Emergency Action PlanSuspicious Mail

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EMERGENCY RESOURCES

Do not hesitate to contact Campus Safety if you need assistance.

Emergency assistance (on campus dial ext. 3333, cell phone on campus dial (315) 781-3333, off campus dial 911).

For non-emergency assistance dial (315) 781-3000.

Bleeding Control Kits Locations
Assembly Points for Building Evacuations

Emergency Management Team

The HWS Emergency Management Team is directed by leadership from the Office of Campus Safety and the Office of Campus Life in coordination with core groups from across campus, including information technology, operations, facilities and communications. The team also includes an incident response group and a policy group. The team regularly participates in trainings and drills.

NOTIFICATION

In the event it becomes necessary to notify the HWS community of an imminent emergency on campus, notification will be sent using the Everbridge Mass Notification System. Brief and immediate instructions will be given through the Everbridge system when we use it. All other non-imminent communication will be disseminated through the HWS e-mail system and via the Colleges' Twitter account.

To ensure that Everbridge has the correct contact information for emergency notification, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to update their PeopleSoft accounts.

SUSPICIOUS MAIL – BIOLOGICAL/ EXPLOSIVE AGENT THREAT

1. UNOPENED SUSPICIOUS MAIL

If you receive a suspicious letter or package on campus and it is unopened:

  • Do not shake or empty the contents of the letter or package.
  • Place the letter or package in some type of container to prevent leakage.
  • Leave the room or area and prevent others from accessing it.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Immediately notify Campus Safety at ext. 3333 or (315) 781-3333 to report the incident.

2. SUSPICIOUS SUBSTANCE IN OPENED MAIL

If you open a letter or package and a suspicious substance falls out:

  • Cover the spilled material without trying to clean it up.
  • Leave the room or area and prevent others from accessing it.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water. If any clothing has become contaminated, remove it without brushing any materials off your clothing.
  • Immediately notify Campus Safety at ext. 3333 or (315) 781-3333 to report the incident.

3. CAMPUS SAFETY/POLICE RESPONSE

  • Campus Safety or Geneva Police Personnel will report to the scene and make the required hazard assessment to determine whether or not an actual emergency exists.
  • If the suspicious package appears to be an immediate threat to you and other building occupants, or if you are instructed to do so, activate the building’s fire alarm by pulling the nearest fire pull station to signal that an emergency exists and conduct an orderly evacuation.
  • Evacuation. During building evacuations, assist special needs individuals in exiting the building and proceed to the building’s evacuation meeting point. This location is listed on the evacuation floor plans posted near each building exit.
    • Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped and special needs persons during evacuations.
    • Remain calm and do not panic.
    • If the emergency is impacting your building’s evacuation meeting point, or if you are instructed to do so by college authorities or first responders, proceed to the alternate primary or secondary assembly area and await further directions from officials.

Note: The exact locations of the alternate or secondary sites may differ based upon the nature of the emergency. You will be instructed where these are located by officials during the evacuation process.

IMPORTANT—DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING until and unless told to do so by authorized HWS officials.