Emergency Management

• Clearly cover your classes’ basic emergency procedures during the first week of the semester. Ten minutes of pre-planning can save lives. 
   

• Know how to report an emergency from the classroom. 
   

• Communicate the evacuation route and designate an assembly area outside the building in case of an emergency. 
   

• Always bring a class roster, a cellphone and a list of important telephone numbers (department leadership, supervisors, lab managers, etc.) with you. 
   

• Ask students if they have emergency training, such as CPR or first aid, and be prepared to call on them in an emergency. 
   

• If a medical emergency happens, evacuate the classroom to give emergency responders better access to the victim. 
   

• People who self-identify as having access and functional needs may need assistance leaving the building during an evacuation. 
   

• Persons with access and functional needs, who self-identify, may need assistance leaving the building during an evacuation and should be able to provide information on special assistance needs if an emergency occurs.
   

• Most importantly, provide leadership and follow emergency procedures if an emergency arises. 

In an emergency, immediately call the University Police Department by dialing 911 on a campus phone or 518-442-3131 on a cellphone. We strongly suggest you save this number in your cellphone. 

Once you’re connected to a 911 dispatcher, state the nature of your emergency and your location. Remain on the line until the dispatcher hangs up. 

• Use the nearest available exit.  Look for illuminated Exit signs in larger classrooms to determine primary and secondary Exits.  
   

• Know the evacuation routes for your classroom. Evacuation routes are posted on building walls throughout the hallways. Review the Evacuation Plans for buildings you work in. 
   

• Communicate the evacuation route to your class and designate an assembly area outside the building in case of an emergency. 
   

• Ensure everyone in your class is leaving the building. Evacuate to at least 50 feet away from the building. Account for all students. 
   

• If someone has access or functional needs that prevent them from exiting the building without assistance, they should move to a safe location near a stairwell to be rescued by a firefighter. Once at that safe location, they should call the University Police Department at 518-442-3131 and provide their exact location (floor, stairwell number, etc.), name and cellphone number. If possible, they should ask someone to accompany them until they reach a safe location, then ask that person to evacuate and notify first responders of their exact location.  
   

• All fire alarms require mandatory evacuation. 

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.  

While the likelihood of an active shooter incident is low, no organization is immune from tragedy. In most cases, active shooters don’t show a pattern in their selection of victims. Common motives for violence are anger, revenge and ideology. 

If you encounter an active shooter situation, you must quickly determine the most practical way to protect your own life. You will need to decide whether to run, hide or fight. 

Run if there is an accessible escape path 

• Leave your belongings behind 

• Help others escape, if possible 

• Do not try to move the wounded 

• Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be 

• Keep your hands visible 

• Call 911 or University Police (518-442-3131) when you are safe 

Hide if evacuation is not possible 

• Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view 

• Lock door or block entry to your hiding place 

• Silence your cell phone (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet 

Fight only as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger 

• Attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter 

• Act with as much physical aggression as possible 

• Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter 

• Commit to your actions, your life depends on it      

If you’re in a safe place, call 911 or University Police (518-442-3131).  

What to tell 911 dispatchers 

• Location of the active shooter 

• Number of shooters 

• Physical description of shooter(s) 

• Number and type of weapons each shooter has 

• Number of potential victims at the location 

The first police officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams to follow initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove injured. 

When law enforcement arrives 

• Remain calm and follow instructions 

• Drop any items in your hands (bags, jackets, etc.) 

• Raise your hands and spread fingers 

• Always keep your hands visible 

• Avoid quick movements toward officers and don’t grab or hold onto them 

• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling 

• Do not ask questions when evacuating 

Once you have reached a safe location, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.