Phone: (269) 471-3321
Fax: (269) 471-3910
Public Safety
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
49104-0940
 

Emergency Procedures

Keep Calm, Keep OThers Calm
Police 911
Fire 911
Ambulance 911
AU Public Safety Non-Emergency x3321
  1. The quickest and easiest way to obtain professional help for any type of emergency is to phone Public Safety (x3321).
  2. When calling, stay calm and carefully explain the problem and location to the Public Safety Dispatcher. Do not hang up until told to do so.
  3. Notify the Building Manager. For additional Emergency Procedure
    information, speak with your Building Manager.

Early Warning System

The University has an emergency siren located in the center of campus. This siren will sound whenever there is a confirmed report of a LIFE-THREATENING situation; whether it is weather-related, a chemical spill, or any other situation that threatens lives or property, including hostile shooter. Public Safety can also activate it as needed. In case of an emergency the siren will sound continuously for three (3) minutes followed by one (1) minute of silence and will be repeated as needed. When this happens:

  • SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY
  • Basements and reinforced concrete buildings are your best protection.
  • Go to the lowest part of the building, stay away from outside walls and windows. (Hallways and small rooms provide good protection)
  • For buildings without basements, go to the ground floor. Take cover under heavy furniture in the central part of the building, or in a small room, hallway or bathroom AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

The siren DOES NOT sound an all-clear. To obtain all-clear information and any further information regarding the reason of the siren’s activation, call the campus information line or listen to local media:

  • Call x3321 for phones on the campus phone system.
  • Call 471-3321 from phones outside of the campus phone system.
  • Tune into WAUS (90.7 FM).
  • Go to the University’s website (www.andrews.edu).

This system will be TESTED the first Sunday of each month. A warning siren will sound at 12:00 p.m. (noon). THIS IS ONLY A TEST. Testing will be a constant signal for 3 minutes.

Civil Disturbance or Demonstrations

  1. Most campus demonstrations will be peaceful and everyone should attempt to carry on business as normally as possible. Avoid provoking or obstructing the demonstrators.
  2. Should a disturbance occur, call Public Safety at x3321 and the building manager. To avoid causing additional trouble, use a private office when making the call.
  3. The following actions should also be taken:
    1. Remain on the line with the Public Safety Dispatcher to share information and to receive additional instruction.
    2. Direct someone to alert all individuals in the area of the situation.
    3. Direct someone to lock all doors, secure all files, documents and equipment.
    4. If necessary, cease operations and evacuate.
  4. Public Safety will assess the situation. Participants who refuse to disperse may be subject to prosecution if any campus rules and/or State laws have been violated.
  5. If a class lecture is disrupted, call Public Safety at x3321.

Disturbing, Disruptive or Threaten Behaviors

Andrews University believes the health and well-being of students and of our campus community is of primary importance and therefore the University retains the right to intervene as deemed necessary to help protect life and safety.

Observations of behaviors and activities that appear to jeopardize, threaten or endanger the health or safety of a student or others will be carefully evaluated. Such observations may include a suicidal ideation or gesture, self-injurious actions, aberrant behavior or other health and mental health conditions that may compromise the safety of the student or others.

Andrews University has created a University Student Intervention Team or “USIT”. This team was created to review reports as described above. If you have observed the types of behaviors as described please report this by one of the following means.

  • If it is an Emergency Call 911.
  • You can call Student Life at 471-3215.
  • You can make an anonymous call to Public Safety at 471-3321.
  • You can send an anonymous e-mail to Public Safety by following a link from “contact us”, on the Public Safety page of the University’s web site.

General Evacuation Procedures

  1. Everyone is to evacuate a building when a fire alarm sounds and/or upon notification by Public Safety or the building manager.
  2. Be aware of all marked exits from your area and building. Know the routes of escape from your work area.
  3. Fire alarms ring in the building where they have been activated and also send an alert message to Public Safety.
  4. When the building’s fire alarm is sounded, quickly walk to the nearest exit and ask others to do the same.
  5. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING.
  6. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
  7. Once outside, move to a designated clear area away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  8. If requested, assist Public Safety and/or the building manager.
  9. A Public Safety Incident Command Center (ICC) may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the ICC unless you have information to report.
  10. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING until directed to do so by Public Safety, the Fire Department or the building manager.
  11. Refer to the emergency procedures specific to your building.

