Statement for Students, Faculty, Staff:

In the event of a security emergency that might include a chemical or biological threat to campus, an alert will be given to the campus by e-mail, telephone, web, and direct contact. Everyone must exercise appropriate judgement in providing for your own personal safety. Be aware of emergency recommendations, i.e. Homeland Security.

The following procedures should be initiated:

Students are encouraged to equip their rooms with the following supplies:

• Bottled water
• Ready to eat non-perishable items that are sealed or canned and do not require cooking.
• Include a manual can opener.
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries.
• Battery operated flashlight and extra batteries (power outages may occur).
• Current medications (at least a four day supply),
• First aid items- i.e. band-aids, antiseptic, gauze, tape
• Hygiene items- i.e. deoderant, wet-wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer (waterless kind), etc.
• Blanket and pillow

It is advised to keep these items pre-packed to take with you in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Where to go: Basement of Regina

It is recommended that you do not remain in your room/office, nor should you leave the campus. Report to Regina Hall Basement. Assistance will be provided for you there. Remain calm.

Staff will be available to direct and provide information when you arrive at Regina.

The Detex system will be deactivated during this time for easy access.

Be aware of those needing Assistance

Be aware of people with disabilities in your area who might require assistance in emergency situations. Be prepared to render assistance if necessary. If you have a disability and you are unable to get to the tunnel area, please call 9-1-1 and tell the dispatcher your location. If you must move, inform the dispatcher that you will wait by the stairwell nearest your room/office. Ask persons exiting the stairway to notify the Security Department of your location.

Voice Mail for incoming calls

Telecommunications has set up a voice mail message system for incoming calls. Parents and other concerned parties who will likely call will hear a voice mail message announcing our status. The voice mail will be updated regularly so that all callers will know that we are fine. There will be three numbers that callers may use:

• (574) 284-4000
• (574) 284-5000
• (866) 574-0762- toll free number

NOTE: The voice mail will be used, and the toll free number is valid ONLY if the Emergency Response Plan is in effect. Please share this information with family members, emphasizing the fact that the voice mail will be activated ONLY if the Emergency Response Plan is in effect.

Important Suggested Information to Stay in Touch with Family and Friends.

• Develop a personal contact plan, including phone numbers and schedules,
• Do not be alarmed if phone lines/circuits are busy for an extended period of time.
• Be familiar with preparedness guidelines issued by the Homeland Security Office: http://www.whitehouse.gov/ .
• Stay tuned to national networks for up to date information.
• Please make it a habit to close all windows (or don't open them) when you leave your office, classroom, dorm room.

Do not panic. Remain calm.

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Emergency Communications: Steps the College will take to keep the campus community informed

Communication Topics:

• Cancellation of classes and other events
• Status of the emergency
• Emergency instructions
  

Communication Methods:

• Direct contact. Designated individuals in each building will go door-to-door alerting occupants to the potential danger and directing them to safety.
  
  
• Security Web page at http://www.saintmarys.edu/~security/emergencycommunications.html
  
  
• Campus-wide e-mails will deliver timely information
  
  
• An emergency toll-free number (866) 574-0762 will feature regularly updated messages regarding the status of the emergency. Parents and other concerned parties can call this number for information. This number will be distributed to media and via the Web. Callers may also use two local numbers: (574) 284-4000 and (574) 284-5000.
  
  
• Posted flyers in designated locations

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What is a "Heightened Security State of Alert?

"A mindset that leads you to notice unusual or suspicious behavior or circumstances and reporting your observations to authorities in a logical, ration and timely manner."

Heightened Security is not intended to induce fear and panic. People should go about their normal business while paying particular attention to their surroundings.

Be aware of and report to Security (284-5000):

Suspicious Behavior/Circumstances:

• People in buildings or areas who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business.
• People monitoring areas, buildings or entrances.
• Unauthorized people in restricted, sensitive or private areas.
• People requesting information with no apparent need for that information.
• People wearing clothing not consistent with the weather conditions at mass population events (bulky coat in warm weather etc.)
• Abandoned parcels or other items in unusual locations or high traffic areas.
  
