Evacuation or Shelter in Place

In some emergency situations, such as flooding or release of hazardous materials, emergency responders may order protective actions for persons who live or work on campus. Typically, these protective actions are to evacuate to a safer area or to shelter-in-place. It is possible that some emergency scenarios could result in one of these protective actions being ordered for one part of campus and the other protective action for a different area of campus. When such actions are warranted, you will be appropriately advised by police, fire, safety or university officials via radio and television stations and the Emergency Alert System (EAS), public address systems, loudspeakers, door-to-door notifications, Code Maroon or other appropriate means.

Area Evacuation

An evacuation is an organized withdrawal from a building or area to reach a safe haven. Upon notification to evacuate, quickly:

• Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Take only essentials with you (e.g., eyeglasses, medications, identification and cash/checkbook/credit cards). Do not pack belongings.
• Turn off unnecessary equipment, computers and appliances.
• Close the door as you exit your room or office.
• Follow the directions provided for safe routes of evacuation.
• Listen to the radio, if available, to monitor emergency status.
• Do not use your personal vehicle for evacuation unless specifically instructed to do so. If cars are used to evacuate, protect against hazardous materials by keeping windows closed and outside air conditioning systems turned off.

If you need special assistance, contact your resident advisor, building proctor or other appropriate emergency contact. If these persons are not available, call University Police Dispatch at 979-845-2345 for assistance.

For detailed information on a campuswide evacuation, go to Evacuation Procedures for Campuswide Bomb Threats.

Shelter-in-Place

When emergency conditions do not warrant or allow evacuation, the safest method to protect individuals may be to take shelter inside a campus building and await further instructions.

• Move indoors or remain there — avoid windows and areas with glass.
• If available, take a radio or television to the room to track emergency status.
• Keep telephone lines free for emergency responders. Do not call 911 for information.

Hazardous Materials

If hazardous materials are involved:

• Turn off all ventilation systems and close all inlets from the outside.
• Select a room(s) that is easy to seal and, if possible, has a water supply and access to restrooms.
• If you smell gas or vapor, hold a wet cloth loosely over your nose and mouth, and breathe through it in as normal a fashion as possible.