department know if someone is missing or trapped inside, and/or needs assistance.
    8. Stay out of the way of emergency personnel and equipment.
    9. Do not re-enter the building until you are approved to do so by University Police or Environmental Health and Safety staff.

If trapped in a room:

  1. Seal the base of your door. Use a wet towel or cloth, if possible, to prevent smoke from entering.
  2. Call 911 to report your situation and location.
  3. Move to a window and signal for help if possible.
  • Hostage Situation

If a hostage situation is unfolding on campus:

  1. Avoid the area until an all-clear is issued.
  2. Remain aware and alert of your surroundings.
  3. Call 911 if you see any suspicious, threatening, or alarming behavior. Move away from the person before calling.

If you have been taken hostage:

  1. Try to remain calm.
  2. Follow directions.
  3. Avoid sudden movements.
  4. Maintain eye contact, but do not stare.
  5. Don't act in a way that is too assertive or too passive.
  6. Personalize yourself to the aggressor.
  7. Don't argue.
  8. Don't be a nuisance.
  9. Don't turn your back.
  10. Wait for authorities to resolve the situation.
  • Medical Emergencies / Cardiac Arrest

If you witness a medical emergency (i.e. heart attack, stroke, etc.)

  1. Dial 911 immediately. Identify this is an Illinois State University campus emergency. Stay on the phone until you are released by the dispatcher.
  2. Be prepared to provide the following information:
    • Name of victim, if known
    • Nature of illness or injury
    • Location
    • Location where someone will meet an ambulance crew
    • Other pertinent information that may be requested
  3. Check the area for anything dangerous that could make rescue hazardous (electrical wires, broken glass, chemicals).
  4. Administer CPR/first aid/AED (automated external defibrillator) if you have the appropriate training. Provide assistance that matches your knowledge/training level. Use personal protective equipment when rendering aid.
  5. Do not move a person with injuries, unless danger is imminent.
  6. Stay with the individual until emergency personnel arrive, if it is safe to do so.
  7. If you have contact with blood or other bodily fluids, wash the affected area thoroughly. Ask the University Police Department for directions on whom to contact for blood-borne exposure management.
  • Person with a Weapon
  • A person with a weapon is NOT an active shooter situation.
  • A person is believed to be armed and dangerous on or near campus.
  • There is the potential of an immediate threat.

If a person with a weapon is reported on campus:

  1. Remain aware and alert of surroundings.
  2. Call 911 if you see any suspicious, threatening, or alarming behavior. Move away from the person before calling.

If confronted by an armed person who is NOT actively shooting:

  1. Follow the person's directions.
  2. Do not get into a power struggle over personal items/valuables.
  3. Get a good description, and call 911 as soon as possible.
    • Tell the 911 operator your name, location, and whether you need medical attention.
  • Power Outage

If there is a sustained power outage:

  1. Remain calm and contact University Police to report the power outage.
  2. As deemed necessary, cautiously relocate to an area that has power, or at least emergency lighting.
  3. Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers (will expedite thawing of food).
  4. Follow directions of University administrative personnel.

If you relocate:

  1. Turn off or unplug voltage-sensitive items.
  2. Bring cell phones and power cords to charge your mobile devices.
  3. Bring necessary medications.
  4. Tell a roommate, close friend or RA where you plan to relocate.
  • Shots Fired
  • A person reportedly discharged a firearm on or near campus.
  • The person may be armed/dangerous.
  • There is the potential of an immediate threat.

If shots are reported on campus:

  1. Know that the incident may be a result of fireworks, other loud noises, or a self-inflicted injury that is not a campus threat.
  2. Remain aware and alert of surroundings.
  3. Call 911 if you see any suspicious, threatening, or alarming behavior. Move away from the person before calling.

If confronted with an active shooter in your immediate area:

  1. Response depends on the situation, which is unpredictable. If possible, run to a safe area and take precautions until an all-clear is issued.
  2. If you can't run, hide in what you believe to be a safe place. Get down, take cover, turn off lights, close blinds and, if possible, lock/barricade the door.
  3. If you can't run or hide, fight with everything you have.
  • Storms & Tornados

If a tornado warning is issued:

  1. Take shelter immediately. Move to the predesignated tornado shelter area (identified in your Departmental Emergency Response Plan and on the Designated Emergency Assembly Area stickers posted in campus classrooms). If you are unsure of a shelter location, move to an inner hallway, stairwell, underground structure, restroom, or an area directly supported and relatively free from exterior windows/glass. If you are the last one out, close the doors as you exit.
  2. Avoid the top floor of a building and areas such as an elevator, lobby, gym, auditorium, or dining center.
  3. Keep a cell phone with you to receive the all-clear message via ISU Emergency Alert. If possible, take a flashlight with you in case of a power outage.
  4. Remain sheltered until the all-clear message is received via ISU Emergency Alert. Use caution exiting, as storm damage is possible (downed power lines, damaged buildings, downed tree limbs, etc.).

Tornado/Destructive Thunderstorm Warning

  • Suspicious Activity

Suspicious activity can take on many forms, including:

  • Someone scoping out a facility.
  • Someone abandoning a backpack.
  • Someone asking probing questions about a critical facility or upcoming event.
  • Someone asking probing questions about the internal workings of your workplace.

If you are concerned or feel unsure about an activity you witnessed, call the ISU Police Department at 309-438-8631 to report your concerns.

  • Winter Weather

If you are stranded in your vehicle:

  1. Call 911. If unable, remain observant of passing vehicles and flag them down.
  2. Slightly crack your windows. Turn on your hazard lights; turn off your headlights.
  3. Clear out the area around your vehicle's tailpipe to avoid carbon monoxide backing up inside the vehicle.
  4. If your vehicle is low on fuel, turn it off and run it for 10 minutes every hour.
  5. Periodically ensure the tailpipe area remains clear.
  6. Attempt to stay warm by doing exercises and/or huddle together with a vehicle occupant.
  7. If your cell phone battery is low, turn off WiFi and other non-essential apps and services.
  8. Stay hydrated.If you do not have water, you can drink melted snow.

If you have to travel during extreme cold or high precipitation storms:

  1. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
  2. Wear a hat (40% of body heat is lost from your head).
  3. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
  4. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
  5. Wear water-resistant shoes or boots.
  6. Limit time outdoors as frostbite can occur in as little as 15 minutes with wind chills below -30.

Keep your cell phone close to your body to keep the battery warm.