EMERGENCIES & THREATS
The mission of the Office of Emergency Management is to protect the university community by coordinating and integrating activities necessary to build, sustain and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism or other man-made disasters.
EMERGENCIES: 911
Campus Police: 404-413-3333
Non-Emergencies & Safety Escorts: 404-413-2100
Information Desk: 404-413-3234
Hearing Impaired: 404-413-3203
Know What Emergencies and Threats Could Affect You and How to Respond
Active Threat
Call the University Police Department at 404-413-3333.
In case of a life-threatening event, each individual should take actions necessary to protect his or her own life.
Perpetrator(s) Inside the Building:
If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so. If flight is impossible, lock (or barricade) all doors and secure yourself in a safe area.
Perpetrator(s) Outside the Building:
Close and lock (or barricade) all doors and windows. If you can do so safely, get all students and staff on the floor and out of the line of fire.
Remain in place until an “all clear” is given by an authorized person or law enforcement official.
Observe and make notes of the following if this can be done safely:
- Descriptions of the people involved in the act
- Vehicle(s) description
- Types and number of weapons
- Statements and other pertinent information
Explosion or Bomb Threat Procedures
If There Is An Explosion:
- Take cover under sturdy furniture, or leave the building if directed to do so by emergency responders.
- Stay away from windows.
- Do not light matches.
- Move well away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
- Use stairs only. Do not use elevators.
- Call UniversityPolice at 404-413-3333.
If You Receive a Bomb Threat:
- Stay calm and keep your voice calm.
- Pay close attention to details. Talk to the caller to obtain as much information as possible.
- Take notes. Ask questions:
– When will it explode?
– Where is it right now?
– What does it look like?
– What kind of bomb is it?
– Where did you leave it?
– Did you place the bomb?
– Who is the target?
– Why did you plant it?
– What is your address?
– What is your name? - Observe the caller’s:
– Speech patterns (accent, tone)
– Emotional state (angry, agitated, calm, etc.)
– Background noise (traffic, people talking and accents, music and type, etc.)
– Age and gender - Write down other data:
– Date and time of call
– How threat was received (letter, note, telephone) - Call University Police at 404-413-3333 and submit your notes from the telephone call or the bomb threat (letter or note) to University Police.
- Check your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items. Report them to University Police at 404-413-3333.
- Take personal belongings when you leave.
- Leave doors and windows open. Do not turn light switches on or off.
Use stairs only. Do not use elevators.
Civil Unrest
Civil unrest may occur during demonstration procedures.
If a disturbance seems to threaten the occupants of the building, report it to the University Police and take the following actions:
-
Alert people in the immediate vicinity of the situation.
-
Lock doors and windows.
-
Close blinds to prevent flying glass.
-
If necessary, cease work operations.
-
If evacuation is necessary, follow directions from first responders (for example, police and fire personnel).
Criminal Activity
- Call 404-413-3333 or 404-413-2100 for Georgia State Police.
- Relay any descriptive information about the intruder to the police dispatcher (physical, clothing and vehicle description).
- Make sure the hallways and common areas are clear of students and staff.
- Put a safe distance or barrier between yourself and the perpetrator. Be prepared to seek protection in a nearby room or evacuate (if it is safe to do so) if the intruder/suspicious person approaches and is visibly armed with a weapon.
- Monitor the location of the intruder/suspicious person, if monitoring can done safely, and report his/her location to the police.
- Initiate a building lock-down as necessary.
- Inform students and staff through your phone tree to stay in their offices or classrooms and lock the door (as applicable).
- Use an emergency communication system (for example, intercom, handheld radio, call button, etc.).
- Notify personnel to resume normal activities once the situation is resolved.
Earthquake
- Take cover immediately.
- Direct others to get under a desk, chair or table for shelter.
- Seek shelter between seating rows in a lecture hall or against a corridor wall if in a hallway.
- If outside, move to an open area, away from buildings.
- Report injuries to the University Police at 404-413-3333.
- Examine your area for damage and report damages to the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700.
- Be alert for aftershocks. Do not use elevators and evacuate in a calm and orderly manner.
- Await instructions from first responders and do not re-enter buildings until they are examined by trained officials
Evacuation
General Evacuation Procedures
- Stay calm. Do not rush and do not panic.
-
Stop your work.
-
Gather your personal belongings if it is safe to do so. (Reminder: take prescription medications with you if possible. It may be hours before you are allowed back in the building.)
