Emergency & Crisis Information Guide

Alert Systems

Notre Dame of Maryland University utilizes the following alert systems to notify the Campus Community of emergency conditions:

• Campus voice mail
• Campus email
• E2Campus Text Alerts
• NDMU home page at ndm.edu

If you receive an alert through one or all of these systems:

• Assess the alert. If it applies to your location, follow the instructions in this guide as necessary.
• Attempt to isolate yourself from any potential danger or threats.

• Police, Fire, Medical emergencies: 911 *
• NDMU Public Safety Emergency - Dial from any campus phone ext.: 6666
• External callers and all other Public Safety inquires: 410-532-5360
• Counseling Center (Director): 410-532-5379
• Res. Life- Community Assistant on duty: 443-909-9238
• Patient First: 410-583-2777

*Public Safety must also be called whenever calling 911 for a campus emergency.

Active Shooter events are dynamic and every situation is unique and you must be alert and consider all of the information listed.

If you are involved in a situation where someone has entered the area and started shooting or you hear shooting, the following is a list of actions that are recommended. It should be noted that these types of incidents are unpredictable. The guidelines listed below are recommendations that are based on past experiences; you may have to alter some of these suggestions, depending on the situation.

1. If safe to do so, exit the building immediately. RUN
2. Seek shelter in a safe location and await instructions from Police or University officials. Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately. HIDE
3. Notify NDMU Public Safety at 410-532-5360, or ext. 6666 from a campus phone or utilize an Emergency Blue Light Phone. Call Baltimore Police 911 if safe to do so. Give the Communications Officer the following information:
   • Your name;
   • Location of the incident (be as specific as possible);
   • Number of shooters (if known);
   • Identification or description of shooter;
   • Number of persons who may be involved;
   • Your location.

If exiting the building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

1. Go to the nearest room or office.
2. If safe, allow others to seek refuge with you.
3. Close and lock the door. If the door has no lock, barricade it with items available (desks, chairs, bookshelves etc.).
4. Cover the door windows and turn off the lights.
5. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room. Silence cell phones.
6. DO NOT answer the door.
7. If you are in a common area such as a dining hall and you cannot get behind closed doors find some form of concealment such as a table, chair or other available item and get under it. If possible, "buddy-up" with someone you know and stay together. If you see police entering the room, make sure both of your hands are empty and visible so they will know you are not a threat to them.
8. Notify NDMU Public Safety, 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666, from a campus phone or utilize an Emergency Blue Light Phone and give the Communications Officer the following information:
   • Your name;
   • Your location (be as specific as possible);
   • Number of shooters (if known);
   • Identification or description of shooter;
   • Number of persons who may be involved;
   • If it is safe to do so and you are at least first aid certified, treat the injured. Remember basic first aid - see the MEDICAL EMERGENCIES section.

Finally, if you find yourself in an imminent, life-threatening situation, use any means to disable, distract or as a last resort attack / disarm the shooter. DO NOT remain a stationary target! FIGHT

Upon Receiving A Bomb Threat by Phone:

1. Remain calm.
2. Listen carefully.
3. Do not interrupt the caller.
4. Try to keep the caller talking.
5. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.
6. Do not anger the caller.
7. Write down exactly what the caller says.
8. Notify NDMU Public Safety 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666.
9. Do not erase threats if they are left on voice mail.
10. Notify your supervisor.
11. Meet and cooperate with responding University and Police personnel.
12. During the call, try to determine:
    • Device location;
    • Description of device;
    • Type of explosive utilized;
    • What will cause the device to detonate;
    • If the caller is responsible for placing the device;
    • Why the device was placed;
    • Name, address, and phone number of caller;
    • Organization represented by the caller;
    • Exact wording of threat;
    • Time and length of call and number call was made to;
    • Age, gender, and voice characteristics of caller; and
    • Background noises in the calls

During an Earthquake

Drop, Cover and Hold On. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If Indoors

1. DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
2. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
3. Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection.
4. Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
5. DO NOT use the elevators.
6. Be aware that the electricity may go out and the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If Outdoors

1. Stay there.
2. Move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.
3. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a Moving Vehicle

1. Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.
2. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
3. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If Trapped Under Debris

1. Do not light a match.
2. Do not move about or kick up dust.
3. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
4. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available.
5. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

After an Earthquake

When the shaking stops, look around to make sure it is safe to move. Then exit the building. Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

1. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
2. Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.
3. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.
4. After it is determined that it's safe to return, your safety should be your primary priority as you begin clean up and recovery.
5. Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
6. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.