• Individual attempting to access utility locations (water, electrical, petroleum, telecommunications, information systems).
  
• Multiple persons who appear to be working in unison, committing the above.
  

Be Alert to:

• Abandoned Vehicles
• Vehicles Parked Near Buildings or Public and Common Areas
• Unexpected/Unfamiliar Delivery Trucks
• Unfamiliar Vehicles Parked for Long Periods
• Vehicles Containing Unusual/Suspicious Parcels or Materia
• Vehicles Arriving and Being Left Behind at Off Hours
• Substances Leaking or Spilling from Vehicles
  

Building/Office Security:

• Don't prop open building/residence hall entrance doors/windows. Rectify these situations when you observe them.
  
  
• Account for and secure keys. Don't leave them unattended or give to unauthorized persons. Report lost keys to building manager/department head.
  
  
• Account for and secure all sensitive material/information when not able to attend to it.
  
  
• Account for and secure sensitive deliveries in a timely manner.
  
  
• Secure all areas when not attended.
  
  
• Be aware of unfamiliar persons in or visitors to your office/lab etc.
  
  
• Protect access codes, combinations and cards, change codes regularly.
  
  
• Report compromised codes to the person in charge of area.
  
  
• Be Prepared: Take time out to familiarize yourself with building evacuation plans/routes.
  
  
• Report suspicious tampering with physical security (doors, locks, etc.)
  
  
• Talk with co-workers; know what is out-of-place (unclaimed items etc.)
  
  
• Have a "contact plan" including phone numbers and schedules to stay in touch with family and friends
  
  
• Do not be alarmed if phone lines/circuits are busy for an extended period of time.
  
  
• Be familiar with preparedness guidelines issued by the Homeland Security Office: http://www.whitehouse.gov/
  
  
• Stay tuned to National Networks for up to date information.
  
  
• Do not panic. Remain calm.

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Family Action Plan - General Advice for keeping loved ones safe and in-touch

If an attack or disaster strikes, we need to feel secure in the knowledge that we've developed a plan to keep the members of our families safe and in-touch with one another. The following information is based on recommendations from the American Red Cross as a guide for developing a family emergency plan.

Make a Plan for your Family

• Meet with your family to discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster.
  
  
• Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
  
  
• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
  
  
• Pick two places to meet:
  - Right outside your home in case of an emergency, like a fire.
  - Beyond your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
  - Everyone must know the address and phone number.
  
  
• Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, making local calls may be difficult or impossible, and it’s often easier to call long distance. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know the contact’s phone number.

Preparing your Family for an Emergency: Talking with your Children

Parents may choose not to share family disaster planning information directly with very young children, who may become frightened. If you plan to include your school-aged children in the development of the plan, the following suggestions may be helpful:

• In simple language, explain why it is important to have the family emergency plan
  
  
• Explain that nothing bad is happening at this moment.
  
  
• Involve your children in the planning. For example, they can help to check for batteries, help purchase supplies, etc.
  
  
• Reassure children that they will be protected by a friend, relative or someone else who cares about them until parents can arrive.
  
  
• Do not make things seem worse than they are. Remember that children will be as calm and cooperative as the adults around them.
  
  
• Explain that it is okay to feel scared or afraid.Older children and teens may ask if this plan relates to terrorism. Explain that the events of September 11 remind all parents of the need to be sure that they have plans in place in the event the parent is delayed leaving work. If your child or teen watched news coverage, he or she may be aware that some children and their parents had a difficult time reuniting.
  
  
• If they are already aware of this situation, you can offer the family plan as your personal way to ensure that you will be reunited safely and as soon as possible.
  

As a parent, you know your child best. You can make the best decision about how much information to share.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Please take the time to become familiar with the information provided, and we suggest you print a copy to keep for reference. Check back often for new and expanded information and feel free to contact the Security Department at extension 5000 with questions or concerns.

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Last Update: April 18, 2007
© 2007 Saint Mary's College