-
If safe, close your office door and window, but do not lock them.
-
Use the nearest safe stairs and proceed to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevator.
-
Follow instructions from emergency responders.
-
Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so by the emergency responders.
-
Move to the established assembly area and ensure accountability of building personnel is conducted in a timely manner.
-
Report any known or suspected missing persons.
Emergency Evacuation Guidelines for People with Disabilities:
- Building occupants should be invited to volunteer ahead of time to assist people with disabilities in an emergency. If a volunteer is not available, designate someone to help.
- Volunteers should obtain evacuation training for certain types of lifting techniques.
- Two or more trained volunteers, if available, should conduct the evacuation.
- DO NOT evacuate people with disabilities in their wheelchairs. This is standard practice to ensure the safety of people with disabilities and volunteers. Wheelchairs will be evacuated later if possible.
- Always ASK someone with a disability how you can help BEFORE attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask how they can best be helped or moved and whether any special considerations or items need to come with them.
- Before attempting an evacuation, volunteers and the people being helped should discuss how any lifting will be done and the evacuation path that will be followed.
- DO NOT use elevators unless authorized to do so by police or fire personnel. Elevators could fail during a fire.
- If the situation is life-threatening, call University Police at 404-413-3333.
Fire
If There Is a Fire or Visible Smoke:
- Notify the Fire Department by pulling the nearest fire alarm (pull station) and, from a safe distance outside the building, call the University Police at 404-413-3333 or 911 to provide details of the situation.
- If you have been trained in the use of a portable fire extinguisher and are able to safely extinguish the fire, do so. Be sure you have a safe exit from the area and leave if the extinguisher does not put out the fire.
- Evacuate the building as soon as the alarm sounds.
- On your way out, warn others nearby.
- Move away from fire and smoke. Close doors and windows if time permits.
- Feel closed doors with the top-side/back of your hand to feel for heat. Do not open doors if you feel heat.
- Use stairs only. Do not use elevators.
- Move a minimum of 300 feet away from the building.
- Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so by the emergency responders.
Gas Leaks
Gas Leaks (Indoor):
- Evacuate the area immediately.
- Activate your phone tree to ensure everyone in the building is notified.
- Call the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700 and the Georgia State Police Department at 404-413-3333 to report the problem.
- Do not switch on lights or any other electrical equipment. Do not smoke in the area.
- Account for all building personnel once outside and wait for further instructions from the police and/or the Atlanta Fire Department.
Gas Leaks (Outdoor):
- Evacuate the area immediately.
- Do not attempt to shut off gas or manipulate valves.
- Call the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700 and the Georgia State Police Department at 404-413-3333 to report the problem.
- Prevent vehicular traffic and pedestrians from entering the area until the police arrive to set up a perimeter.
- Do not smoke in the area or move any vehicles that are parked near the broken gas line.
- Follow the instructions of the Police Department and Atlanta Fire Department.
Hazardous Materials
If you witness a hazardous material spill, evacuate the spill site and warn others to stay away. Call University Police at 404-413-3333 if you believe the spill may be life-threatening. If you can determine the spill is not life-threatening, follow the procedures outlined below.
If You Spill Hazardous Material or Materials:
- Leave the area of the spill first and proceed to a safe location nearby. Then assess 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 as appropriate. Consult your supervisor if necessary.
- Isolate the spill area to keep everyone away, and post signs as necessary.
- Call University Police at 404-413-3333. University Police will call the Office of Research Integrity.
If you suspect or witness a release of a hazardous material to the environment (air, water, ground) call University Police at 404-413-3333. University Police will contact the Office of Research Integrity. Appropriate agencies will be notified if the situation cannot be handled with internal capabilities or if the situation poses a threat to life safety.
Other Utility Failures
- Report utility failures during regular work hours (Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700.
- Report data network and telephone system interruptions to the IS&T Technical Operations Center at 404-413-4444, in Room G8, Library South (24-hour operation).
Report utility failures after regular work hours, on weekends and on holidays to the Georgia State Police Department at 404-413-3333.
Pandemic Flu Emergency Plan
Georgia State has developed comprehensive plans for protecting the safety and well-being of our students, staff and faculty in the event of a potential pandemic influenza outbreak. As part of this process, a special Pandemic Influenza Task Force has developed the following response plan designed to:
- Handle emergency situations.
