If you are involved in a situation where someone has entered the area and started 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 are recommendations that are based on past national experiences. You may have to alter some of these suggestions depending on the situation.

• RUN away if possible: Determine an escape route based on where the active shooter may be located. If it is unclear where the shooter is, hide/barricade in a room before running into a hallway where the shooter may be.
• Leave your belongings behind. Always keep your hands empty and visible.
• Help others run away, if possible, but do not attempt to move the wounded. Run away even if others do not agree to follow.
• Move quickly to a safe place far from the shooter and take cover. Remain there until police arrive and give instructions.
• Remain calm. Avoid screaming or yelling as you run away.
• Follow all instructions of law enforcement.
• When and only if it is safe, call 911.

 

• HIDE if applicable/necessary:
• Go to the nearest room, office, or classroom and lock the doors(s).
• If the door does not lock, wedge the door shut or use heavy furniture to barricade it.
• Identify an escape route in the event you are directed to evacuate.
• Close blinds, turn off lights, and cover windows.
• Silence all noise, including cell phones, radios, and computers.
• Have one person call 911 if it is safe to do so. Be prepared to answer the dispatcher’s questions.
• If it is not safe to talk, keep the phone on so it can be monitored by the dispatcher.
• Stay out of sight and take cover behind large, thick items or furniture.
• Do not open the door until the person can provide an identification badge.
• Remain under cover until law enforcement advises it is safe to evacuate.
• Positively verify the identity of law enforcement as an unfamiliar voice may be the shooter attempting to lure victims from a safe place.

 

• FIGHT, if you must:

• If there is no opportunity to run or hide, as a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter.

• Use any object in the vicinity to throw at and disorient the shooter; even a couple of seconds of disruption could cause less shooting.

 

• Respond Appropriately when Law Enforcement Arrives:

• Remain calm and follow the officer’s instructions.

• Raise your hands, spread your fingers, and always keep your hands visible.

• Do not run when police enter the vicinity. Drop to the floor, if you are told to do so, or move calmly out of the area or building.

• Do not make quick moves toward officers or hold on to them for safety.

• Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.

• Do not stop officers to ask for help or directions. Evacuate the building in the direction the officers arrive while keeping your hands above your head.

• For your own safety, do not get upset or argue if an officer questions whether you are a shooter or a victim. Do not resist, even if you are handcuffed and searched.
• If you are a witness, you will be asked to give a statement to the police.

 

 

IF YOU RECEIVE A BOMB THREAT:

TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AND TWO-WAY RADIOS. Their operational frequencies may cause detonation of an explosive device.

WHILE THE CALLER IS ON THE PHONE:

1. Remain calm.
2. Keep the caller on the phone as long as possible, or if it is safe to do so.
3. Get the attention of a coworker, if possible, and have them use another phone to call 911.
4. Write out the caller’s message in its entirety and as accurately as possible.
5. Get as much information as possible and fill out the “bomb threat card” as completely and accurately as possible. Give it to the responding police officer.

IF THE BOMB LOCATION IS KNOWN OR DISCLOSED BY THE CALLER:

1. Immediately, give information to law enforcement, and they will decide whether to evacuate the area or not.
2. If the location has not been disclosed, follow the instructions of the responding police officers.

BOMB THREAT CARD (obtain this information as possible, the caller will often times share this information)

Where is the bomb?
__________________________________________________________________________________

When will it go off?

__________________________________________________________________________________

How much time is left?

__________________________________________________________________________________

What kind of bomb is it?

__________________________________________________________________________________

What does the bomb look like?
__________________________________________________________________________________

Why is the building being bombed?

__________________________________________________________________________________

How do you know about the bomb?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Why are you calling?

__________________________________________________________________________________

What is your name?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Address?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Time of call?

__________________________________________________________________________________

If the building is occupied, inform the caller that the explosion will cause death and injury.

 

Other details to listen for:

Voice Characteristics:Loud, soft, deep, high, raspy, pleasant, nasal, intoxicated, other:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Accent:Local, foreign, unusual characteristics, other: __________________________________________________________________________________

Location/Background Noise: office machines, aircraft, quiet, other:  _____________________________________________________________________________

 

 

If a small spill of Hazardous Materials has occurred and only threatens those in the immediate vicinity. Do not attempt to clean up the spill.

