Stevenson University Emergency Procedures
Reference Guide

The Stevenson University Emergency Procedures Reference Guide provides helpful information to employees and students should emergency situations arise on campus.

For all campus emergencies call campus security
Dial x4500 or 443-352-4500

Hostage or Barricade

If a hostage or barricade situation occurs on the campus property do not attempt to negotiate. Establish a line of communication to get information only. If there is communication regarding the hostage/barricade over the telephone, attempt to maintain communication with the caller to gain additional information until authorities arrive.

  1. Call Campus Security immediately at x4500 or 443-352-4500.
  2. Campus Security will notify the police.
  3. Campus Security will meet the police at the entrance of the University property and escort them to the scene. At this time, law enforcement is responsible for the resolution, investigation, and processing of the scene with assistance from Campus Security.
  4. DO NOT APPROACH/CONFRONT A PERSON SUSPECTED OF HAVING A WEAPON. Make every effort to keep your eyes on the suspect until help arrives so that you can point him/her out to the police.
  5. It is best to have the police officer confront the suspect and conduct the search. The police should take possession of the firearm, weapon or explosive.
  6. Campus Security will ask the police officer to photograph the weapon.
  7. Treat all firearms, weapons or explosives as if they were loaded. If one is found, do not pick it up but report the location to Campus Security, immediately at x4500 or 443-352-4500.

Sexual Assault or Rape

Special sensitivity is necessary when dealing with sexual assault and rape. The primary concerns are the physical and emotional health and safety of the victim, the safety of the University community, protection of the victim from undue embarrassment or publicity, and ensuring confidentiality.

  1. When confronted with the possibility that a sexual assault or rape has occurred, attend to the needs of the victim and ask what the victim would like to do.
  2. Encourage the victim to seek medical attention or to go to the Wellness Center (x4200).
  3. The following procedures should be followed to preserve evidence:
  • Do not clean up the location where the act was committed, e.g., room, car.
  • The victim should not bathe, shower, or douche prior to the medical examination. The doctor will give instruction on appropriate hygiene and medications to protect health.
  • Do not discard any clothing worn during the assault; put it in a paper bag (do not use a plastic bag).

4. Call Campus Security at x4500, or 443-352-4500. Inform the victim that a confidential report can be filed. (Pursuant to the Clery Act, Title IX, Stevenson University employees are required to report all allegations of sexual assault to Campus Security or the Vice President of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator).

5. Campus Security or the Vice President of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator will inform the victim of the right to press charges and will proceed with the university investigation. Arrangements can be made to transport the victim to a medical facility, and the Wellness Center and Residence Life staff (if appropriate) can be called for support.

Shelter in Place

In the event you are directed to Shelter in Place via the SU Desktop Alert, the SU Alert text/email or blast email to all computers follow these procedures immediately:

  1. Stop what you are doing and shelter in your current location or immediately seek a room to shelter in.
  2. Shut and lock doors and windows. Pull the blinds down and barricade the door.
  3. Await further instructions from SU Alert.

Sniper/Shooter

1. If you are near a phone and can safely do so, dial 911. If the shooter is near, silence your cell phone.
2. Practice the protocol of Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD)

  • AVOID starts with your state of mind.
    • Pay attention to your surroundings.
    • Have an exit plan.
    • Move away from the source of the threat as quickly as possible.
    • The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better.
  •  DENY when getting away is difficult or maybe even impossible.
    • Keep distance between you and the source.
    • Lock doors and turn off the lights.
    • Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you.
    • Once barriers are created, drop to the floor, remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects.
    • Silence your phone completely, vibration mode should be turned off.
  • DEFEND because you have the right to protect yourself.
    • If you cannot avoid or deny be prepared to defend yourself.
    • Be aggressive and committed to your actions. Do not fight fairly. THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL.

Every situation is different: Remain Calm. If safe to do so, leave area immediately or take cover immediately and barricade if appropriate. If unable to escape or barricade, then defend.

Tornado/Hurricane

If you are under a tornado or hurricane warning, seek shelter immediately. Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in a structure: (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building):

  • Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
  • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • Put on sturdy shoes.

If you are outside with no shelter:

  • If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision.
  • Possible actions include:
  • Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
  • Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
  • Lie in an area noticeably lower than the level of the roadway and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.

In all situations:

  • Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
  • Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
  • Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Snowstorm

Please refer to the Snow Emergency Plan distributed at the beginning of the Winter Semester.

Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency, Call 911 and Campus Security at x4500 or 443-352-4500 or request that another person do so.

  • Stay at the emergency scene to relay instructions to others, if the scene is safe and secure.
  • Do not move the individual unless his/her location is potentially dangerous.
  • Reassure victim and keep them quiet and comfortable.
  • Keep all interested personnel and students away from the area.