- Reduce Georgia State ’s vulnerability to pandemic influenza.
- Establish and identify capabilities and responsibilities during such a crisis.
- Respond effectively and efficiently.
The Pandemic Flu Emergency Plan will be adapted based on policy and direction from the Georgia Board of Regents and other state and federal authorities and to meet specific needs identified during an event. The following Pandemic Influenza Action Phases will be used in subordinate departmental or academic unit plans:
Phase Definitions
- Phase I – Normal Conditions
- Phase II – Confirmed cases in U.S. wildlife or human-to-human transmission outside U.S.
- Phase III – Confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission inside U.S.
- Phase IV – Confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission in Georgia
- Phase V – Suspected or confirmed case of pandemic influenza in Fulton County
- Phase VI – Suspected or confirmed case on campus
- Post-Event – Pandemic aftermath and recovery
Click here to visit the CDC website for more information.
Power Outage
- Report the outage to the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center a 404-413-0700 and the Georgia State Police Department at 404-413-3333.
- Help co-workers in darkened areas move to safer locations.
- Secure experimental work and keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
- Unplug personal computers, appliances and non-essential electrical equipment.
- Open windows for additional light and ventilation.
Severe Weather
Tornado Watch and Warning
Sheltering during a storm if inside a building
- Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level of the building.
- Take your personal belongings if time permits (laptops, purses, book bags, etc.).
- Secure your work computer if time permits (log off and shut down to minimize damage and potential loss of data).
- Lock offices and secure sensitive or confidential items (grade books, financial records, etc.) if time permits.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, theater style rooms, cafeterias, large hallways or gymnasiums.
- Stay away from exterior windows and doors as well as display cases, shelving or wall-mounted audio-visual equipment that could collapse on top of you.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture (if available) such as a workbench, heavy table, or desk, and hold on to it.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Sheltering during a storm if outdoors, in a vehicle, or on a campus bus
- Get inside a building, if possible.
- Follow the instructions of your bus driver if you are riding campus transit or a city bus.
- Lie in a low-lying area, or crouch near a strong building if shelter is not available or if there is no time to get indoors.
- Be aware of the potential for flash flooding.
- Use your arms to protect to your head and neck.
Post-storm suggestions
- Help injured, trapped, or people with disabilities or special needs.
- Give first aid when appropriate. Do not try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call the University Police at 404-413-3333 or 911 for help.
- Watch out for downed power lines and other damaged utilities when evacuating.
- Turn on a radio or television to get the latest emergency information.>
- Stay out of damaged buildings. Return only when campus officials deem the building(s) to be safe.
- Use telephones for emergency calls only after severe weather.
- Avoid spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids. Do not attempt to clean up spills without proper equipment.
- Leave the buildings if you smell gas or chemical fumes and notify the University Police at 404-413-3333.
Winter Storm
The major dangers of winter storms are intense cold, power outages and breakdown of transportation because of poor visibility and road conditions.
One of three announcements will be made:
- “University is open and operating on a regular schedule”
- “University is closed”
- “University will delay opening or specific events until a specific time”
Announcements will be distributed in the following ways:
- Posting to the university home page
- Announcement through local media
- Panther Alert Mass Notification System
Suspicious Package
For Suspicious Unopened Envelopes or Packages Marked with Threatening Messages:
- Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
- Place any suspicious envelope or package in a plastic bag or other type of container to prevent the contents from leaking.
- If you do not have a container, cover the envelope or package with anything (for example, clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
- Leave the room and close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
- Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any substance to your face.
- Report the incident to University Police at 404-413-3333 and notify your building officials or an available supervisor.
- If possible, list all people who were in the room or area when the envelope or package arrived. Give this list to responding authorities.
A suspicious envelope or package might include the following:
- Excessive postage
- Handwritten or poorly typed address
- Incorrect title
- Title without name
- Misspelling of common words
- Oily stain, discoloration or odor
- No return address
- Excessive weight
- Lopsided or uneven envelope
- Protruding wires or aluminum foil
- Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
- Visual distractions
- Ticking sound
- Restrictive endorsements, such as “personal” or “confidential.”
- City or state in the postmark that does not match the return address
Unauthorized Person in the Building
- Call 404-413-3333 or 404-413-2100 for Georgia State Police.
- Relay any descriptive information about the intruder to the police dispatcher (physical, clothing and vehicle description).
