Disaster and Emergency Preparedness: Fordham University Emergency Procedures

Emergency Operation Centers at Fordham University: 

Rose Hill: Department of Public Safety, Thebaud Hall Annex

Lincoln Center: Residential Life Office, McMahon Hall Lobby

Westchester: First-floor Conference Room 

Emergency Information Numbers:

• 877-375-HELP (4357)
• 800-280-SNOW (7669)
• 718-817-5555
• 212-636-7777

Department of Public Safety
Rose Hill
Extension: 2222 or 5832
Phone: 718-817-2222 or 718-817-5832

Lincoln Center
Extension: 6076
Phone: 212-930-8888 or 212-636-6076

Westchester
Extension: 3333
Phone: 914-367-3001 or 914-367-3333

Medical Emergency or Ambulance Request

Immediate Steps:

• Never attempt to move a seriously injured person unless a life-threatening condition exists in the immediate area.
• Stay with the injured/ill person and either call the Department of Public Safety yourself or ask for someone else to do so (when possible) if it requires leaving the area.
• Summon help immediately by contacting the Department of Public Safety at the numbers below and/or call 911.

When reporting the medical emergency, provide the following information:

• Type of emergency
• Location of the victim
• Condition of the victim
• Any dangerous conditions
• Your identity and the identity of the victim (if known)

While waiting for emergency personnel:

• Provide first aid or CPR if you are trained and qualified to do so.
• Have someone stand by to flag down and direct the ambulance when it arrives.

When emergency personnel arrive:

• Wash any area on your body that has been exposed to another person's bodily fluids.
• Notify the emergency personnel of such exposure.
• Report the exposure to your supervisor (staff) or to the Student Health Center (students).

Severe Weather

If you receive warning that severe weather is approaching:

• Proceed to a safe area where you can stay inside and have access to weather related information.
• Ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the anticipated weather.

In a severe thunderstorm:

• Take cover immediately.
• Avoid trees.
• Avoid metal, electrical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets,and sinks.
• Completely steer clear of downed power lines.

In a flash flood:

• Seek high ground.
• Do not attempt to drive a vehicle through standing or running water.

In a tornado:

• Go to the basement or lowest point of your building, or an interior room or hallway without windows.

In a tropical storm/hurricane watch:

• Pay attention to local weather forecasts and bulletins for further directions.
• Bring inside any loose lightweight objects (i.e., garbage cans, furniture, etc.)
• Close windows and doors.

In all cases of anticipated or actual severe weather:

• Information will be available by calling the Fordham University Emergency Information Numbers, which are 877-375-HELP (4357), 800-280-SNOW (7669),718-817-5555, or 212-636-7777.

Fordham University Emergency Procedures Handbook

Other Fordham University Emergency Procedures

• Active Shooter Incident
• Bomb Threats
• Campus and Workplace Violence
• Criminal Activity
• Earthquake
• Hazardous Material Spill
• Suspicious Mail or Packages
• Terrorism

Evacuation Procedures

If a fire alarm sounds or a building evacuation is otherwise ordered:

• Immediately evacuate the building.
• Rescue or assist people in immediate danger, but only if you can safely do so without endangering yourself.
• Steer clear of elevators. Use stairways for emergency evacuation.

Upon evacuation of the building:

• Stay 200 feet away from the building.
• Report the names of anyone missing to the emergency response personnel along with their last known location.
• Do not attempt to reenter a building that has been evacuated until public safety personnel advises that it is safe to do so.

Fire

As soon as you become aware of a fire:

• Pull the nearest fire alarm device or make sure an alarm has already been sent.
• Notify the Department of Public Safety (see numbers below).
• If fire occurs in your room, leave immediately and close the door behind you.
• Follow the directions of fire wardens, public safety personnel, resident assistants, or resident directors.
• Follow building evacuation directions. Never go to the roof.
• Exit quickly and move at least 200 feet away from the building. Do not remain in lobby or near entrances as first responders need access for their personnel/equipment.
• Notify fire wardens/public safety personnel of the location of anyone injured or with physical challenges still within the complex. If safe to do so, assist them to a secure location close to an evacuation stairwell.
• Stay away from elevators. Use the stairs only.
• Check doors before opening. If they are warm to the touch, do not enter.

Note: Extinguish a fire only if you are trained to use a fire extinguisher and an alarm has been sent.

Gas Leaks

Signs- S-S-H:

• Smell: Strong Odor Similar to Rotten Eggs.
• See: White cloud, Mist, Fog, Bubbles in Standing Water.
• Hear: Hissing or Whistling

In Case of a Gas Leak on Campus:

• Immediately notify the Department of Public Safety.
• Do not use any electrical device- including a doorbell or light switch- as it could create a spark.
• Open windows.
• Evacuate building.
• Remain at least 1,000 feet away from the building.

Information to Collect:

• Building name
• Floor number
• Room number
• Specific chemical name of the involved gas (if known)
• Estimated volume involved (if known)

Utility Failure

Emergency Power Failure:

• If there is an emergency power failure, or someone trapped in an elevator, it should be reported immediately to the Department of Public Safety.

Minor Power Failure:

• Minor failures of electricity, water, and/or gas should be reported to Facilities Operations at the following numbers during weekday business hours.
• During off hours, notifications should be made to the Department of Public Safety numbers listed above.