Explosion, Aircraft Crash or Similar Incident

In the event of an accident such as an explosion or aircraft crash occurring on campus that could render a building or area unsafe, take the following actions:

  1. Immediately take cover under tables, desks or other such objects that will give protection against falling glass or debris.
  2. After the effects of the explosion and/or fire have subsided, notify Public Safety (x3321) and the building manager. Give your name and describe the location and nature of the emergency.
  3. When appropriate, or you are told to leave by Public Safety or the building manager, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  4. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING.
  5. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
  6. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  7. If requested, assist Public Safety and/or the building manager.
  8. An Incident Command Center (ICC) may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the ICC unless you have important information to report.
  9. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by Public Safety or the building manager.

Tornado

During a tornado alert or strike, stay calm and quickly follow the steps outlined below.

  1. If indoors, seek shelter in the lowest level of the building. Interior hallways or rooms are preferable, AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
  2. If outdoors, take cover in the nearest ditch or depression, away from power lines, buildings and trees. DO NOT STAY IN A CAR OR ATTEMPT TO OUTRUN THE TORNADO.
  3. After the tornado has passed, evaluate the situation and if emergency help is necessary, contact Public Safety at x3321 and the building manager. Be aware at all times of dangerous structural conditions around you.
  4. Damaged facilities should be reported to Public Safety. NOTE: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards. Please refer to the section on utility failure.
  5. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING.
  6. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
  7. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building(s). Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  8. If requested, assist Public Safety and/or the building manager.
  9. Do not return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by Public Safety or the building manager.
  10. If necessary, an Incident Command Center (ICC) will be activated by Public Safety.
  11. All emergency procedures will be directed through the ICC. Building managers will be in contact with the ICC—communications will flow through the building manager.
  12. STAY CALM. All emergency response efforts will require clear thinking and cooperation from all members of the campus community.

Medical and First Aid

  1. If a serious injury or illness occurs on campus, immediately call Public Safety at x3321. Give your name; describe the nature and severity of the medical problem, and the campus location of the victim. NOTE: Public Safety has a direct line to the paramedics and ambulance and can render first aid.
  2. In case of minor injury or illness, provide first aid care. Use the first aid materials located in the building. Be sure to restock first aid supply kits as materials are used.
  3. In case of serious injury or illness:
    1. Keep victim still and comfortable. DO NOT MOVE VICTIM.
    2. Ask victim, “Are you okay?” and “What is wrong?”
    3. Check breathing and give rescue breathing if necessary.
    4. Control serious bleeding by direct pressure on the wound.
    5. Continue to assist the victim until help arrives.
    6. Look for emergency medical I.D., question witnesses, and give all information to Public Safety.
  4. Every office should have a person trained in first aid and CPR. Only trained personnel (i.e. first aid, CPR) should provide first aid treatment. The following persons are trained in first aid and CPR in your building and/or area.

Chemical or Radiation Spill

  1. Any spillage of a chemical or radioactive material is to be reported immediately to Public Safety at x3321.
  2. When reporting, be specific about the nature of the involved material and the location. Public Safety will contact the necessary specialized authorities and medical personnel.
  3. Risk assessment should be conducted immediately. All persons not trained in spill containment techniques should immediately evacuate the area and contact Public Safety by dialing x3321.
  4. Persons trained in chemical spill containment techniques should contact Public Safety, while they begin spill containment procedures.
  5. Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill is to avoid contact with others as much as possible. Required first aid and clean up by specialized authorities should be started at once.
  6. If necessary, or if directed to do so by Public Safety or the building manager, activate the building’s fire alarm. Fire alarms ring in the building where they have been activated and also send an alert message to
    Public Safety.
  7. If necessary, or if you are told to leave the building by Public Safety or the building manager, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  8. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILTIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING.
  9. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
  10. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building(s). Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  11. If requested, assist Public Safety or building manager.
  12. An Incident Command Center (ICC) may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the ICC unless you have important information to report.
  13. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by Public Safety or the building manager.