Inspect Utilities

1. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building and notify Public Safety and/or Facilities Management.
2. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation notify Public Safety and/or Facilities Management.
3. If water pipes are damaged, contact Facilities Management and avoid using water from the tap.

Persons trapped in elevators should use emergency telephones in elevators to notify NDMU Public Safety. If for some reason, the elevator phone call does not go through, use cell phone to call NDMU Public Safety at 410-532-5360. Do not attempt to crawl through escape hatches or force elevator doors open. Only trained mechanics, elevator technicians, and fire/rescue personnel are permitted to conduct elevator rescues.

General Evacuation Procedures

When evacuating your building or work area:

1. Stay calm and do not rush or panic.
2. Safely stop your work.
3. Gather your personal belongings, only if it is safe to do so. If safe, close your office doors and windows and lock them for security reasons.
4. Use the nearest safe stairs and proceed to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevator. Proceed to a designated Emergency Assembly Area unless the evacuation is for a bomb threat. In that case, assemble as directed by emergency responders.
5. Wait for instructions from emergency responders.
6. Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so by the emergency responders.

Evacuation Disabled Individuals

Persons who are either temporarily or permanently disabled to the extent their mobility is impaired should inform their supervisors of their name, building name, room number, and nature of disability. This information can be given to the Baltimore City Fire Department during emergencies. Co-workers may assist evacuating disabled persons only if this places them in no personal danger. Never use elevators.

Always ask someone with a disability how you can help before attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask the individual how to best assist and whether there are any special considerations or items that need to come with the person.

Mobility impaired persons in wheelchairs on non-ground level floors should proceed to nearest enclosed stairwells and wait for the Baltimore City Fire Department to arrive. Someone should stay with the disabled person, if it does not place them in additional danger and someone should meet responding fire fighters to report the location of disabled persons. Follow the instructions for being trapped if you cannot get to an enclosed stairwell.

Visually impaired persons should have a sighted assistant to guide them to safety. Individually inform hearing-impaired persons of the emergency. Do not assume they know what is happening by watching others.

Evacuations - Hazardous Materials Release

If you witness a hazardous material spill, evacuate the spill site and warn others to stay away.

If you are the HAZMAT user:

1. Leave the area of the spill first and go to a safe location nearby.
2. Determine if you have the proper training and protective gear to clean up the spill.
3. If you are able to clean up the spill, follow proper cleanup procedures and use proper personal protection.
4. Manage the generated waste appropriately.
5. Consult your supervisor as necessary.
6. Isolate the spill area to keep everyone away and post signs as necessary.

Individuals recognizing HAZMAT spills that require additional notifications and resources will:

1. Alert all individuals who might be harmed to evacuate the immediate area and to go to a location that will not impede emergency personnel.
2. If safe and appropriate to do so, limit the spread of the material by applying absorbent and shutting doors.
3. Notify NDMU Public Safety 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666 at a safe distance from the hazard to report:
   • The nature of the incident, and name of the HAZMAT, if known.
   • The exact location.
   • Whether or not there are any injuries.
   • What symptoms are being exhibited by exposed individuals.
   • Any other details that would assist officials in preparing their response.

Should it become necessary to evacuate a campus building, occupants should proceed to an exterior assembly area. There are assembly areas to the front and rear of most buildings.

Your primary consideration should be to locate a safe distance from the building; and to be clear from any responding emergency vehicles or equipment.

Should it become necessary to temporarily relocate to an alternate campus facility due to extreme weather or a prolonged evacuation, the LeClerc auditorium and/or the MBK gymnasium will be the primary facilities utilized.

In the unlikely event that a total campus evacuation is necessary, one or more of the following relocation sites will be utilized:

• The Loyola Fitness and Aquatic Center (FAC). This facility is located on Charles Street, directly across from the (old) entrance to the University.
• The Loyola/Notre Dame Library. This facility is located across the walking bridge, on the east side of Bunting Hall.
• The Reitz Arena at Loyola University. This facility can be accessed from the Library, or by walking south on Charles Street to Ennis Parallel.

University buildings will be immediately and totally evacuated whenever building fire alarms are sounding.

If you see or suspect a fire, remain calm and activate fire alarms.