If 911 is needed, report to 911 operator the emergency, the specific location, and the campus entrance to be used. State the nature of the emergency, number of victims, and any other pertinent information. Campus Security will report to the specified entrance to escort medical personnel to the emergency scene.

Campus Security will notify Human Resources (x2427) if the medical emergency involves faculty or staff; Human Resources will coordinate notification of family members if necessary. For students – the Vice President for Student Affairs (x4306) will be notified. Student Affairs will coordinate notification of family members, if necessary.

In the event of a contagious condition, the Assistant Vice President of the Wellness Center (x4200) will contact the Baltimore County Health Department for instruction and intervention.

Maintenance Emergencies

Maintenance emergencies include issues or events such as loss of electrical power, rushing water from broken pipes, complete lack of water, lack of heat, or lack of air conditioning if the outside temperature is above
86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Contact Campus Security at x4500 or 443-352-4500 to provide pertinent information including your name, telephone number, location, the location of the emergency, and the nature of the emergency.

The Facilities Department will be notified during business hours. If after hours, Campus Security will contact the appropriate Facilities staff member.

Facilities personnel will be dispatched to the location as soon as possible.

Hate Crimes

A hate crime is defined as evidence that exhibits animosity on the part of the person committing the act against a person or group because of that person’s or group’s race, color, religious, beliefs, national origin, or sexual orientation.

  1. The person identifying the hate message should notify Campus Security at x4500 or 443-352-4500.
  2. A Campus Security officer will report to the location to investigate.
  3. Campus Security may or may not call the police, but will conduct its own investigation including photographing evidence and speaking to witnesses.
  4. Campus Security will report results of the investigation to the Vice President for Human Resources for potential disciplinary action.
  5. Once Campus Security or police have given approval to do so, the Facilities department will cover or remove any graffiti or other evidence.

Attempted Suicide

  1. In the event that a faculty or staff member encounters an individual who indicates a desire or INTENTION to harm her/himself, Campus Security (and Residence Life staff if in the residential areas) should be called immediately at x4500 or 443-352-4500. In the event of a suicide ATTEMPT, immediately call 911 and Campus Security at x4500, or 443-352-4500.
  2. Stay with the individual until Campus Security can respond.
  3. If a weapon is involved, leave the area immediately and call Campus Security.
  4. Campus Security or Student Affairs/Residence Life staff (in consultation with the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of the Wellness Center (if available) will make a determination as to whether it is advisable to go to the Emergency Room. If so, 911 will be called and the person will be transported to the nearest hospital.
  5. The AVP of the Wellness Center will work with the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students to coordinate notification of family members.
  6. The Associate Vice President and Dean of Students will work with the AVP of the Wellness Center and the student and family to determine the conditions upon which the student may return to Stevenson University; these terms must be communicated to the Director of Security.

Death on Campus

  1. Upon discovery, call Campus Security immediately at x4500 or 443-352-4500. Campus Security will call the police.
  2. Keep everyone away from the deceased.
  3. Wait at the location until Campus Security and/or the police arrive.
  4. Campus Security will secure the area.
  5. Campus Security will be posted at the entrance to escort police to the specific area.
  6. Campus Security will notify Human Resources and the President’s Office if the death involved a faculty or staff member. These offices coordinate notification of family members.
  7. Campus Security will notify the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Vice President and Chief of Staff if the death involved a student. These offices will coordinate notification of family members.

Finding a Suspicious Object/Package

  1. Once you discover an object, don’t touch it any further. Make a note of what it looks like, smells like, sounds like and then clear the area.
  2. Do not use a cellphone or two-way radio device. This may trigger an explosion of the item. Go yourself, or send someone else, to the closest landline telephone to contact Campus Security.
  3. Report the location of the suspicious object to Campus Security
  4. IN THE EVENT THAT A SUSPICIOUS OBJECT IS FOUND, IT SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED OR MOVED. Warn others to stay away from the suspicious object and maintain at least a 1,000 ft. clearance area.
  5. When the police arrive, they are in command, and their orders are to be followed.
  6. Follow instructions of Police or Campus Security regarding where to go on or off campus to be safe.
  7. All personnel should be restricted from entering the building until the police approve access.

Bomb Threat

If you receive a bomb threat by phone:
Use the telephone checklist below to obtain as much information from and about the caller as possible.