Call the UVU Police Department at 801-863-5555.

Obtain and give as much information as possible to campus police and arriving emergency crews.

     Example: Safety Data Sheets, if available

                      Name of chemical

                      Who has been exposed

                      Any injuries

                      Length of exposure

                      Size of spill

IF A LARGE OR LIFE-THREATENING SPILL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HAS OCURRED AND/OR THREATENS MORE THAN ONE ROOM:

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN UP THE HAZARDOUS SPILL

Follow the RAIN acronym

R: Recognize there is a problem

A: Avoid any contact with the hazardous spill

I: Isolate the area by getting others away from the hazardous spill

N: Notify the UVU Police Department at 801-863-5555

Additional Actions:

1. Evacuate the building if appropriate.
2. Have available as much information as possible concerning the hazardous material spilled, such as an SDS sheet.
3. Do not re-enter the area until directed by authorized personnel.

 

 

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

PURPOSE: The purpose of this plan is to aid in minimizing confusion and curb escalation of inaccurate and erroneous information related to a problem or emergency at the university.

POLICY: University Marketing and Communications is the official channel through which any information concerning the university is to be disseminated to media sources. 

UNIVERSITY SPOKESPERSON: The Senior Director of Communications will act as university spokesperson or will assign a Public Information Officer to act as such. During an emergency, only the University spokesperson is authorized to provide information to the media.

 

 

IF YOU ARE INDOORS DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:

 During the shaking:

1. Stay inside. Debris falling from the outside of buildings can cause serious injury.
2. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or other furniture. Duck, Cover, Hold On!
3. Stay away from windows or other large glass items.

 After the shaking:

1. Do not turn on light switches, which may cause an explosion in the event there are gas leaks.
2. Proceed with caution while exiting the building.
3. Do not run for exits that may be crowded with people.
4. Use caution on stairways that may be obstructed or damaged.
5. Do not attempt to use elevators.
6. Help those around you who may need extra assistance if possible.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:

1. Move away from buildings and utility wires. Once in the open, remain there until the shaking stops.
2. Do not enter buildings until structural safety can be assessed.

IF YOU ARE IN A MOVING VEHICLE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:

1. Stop as quickly as safety permits. Turn off motor. DO NOT STOP UNDER POWER LINES, ON OR UNDER OVERPASSES, HEAVY OBJECTS, OR NEXT TO BUILDINGS.
2. Remain in the vehicle.
3. When shaking stops, drive carefully, watching for falling objects, downed electrical wires, and broken or undermined roadways.
4. Do not enter buildings until structural safety can be assessed.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE:

1. Be prepared for additional aftershocks. They are usually smaller but can cause additional damage or collapse weakened structures.
2. Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Report on the location of the injured person to emergency personnel.
3. A campus facilities department team will assess the structural damage as soon as feasible and report to the Division of Facility and Construction Management (DFCM).

University Response:

1. An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated and immediate actions will be taken to respond to people who are injured and to mitigate further property damage.
2. Every effort to communicate will be made. When possible uvu.info will have additional information.
3. Building marshals and floor captains will assist in getting people to safety and report injuries and building damage.

UVU will work closely with city and county Emergency Management as it relates to response and recovery.

 

 

IF YOU ARE IN AN ELEVATOR THAT FAILS:

1. Use the in-elevator phone to report the failure. It will notify the UVU Police Department.
2. If the phone is disabled, push the alarm button or use a cell phone, if available, to notify the UVU Police Department at 801-863-5555, or call 911.

IN CASE OF ELEVATOR FAILURE:

1. Anytime you hear an elevator alarm sound, investigate the problem if safe to do so.
2. If it is determined that there is a failure or problem, contact the Facilities at 801-863-8130 during business hours (7 am-5 pm). After 5 pm and on weekends, contact the UVU Police Department at 801-863-5555.

IN CASE OF MISUSE, VANDALISM, OR OTHER PROBLEMS:

1. Call the UVU Police Department and report the problem immediately at 801-863-5555.

In the event of a power outage, facilities personnel will check all elevators.

 

 

There may be a variety of reasons for an explosion on campus.  Initially, it may not be important why the explosion occurred. It will be investigated afterwards.