Bomb Threat

  1. If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus, DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT. Clear the area and immediately call Public Safety at x3321. Refer to steps “6” through “11” below for further instructions.
  2. Any person receiving a phone call that a bomb or other explosive device has been placed on campus should ask the caller:
    1. When is the bomb going to explode?
    2. Where is the bomb located?
    3. What kind of bomb is it?
    4. What does it look like?
    5. Why did you place the bomb?
  3. Keep talking to the caller as long as possible and write down the following information:
    1. Time of call
    2. Age and sex of caller
    3. Speech pattern, accent
    4. Background noise
  4. Immediately notify Public Safety by dialing x3321 and supply them with the information outlined above.
  5. Employees are requested to make a cursory inspection of their area for suspicious objects and to report the location to Public Safety. DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT.
  6. If necessary or if directed to do so by Public Safety or the building manager, activate the building fire alarm. Fire alarms ring in the building where they have been activated and also send an alert message to
    Public Safety.
  7. When the building fire alarms are sounded or when told to leave by Public Safety or the building manager walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  8. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING.
  9. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
  10. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building(s). Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  11. If requested, assist Public Safety and/or the building manager.
  12. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by Public Safety or the building manager.

Fire

  1. Know the location of fire extinguishers in your area and know how to use them. Training and information are available through Public Safety at x3321.
  2. On a minor fire that appears controllable, IMMEDIATELY contact Public Safety. Promptly direct the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
    1. PULL
    2. AIM
    3. SQUEEZE
    4. SWEEP
  3. If necessary or if directed to do so by Public Safety or the building manager, activate the building fire alarm. Fire alarms ring in the building where they have been activated and also send an alert message to Public Safety.
  4. On large fires that do not appear controllable, IMMEDIATELY contact Public Safety and the building manager. Evacuate all affected rooms closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen. DO NOT LOCK DOORS.
  5. When the building fire alarm is sounded or when told to leave by Public Safety or the building manager, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit, and alert others to do the same.
  6. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING.
  7. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
  8. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building. (Assembly area if your building has one.) Keep the streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  9. If requested, assist Public Safety and/or the building manager.
  10. An Incident Command Center (ICC) may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the ICC unless you have important information to report.
  11. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by Public Safety or the building manager.
    NOTE: 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 marker for emergency personnel. If there is no window stay near the floor where air will be more breathable. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency personnel of your location.

First Aid Instructions

In all cases, notify Public Safety at x3321. If you have been trained to do rescue breathing, proceed as trained.

Poisoning and Overdose

  1. Determine what substance is involved and how it was taken.
  2. Stay with victim and assist as necessary.

Fainting, Unconsciousness and Shock

  1. Have victim lie or sit down and rest.
  2. Keep victim comfortable.
  3. Ask or look for emergency medical I.D.
  4. Treat other injuries as necessary.

Burns—Thermal and Chemical

  1. If dry chemicals, brush off and remove clothing.
  2. Flood chemical burn with tepid water.
  3. Cover burn with dry sterile bandage.
  4. Keep victim quiet and comfortable.

Choking

  • Lying Down Patient
    1. Check victim’s mouth and clear foreign matter.
    2. Use abdominal thrusts.
  • Standing Patient
    1. If coughing and breathing, stay with patient.
    2. If unable to speak, perform abdominal thrusts.

Severe Bleeding and Wounds

  1. Apply direct pressure on wound.
  2. Use clean cloth or gloved hand.
  3. Apply pressure to blood vessel, if necessary.
  4. Elevate body part.
  5. Add more cloth if blood soaks through.
    Keep pressure on wound until help arrives.
  6. If patient loses consciousness, open airway and elevate legs.

Heart Attack

  1. Place victim lying down on back.
  2. Give resuscitation or CPR as necessary.
  3. Keep victim comfortable, not hot or cold.
  4. Ask or look for emergency medical I.D.

Fractures and Sprains

  1. Keep victim still.
  2. Keep injured area immobile.
  3. Use ice pack if available to reduce swelling.

NOTE: Professional medical care should be sought after first aid is given for above conditions.

 

Disturbing, Disruptive or Threatening Behaviors

Andrews University believes the health and wellbeing of students and the campus community is of primary importance and therefore the University retains the right to intervene as deemed necessary to help protect life and safety.

Observations of behaviors and activities that appear to jeopardize, threaten or endanger the health or safety of students or others will be carefully evaluated. Such observations may include a suicidal ideation or gesture, self-injurious actions, aberrant behavior or other physical and mental health conditions that may compromise the safety of students or others.