- Make sure the hallways and common areas are clear of students and staff.
- Put a safe distance or barrier between yourself and the perpetrator. Be prepared to seek protection in a nearby room or evacuate (if it is safe to do so) if the intruder/suspicious person approaches and is visibly armed with a weapon.
- Monitor the location of the intruder/suspicious person, if monitoring can done safely, and report his/her location to the police.
- Initiate a building lock-down as necessary.
- Inform students and staff through your phone tree to stay in their offices or classrooms and lock the door (as applicable).
- Use an emergency communication system (for example, intercom, handheld radio, call button, etc.).
- Notify personnel to resume normal activities once the situation is resolved.
Active Threat
Call the University Police Department at 404-413-3333.
In case of a life-threatening event, each individual should take actions necessary to protect his or her own life.
Perpetrator(s) Inside the Building:
If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so. If flight is impossible, lock (or barricade) all doors and secure yourself in a safe area.
Perpetrator(s) Outside the Building:
Close and lock (or barricade) all doors and windows. If you can do so safely, get all students and staff on the floor and out of the line of fire.
Remain in place until an “all clear” is given by an authorized person or law enforcement official.
Observe and make notes of the following if this can be done safely:
- Descriptions of the people involved in the act
- Vehicle(s) description
- Types and number of weapons
- Statements and other pertinent information
Explosion or Bomb Threat Procedures
If There Is An Explosion:
- Take cover under sturdy furniture, or leave the building if directed to do so by emergency responders.
- Stay away from windows.
- Do not light matches.
- Move well away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
- Use stairs only. Do not use elevators.
- Call UniversityPolice at 404-413-3333.
If You Receive a Bomb Threat:
- Stay calm and keep your voice calm.
- Pay close attention to details. Talk to the caller to obtain as much information as possible.
- Take notes. Ask questions:
– When will it explode?
– Where is it right now?
– What does it look like?
– What kind of bomb is it?
– Where did you leave it?
– Did you place the bomb?
– Who is the target?
– Why did you plant it?
– What is your address?
– What is your name? - Observe the caller’s:
– Speech patterns (accent, tone)
– Emotional state (angry, agitated, calm, etc.)
– Background noise (traffic, people talking and accents, music and type, etc.)
– Age and gender - Write down other data:
– Date and time of call
– How threat was received (letter, note, telephone) - Call University Police at 404-413-3333 and submit your notes from the telephone call or the bomb threat (letter or note) to University Police.
- Check your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items. Report them to University Police at 404-413-3333.
- Take personal belongings when you leave.
- Leave doors and windows open. Do not turn light switches on or off.
Use stairs only. Do not use elevators.
Civil Unrest
Civil unrest may occur during demonstration procedures.
If a disturbance seems to threaten the occupants of the building, report it to the University Police and take the following actions:
-
Alert people in the immediate vicinity of the situation.
-
Lock doors and windows.
-
Close blinds to prevent flying glass.
-
If necessary, cease work operations.
-
If evacuation is necessary, follow directions from first responders (for example, police and fire personnel).
Criminal Activity / Unauthorized Person in the Building
- Call 404-413-3333 or 404-413-2100 for Georgia State Police.
- Relay any descriptive information about the intruder to the police dispatcher (physical, clothing and vehicle description).
- Make sure the hallways and common areas are clear of students and staff.
- Put a safe distance or barrier between yourself and the perpetrator. Be prepared to seek protection in a nearby room or evacuate (if it is safe to do so) if the intruder/suspicious person approaches and is visibly armed with a weapon.
- Monitor the location of the intruder/suspicious person, if monitoring can done safely, and report his/her location to the police.
- Initiate a building lock-down as necessary.
- Inform students and staff through your phone tree to stay in their offices or classrooms and lock the door (as applicable).
- Use an emergency communication system (for example, intercom, handheld radio, call button, etc.).
- Notify personnel to resume normal activities once the situation is resolved.
Earthquake
- Take cover immediately.
- Direct others to get under a desk, chair or table for shelter.
- Seek shelter between seating rows in a lecture hall or against a corridor wall if in a hallway.
- If outside, move to an open area, away from buildings.
- Report injuries to the University Police at 404-413-3333.
- Examine your area for damage and report damages to the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700.
- Be alert for aftershocks. Do not use elevators and evacuate in a calm and orderly manner.