Report fires by phone from safe places outside buildings.

1. Call 911 from any on-campus, off-campus, or cell phone. At the Emergency Blue Light located around campus, press the emergency button to be connected to the Public Safety who can contact 911 for you, or dial 911 on the keypad to be connected directly to the 911 Call Center.
2. Notify NDMU Public Safety 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666 from a campus phone.
3. Give as much specific information as possible when operators answer. Operators need to be told calls are for Notre Dame of Maryland University, what is burning - if known, the proper name, floor, and room number or other specific location information. Do not hang up unless it is unsafe or calls are released by emergency operators.
4. Report all fires, even if extinguished or found subsequent to being extinguished.
5. Report all fire alarms, even if they are suspected to be false or accidental.

If safe to do so, shut off all machinery and equipment in work areas.

Evacuate

Do not attempt to fight fires. Close doors and windows if time permits.

Leave buildings at once using nearest exits or stairways. Do not use elevators. Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire. Use the backs of your hands to feel doors and doorknobs before opening doors. Do not open if the door or doorknob feels hot.

Crawl if there is smoke.

Use secondary exits if primary exits are blocked.

If you are trapped:

1. Stuff the cracks around doors with towels, lab coats, throw rugs, etc. to keep out as much heat and smoke as possible.
2. Go to window and if there is no smoke or flames outside, open windows at the top. Signal for help by hanging a flag, (i.e., sheet, jacket, etc.), out of the windows.
3. Use available telephones to notify NDMU Public Safety 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666 and let them know your exact location.
4. Do not attempt to jump from multi-story buildings.

Do not re-enter buildings for any reason until fire or police officials say it is safe to do so.

Render reasonable assistance to disabled persons. (See Evacuation Procedures - Disabled Individuals)

Gather at a designated assembly area.

Take roll and report missing or unaccounted for individuals to emergency responders.

Faculty and Staff are not expected to remain inside buildings to inspect and move people to exits. However, it is requested that Faculty and Staff, once safely outside, assist by moving people out of exits and away from the building so others can exit safely.

HAZMAT incidents may be:

• Indoor and outdoor fuel spills;
• Solvent or other chemical spills in shops;
• Chemical or biological spills in buildings and laboratories;
• Chemical odors in buildings;
• Natural gas smells and leaks; or
• Fires in laboratory or other facility involving highly toxic chemicals, infectious substances or radioactive materials.

If you witness a hazardous material spill, evacuate the spill site and warn others to stay away.

If you are the HAZMAT user:

• Leave the area of the spill first and go to a safe location nearby.
• Determine if you have the proper training and protective gear to clean up the spill.
• If you are able to clean up the spill, follow proper cleanup procedures and use proper personal protection.
• Manage the generated waste appropriately.
• Consult your supervisor as necessary.
• Isolate the spill area to keep everyone away and post signs as necessary.

Individuals recognizing HAZMAT spills that require additional notifications and resources will:

1. Alert all individuals who might be harmed to evacuate the immediate area and to go to a location that will not impede emergency personnel.
2. If safe and appropriate to do so, limit the spread of the material by applying absorbent and shutting doors.
3. Notify the NDMU Public Safety, 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666 from a university telephone located a safe distance from the hazard to report:
   • The nature of the incident, and name of the HAZMAT, if known.
   • The exact location.
   • Whether or not there are any injuries.
   • What symptoms are being exhibited by exposed individuals.
   • Any other details that would assist officials in preparing their response.

If you suspect or witness a release of a hazardous material to the environment (air, water, ground) call NDMU Public Safety.

In any emergency closing/delay situation, our goal is to make timely decisions to assure everyone’s safety. At the same time, we are committed to keeping the campus open whenever possible to avoid disruption to our instructional schedule.

Under usual circumstances, we endeavor to make a determination about holding daytime classes or delaying the opening of campus by 5:30 a.m. Similarly, we seek to make a decision about cancellation of evening classes by 3 p.m.

You will be able to access such announcements via the campus web site, the campus weather line (410-532-5151) or the text-alert messaging system (and we encourage everyone to participate in that system). We also provide this news to local media, although please be aware that it often takes time for them to broadcast such announcements.

Members of the campus community are encouraged to make independent and responsible decisions about travel to campus based on the weather and road conditions in their respective neighborhoods. "Essential" employees are required to work during any official closings. Employees who are not sure of their status should contact their supervisor.