1. Get out of the general area of the explosion, and help others to get out as possible.
2. Call 911 (Orem/Provo City Dispatch). This will initiate Fire, Police, and EMS.
3. Attend to any injuries as possible while waiting for medical care to arrive.
4. Stop anyone from entering the area where the explosion occurred.

 

 

The building must be evacuated if the fire alarm sounds or if you are instructed to evacuate by an authorized Public Safety, Facilities, Building Marshal/Floor Captain or Administrative representative.

WHEN INSTRUCTED TO EVACUATE THE BUILDING:

1. Always leave the building immediately. Turn off equipment and lights. Close the door behind you, but do not lock it. (A closed door can act as a fire barrier in case of fire.)
2. Use stairways to exit. Assist disabled or injured persons in evacuating the building.
3. There are evacuation devices in buildings where the only way out is to go downstairs. Evacuation devices are in or near a stairwell on the top floor of a building that would need an elevator to get to the ground floor.
4. Elevators should not be used if there is any danger of a power failure during evacuation. If you are in doubt as to the nature of the emergency, DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR.  IN CASE OF FIRE NO ONE SHOULD USE AN ELEVATOR.
5. If you encounter individuals who are ignoring the fire alarm instruct them to leave the building immediately.
6. Once outside, move away from the building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
7. DO NOT re-enter the building until directed to do so by an authorized Public Safety, Facilities, Building Marshal/Floor Captain or Administrative Representative.

 

 

Locate the nearest FIRE EXTINGUISHER and FIRE ALARM PULL STATION to your location.

Please become familiar with its use. The Fire Marshall will train you if requested (801-863-8021).

IF IT IS A SMALL, EXTINGUISHABLE FIRE:

1. Report on the fire by activating the nearest fire alarm pull station. 
2. Use the fire extinguisher in your area to extinguish the fire if the fire is small (trash can size or smaller).
3. DO NOT endanger yourself by putting out a fire.
4. ALWAYS have a partner, never attempt to extinguish a fire alone.
5. ALWAYS maintain an exit path.
6. Call 911 and report the incident.

IF THE FIRE CANNOT BE EXTINGUISHED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER:

1. Report the fire by activating the nearest fire alarm pull station, then exit the building immediately.

Activating the alarm will automatically report the fire to Orem City or the city where the building is located.

WHEN A FIRE ALARM SOUNDS:

1. Always leave the building immediately. Turn off equipment and lights if time and safety permit and close, but do not lock the door behind you. A closed door can act as a fire barrier.
2. Use stairways to exit. Never use an elevator as an emergency exit.
3. As you evacuate the building:
1. Please be aware of disabled individuals who are also trying to leave the building and offer whatever assistance you can.

1. There are evacuation devices in buildings where the only way out is to go downstairs. Evacuation devices are in or near a stairwell on the top floor of a building that would need an elevator to get to the ground floor.

1. If you encounter individuals who are ignoring the fire alarm, request them to leave the building immediately.
1. Once outside, move away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
2. Do not re-enter the building until directed to do so by an authorized Public Safety, Facilities, or Administrative Representative.

 

 

IF THE EMERGENCY APPEARS TO BE LIFE-THREATENING:

(Examples: unconsciousness, inability to move, potential spinal injuries, broken bones, uncontrollable bleeding, heart attack, stroke, inability to breathe, etc.)

1. Do not move the victim unless imminent danger exists.
2. Call 911 for emergency assistance.
3. Send someone to meet emergency personnel at the building entrance and guide them to the emergency location.
4. If possible, obtain the names of witnesses and the information necessary. For an accident report, the following:
1. Name of injured person
2. Injured person’s address and telephone number
3. Date and time of injury
4. Summary of action taken
5. Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
6. Forward this information to the police officer at the scene of the emergency 
5. If STUDENT or NON-EMPLOYEE is injured:
1. Complete the UVU Injury/Accident Report Form on UVU’s Risk Management website. 
2. Email completed form to [email protected].
6.  If EMPLOYEE injury: 
1. Report Injury to the supervisor. 
2. Complete the UVU Employee Injury Form found on the workplace safety & notices section of myUVU.
3. Contact UVU’s Division of People and Culture at 801-863-8389.

