G-17. Emergencies: Accidents, Fire, Severe Weather, Robbery, And Other Crises
In the event of an emergency or crisis situation on campus, the University Police Department should be notified at ext. 2400 as soon as possible. In the event that an officer cannot be contacted, a 911 call should be placed.
Emergency Telephone System
Emergency telephones are located at various locations on campus. Each rings directly into the University Police Department. Pamphlets with instructions and phone locations are available at the University Police Office, UC 027.
Emergency Action & Crisis Preparedness Plan:
The Emergency Action & Crisis Preparedness Plan has been created to prevent or minimize serious injury, property loss, or loss of life in the event of a potential or actual major disaster. This plan describes the initial responsibilities and actions to be taken until the appropriate university or municipal responder(s) take over. A copy of the plan is located in the office of each director and dean, and in the University Police Department.
Crisis Communications Plan:
The Crisis Communications Plan provides a flexible framework for managing institutional communication during a crisis. The University’s approach with this plan is to provide open, strong, truthful, and coordinated communication about an incident. A copy of the plan is located in the office of each director and dean, and in the University Police Department.
Disaster Planning:
The University Police Department is in charge of any emergency situation that would involve the immediate evacuation of the campus community.
Injury Accidents:
All personal injury accidents (even though considered minor, involving little or no medical expense, or not resulting in time lost from work) are to be reported to the University Police as soon as possible. The submission of an accident report is necessary in order that any resulting claim under the Workmen’s Compensation Program may be processed properly and promptly by the Human Resources Office and any medical bills or questions pertaining to Workmen’s Compensation or other insurance benefits may be directed to that office. Student accidents or injuries should also be reported to the University Police as soon as possible.
Motor Vehicle Accidents:
All motor vehicle accidents occurring on campus should be reported to the University Police Department.
First Aid:
University police officers are qualified to render basic first aid treatment to persons injured. A first-aid room for minor treatment has been established in the University Police department. In the event of a serious illness or injury, the officers will administer the necessary first-aid and contact the emergency ambulance service to move the injured person to the hospital for professional assistance. The person using the ambulance service is responsible for any associated costs.
Severe Weather:
The University Police Department monitors the National Weather Service’s radio band for possible early notice of severe weather conditions. In the event that there are severe weather “warnings” posted for the campus area, the police officers will use IU Notify and the fire alarm speakers (in buildings so equipped) to contact the personnel in each building and provide safety instructions. Under these conditions, personnel are advised to stay within the building and away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.
Fire:
Throughout the campus, there is a fire alarm system that will alert the University Police when smoke is present. In the event of a fire, the alarm should be pulled and, as soon as possible, the University Police should be notified by phone (ext. 2400) as a backup procedure.
Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities and Mobility Limitations:
Persons with disabilities must study and remember the features of each building they are in, including stairways, exits, phone locations, and elevator procedures. At times, assistance from others may be needed. Faculty and administrators who have students and staff with disabilities in their classes or work areas should discuss emergency evacuation with these persons ahead of time. Most elevators will not operate and/or should not be used during a fire alarm. If there is no immediate danger (obvious smoke or fire), these persons should either stay in place with their escorts or be moved to a fire-rated stairwell until emergency personnel determine the nature of the situation. It is extremely important that students and staff not be moved unnecessarily and improperly, possibly causing further injury. If there is imminent danger and evacuation cannot be delayed, persons with disabilities should be carried or helped from the building in the safest and quickest manner. The individual is the best authority as to how to be moved out of the building.
Hazardous Materials and Bio-Hazard (Blood-borne Pathogens) Programs:
The University Police Department monitors the hazardous materials program and the bio-hazard program. If a hazardous materials release or a blood-borne pathogens incident occurs, the University Police Department should be contacted immediately at ext. 2400.
Robbery, Assault, Criminal Activity:
In the event of an actual or attempted robbery, assault, or other criminal activity, the University Police should be notified immediately. The officers are trained to conduct investigations and to take appropriate action. The Campus Security Act and Fire Safety Annual Report link is emailed to each student, faculty, and staff, and the report is available upon request from the University Police Department.
Workplace Violence:
The University strives to maintain a safe environment conducive to accomplishing its mission of teaching, research, and public service.
Threatening behavior and/or violence will not be tolerated. Threatening behavior is defined as an express or implied threat to interfere with an individual's health or safety, or with the property of the university, which causes a reasonable apprehension that such harm is about to occur. Any staff member who engages in threatening behavior will be subject to serious disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment. Examples of threatening behavior include but are not limited to: direct or indirect threats of harm, words or gestures which intimidate others, prolonged or frequent shouting, stalking or following an individual, and/or conduct which causes others to fear for their safety.
Violent behavior is defined as the use of physical force or violence to restrict the freedom of action or movement of another person or to endanger the health and safety of another person or the property of the university. Violent behavior is so serious that individuals who engage in it can expect termination of their employment. Examples of violent behavior include, but are not limited to: unwelcome physical contact; slapping, punching, striking, pushing, or otherwise physically attacking a person; throwing, punching, or otherwise handling objects in an aggressive manner.
Any staff member who experiences or witnesses threating or violent behavior while on duty and/or on university property should immediately report the incident to a supervisor. In the absence of a supervisor, the IU Southeast Police Department should be contacted. The police should also be immediately contacted in the event of an emergency situation or immediate act of violence.
The University Police can be reached at extension (812) 941-2400.