For safety reasons, you are asked to be mindful of the traffic and parking requirements under our snow emergency plans. Should the campus open late, please do not come to campus prior to the announced time so that the campus parking areas and sidewalks can be cleared for your safety.

Please call your supervisor or the Office of Human Resources at extension 5155 if you have any questions regarding this policy.

Basic Medical Emergency Information

1. In the event of a medical emergency keep calm, act immediately.
2. Check the scene for safety. Check the victim for consciousness, breathing, pulse and severe bleeding. Assist victims and remove them from hazards if injuries are minor. Do not move seriously injured victims unless they are in danger of further injury.
3. Notify persons in adjacent areas of potential hazards.
4. Care for life-threatening conditions if you have the proper training. If there is no life threatening conditions, provide first aid if you have the proper training; Watch for changes in breathing and consciousness; Help the victim rest comfortably; Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated; and Reassure the victim.
5. Be prepared to give the following information: what happened, number of victims, kind of injury, exact location of the emergency, what help is being given,and your name and phone number.
6. Do not transport seriously injured persons to the hospital and do not hang upuntil the dispatcher hangs up.
7. Summon medical help. If possible, do not leave victims alone. First, activate the Emergency Medical System by calling 911 from any on-campus, off-campus, or cell phone. 
   
   Second, notify NDMU Public Safety 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666. Let the Emergency Medical System and Public Safety know if the victim:
   • Is unconscious;
   • Has trouble breathing;
   • Has chest pain or pressure;
   • Is bleeding severely;
   • Is vomiting or passing blood;
   • Has a seizure;
   • Has a severe headache or slurred speech;
   • Has injuries to the head, neck, or back; or
   • Has a possible broken bone(s).

Sheltering in place, sometimes referred to as “Lock Down" means that individuals must seek immediate shelter in buildings or residence halls and remain there until emergency management officials issue additional instructions or declare that emergency conditions have ended.

It is understood that during a Shelter in Place not all doors and buildings may be secured. Notwithstanding, during emergencies that state to lock doors, lock the door in your immediate area if it is lockable.

In the event of a criminal or violent act that has been committed at Notre Dame of Maryland University or in the adjacent areas near the campus, it may become necessary to Shelter In Place within campus buildings.

When notified by Public Safety to Shelter-In-Place due to criminal activity, these procedures will be followed:

1. All students, faculty, staff and visitors will immediately seek shelter in the nearest room with a door (locking door if available). Faculty and Staff, if safe to do so, are requested to provide direction and assistance to students and visitors by directing them to a location where they may seek shelter.
2. Close and lock all windows and doors. If door has no lock, barricade with available items (desks, chairs, bookshelves etc.).
3. If possible, cover all interior windows and door windows.
4. Turn out all lights.
5. Stay away from all doors and windows, move to interior walls and try to remain out of sight of potential threatsTurn off all lights.
6. Remain quiet.
7. Do not leave until instructed by law enforcement personnel.
8. Cooperate with law enforcement personnel; show them that you are not a threat by keeping your hands empty and visible when interacting with them. If possible, "buddy up" with someone you know; this assists law enforcement personnel when they are searching the area.
9. Monitor cell phones registered to receive emergency alert text messages; monitorcampus computer for emergency text messages.
10. Report suspicious persons or activities to NDMU Public Safety 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666 from a campus phone.
11. If you are in an open area such as a dining area, seek concealment behind a solid object such as a door, file cabinet or counter area. Remain quiet and wait for law enforcement to arrive and assist you.
12. If outdoors, follow emergency alert messages or directions from law enforcement personnel; stay away from the affected area.

Anyone receiving mail and packages should regularly, reasonably, and prudently examine those materials before opening them. Characteristics that may cause letters and packages to be treated as suspect are:

1. Letters and packages delivered by someone other than regular carriers;
2. Packages wrapped in string because modern packaging materials have eliminated the need for twine and string;
3. Excess use of securing material, i.e., tape;
4. Packages that are lopsided, heavy sided, or have lumps, bulges, or protrusions;
5. No postage, non-cancelled postage, or excessive postage;
6. Handwritten notes such as: "To Be Opened in the Privacy Of ....", "Confidential", "This is Your Lucky Day";
7. Packages or letters that have no return addresses or nonsensical return addresses;
8. Letters or packages arriving before or after phone calls asking if the items were received;
9. Improper spelling of common names, places, or titles; or
10. Leaks, stains, or protruding wires, foil, string, tape, etc.

