Emergency Terms and Locations

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Emergency Terms and Locations

Emergency Terms

A key part of being prepared is understanding emergency terminology. For example, we often hear terms like “shelter in place” and “lockdown,” but do we actually know what they mean?
Here we will define important emergency terms to help you respond quickly and appropriately when such instructions are given.

GET OUT - Exit the building immediately and go to your designated Emergency Assembly Area. If unable to evacuate, go to an Area of Rescue, notify others, and call Public Safety.

STAY INDOORS - Move to a safe interior location away from windows. This directive is most often used during severe weather or environmental hazards. Movement throughout the building may be limited.

BE AWARE - Exterior doors are secured while normal operations continue inside. Typically used when there is a potential threat outside of the building or in the surrounding area. Movement throughout the building is generally allowed unless otherwise directed.

HIDE - Go to the nearest room, lock or barricade the door, turn off lights, stay quiet, and remain out of sight. Used for immediate threats inside or very near the building.

Emergency Locations

Emergency Locations are designated areas on campus that help keep our community safe during emergencies.

Listed below, we highlight key emergency locations on campus and explains their purpose. Understanding these locations and their purpose is an important part of emergency preparedness.

An Area of Refuge is a designated location on the basement and upper levels of a building where individuals who are unable to evacuate can go for safety. These areas allow first responders to more easily locate and assist individuals, helping to ensure they are safely evacuated.

Building shelters are designated safe spaces within campus buildings. These areas are typically located on the lower interior levels of a building, away from doors and windows, providing increased protection from dangerous conditions such as high winds, tornadoes, or severe storms.

An Emergency Assembly Area is a designated outdoor location where building occupants gather after evacuating during an emergency. It provides a safe, organized place for accountability, communication, and headcounts to ensure everyone has exited the building safely.

Once at the Emergency Assembly Area, individuals should remain there until they receive further instructions from emergency personnel or campus officials.

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