Incidents of violence have elevated safety concerns in the U.S. and on our campus.  UD Police have received specialized training to respond to active shooters and other incidents involving violent attacks.  Numerous local law enforcement agencies would also be called to respond to such an incident should one occur on UD’s campus.  

Faculty, staff and students should always be aware of their surroundings and immediately report any suspicious persons, activities, vehicles, objects and social media posts that threaten a violent attack. Notify Public Safety immediately at 937-229-2121.

 Threats of violence can be verbal, written, or posted on social media. They are often a prank or threat to create a sense of fear, but must be taken seriously with all safety precautions followed until the threat area is determined to be safe at the direction of Public Safety.  If a threat of violence is received via phone or email, or seen as a social media post, notify Public Safety immediately at 937-229-2121.

• Public Safety will immediately investigate the threat of violence and begin response efforts to mitigate the threat.
• Comply with directions from Public Safety, fire or police officials and the University emergency notification system.
• If you see suspicious activity or objects, report them immediately to Public Safety. 

In the event of an active aggressor emergency: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT!

 RUN if escape is possible:

• If it is safe to escape from the building, do so. Determine the location of the general direction of the threat and attempt to find an escape route away from the threat.
• Do not stop to retrieve personal belongings.
• Warn others to escape, but do not delay your own evacuation.
• Take shelter behind large, solid objects out of the line of sight of the building. 
• Be mindful of incoming emergency response officials and obey all directions given by law enforcement personnel.

 HIDE if you cannot escape:

• Immediately close and secure the door to the room in which you will hide. If possible, barricade the door with furniture, desks, filing cabinets, etc.
• If you can do so safely, allow others to shelter with you.
• Block interior windows and/or close interior blinds whenever possible.
• Silence cell phones.
• After securing the room, all occupants should take cover in an attempt to not be seen. Choose a location that may offer additional protection, behind desks, filing cabinets, or walls.
• Call Public Safety at 937-229-2121 on a cell phone, if it is safe to do so. Give your location and a description of the shooter.
• Remember that responding law enforcement personnel will not know whether or not you are a threat. Follow all directions from law enforcement personnel.
• Remember that law enforcement personnel will not treat the injured nor evacuate civilians until they are sure the threat is neutralized. Remain calm and stay still until law enforcement personnel tell you to move.

 FIGHT if the aggressor locates you:

• Only as a last resort if your life is in danger.
• Distract the aggressor. Throw available objects at the aggressor.
• Act with physical aggression toward the aggressor.
• Don’t give up.  Adopt a survival mindset. 

Immediately after an incident:

• Wait for law enforcement officers to assist you out of the building, if inside.
• When law enforcement arrives, individuals should display empty hands with open palms.

A bomb threat is often a prank or threat to create a sense of fear, but must be taken seriously with all safety precautions followed until the threat area is determined to be safe at the direction of Public Safety. A bomb threat is often made through a social media post, phone call or email. 

• If a bomb threat is received via phone or email, or seen as a social media post, notify Public Safety immediately at 937-229-2121.
• Public Safety will immediately investigate the bomb threat and begin response efforts to mitigate the threat.
• Comply with directions from Public Safety, fire or police officials and the University emergency notification system.
• If you see suspicious activity or objects, report them immediately to Public Safety.  

1. Remain calm. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does.
2. Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.
3. Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information.
4. If possible, write a note to a colleague to call the authorities or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify Public Safety.
5. If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display.
6. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to write down exact words.
7. Immediately upon termination of the call, DO NOT HANG UP, but from a different phone, contact authorities immediately with information and await instructions.
8. Take note of the caller's voice, any background noises, etc.

Ask the caller the following questions:

• Where is the bomb located? (Building, floor, room, etc.)
• When will it go off?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will make it explode?
• Did you place the bomb?
• Why?
• What is your name?

Sudden cardiac events can vary greatly. Faculty, staff, and bystanders must be prepared to perform the duties outlined below. Immediate action is crucial to successfully respond to a cardiac emergency.

Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest:

• To check for an adult's pulse, place two fingers on the side of the neck and assess for no more than 10 seconds.
• To check for an infant's pulse, place two fingers on the inside of the upper arm and assess for no more than 10 seconds.
• The person is not moving, is unresponsive, or appears to be unconscious.
• The person is not breathing normally (i.e., has irregular breaths, is gasping or gurgling, or is not breathing at all).
• The person is experiencing seizure-like convulsions.
• A person who has experienced a blunt blow to the chest can experience cardiac arrest from the blow and the immediate actions below remain the same.

How do I respond to someone experiencing cardiac arrest?

