Emergency Protocols

Fire Alarm Protocol

When the fire alarm sounds in your building proceed to the nearest exit or follow posted emergency exit plans. Proceed to a designated assembly area as indicated by a Residence Life staff member. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas, and walkways clear for emergency response vehicles and personnel.

Fire Emergency

Residence Life addresses fire safety for its residents through regular maintenance, routine fire drills, and educational programs. Each residence hall conducts regular fire drills for all residents; these drills provide an opportunity to ensure that fire warning systems are functioning properly and that residents know the appropriate evacuation routes. In addition to these fire drills, residence hall staff conduct weekly checks of all fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment, ensuring that these lifesaving tools are fully charged and functional.

In case of fire:

• Sound the alarm. Yell “fire!” repeatedly. As you leave the building, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
• Evacuate the building quickly. Use the nearest exit or follow posted emergency exit plans, and proceed to the designated gathering place.
• If the door to your room feels hot, do not open it. Keep the door closed, place wet towels at the bottom of the door, if possible, to prevent smoke from entering. Call 9-911 for help; if the phone system is not working, yell out the window for help. Remain in your room and wait for assistance.
• If the hallway is filled with smoke, drop low to the ground, cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth if possible, and crawl quickly to the nearest exit. If the smoke is overwhelming or fills the entire hallway, return to and remain in your room, following the procedures above.
• Call 9-911 from a safe place for emergency response services. Provide your name, phone number, and exact building location.
• Call the Shepherd University Police at x5202. The responding officer will be responsible for directing traffic and communicating with fire and ambulance personnel.
• Under no circumstances are residents or staff to reenter the building until the responding Fire Chief or law enforcement officer has indicated that it is safe to do so.

Medical Emergency

For medical or mental health emergencies, students are strongly encouraged to call 9-911 immediately for emergency transport services, and then notify a residence hall staff member for support. Residence Life staff are trained to follow strict protocols in emergency situations. Due to liability and insurance limitations, please note that providers from the campus Health Services are not able to respond to medical emergencies outside of the Health Services facility. In cases where a student’s life may be in danger, staff of Residence Life or a Shepherd University Police Officer may contact individuals listed on the student’s emergency contact information card. Please note that Shepherd University is not responsible for the costs of any emergency transport services or medical care incurred by a student.