- Await instructions from first responders and do not re-enter buildings until they are examined by trained officials
Evacuation
General Evacuation Procedures
- Stay calm. Do not rush and do not panic.
-
Stop your work.
-
Gather your personal belongings if it is safe to do so. (Reminder: take prescription medications with you if possible. It may be hours before you are allowed back in the building.)
-
If safe, close your office door and window, but do not lock them.
-
Use the nearest safe stairs and proceed to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevator.
-
Follow instructions from emergency responders.
-
Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so by the emergency responders.
-
Move to the established assembly area and ensure accountability of building personnel is conducted in a timely manner.
-
Report any known or suspected missing persons.
Emergency Evacuation Guidelines for People with Disabilities
- Building occupants should be invited to volunteer ahead of time to assist people with disabilities in an emergency. If a volunteer is not available, designate someone to help.
- Volunteers should obtain evacuation training for certain types of lifting techniques.
- Two or more trained volunteers, if available, should conduct the evacuation.
- DO NOT evacuate people with disabilities in their wheelchairs. This is standard practice to ensure the safety of people with disabilities and volunteers. Wheelchairs will be evacuated later if possible.
- Always ASK someone with a disability how you can help BEFORE attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask how they can best be helped or moved, and whether there are any special considerations or items that need to come with them.
- Before attempting an evacuation, volunteers and the people being helped should discuss how any lifting will be done and the evacuation path that will be followed.
- DO NOT use elevators, unless authorized to do so by police or fire personnel. Elevators could fail during a fire.
- If the situation is life-threatening, call University Police at 404-413-3333.
Fire
If There Is a Fire or Visible Smoke:
- Notify the Fire Department by pulling the nearest fire alarm (pull station) and, from a safe distance outside the building, call the University Police at 404-413-3333 or 911 to provide details of the situation.
- If you have been trained in the use of a portable fire extinguisher and are able to safely extinguish the fire, do so. Be sure you have a safe exit from the area and leave if the extinguisher does not put out the fire.
- Evacuate the building as soon as the alarm sounds.
- On your way out, warn others nearby.
- Move away from fire and smoke. Close doors and windows if time permits.
- Feel closed doors with the top-side/back of your hand to feel for heat. Do not open doors if you feel heat.
- Use stairs only. Do not use elevators.
- Move a minimum of 300 feet away from the building.
- Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so by the emergency responders.
Hazardous Materials
If you witness a hazardous material spill, evacuate the spill site and warn others to stay away. Call University Police at 404-413-3333 if you believe the spill may be life-threatening. If you can determine the spill is not life-threatening, follow the procedures outlined below.
If You Spill Hazardous Material or Materials:
- Leave the area of the spill first and proceed to a safe location nearby. Then assess 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 as appropriate. Consult your supervisor if necessary.
- Isolate the spill area to keep everyone away, and post signs as necessary.
- Call University Police at 404-413-3333. University Police will call the Office of Research Integrity.
If you suspect or witness a release of a hazardous material to the environment (air, water, ground) call University Police at 404-413-3333. University Police will contact the Office of Research Integrity. Appropriate agencies will be notified if the situation cannot be handled with internal capabilities or if the situation poses a threat to life safety.
Pandemic Flu Emergency Plan
Georgia State has developed comprehensive plans for protecting the safety and well-being of our students, staff and faculty in the event of a potential pandemic influenza outbreak. As part of this process, a special Pandemic Influenza Task Force has developed the following response plan designed to:
- Handle emergency situations.
- Reduce Georgia State ’s vulnerability to pandemic influenza.
- Establish and identify capabilities and responsibilities during such a crisis.
- Respond effectively and efficiently.
The Pandemic Flu Emergency Plan will be adapted based on policy and direction from the Georgia Board of Regents and other state and federal authorities and to meet specific needs identified during an event. The following Pandemic Influenza Action Phases will be used in subordinate departmental or academic unit plans:
Phase Definitions
- Phase I – Normal Conditions
- Phase II – Confirmed cases in U.S. wildlife or human-to-human transmission outside U.S.
- Phase III – Confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission inside U.S.
- Phase IV – Confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission in Georgia
- Phase V – Suspected or confirmed case of pandemic influenza in Fulton County
- Phase VI – Suspected or confirmed case on campus
- Post-Event – Pandemic aftermath and recovery
Click here to visit the CDC website for more information.
Severe Weather
Tornado Watch and Warning
Sheltering during a storm if inside a building
- Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level of the building.
