In an emergency

Do:

• Move to safe location away from shooter.
• Remain in place or hide if moving is unsafe.
• Lock and barricade doors, block windows and close blinds.
• Turn off lights.
• Silence cell phones.
• Take cover behind dense, solid objects that might be effective in stopping bullets.
• For more tips, view the “Run. Hide. Fight.” video and other resources on the VCU Police website.

Avoid:

• Attempting negotiations with shooter.

How to Respond in an Active Shooter Emergency:

Do:

• Call VCU Police if activities threaten or may result in damage to university grounds or buildings.
• Give VCU Police your name, exact location of disturbance and any information known about the disturbance.
• Remain calm.
• Alert all persons in area of the situation.
• Lock doors and windows and close blinds to prevent flying glass.

Avoid:

• Obstructing or provoking protestors.
• Remaining at your location if it is unsafe due to the disturbance activities.

Do:

• Report crimes observed or believed to be in progress to VCU Police. Call (804) 828-1234 or text a tip to 274637 using the keyword VCUtip.

Avoid:

• Apprehending or interfering with the criminal except in cases of self-defense.

Do:

• Drop to the ground; take cover by getting under heavy furniture, such as a desk, table or bench until shaking stops (if inside during an earthquake). An easy-to-remember approach is “Drop, cover and hold on.”
• Stay clear of buildings, power lines, overpasses and elevated expressways, due to falling debris (if outside).
• Expect aftershocks for several weeks after the quake, which can further weaken structures.
• Report suspicious smells of gas by calling VCU Police.

Avoid:

• Proximity to large windows, mirrors or other glass during a quake.
• Locations next to buildings and exterior walls due to falling debris.
• Exiting a building during an earthquake.

Do:

• Activate building fire alarm pull station if you discover fire or smell or see smoke.
• Immediately leave the building and, if possible, shut off equipment and quickly stabilize experiments.
• Close your door.
• Alert others.
• Assist others in evacuating if possible. Have those you cannot assist wait in areas designated “Areas of Rescue Assistance.”
• Call VCU Police or activate Emergency Reporting Telephone System flashing yellow strobe light (exterior) or ERTS flashing red light (interior) phone or Richmond Police by calling 911.
• Stay low to the floor when escaping from a fire.
• Assemble at safe place away from danger and account for others in your office/classroom/floor.
• Have person with knowledge of situation meet with first responders.

Avoid:

• Using elevators.
• Opening a door that feels hot to the touch.
• Attempting to fight fire yourself unless trained in use of firefighting equipment, and it is safe to do so.
• Allowing fire and heavy smoke to come between you and an exit.
• Taking deep breaths if caught in heavy smoke.

Do:

• Report all spills or releases of hazardous materials observed to VCU Police.
• Give VCU Police your name, exact location of spill or release, and source, character, amount, and extent of material spill/release if possible.
• Advise VCU Police of any injuries associated with the incident.
• Shut windows, turn off open flames and open hoods in the area, if possible.
• Remain a safe distance from released or spilled material.
• Keep others from entering the area.
• Wait for VCU Police and emergency responders to direct them to the area.

Avoid:

• Initiating spill/release cleanup unless properly protected and qualified to handle HAZMAT events.
• Touching or inhaling spilled materials.

Do:

• Postpone outdoor activities if a thunderstorm is audible via thunder, evident visually, likely because of current weather conditions or has been forecasted in your area.
• Secure outdoor objects that could cause damage; shutter windows and secure exterior doors.
• Watch for darkening skies, lightning and increasing winds.
• Go quickly inside a sturdy and enclosed building. If no building is close, get in a car and avoid touching metal surfaces.
• Go to the lowest area nearby and make yourself the smallest target possible if no shelter or car is available.
• Get to land and shelter immediately if on open water.

Avoid:

• Any tall, isolated trees in an open area.
• Avoid showering or bathing during a thunderstorm. Plumbing fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, a boat on the water, isolated sheds or small structures in open areas.
• Anything metal — tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, bleachers, fences and bicycles.
• Laying flat on the ground.
• Using electrical items such as computers or televisions, as power surges from lightning can cause serious injury and damage.
• Corded telephones if possible by using cell or cordless phones.

Do:

• Call VCU Police at (804) 828-1234 or Richmond Police at 911 for emergency medical service (EMS/ambulance) if injured or encountering someone who is injured.
• Give VCU Police your name, exact location and any key information regarding the injury.
• Remain with injured person until VCU Police or EMS arrives.
• Remain calm and tell the injured person (even if they appear to be unconscious) that help is on the way.

Avoid:

• Rendering first aid or medical care unless trained to do so.

Do:

• Monitor VCU Alert and local news media for weather reports and emergency information.
• Dress warmly and wear multiple layers of protective, loose-fitting clothing, scarves, mittens and a head covering such as a hood or hat.
• Wear insulated boots or shoe rubbers with good rubber treads when walking on snow or ice.
• Take short steps and walk at a slower pace to respond to traction changes when walking on icy or snow-covered walkways and parking lots.
• Slow down driving speeds to avoid accidents on slippery roadways.
• Allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Be on the lookout for vehicles that may have lost traction and are slipping toward you.
• Fully winterize your vehicle and clear snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, hood, roof, trunk and license plates.
• Be aware that approaching vehicles may not be able to stop at crosswalks or traffic signals.
• Wear bright clothing or reflective gear during storms to ensure that motorists can see you.
• Wear sunglasses during the daytime to enable you to see better and to avoid hazards.

Avoid:

• Weather exposure to unprotected portions of the body to reduce frostbite of fingers, toes, nose and ear lobes.
• Hypothermia by minimizing time outdoors, avoiding operating outdoors in wet clothing and minimizing intake of depressants (alcohol) and stimulants (coffee and tea).
• Walking in a street with your back to traffic if a sidewalk has not been cleared.
• Leaving a stranded vehicle where you could become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.
• Overexertion when shoveling snow and freeing stuck vehicles, as frostbite and heart attacks occur during extended outdoor physical activities in cold weather.