Andrews University has created a University Student Intervention Team (USIT). This team was created to review reports as described above. If you have observed any of the types of behaviors as described, please report this by one of the following means:

  • For emergencies, call 911.
  • Call Student Life at 471-3215.
  • Make an anonymous call to Public Safety at 471-332.
  • Send an anonymous e-mail to Public Safety by following this link on the Public Safety website at www.andrews.edu/services/safety/contact/

Violent or Criminal Behavior

Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations or persons and by reporting them as outlined below.

  1. If you are the victim of, or witness to, any criminal acts, such as an assault, robbery, theft, overt sexual behavior, etc., immediately contact Public Safety at x3321.
  2. Notify Public Safety at x3321 as soon as possible and supply them with the following information:
    1. Location of incident
    2. Nature of incident
    3. Description of person(s) involved
    4. Description of property involved
  3. If you witness a criminal act or notice a person(s) acting suspiciously on campus, immediately notify Public Safety and give them the information outlined in #2 above.
  4. Assist the police when they arrive by supplying them with all additional information and ask others to do the same.
  5. Should a sniper be firing a weapon on or near campus, you should take cover immediately using all available cover.
  6. CONDUCT WHILE BEING HELD HOSTAGE
    1. Under all circumstances, attempt to stay calm and be alert to situations that you can exploit to your advantage. Remember that the primary objective of law enforcement officials will be to secure your safe return as quickly as possible.
    2. Do not attempt to fight back or to struggle physically. No matter how “reasonable” your captors may appear on the surface, they cannot be trusted to behave normally and their actions may be unpredictable.
    3. Comply with the instructions of your abductors as well as you can.
    4. Do not discuss what action your family, friends or employer may take.
    5. Make a mental note of all movements including times in transit, direction, distance, speeds, landmarks along the way, special odors and sounds like transportation, bells, construction, etc.
    6. Whenever possible, take note of the characteristics of your abductors, their habits, surroundings, speech mannerism, and what contacts they make.
    7. Generally, you cannot expect to have a good opportunity to escape; any attempt to escape should not be made unless it is indicated that your life is in imminent danger. Carefully calculate the best possible odds for success.
    8. Avoid making provocative remarks to your abductors. As noted, they may be unstable individuals who react explosively and are likely to be violent and abusive.
    9. Try to establish some kind of rapport with your captors.

Major Utility Failure

  1. In the event of a major utility failure (gas leak, smoke, electrical problem, etc.) immediately notify Public Safety at x3321.
  2. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING.
  3. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
  4. Once outside, move to a clear area, away from the hazard and affected building. Keep walk and roadways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  5. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by Public Safety or the building manager.

Additional Information and Procedures

  • Electrical/Light Failure. Each building is equipped with an emergency light system that will provide enough illumination in corridors and stairs for safe exiting.
  • Elevator Failure. If you are trapped in an elevator, use the emergency phone in the elevator to notify Public Safety. If you find someone trapped in an elevator, call x3321 and report it to Public Safety. Elevator safety is governed by code and rescues are to be made by firefighters.
  • Plumbing Failure/Flooding. Cease using all electrical equipment. Notify Public Safety at x3321. If necessary, vacate the area.
  • Serious Gas Leak. Cease all operations. DO NOT SWITCH ON LIGHTS OR ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Remember, electrical arcing can trigger an explosion. Notify Public Safety at x3321 and vacate the area.
  • High Temperature Hot Water Lines Failure. Immediately notify Public Safety at x3321 and vacate the area.
  • Ventilation Problem. If smoke or odors come from the ventilation system, immediately notify Public Safety at x3321. If necessary, cease all operations and vacate the area.

Guidelines For Establishing Building-Specific Plans

  1. The cover page of the Emergency Procedures Guide should be filled in, identifying the building and floor area.
  2. The “Reporting Emergencies” section and the “Medical and First Aid” section of the Emergency Procedures Guide should also be completed.
  3. The building-specific plan should be inserted on top of this page in every Emergency Procedures Guide in the building.
  4. All building-specific plans should be coordinated between the building manager, Public Safety and Plant Services.
  5. The following information should be included in the building-specific plan.
    1. Names of building coordinator and assistants, including phone numbers.
    2. Floor plans.
    3. Designated emergency routes.
    4. Designated assembly areas.
    5. Location of emergency supplies.
    6. Locations of fire extinguishers.
    7. Building specific details concerning emergency evacuation and procedures following emergencies.
    8. The date of the implementation.
    9. Page numbers—total pages (example: Page 1 of 6)
    10. The location of emergency shut-off valves such as electrical/gas.