• Call 937-229-2121 from a non-campus phone or 9-1-1 from a campus phone as soon as you suspect a sudden cardiac arrest. 
  • Provide specific location on campus including cross streets.
  • Provide facts related to patient condition to the dispatcher.
  • Remain on the phone until EMS arrives.
• Help medical first responders locate you:
  • Tell dispatch where rescue vehicle can enter and exit location.
  • Describe the closest entrance to the patient's location.
  • If others are nearby, send someone to wait near the entrance, flag down responders, and bring them to the patient.

If a UD EMS member is in the surrounding area, the member will proceed immediately to the scene. 

• Send a bystander to retrieve the automated external defibrillator (AED) located near main lobbies of buildings. 
• Leave the cabinet open as an alarm will sound and notify dispatch.
• Take all supplies from the AED cabinet before returning to the patient.

Start CPR:

Begin continuous chest compressions while someone retrieves the AED.

Follow these steps:

• Press hard and fast in the center of the chest.
  • Try to complete between 100-120 compressions per minute. (Faster than one compression per second, but slower than two per second).
• Use two hands.
  • The heel of one hand and the other hand on top (or one hand for children under 8 years old), pushing to a depth of 2 inches (or 1/3 the depth of the chest for children under 8 years old).
• Follow instructions from the dispatcher.

Use the nearest AED:

Once the AED is at the patient's side, press the power button and use the provided diagram on the pads to attach the pads to the patient as shown. If the patient needs to receive a shock to restore normal heart rhythm, the AED will deliver one or more shocks.

• No shocks will be administered if the AED determines they are not necessary.
• Do not touch the patient while the AED is analyzing or actively delivering a shock to the patient.

Transition care to EMS:

Once EMS arrives, allow them to take over care and provide advanced life support measures. Bystanders should remain to provide information to EMS members. 

Adapted from: AHA CPR and First Aid Emergency Cardiovascular Care -- Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. (2022, June 2). cpr.heart.org. https://cpr.heart.org/en/training-programs/nation-of-heartsavers/cardiac-emergency-response-plan

A release of a hazardous substance, under certain conditions, can be harmful to your health. Whether the release is small or large, you may be exposed to the hazardous substance by inhalation (breathing in the fumes), ingestion (swallowing of the hazardous substance), or by the hazardous substance coming into contact with your skin. Hazardous substance releases can be prevented through proper management of storage and use of hazardous substances.  However, accidental releases can occur. 

• If a harmful hazardous substance release occurs, Notify Public Safety immediately at 937-229-2121.
• If a hazardous substance comes into contact with your skin, immediately flush the affected area with water. Know the locations of emergency eyewashes and safety showers.  Remove contaminated clothing.
• Report as much information as you can about the hazardous substance (name, quantities), and details of the release or exposure. 
• If there is possible danger to the area where the release occurred, then evacuate the area.
• Persons with knowledge of the hazardous substance, and/or the details of its release should convey information to Public Safety, police or fire officials on the scene.  
• Public Safety, police and fire officials will make appropriate determinations if building air contamination is present and a building-wide evacuation is required. 
• Comply with directions from Public Safety, fire or police officials and the University emergency notification system.

Explosions are usually sudden and can occur without warning. An accidental explosion can result from a gas leak or high-pressure container rupturing. A man-made explosion for the purpose of assault or terrorism can occur from an explosive device. There is little to plan for in most explosions, but knowing how to respond can reduce the risk of injury. 

• Immediately evacuate the area of the explosion. Position yourself upwind from smoke and fumes.
• Comply with directions from Public Safety, fire or police officials and the University emergency notification system.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, overhead fixtures, electrical equipment and large, heavy or unstable objects.
• Do not use the elevator.
• Remain clear of the area until fire or police officials advise it is safe to return. 

Evacuation of buildings and facilities is essential during a threatening emergency. Whenever you hear the building alarm or are informed of a general building emergency:

• Know the sound of your building's fire alarm and plan at least two evacuation routes in advance in case one is blocked.
• Take nothing with you except absolute essentials.
• Close windows and doors behind you if you have time.
• Do not hesitate.  Waiting for confirmation may prevent a safe exit
• Do not panic.
• Do not ignore the alarm. You must assume all alarms are real unless an announcement confirming otherwise was made prior to the alarm.
• Leave the building immediately in an orderly fashion, using the designated exits.
• Building occupants must NOT use elevators as an escape route in the event of a fire.
• Meetings in session must be dismissed and students, guests or members must be directed to evacuate.
• Be familiar with the building exits and follow the quickest evacuation route from where you are.
• Do not go back to your office or classroom area for any reason.
• Comply with directions from Public Safety, fire or police officials and the University emergency notification system.
• Return to the building only after emergency officials or safety monitors give the all-clear signal. Silencing of the alarm is often done by the responding authority to allow communication via radios or cell phones and does not mean the emergency is over.