  • Listen carefully—do not interrupt
  • Do not hang up—get a message to someone nearby to call Campus Security
  • If displayed, write down the phone number from which the call originates
  • Record
    • Date
    • Time
    • Exact words of the caller
    • Listen for background noises: Accent? Unusual voice characteristics
    • The caller was Male____ Female___ Adult________ Child_______ Age____
  • Do not use the same phone again until Campus Security gives the okay
  • Write down the exact wording of the threat

If possible, ask the caller the following questions:

  • Can you tell me when the bomb is set to explode?
  • What will make it detonate?
  • Where is the bomb now?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What does it look like?
  • Why did you place the bomb?
  • What type of explosive is it?
  • Is the caller the person who actually placed the device?
  • Do not talk on any radio or cell phone within 100 yards of the suspected bomb as this might cause detonation. Turn these devices off.
  • Do not touch light switches.

If bomb threat is received by voice mail:

  • Save the voice mail and call 911 and Campus Security.

If bomb threat is received by email:

  • Do not delete the email. Make a hard copy and call 911 and Campus Security.

If it is determined that an EVACUATION is necessary, calmly leave the building and remain at least 1,000 feet from the building. Do not go back inside until advised by Campus Security that it is safe to do so.

AED Locations

An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can potentially stop an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly.

Greenspring Campus:

  • Administration Lobby, next to the men’s restroom
  • Gymnasium, southeast corner wall by closet, near door to Pavilion
  • Manuszak Fitness Center, west wall entrance, between SU 25 and entry doors
  • Theatre Lobby

Owings Mills Campus:

  • Ratcliffe Community Center, wall outside Campus Security office
  • Patapsco Hall (104), next to quad doors and laundry room
  • Dulaney Hall (112), inside parking side door on the right
  • Caves 1st Floor, next to racquet ball court
  • Caves 2nd Floor, outside Wellness Center main door
  • Gymnasium, inside gym wall closest to stairs near ice room
  • Stadium Security, inside ticket booth
  • Stadium 1st Floor, Inside coaches office areas
  • Stadium 4th Floor, next to elevator
  • Stadium Fitness Center, wall near middle of the Fitness Center
  • Brown School of Business and Leadership, inside front door on the left
  • Garrison Hall 1st Floor, past elevator on the left
  • Garrison Hall 2nd Floor, in lunch room on right side
  • Garrison Hall South 1st Floor, inside double door next to alarm panel
  • Rockland Center 1st Floor, outside Lynn Duncan rom
  • Rockland Center 2nd Floor, outside Rockland Banquet room
  • Wooded Way, inside main lobby on the left

Owings Mills North :

  • School of Design, inside main door straight ahead
  • MAC North 1st Floor, north entrance by water fountain
  • MAC 1st Floor Freight Elevator, door near greenhouse, turn left, opposite of elevator
  • MAC 1st Floor Elevator, S100 main entrance, turn left, near elevator
  • MAC 2nd Floor Elevator, right side of elevator near fire extinguisher
  • MAC 3rd Floor Elevator, left of elevator near fire extinguisher

Hazardous Materials

(chemical spills and leaks, gas leaks, noxious fumes & exposure control plan)

The procedures described below shall be followed in order to allow for proper clean-up and protection of University faculty, staff, students, and environment in the event of a hazardous material spill.

If Outside

  1. Move up wind away from spilled material.
  2. Contact Campus Security at the Greenspring Campus by dialing “0” on any in house phone or on the Owings Mills Campus by dialing x4500 or 443-352-4500. Be prepared to report the location and the identity or nature of the spilled material, if known.
  3. Campus Security will consult with the Director of Laboratory Services, Laboratory Safety Managers and Laboratory Managers.
  4. Be sure to specify if anyone is injured so that 911 can be contacted.
  5. Campus Security and other Emergency Personnel (if needed) will provide direction and determine when it is safe to return to the area.

If Inside (not including a laboratory)

  1. Avoid direct or indirect contact with the spilled material. If an individual is exposed by direct contact to a hazardous material, they should proceed to the nearest water source to flush the exposed skin. All contaminated clothing should be removed and put into a plastic bag.
  2. Contact Campus Security at the Greenspring Campus by dialing “0” on any in house phone or on the Owings Mills Campus by dialing x4500 or 443-352-4500. Be prepared to report the location and identity of the spilled material, if known.
  3. Campus Security will consult with the Director of Laboratory Services, Laboratory Safety Manager and Laboratory Managers.
  4. Individuals responding to the spill will refer to the SDS for proper response procedures.
  5. All individuals should be removed from the spill area until clean-up is complete and Campus Security has given permission to re-enter the space. It is recommended that all individuals move outside or to an alternate location that does not have a common ventilation system.
  6. If the substance is airborne, cover your nose and mouth with layers of fabric (such as a cotton t-shirt, handkerchief, towel or several layers of paper towels).
  7. Campus Security will determine whether medical observation or treatment is necessary so that 911 can be contacted.

Additional information on for Hazardous Materials in laboratories can be found on the SU Portal under the Beverly K. Fine School of Sciences.