Sexual Assault

Everyone can and should take precautions to prevent victimization. This includes increasing your knowledge of potentially dangerous situations, avoiding them when possible and being prepared to deal with them as they are recognized. Some suggestions for improving personal safety are:

At Home

  • Make sure hallways, garages and grounds are lighted. Have key ready to open door.
  • Leave a spare key with a friend rather than leaving it under the doormat or over the door.
  • Lock windows and doors. Pull shades or curtains after dark so it is not as easy to advertise that no one else is home.
  • List only last name and initials on mailbox, door and phone book.
  • Do not give out information or make appointments with strangers over the phone.
  • Do not admit strangers to your home. If an unexpected person approaches your door, determine identification before opening the door.

At The Office

  • The office environment is unique. Each department, depending upon working habits, public commitments and style of operation, will differ. A safety system can be developed which will complement the particular environment in which you work. Public Safety (x3321) should be contacted as a resource for information and assistance in the design of a personal protection program for your office.

In The Car

  • Park in well-lighted areas.
  • Walk back to car with key ready.
  • Check back seat before getting in to make sure no one is hiding.
  • Keep doors locked at all times.
  • If the car breaks down, raise the hood, put on the emergency lights, and lock the doors. Wait for someone to stop and offer help; stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police or a tow service.
  • Avoid hitchhiking and hitchhikers due to the obvious high risks involved.

If You Are the Victim of a Sexual Assault or Attack

  • Attempt to stay calm and remain alert. Look for situations that you can exploit to your advantage. Your primary objective should be to survive the attack, and if possible, avoid serious injury to yourself.
  • If possible, try to get away as fast as you can. The decision to fight back will be yours alone. If you decide to fight, be as aggressive and vicious as possible. Your survival may very well be at stake. If, however, you are immediately threatened and attempting to escape or fight back is not possible, it may be necessary to cooperate somewhat until a safer opportunity for escape presents itself. You should never leave the location with an attacker. Remember, staying alive is your most important concern.
  • Take notice of the characteristics of your assailant and perhaps talk your way out of a rape situation, or provide a means of escape. This information is invaluable for the police in trying to apprehend the criminal.
  • If you are on campus, notify Public Safety at x3321 as soon as possible.

Referral Service

Andrews University Department of Public Safety, in conjunction with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, hosts yearly R.A.D. (Rape Aggressive Defense) trainings on campus, as well as throughout the County. Followup intervention is available with the Sheriff’s Department, the University’s Counseling Center and Student Life office. To report a sexual assault, contact the Public Safety office immediately at x3321 or dial 911 to connect with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

Active Shooter

Violent incidents, including but not limited to: acts of terrorism, an active shooter, assaults, or other incidents of workplace violence can occur on the University grounds or in close proximity with little or no warning. An active shooter is considered to be a suspect or assailant whose activity is immediately causing serious injury or death and has not been contained.

The following information regarding law enforcement response will enable you to take appropriate protective actions for yourself. Try to remain calm as your actions will influence others. The following instructions are intended for incidents that are of an emergent nature (i.e. imminent or in-progress).

Immediate Action

  1. Secure the immediate area. Whether a classroom, residence hall room, office or restroom:
    1. Lock or barricade the door, if able. Turn off the lights. Block the door using whatever is available, such as desks, tables, file cabinets, other furniture, etc.
    2. After securing the door, stay behind solid objects away from the door as much as possible.
    3. If the assailant enters your room and leaves, lock or barricade the door behind them.
    4. If safe to do so, allow others to seek refuge with you.

  2. Protective Actions. Take appropriate steps to reduce your vulnerability:
    1. Close blinds.
    2. Block windows.
    3. Turn off radios and computer monitors.
    4. Silence cell phones.
    5. Place signs in interior doors and windows, but remember the assailant can see these as well.
    6. Place signs in exterior windows to identify your location and the location of injured persons. (If you have injured in your room put a red sign in the window, if you are without injured put a green sign in the window.)
    7. Keep people calm and quiet.
    8. After securing the room, people should be positioned out of sight and behind items that might offer additional protection, such as walls, desks, file cabinets, bookshelves, etc.