 

 

POST ACCIDENT INJURY – CONTACT THE UVU POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 801-863-5555

Occasionally, accidents will occur wherein individuals, including the accident victim, will assume that no injury has occurred and that no medical attention is required.  However, symptoms may become evident later, and an accident report should be filed as soon as possible with the UVU Police Department at 801-863-5555.

If STUDENT or NON-EMPLOYEE is injured:

1. Complete the UVU Injury/Accident Report Form found on UVU’s Risk Management website.
2. Email completed form to [email protected].

 

If EMPLOYEE injury:

1. Report injury to supervisor.
2. Complete the UVU Employee Injury Form found on the workplace safety & notices section of myUVU.
3. Contact UVU’s Division of People and Culture at 801-863-8389.

 

 

If you smell natural gas, leave the area and evacuate all people from the area. Call Facilities at 801-863-8130.

1. Do not light a flame.
2. Do not use your telephone or any electronic devices in the vicinity of the leak.
3. Do not use light switches or electrically operated equipment.

The unusual smell is a harmless chemical that the gas company adds to natural gas so even the smallest leak is easy to detect. This odorant is added as a safety precaution because natural gas has no odor of its own.

 

 

IF THE EMERGENCY REQUIRES MEDICAL ATTENTION BUT APPEARS NOT TO BE LIFE-THREATENING:

(Examples: Cuts, abrasions, sprains, fainting, simple fractures, etc.)

1. Call the UVU Police Department at 801-863-5555. NOTE: If the injured person chooses not to be transported to a medical facility, they may do so.
2. If possible, obtain names of witnesses and information necessary for the accident report, including the following:
1. Name of injured person.
2. Injured person’s address and telephone number.
3. Date and time of injury.
4. Summary of action taken.
5. Names and phone numbers of any witnesses.

If STUDENT or NON-EMPLOYEE is injured:

1. Complete the UVU Injury/Accident Report Form found on UVU’s Risk Management website.
2. Email completed form to [email protected].

If EMPLOYEE injury:

1. Report injury to supervisor.
2. Complete the UVU Employee Injury Form found on the workplace safety & notices section of myUVU.
3. Contact UVU’s Division of People and Culture at 801-863-8389.

DO NOT TRANSPORT INJURED PEOPLE IN PERSONAL VEHICLES.

 

 

Consider purchasing a FLASHLIGHT for your area/office.

At the beginning of each semester, ask the following questions:

1. Where is the flashlight?
2. Does it work? TEST IT!
3. Where are battery replacements?

IN CASE OF POWER FAILURE:

1. Notify Facilities at 801-863-8130. Designate one person from each department to place the call. If power loss occurs after regular business hours, call The UVU Police Department at 801-863-5555.
2. Turn equipment or switches off to help prevent possible damage to equipment from power surges when power is restored.
3. Leave dark areas as safely as possible; emergency lighting will remain on. Assist any individuals with disabilities to lit areas. There is no need to evacuate the building unless there are other associated dangers.
4. Information about the power failure and its expected duration will be communicated by email. Every effort will be made to communicate with the campus community about timelines and other helpful information.
5. Do NOT assume employees will go home; it takes some time to sort out the cause of the power failure and how long it will take to restore power. Power is generally back on within an hour.

AFTER A POWER FAILURE:

1. Check your area and report any equipment or other damage to the proper supervisor or department head.
2. Facilities personnel will restore all building-wide systems, such as heat and air conditioning as quickly as possible.

 

 

 

Student Health Services 801-863-8876

As with individuals, the UVU community will suffer trauma and psychological distress in the aftermath of disasters or crimes. Almost everyone will be in shock, yet everyone is likely to react with a different set of emotions, which may include sadness, anger, fear, helplessness, or euphoria. Also, caregivers in the community (fire, police, etc.), wanting to help in the crisis, may themselves be affected by a sense of shock.

The UVU Student Health Services crisis team will respond to assist victims of traumatic stress on our campus. Crisis team services would include, but not be limited to, crisis intervention, post-trauma counseling, group crisis interventions, etc.