Fire

In the event of a fire on campus

  1. If you discover a fire or smoke, call 911 and Campus Security at x4500 or 443-352-4500 immediately or use one of the emergency phones located throughout the campus, in the parking lot areas or, on the Owings Mills campus, on the Quad side of the residential buildings.
  2. When a fire alarm sounds, everyone must vacate the building immediately. Do not use the elevators. Be mindful of staying out of the way of emergency responders.
  3. Report all fires, even if the fire has already been extinguished.
  4. Persons with disabilities: Please make an effort to safely assist those who are having difficulty. If someone still needs assistance evacuating, please be sure to let emergency personnel know of his or her location in the building. Stair towers can be used if necessary to await transport by emergency personnel.
  5. Campus Security, Facilities, and/or staff will check to see that everyone is evacuated.
  6. If possible, faculty members should take a class roster to check roll outside the building.
  7. Residence Life staff should take the floor roster to check roll outside of the building.
  8. The last person leaving an office, classroom, or apartment/suite should leave the door closed. Do not lock doors in labs. Gas must be turned off.
  9. Do not stop and pick up personal belongings.
  10. Walk to safe areas as far away from the building as possible. Avoid roadways or driveways used by emergency vehicles. Do not try to drive off of the property as this may impede emergency vehicles from coming onto the property.
  11. Campus Security will give the “all clear” signal to return to the building after all areas have been reported safe.

If you are caught in a fire

  1. Crawl low under any smoke to your exit – heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
  2. When the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast. You may have only seconds to escape.
  3. If there is smoke blocking your door or first way out, use your second way out.
  4. Smoke is toxic. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
  5. Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
  6. If there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
  7. If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
  8. If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 911 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
  9. If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel. Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 911 or the fire department.

Evacuation

Communication:
The University will monitor the news at all times for all potential threats and attacks. If the University is aware of a credible threat or attack, the Crisis Management Team (CMT) will immediately convene to take action. Everyone will be notified of news as soon as possible by all means available. Those means may include a SU Desktop Alert, the SU Alert text/email, a blast email to all computers, voice mail to a selected group to be shared with others, a message on the SU Home Page, and notification by Campus Security and other trained crisis workers using bullhorns or walking through buildings and coming to your classes and offices. Please quickly and calmly follow the directions and advice of the Campus Security staff and members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT).

Evacuating the Campus(es):
If the property needs to be closed, everyone will be instructed to leave in an orderly fashion. Campus Security or CMT will provide directions during an evacuation. Other arrangements will be made for those who are unable to leave the campus or do not have a place to go. Those persons should report to the Residence Life Office in the Ratcliffe Community Center on the Owings Mills campus, the main reception desk in the Administration Building on the Greenspring campus or the Campus Security Office in the Gatehouse on the Owings Mills North campus.

Evacuating Staging Area:
Should the University receive news that advises people to seek cover indoors, everyone will be advised by the methods outlined in paragraph one above to report to the nearest location described below in an expedient but controlled manner and wait for further information:

Greenspring Campus:

  • Manuszak Center: Basement, below the gymnasium, where the fitness center and locker rooms are located.
  • Dawson Center: Basement, where the lecture and video studios and scene shop are located.

Emergency Response Team (ERT) members will be available to provide assistance.

Owings Mills Campus:

  • Caves Sports and Wellness Center: Lower level, interior building locations will be utilized as directed by Caves staff and coaches.
  • Garrison Hall: Stairwell corridors and lower areas of the building will be utilized as directed by the Garrison Hall Emergency Response Team.
  • Rockland Center: Lower level, interior building locations.
  • Residential: Individual apartments and suites will be utilized if possible. Residents will be asked to stay out of hallways and lounges. If weather related emergency requiring lower level shelter, residents will be directed to the 1st floor hallways of each building.

Emergency Response Team (ERT) members and Residence Life staff will be available to provide assistance.

Owings Mills North:

  • School of Design: Rooms 110 and 111.
  • Manning Academic Center: N120, N 122, S125, S126, S151, S152

Persons with Disabilities: Please make an effort to safely assist those who are having difficulty. The Student Success Center and Campus Security maintain a list of all students on campus with a temporary or permanent disability that would prevent them from evacuating the campus or getting to the shelter on campus. If someone still needs assistance evacuating, please be sure to let Campus Security or ERT know their location in the building. Stair towers can be used if necessary to await transport by emergency personnel.

Communication with officials: The Crisis Management Team (CMT) will continuously monitor the situation and communicate with county and state officials to determine when the danger has passed.

Updates: Campus Security and the CMT will provide updates as often as possible through the SU Alert text/email, SU Home Page, SU Portal, and SU social media pages.

Prepared by the Stevenson University Crisis Management Team
Updated: January 2018