Get prepared by reviewing emergency procedures

Last week’s power outages gave campus safety staff unexpected opportunities to test their readiness in the face of sudden incidents. While drills and tests are a regular part of the calendar, actual events provide unique learning opportunities. Below is advice and information that staff gleaned from last week’s incidents.

In case of emergency or potential emergency situations [power outage, natural disaster, suspicious object or person(s)]:

  • Call 216.368.3333 when in danger:
    • During an emergency situation, refrain from calling police dispatch to seek information or updates. In such circumstances, staff must give their time to those most in need—that is, individuals injured, trapped or otherwise requiring immediate assistance.
  • Look to the following sources for regular updates:
  • If you are stuck in an elevator:
    • Do not try to get out yourself by prying open doors or climbing out of an overhead hatch. Either action could pose more danger than you face within the elevator car.
    • If the elevator has a phone or you have a mobile device, call 216.368.3333 and tell the dispatcher your building and elevator number or location.
    • If you do not have telephone access, the elevator should have an alarm button that you should press until you hear acknowledgement that help is en route.
  • In case of fire:
    • Pull an alarm as quickly as possible.
    • Contact 216.368.3333.
    • Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself unless trained to do so and in possession of adequate equipment.
    • Evacuate the building; do not use elevators.
    • Assist those who need help exiting.
    • If you cannot exit the building safely, go to a room as far as possible from the fire. If possible, break a window or otherwise attempt to notify emergency personnel that you are in the building.
  • Do NOT evacuate when:
    • A tornado warning sounds (find appropriate interior shelter).
    • A hostile intruder or hostage situation exists.
    • A power outage occurs.
    • Instructed to stay in place by university or local safety officials.

For additional information, visit case.edu/finadmin/security/protserv/protserv.htm.