Evacuation for occupants that need assistance

• If any occupant is having difficulty navigating the stairs, and/or is unable to exit the building unassisted, call Public Safety at 937-229-2121 to notify them that an occupant needs physical assistance to evacuate.  If able to, the occupant should navigate to the nearest safe area on the same floor, in close proximity to an evacuation stairwell, and wait for emergency response personnel to be evacuated. Transporting disabled individuals up or down stairwells should be avoided until emergency response personnel have arrived.

Do not tamper with, cover up, or otherwise interfere with the functionality of a smoke alarm.  Keep the area around your smoke alarm clean and clear of dust, cobwebs, paper, decorations, etc.

Know where the closest fire extinguisher is located and the type of fire it is designed to extinguish.  Keep exit doors and escape routes free from obstruction.

Know at least two routes to evacuate your building in case of fire and establish a designated assembly area outside of the building.  Do not use elevators during a fire emergency.

Keep trash and debris in your living area at a minimum and do not store flammable products and substances in your area except as prescribed by the product manufacturer on its label.  Observe common areas in your building and report any fire hazard or safety issues to the proper authority.

Keep high temperature items (light fixtures, appliances, irons, etc.) away from flammable items.  Do not burn candles or incense in any building on campus.

• At the sound of the fire alarm, it is the responsibility of all building occupants to evacuate immediately, and remain at least 50 feet away from the building.
• In case of a fire and if the alarm has not sounded, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and/or call Public Safety at 937-229-2121. The locations of the fire alarm pull stations are typically located near the exit.
• Close the door behind you if you are the last one out.
• Persons discovering a fire, smoky conditions, or explosion should convey to Public Safety dispatch the location and any details.
• If you see flames or smoke in your path, use the alternate planned route for evacuation.
• If you must exit through the smoke, get down low on the floor and crawl under the smoke until you are past the threat.
• Building occupants are also responsible for ensuring that their students/visitors in their area follow the evacuation procedure described herein and leave the building along with all other occupants.
• Faculty and instructors are responsible for dismissing their classes and directing students to leave the building by the nearest exit upon hearing the building alarm or being notified of an emergency.
• Emergency coordinators/Safety monitors will proceed to designated areas while an evacuation is underway. These individuals are responsible for recognizing and/or determining when to discontinue their duties on-site and evacuate themselves.
• Comply with directions from Public Safety, fire or police officials, and the University emergency notification system.
• Small fires can be extinguished only if you are trained to use a fire extinguisher. However, an immediate readiness to evacuate is essential. All fires, even those that have been extinguished, must be reported to Public Safety at 937-229-2121 immediately. Never enter a room that is smoke filled. Never enter or leave a room via a closed door if the door is warm to touch.

Floods can occur as a natural event from weather or as a mechanical failure such as water supply lines breaking.  Floods can also result from a malicious act.  The results are the same and there is a potential for serious property damage. 

• If you discover a flood or water intrusion, notify Public Safety at 937-229-2121. 
• Take steps to protect property by moving it away from the water source.
• Turn off or unplug electrical devices that may be affected by water.
• Do not leave windows open in cold weather.  If your heating system is not working properly, then notify Facilities Management at 937-229-3753.
• Report suspicious activity around water sources that are subject to vandalism. 

Before a flood occurs, you should protect valuable property by storing it appropriately, off the floor, away from windows and pipe locations known to you.  For sensitive, critical or expensive equipment, consider protective measures to reduce exposure in the event of a flood.  

Medical emergencies can occur at any time and will most likely occur when you least expect them.  Medical emergencies can result from a natural illness, food poisoning, personal or work related accidents, assaults, auto accidents, exposure, etc.

