Complete emergency response guidelines for various types of emergencies are disseminated to employees each fall. These are available on line at www.bsu.edu/prepared.
Emergency Notification
Emergency Notifications are delivered simultaneously via the university web site, e-mail, campus voicemail, and mobile text messages (to those who subscribe) when there is an immediate threat to the campus community. The system is used when immediate and specific action of students, faculty, and staff is likely to protect them from imminent danger. This system is also used when classes are cancelled or the campus is closed. Visit http://www.bsu.edu/commcenter and select "manage emergency notifications" to subscribe to emergency text messaging.
Severe Weather
Please note the unique nature of severe weather. Weather notifications have a very short timeframe and severe storms are often difficult to predict precisely. As a result, the Ball State emergency notification system WILL NOT be used to alert the campus about severe weather watches, warnings, or tornadoes. The university will rely on the most effective methods of notification for severe weather: the three campus sirens and announcements on local TV and radio stations. In addition to those, you may want to explore free alert services such as:
• The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/mobile/customtextmessaging.html
• EmergencyEmail.org www.emergencyemail.org
In the case of an emergency on campus:
• In the case of an emergency on campus, the emergency warning sirens will emit a continuous three-minute sound warning.
• The siren is used to alert the public to impending weather emergencies, as well as hazardous material spills, national threats, and safety emergencies.
• If you hear the siren, take cover inside. Tune into your local radio or television station for further instructions and visit the Ball State Web site. If you cannot get to a radio or television, initiate tornado protection procedures as this is the most likely reason for the siren to sound.
• The siren does not sound for the entire duration of the emergency. Do not assume that the danger has passed when the siren stops sounding.
Opt-in Text Messaging
• Ball State offers an opt-in text message service that enables students, faculty, and staff to sign up to receive emergency information from the university via their cell phones.
• To subscribe to this service, go to www.bsu.edu/commcenter and select "manage emergency notifications."
Assessing Emergencies
The Department of Public Safety is responsible for determining when an emergency exists, which segments of the campus to notify, and through which means, as well coordinating with University Marketing and Communications on the content of any messages. When a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students and employees is confirmed to exist, the public safety department will take into account the safety of the community; determine what information to release; and begin the notification process without delay unless, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, such notification will compromise efforts to assist a victim, respond to the emergency, or contain or mitigate the emergency.
The entire campus will be notified when the potential exists for the majority of the community to be affected by an emergency situation, or when a situation threatens the operation of the campus as a whole. If the threat is limited to a segment of the population, notification may be limited to that segment, but additional segments of the population will be notified as assessment of the situation reveals a need to do so. Once the campus community has been notified, University Marketing and Communications will notify the neighboring community by updating local media outlets.
The university has two modes of communication: Public Safety Notices are sent when information may benefit the campus community to help raise awareness, mitigate rumors, and convey official information. They are sent when no immediate action is necessary. Emergency Notifications are sent when there is imminent danger on campus and immediate and specific actions can improve safety. When the safety of the campus community is in jeopardy, clear and quick communication is the university’s top priority. The goal of the communication is to first preserve human safety.
Responsible Staff
Director of Public Safety
Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Director of Housing & Residence Life
Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Management
Residence Hall Directors
Dissemination of Information
Once it has been determined that an imminent danger situation exists, the Emergency Notification System is activated. Information—including safety instructions for students, faculty, and staff—will be made available to the campus community through e-mail, opt-in text messaging, voice mail, the Ball State Web site, and local radio and TV stations. University Marketing and Communications is the only campus office authorized to disseminate official information about campus emergencies to the campus community. Updated information about the situation will be posted on the Ball State Web site (www.bsu.edu) as available.
Testing Procedures
The university tests its emergency notification protocol and technical systems no fewer than three times per year. The university conducts emergency response exercises each year, such as table top exercise, field exercises, and tests of the emergency notification systems on campus. These tests are designed to assess and evaluate the emergency plans and capabilities of the institution.
Evacuation
To be prepared for an emergency, Ball State community members are expected to recognize the sound of the evacuation alarm, know at least two ways out of the building from regular workspace, and know the predetermined meeting location for their units as appropriate.
When Ball State community members hear the evacuation alarm or are verbally instructed to begin evacuating a building, they should
1. Try to make sure that all members of their departments or units hear the alarm and evacuate the area by quickly checking nearby restrooms, copier rooms, storage rooms, etc., as you exit.
2. Use the nearest stairway. Do not use the elevator.
3. If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities.
4. Shut all doors behind them. Closed doors can slow the spread of fire, smoke, and water.
5. Evacuate as quickly as possible but in an orderly manner. Do not push or shove.
6. Once outside, move at least 100 feet from the building or follow the instructions of emergency personnel on the scene. Stay away from building entrances to avoid interfering with emergency personnel or equipment.