- Take your personal belongings if time permits (laptops, purses, book bags, etc.).
- Secure your work computer if time permits (log off and shut down to minimize damage and potential loss of data).
- Lock offices and secure sensitive or confidential items (grade books, financial records, etc.) if time permits.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, theater style rooms, cafeterias, large hallways or gymnasiums.
- Stay away from exterior windows and doors as well as display cases, shelving or wall-mounted audio-visual equipment that could collapse on top of you.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture (if available) such as a workbench, heavy table, or desk, and hold on to it.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Sheltering during a storm if outdoors, in a vehicle, or on a campus bus
- Get inside a building, if possible.
- Follow the instructions of your bus driver if you are riding campus transit or a city bus.
- Lie in a low-lying area, or crouch near a strong building if shelter is not available or if there is no time to get indoors.
- Be aware of the potential for flash flooding.
- Use your arms to protect to your head and neck.
Post-storm suggestions
- Help injured, trapped, or people with disabilities or special needs.
- Give first aid when appropriate. Do not try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call the University Police at 404-413-3333 or 911 for help.
- Watch out for downed power lines and other damaged utilities when evacuating.
- Turn on a radio or television to get the latest emergency information.>
- Stay out of damaged buildings. Return only when campus officials deem the building(s) to be safe.
- Use telephones for emergency calls only after severe weather.
- Avoid spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids. Do not attempt to clean up spills without proper equipment.
- Leave the buildings if you smell gas or chemical fumes and notify the University Police at 404-413-3333.
Winter Storm
The major dangers of winter storms are intense cold, power outages and breakdown of transportation because of poor visibility and road conditions.
One of three announcements will be made:
- “University is open and operating on a regular schedule”
- “University is closed”
- “University will delay opening or specific events until a specific time”
Announcements will be distributed in the following ways:
- Posting to the university home page
- Announcement through local media
- Panther Alert Mass Notification System
Suspicious Package
For Suspicious Unopened Envelopes or Packages Marked with Threatening Messages:
- Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
- Place any suspicious envelope or package in a plastic bag or other type of container to prevent the contents from leaking.
- If you do not have a container, cover the envelope or package with anything (for example, clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
- Leave the room and close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
- Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any substance to your face.
- Report the incident to University Police at 404-413-3333 and notify your building officials or an available supervisor.
- If possible, list all people who were in the room or area when the envelope or package arrived. Give this list to responding authorities.
A suspicious envelope or package might include the following:
- Excessive postage
- Handwritten or poorly typed address
- Incorrect title
- Title without name
- Misspelling of common words
- Oily stain, discoloration or odor
- No return address
- Excessive weight
- Lopsided or uneven envelope
- Protruding wires or aluminum foil
- Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
- Visual distractions
- Ticking sound
- Restrictive endorsements, such as “personal” or “confidential”
- City or state in the postmark that does not match the return address
Utility Failure
Utility Failure/ Interruption:
- Report utility failures during regular work hours (Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700.
- Report data network and telephone system interruptions to the IS&T Technical Operations Center at 404-413-4444, in Room G8, Library South (24-hour operation).
Report utility failures after regular work hours, on weekends and on holidays to the Georgia State Police Department at 404-413-3333.
Gas Leaks (Indoor):
- Evacuate the area immediately.
- Activate your phone tree to ensure everyone in the building is notified.
- Call the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700 and the Georgia State Police Department at 404-413-3333 to report the problem.
- Do not switch on lights or any other electrical equipment. Do not smoke in the area.
- Account for all building personnel once outside and wait for further instructions from the police and/or the Atlanta Fire Department.
Gas Leaks (Outdoor):
- Evacuate the area immediately.
- Do not attempt to shut off gas or manipulate valves.
- Call the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700 and the Georgia State Police Department at 404-413-3333 to report the problem.
- Prevent vehicular traffic and pedestrians from entering the area until the police arrive to set up a perimeter.
- Do not smoke in the area or move any vehicles that are parked near the broken gas line.
- Follow the instructions of the Police Department and Atlanta Fire Department.
Power Outage:
- Report the outage to the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center a 404-413-0700 and the Georgia State Police Department at 404-413-3333.
- Help co-workers in darkened areas move to safer locations.
- Secure experimental work and keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
- Unplug personal computers, appliances and non-essential electrical equipment.
- Open windows for additional light and ventilation.