Knowing what to do and whom to call can save lives.  Being prepared will reduce the panic you might feel during an emergency.  The following suggestions will help you be prepared:

• Keep basic first aid materials and supplies on hand.
• Have emergency phone numbers readily available.
• Remember to protect yourself from exposure when dealing with a victim, especially for unknown illnesses and for trauma where blood is present.
• Don't allow yourself to become a victim.  Use caution by protecting yourself from exposure to chemicals, electrical shock, fire, bloodborne pathogens, etc.
• Call UD Police and advise the dispatcher of your location and the nature of the victim's illness or injury.
• Unless trained, do not attempt to render any first aid before medical assistance arrives.  Depending on the circumstances, the dispatcher may provide you with basic medical instructions from a predetermined protocol.
• Do not attempt to move a victim of an auto accident or other trauma such as a fall.
• Comfort the victim and assure them help is on the way.
• Don't allow yourself to be exposed to chemicals, electric shock, fire, blood, or other body fluids.  Wear protective equipment or wait for professional assistance.
• Remain after help arrives to provide needed information.
• If you suspect that you have been exposed to infectious disease in any form while assisting the victim, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If a power outage occurs in your building, remain calm and call Public Safety at 937-229-2121.  Before an emergency occurs, know the building's evacuation routes and remember that elevators will not function during a power outage.  If you are in an unlighted area, proceed with caution toward the nearest emergency exit lights.  In the event your particular area does not have lighting, you can use a flashlight or phone w/flashlight for navigation.  Electronic card access readers will continue to function on battery backup, however an extended power outage may decrease their ability to remain operational.

Some of the following measures will help you prepare for and recover from a power outage:

• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on hand.  Do not use candles as a light source.
• Keep your phone charged so if a power outage occurs, you have access to your phone's flashlight, call, and text functions.
• Turn off or unplug all electrical equipment and appliances that were in use before the power outage.
• Leave one light turned on so you know when the power is back on.
• Leave the refrigerator/freezer doors closed as much as possible to conserve the cold.
• Use the phone for emergencies only.  Listening to the radio can provide you updates on the outage.
• Remember automated banking systems, elevators, and other electric conveniences will not work.
• If it is hot out, attempt to keep cool by closing blinds or moving to the lowest floor of your building.
• If it is cold, put on layers of clothing to keep warm. Never use any kind of fuel such as charcoal or sterno as a heat source indoors.
• Keep your computer files backed up to reduce data loss when an outage does occur.
• For specific critical equipment that require backup power, coordinate with Facilities Management to determine back up power needs and develop a plan. You may contact Facilities Management at 937-229-3769. 
• Keep computer files backed up to reduce data loss if an outage occurs.
• Follow evacuation instructions if necessary.
• Comply with directions from Public Safety, fire or police officials and the University emergency notification system.

The University will respond accordingly to the power outage, and work with local utility companies to restore power as quickly as possible.  The ability to restore power could extend for multiple hours, and the University will give further updates and instructions when possible. 

Severe weather or tornado warnings often come just minutes before an event so it is essential that you proceed to an appropriate shelter area as quickly as possible.  A severe weather or tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather or tornado in the next 6 hours.  A severe weather or tornado warning indicates that a severe storm, tornado, or funnel cloud has been sighted by a qualified spotter or has been detected by radar in a designated area. 

• An outdoor tornado siren will sound in the event of a tornado warning and the University’s emergency notification system will send an emergency message with information and safety precautions. You may not be able to hear the outdoor siren within the interior of the building.
• It is likely that you will be informed of a tornado by your connected device (computer or phone) or by someone else who has received a warning on their device.
• There will be no building-wide alarm inside the building during a weather emergency. The fire alarm will not sound during a tornado warning.
• You must immediately move to the lowest possible level of the building, away from windows when a tornado warning is issued or when directed by Public Safety. Faculty and staff should help direct students and visitors to these areas.
• Faculty and/or staff should help unlock areas where needed if space is needed during a tornado warning.
• Comply with directions from Public Safety, and the University emergency notification system. Stay in place until an all clear message is sent.
• If you are outdoors during a tornado warning, proceed into the nearest building. If shelter is not nearby, then lie in a low lying ditch and cover your face and head. 

 Severe weather can also include a severe thunderstorm, severe winds, excessive snowfall or severe ice storm.  In the event of severe weather that may cause serious injury, property damage, loss of utilities, loss of communication, or hazardous travel, the University will communicate the hazard and any necessary response or action from the UD community. 

Suspicious objects can be something as simple as a suspicious envelope, backpack or cardboard box that is out of place, or as obvious as a pipe bomb or other readily apparent explosive device.  The best defense against objects that pose a threat to safety is to be aware of your everyday surroundings and to report suspicious circumstances when objects appear unusual or out of place.  Terrorists attack their targets in many unpredictable ways and there is no way to anticipate when, where, why or how an attack might occur.

Potential methods of attack might come in the form of suspicious mail or packages, car or truck bombs, or attacks against mass services such as water, electricity, or communication systems.  Attacks can also be in the form of nuclear, biological or chemical devices.