  3. Unsecured Areas. If you find yourself in an open area, immediately seek protection:
    1. Put something between you and the assailant.
    2. Consider trying to escape, if you know where the assailant is and there appears to be an escape route immediately available to you.
    3. If in doubt, find the safest area available and secure it the best way that you can.

  4. Call 911. Emergency situations should be reported to law enforcement by dialing 911. You may hear multiple rings but stay on the line until it is answered, do not hang up. Be prepared to provide the 911 operator with as much information as possible, such as the following:
    1. What is happening.
    2. Where you are located, including building name and room number.
    3. Number of people at your specific location.
    4. Injuries, if any, including the number of injured and types of injuries.

    Your name and other information as requested. Try to provide information in a calm, clear manner so that the 911 operator can quickly relay your information to responding law enforcement and emergency personnel.

  5. What to Report. Try to note as much as possible about the assailant, including:

    1. Specific location and direction of the assailant.
    2. Number of assailants.
    3. Gender, race, and age of the assailant.
    4. Language or commands used by the assailant.
    5. Clothing color and style.
    6. Physical features, e.g., height, weight, facial hair, glasses.
    7. Type of weapons, e.g., handgun, rifle, shotgun, explosives.
    8. Description of any backpack or bag.
    9. Do you recognize the assailant? Do you know their name?
    10. What exactly did you hear, e.g., explosions, gunshots, etc.

  6. Treat the injured. The 911 operator will notify law enforcement and other emergency services, EMS will respond to the site, but will not be able to enter the area until it is secured by law enforcement. You may have to treat the injured as best you can until the area is secure. Remember basic first aid:
    1. For bleeding apply pressure and elevate. Many items can be used for this purpose, e.g. clothing, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, newspapers, etc.
    2. Reassure those in the area that help will arrive and try to stay quiet and calm.

  7. Un-securing the Area
    1. The assailant may not stop until his objectives have been met or until engaged or neutralized by law enforcement.
    2. Always consider the risk exposure by opening the door for any reason.
    3. Attempts to rescue people should only be made if they can be done without further endangering either yourself or the persons inside of the secured area.
    4. Be aware that the assailant may bang on the door, yell for help, or otherwise attempt to entice you to open the door of a secured area.
    5. If there is any doubt about the safety of the individuals inside the room, the area needs to remain secured.

Law Enforcement Response

Law Enforcement will immediately respond to the area, assisted by other local law enforcement agencies if necessary. Remember:

  1. Help is on the way. It is important for you to:
    1. Remain inside the secure area.
    2. Law enforcement will locate, contain, and stop the assailant.
    3. The safest place for you to be is in a secure room.
    4. The assailant may not flee when law enforcement enters the building, but instead may target arriving officers.

  2. Injured Persons. Initial responding officers will not treat the injured or begin evacuation until the threat is neutralized and the area is secure.
    1. You may need to explain this to others to calm them.
    2. Once the threat is neutralized, officers will begin treatment and evacuation

  3. Evacuation. Responding officer will establish safe corridors for persons to evacuate.
    1. This may be time consuming.
    2. Remain in secure areas until instructed otherwise.
    3. You may be instructed to keep your hands on your head.
    4. You may be searched.
    5. You may be escorted out of the building by law enforcement personnel, simply follow their directions.
    6. After evacuation you may be taken to a staging or holding area for medical care, interviewing, counseling, etc.
    7. Once you have been evacuated you will not be permitted to retrieve items or access the area until law enforcement releases the crime scene.

Subsequent Procedures/Information
We cannot predict the origin of the next threat; assailants in incidents across the nation have been students, employees, and non-students alike. In many cases there were no obvious specific targets and the victims were unaware that they were a target until attacked. Being aware of your surroundings, taking common sense precautions, and heeding any warning information can help protect you and other members of the community.

 
Andrews University is a Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher education
Phone: 1-800-253-2874     E-mail: enroll@andrews.edu
Copyright © 2009 Andrews University
Berrien Springs, Michigan 49104