Emergency Management - Classroom Resources
If You Need Immediate Assistance: Dial 911 or contact University Police at 518-442-3131
If You Need Immediate Assistance: Dial 911 or contact University Police at 518-442-3131
The importance of emergency preparedness extends into the classroom. Students, even in higher education settings, look to the instructor for guidance and definitive action during an emergency.
Faculty and instructors who take a few minutes at the start of each semester to familiarize their students with basic evacuation and emergency procedures will find a peace of mind that they and their students are better prepared for an emergency.
Faculty and instructors are presented with a unique challenge in emergency planning as they travel between buildings and classrooms delivering lectures and guiding lab activities. The following information is intended to serve as a quick reference during emergencies.
Students, even in the university environment, look to the person at the front of the class as the leader of the group. Even in classes as small as 5 individuals, students expect the instructor to have answers and a clear plan when an emergency occurs.
Use the nearest available exit. Evacuation routes are posted on building walls throughout the hallways. Know the evacuation routes for your classroom. Look for illuminated EXIT signs in larger classrooms to determine primary and secondary Exits. All fire alarms require mandatory evacuation.
As your class is evacuating the classroom, ensure that everyone is leaving the building. Evacuate to at least 50’ from the building. Familiarize yourself with this process and ensure that your class knows the locations and then account for students during an evacuation.
If you or a student has access or functional needs that prevents exiting:
An "active shooter" is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. Although the likelihood of an active-shooter incident in our organization is small, recent events remind us that we are not immune from these types of tragedies. In most cases, there is no particular pattern to the active shooter's selection of victims. Some common motives for the 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
Hide - if evacuation is not possible
Fight - Take action by disrupting the shooter — but only as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
When Law Enforcement Arrives
The first 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.
What to Do
Information to Provide to 911 Operations
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.