Being prepared includes knowing whom to call, what information to take note of, evacuation routes, where to go for shelter, and how to get accounted for.  This basic preparation will greatly reduce the confusion and facilitate a quicker response and recovery.  You must also have a plan to communicate with family and loved ones so they know as quickly as possible that you are okay.

Mail

• If you encounter suspicious mail based on threatening statements or suspicious print, immediately place the mail in a larger envelope and call the police.  Do not handle the mail any more than necessary to preserve it for evidentiary purposes.

• If you encounter suspicious mail based on foreign substances (powders, chemicals, etc.), place the mail into a larger envelope if immediately available, place entire contents into a trash can and evacuate the area.

• Notify police immediately and seek instructions in the event you have been exposed to any powders or chemicals.  Do not make physical contact with other persons and minimize the areas you might contaminate in the event of exposure.

Packages, Vehicles or Other Suspicious Objects

• Don't touch the package or vehicle and move a safe distance away from the object.

• Call UD Police immediately.  Do not use transmitters such as cell phones, radios or other electronic devices in the immediate area of the threat.

• Keep other people away from the area of the threat.

• Relay to police officials why you believe the object is suspicious in nature.

• Follow instructions from police or fire officials when they arrive.

Suspicious persons can be total strangers whose behavior and actions create a sense of fear, threat, or suspicion that they are about to or have committed a criminal act.  A suspicious person can also be an acquaintance, a friend, co-worker, student or anyone who is acting unusual, violent, or may appear to be emotionally distraught.  In any case, persons acting in a suspicious and potentially violent or criminal manner should be reported to UD Police immediately.

Suspicious behavior can occur anywhere on campus at any time.  Some of the behaviors to look for are:

• Making verbal or non-verbal threats.
• Suspected of having a weapon.
• Fascination with weapons or violence.
• Acting disoriented or confused.
• Dressed unusually for weather conditions.  (Example: Heavy coat or clothing that could easily conceal weapons during warm weather.)
• Carrying or in possession of unusual bags, packages or objects that might conceal a weapon or explosive device.
• Appears to be casing an area for the purpose of committing a theft offense or other crime.
• Extremely impaired from apparent use of drugs or alcohol.
• Abrupt change in a person's demeanor or behavior.
• Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
• Accessing restricted areas or attempting to gain entry into a secured building, vehicle, or area.
• Maliciously causing damage to property.

When an individual's actions create a sense of fear, threat or a suspicion of criminal activity, contact UD Police immediately and report the following:

• Nature of the suspicious behavior.
• Threats or Violence:
  • Possession of weapon
  • Suspected criminal act
  • Mentally ill/Emotionally distraught
  • Other suspicious behavior
• Location of the suspicious person(s).
• Physical description of the suspicious person(s):
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Height
  • Build (e.g. thin, heavy, medium)
  • Hair color (head, facial)
  • Distinctive markings, tattoos, teeth, etc.
• Clothing description (type and color):
  • Head (hat, scarf, mask, sunglasses, etc.)
  • Outer garments (coat, jacket, gloves, etc.)
  • Shirt type and color
  • Pants, dress, or shorts
  • Shoe color and style

If the person has left the area, his/her direction and means of travel (on foot, bike, motor vehicle, etc.)

Terrorist acts can be carried out in many forms of attack with the most commonly feared being biological, chemical, and nuclear.  These three forms of terror cause devastation in catastrophic proportion to life and property.

We will depend on professional first responders from police, fire, health emergency medical agencies to treat and decontaminate victims who are exposed to these types of incidents.  The best defense to all of these threats is to be observant and immediately report suspicious behaviors that might be addressed to prevent incidents such as these from occurring.  The following activities are the Seven Signs of Terrorism:

• Surveillance:  Someone recording or monitoring activities.  This could be video, photography, note taking, maps, etc.

• Elicitation:  Persons or organizations attempting to gain information about military capabilities or people.

• Tests of Security:  Any attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or penetrate physical security barriers.

• Acquiring Supplies:  Purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, military uniforms, badges, etc.

• Suspicious Persons:  People who don't seem to belong in the workplace, business, classroom, etc.

• Dry Run/Trial Run:  Putting people into position and moving them around according to a plan without actually committing the terrorist act.  Mapping routes, timing traffic flow, etc.

• Deploying Assets:  People and supplies getting into position to commit the act.

For biological, chemical, nuclear terrorist acts or attacks:

• If time, evacuate to a safe location.
• Cover your mouth and nose with layers of cloth.
• Get as far from the source of contamination as possible and avoid touching persons who have not yet been exposed to the threat.
• Follow instructions from responding emergency personnel.