There are three primary tasks the team performs: 

• Helping decision makers identify all the groups at risk of experiencing trauma.
• Training local caregivers who are to reach out to groups after the crisis team.
• Leading group crisis intervention sessions to show how those sessions can help victims to cope with their stress.

 

 

SAFETY TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS BEFORE ANY TYPE OF EMERGENCY OCCURS:

1. Secure bookcases, filing cabinets, shelves, racks, and similar items over four feet tall. (earthquakes).
2. Secure compressed gas cylinders to firm support (e.g. wall) by means of a strong chain or belt at the top and lower half of cylinders. (OSHA requires).
3. Store valuable materials sensitive to shock damage such as laboratory instruments, computer disks, and glassware in latched cabinets or on lipped shelves to prevent falling (earthquakes).
4. Rearrange cluttered storage areas (especially hallways or near exits) to provide evacuation routes in the event of an emergency. If items are stored or secured in exit areas, they must be approved by the University Fire Marshal (Fire Codes, OSHA).
5. Store chemicals according to UVU Environmental Health guidelines and requirements (OSHA, Fire Codes).
6. Minimized the number of glass bottles containing flammable or extremely toxic materials. Use safety cans or flammable liquid storage cabinets where possible (Fire Code, OSHA).
7. Secure and cover vessels, vats, dip tanks or other items that contain hazardous materials so that they will not fall over (earthquakes).
8. Keep items stored on low levels, especially large and heavy objects (earthquakes).
9. If you are using any hazardous materials, ensure a Safety Data Sheet is available for review of further health and safety information (OSHA). 
10.  For optimal preparation, your department and/or building should have an Emergency Preparedness Plan in place. This includes an evacuation map, emergency telephone list, and emergency assembly area (a place all employees know to go to for accountability). Building Marshal and Floor Captains assist with this.
11. Be certain to hold periodic emergency evacuation and preparedness drills. Participate in Fire Drills and the Great Shakeout Statewide Earthquake exercise each year.

 

 

 

There are a variety of weather-related events that are monitored by the university. Common weather patterns that affect our campuses are snowstorms, heavy rain/lightning, high winds (straight winds/microburst), and others. There is a team of people who will meet regarding the weather and decide if campuses will remain open. Every effort will be made to communicate this information to the specific campus population (Orem, Wasatch, Thanksgiving Point, and so on). Personal decisions about travel during bad weather are left up to the individual. We encourage communication with supervisors and instructors regarding your plan. Be aware that in some situations campus may remain open, but classes may be moved to a virtual format.

 

 

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION:

UVU is committed to maintaining a safe work environment. Given the increasing level of violence in society, UVU has adopted the following guidelines to deal with intimidation, harassment, or other threats of or acts of violence that may occur on its premises.

1. All employees, students, visitors, and UVU community members, including supervisors and temporary employees, should always be treated with courtesy and respect.
2. Conduct on premises that threatens, intimidates, or coerces an employee, a customer, or a member of the public, or conduct that threatens or involves the destruction of university property, will not be tolerated.
3. All threats of or acts of violence, both direct and indirect, should be reported as soon as possible to your immediate supervisor and University Police.
4. All suspicious individuals or activities should be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor and the UVU Police Department at 801-863-5555.
5. The UVU police Department will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats, acts of violence, or suspicious individuals or activities.
6. Anyone determined to be responsible for threats or acts of violence or other conduct that is in violation of these guidelines will be subject to prompt disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, permanent suspension from UVU, and/or prosecution for criminal acts.

UVU encourages employees to bring their disputes with other UVU community members to the attention of their supervisors or the Division of People of Culture at 801-863-8207 before the situation escalates into potential violence.

 

 

IN CASE OF WATER LEAK:

1. Use caution and stay clear if the water could encounter electrically energized equipment, such as lights, wall outlets, floor outlets, machinery, etc.
2. IF YOU CAN DO SO SAFELY, turn off any lighting or equipment that may encounter the water to help prevent additional damage or electrical hazard.
3. If possible, determine the source of the water (piping, roof, floor, drains, etc.).
4. Also note location of the building, room, outdoors, grounds, etc.
5. Notify Facilities at 801-863-8130 during regular business hours, 7 am-5 pm

After 5 pm and on weekends, contact the UVU Police Department at 801-863-5555.