Emergency procedures

Fire

• Activate nearest pull station
• Evacuate via nearest exit
• Call 911 once outside

Detailed instructions

• EVACUATE THE AREA using the nearest exit.
  • Notify other building occupants to evacuate the area.
  • Use the stairs.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • If you see fire or smoke
    • activate the ALARM by pulling the nearest fire alarm pull station and call
    • or text WUPD 785-670-1300 or 9-1-1.
• CONFINE OR CONTAIN the fire by closing all doors in and around the fire area to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
• EXTINGUISH the fire with a portable fire extinguisher if safe.
  • Use fire extinguishers on small fires only – trash cans or smaller.
  • After extinguishing a fire, back away and watch for re-ignition.
  • Complete fire extinguisher training annually.
  • TO OPERATE A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER:
    • PULL - the pin to release the handle
    • AIM - the extinguisher at the base of the flames
    • SQUEEZE - the handle to release the extinguishing agent
    • SWEEP - back and forth across the base of the flames,
      • and if the fire does not seem to be getting any smaller, LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY and call 9-1-1

• IF YOU CAN'T EVACUATE:
  • Move to a safe location with fire-rated walls, doors, and few interior openings.
  • Call or text WUPD 785-670-1300 or 9-1-1 for assistance.
  • Place wet towels or other materials around or under doors to keep smoke out.
  • Display a sign or signal in the window to alert others to your location.
  • Heat and smoke rise.
    • Stay as low as possible.
    • Breathe shallowly through nose and use clothing as a filter.

Active shooter

• Run: leave the building now
• Hide: lock/barricade the door
  
• Fight as a last resort only

Detailed instructions

Active Threat incidents are highly unpredictable and volatile. They are also very rare. Here’s a list of actions that are recommended. Remember, use common sense and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.

• RUN
  • Have at least two escape routes out of every room and a plan in mind.
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Help others escape if possible.
  • Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active threat may be.
  • Follow the instructions of police officers.
  • Do not attempt to move wounded people. 
• HIDE
  • Remain out of the active shooter’s view.
  • Your location should provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e. office with a closed and locked door).
  • Block the door with heavy furniture, turn off lights, close blinds, and silence your cell phone.
  • If possible, your location shouldn't trap you or restrict your options for movement.
  • Remain quiet and do not answer the door until emergency personnel have arrived.
• FIGHT
  • As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger. Take action to take the active threat down:
  • Act aggressively against him/her.
  • Throw items and improvise weapons. (water bottles, coffee cups, staplers, etc.)
  • Yell and fight.
  • Commit to your actions and follow through.

Medical

• Call 911 immediately
• Stay with the person
• Use nearest AED if needed

Detailed instructions

• Do not attempt to move the victim unless he or she is in danger of further injury.
• Call or text WUPD at 785-670-1300 or call 9-1-1
• When calling give as much information as possible:
  • Nature of illness or injury
  • Victim’s location
  • Status of victim: conscious, breathing, bleeding
  • Victim’s injury if known
  • Hazardous materials involved
• If help is available, send someone to get an AED.
• Properly trained individuals should begin CPR, if necessary.
• Stay with the patient until first responders arrive.

Severe weather

• Go to lowest interior floor
• Avoid windows and doors
• Cover head, stay until all-clear

Detailed instructions

Sign up for iAlert to receive text and phone call weather alerts. Weather apps, local radio and TV are good sources for additional weather information.

• Watch and Warning Definitions:
  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm watch does not necessarily mean that a tornado is likely.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Severe weather is occurring. This could include rain, wind, hail, etc.
  • Tornado Watch – Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and tornados.
  • Tornado Warning – Strong rotation in a thunderstorm indicated by Doplar radar or funnel cloud development/touchdown has been confirmed by storm spotters.
  • Winter Storm Watch – A winter storm watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within the next 48 hours. It does not mean that significant and hazardous weather will occur….it only means it’s possible.
  • Winter Storm Warning – A winter storm warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous weather is occurring or is imminent.
• If Indoors:
  • During a storm, remain inside and stay away from windows.
  • If advised to do so, move to the nearest storm shelter.
  • Avoid the upper floors of buildings and areas with windows or glass.
  • Remain indoors until the warning or watch expires.
• If Outdoors:
  • Take shelter in substantial, permanent, enclosed structures.
    • Avoid unprotected gazebos, rain or picnic shelters, baseball dugouts and bleachers.
    • Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines and power lines.
  • If no shelter is available, go to low ground away from cars.
    • Lie flat, face-down, protecting your head.

Mental health crisis

• Stay calm and listen
• Call campus counseling
• Dial 988 for crisis support

Utility outage

• Report outage to facilities
• Gas leak? Exit, call 911
• Do not use open flames

Detailed instructions

• In the event of a power outage, remain calm and take steps to ensure the safety of those around you.
• If the fire alarm sounds evacuate the building.
• Do not use elevators.
• Contact WUPD at 785-670-1300
• If an emergency exists, activate the fire alarm by pulling the nearest fire alarm pull station.

Suspicious activity

• Do not approach or confront
• Note description and location
• Report to campus police

Detailed instructions

• Do not ignore disruptive behavior.
• Call or text WUPD at 785-670-1300 or call 9-1-1.
• When calling, give as much information as possible about the person.
  • Location
  • Direction of travel
  • Physical description

Suspicious item

• Do not move or touch the item and keep others away.
• Remain calm.
• Call or text WUPD at 785-670-1300 or call 9-1-1.

Hazardous material

• Evacuate the affected area
• Avoid contact with spill
• Call 911, note substance

Detailed instructions

• Call or text WUPD at 785-670-1300.
• Secure the area.
• Quickly and safely leave the area.
• Avoid inhaling gases, vapors, and/or smoke.
• Do not walk through or touch contaminated surfaces.
• Notify room occupants and surrounding area of spill or leak.
• Instruct bystanders to stay out of the spill area.

Natural Gas Leak or Fumes

• Do not smoke, light matches, turn electrical switches on or off, use the telephone or anything else that may create a spark.
• Activate the fire alarm by pulling the nearest fire alarm pull station.
• Evacuate everyone from the area and keep others away.
• When out of the building call or text WUPD at 785-670-1300 or call 9-1-1.
• When calling give as much information as possible:
  • Building name, address and location in the building of the leak.
  • Is the building evacuated?