If you discover a suspicious letter or package:

1. Stop immediately. Do not open items any further. Do not move items or put them in water or confined spaces such as desk drawers or filing cabinets.
2. Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
3. Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
4. If you do not have any container, then cover the envelope or package with something, i.e., clothing, paper, etc.
5. Notify NDMU Public Safety 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666
6. Isolate the mailing and get people out of the immediate area.
7. Wash your hands with soap and water;
8. Notify your supervisor.
9. If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder or substance. Give this list to the responding emergency personnel.
10. Meet and cooperate with responding Police Officers.

If the letter or package has been opened, notify NDMU Public Safety 410-532-5360 or ext. 6666 and:

1. Do not try to clean up any powder or substance, but rather cover the spilled contents immediately with anything.
2. Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any power or other substance to your face.
4. Notify your supervisor.
5. Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place it in a plastic bag or some other container that can be sealed. This clothing bag should be given to the emergency responders for proper handling.
6. If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder or substance. Give this list to the responding emergency personnel.
7. Meet and cooperate with responding Police Officers.

Tornadoes and Severe Storms present a substantial threat to Notre Dame of Maryland University, especially during the spring and summer seasons.

Tornadoes & Severe Thunderstorms

1. A tornado watch means that tornadoes could develop in the designated area;
2. A tornado warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted in the area or is indicated by radar.
3. A severe thunderstorm watch indicates the possibility of thunderstorms, frequent lightning and/or damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain.
4. A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm has actually been sighted in the area or is indicated by radar.

Everyone should pay attention to weather conditions, listen to the radio and television for weather alert information or if you receive an alert from NDMU, seek shelter immediately.

1. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible.
2. If warnings are issued or if you receive an alert that says "Weather Emergency: Shelter-In- Place", or if you see threatening weather approaching, seek shelter immediately.
3. If you are outdoors, seek inside shelter immediately; Do not try to outrun tornadoes in vehicles, but leave them and seek indoor shelter or low spots off the side of roads;
4. Once you get to, or if you are already in a building:
   • Move to safer areas, such as basements;
   • If underground shelters are not available, move to interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floors and get under sturdy pieces of furniture; and stay away from windows.

Faculty and Staff, if safe to do so, are requested to provide direction and assistance to students and visitors by directing them to a location where they may seek shelter.

Workplace Violence

Individuals who become violent at work or threaten to become violent have usually displayed behaviors long before they take any action. Individuals prone to workplace violence may:

1. Be chronically disgruntled;
2. Be inflexible;
3. Cause trouble on the job;
4. Frequently changing jobs;
5. Be quick to perceive unfairness or malice in others;
6. Be unwilling to take responsibility for problems – it’s always someone else’s fault;
7. Often challenging management's requests, either passively or actively;
8. Have a deep sense of entitlement;
9. Have a past history of violent acts or threats;
10. Have complaints that often appear to be of a paranoid nature; i.e., blown out of proportion and taken personally, especially when action was not intended that way;
11. Have recently experienced stressful events;
12. Have access to weapons or fascinations with weapons (They will often mention this to others.);
13. Abuse alcohol or other substances;
14. If there have been allusions to violent acts committed by others and an expression of empathy with those who resort to violence.

On the Spot Managing of Violence

1. Remain calm.
2. To the extent that you can, try to continue to communicate with the individual calmly and confidently.
3. Call Public Safety at 410-532-5360 or EXT. 6666 from a campus phone. If you cannot call, instruct others to call. Report your name and location and information on "who, what, where and when."
4. Do not physically attempt to get the suspects to leave. Do not touch them.
5. If violent behavior is occurring, escape, hide if not already seen, or cover up if injury is likely.
6. Make every possible effort to get others out of the immediate area.
7. Never attempt to disarm or accept weapons from suspects.
8. If weapons are involved, calmly ask suspects to put weapons in neutral locations.
9. Don't argue, threaten, or block suspects’ exit.

Criminal Behavior

Immediately call Public Safety at 410-532-5360 or EXT. 6666 from a campus phone and be prepared to report information that may include:

1. Your name and present location;
2. Nature of incidents;
3. Locations of incidents;
4. Descriptions of persons involved;
5. Description of property involved; and
6. Where suspects were last seen and their direction of travel.