Indiana University Bloomington

Emergency Preparedness

www.iub.edu/~prepare/

The nature of an emergency or disaster, either created by nature or humankind, is such that we cannot predict everything that might happen. In an effort to address some of the questions you might have, however, we've put together these emergency tips and contacts so you can be better prepared.

If this isn't an emergency and you have a specific question regarding your personal safety and security, send an e-mail to prepare@indiana.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: In the event of an emergency, how will the campus communicate with students, faculty, staff, and parents?

A: In case of an actual emergency, the campus will communicate by several means, including personal communication where appropriate. During critical incidents, IU faculty, staff and students will receive information and instructions directly through IU-Notify, an integrated e-mail, voice mail, and text messaging system.

Please note: It is important that you keep your contact information up-to-date in OneStart (onestart.iu.edu) to ensure you can be reached via IU-Notify. Once you log in to OneStart, select the Notifications tab and then the IU-Notify link in the left sidebar. Once there, you can review and update your phone numbers and non-IU e-mail address. You can also add more information and choose to receive text alerts by adding your mobile phone number in the text field.

The campus will also communicate using the Indiana University Bloomington campus homepage (www.iub.edu) and the Indiana University Emergency Preparedness Web site (www.indianauniversity.info).

Due to possible technology service interruptions, your best source for immediate, minute-to-minute information will likely be broadcast messages on local television and radio. These include:

Radio

• WTTS 92.3 FM (our region's primary Emergency Alert System, or EAS, station)
• WFIU 103.7 FM
• WBWB 96.7 FM
• WGCL 1370 AM
• WQRK 105.5 FM
• WFBQ 94.7 FM
• Weather radios using Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), available at most electronics stores

Television

• WRTV (Channel 6) ABC
• WISH (Channel 8) CBS
• WTHR (Channel 13) NBC
• WTIU (Channel 30) PBS
• WXIN (Channel 59) FOX
• Campus Cable Channel 2

Because the IU Police Department will be busy tending to any large-scale emergency that occurs, you should avoid calling them directly unless absolutely necessary. Call the campus status hotline at 812-855-9227 for a looped informational message with up-to-date information. If you reside outside the 812 area code, call toll free 1-877-482-5486 (1-877-IU-BLGTN).

Q: Will classes be canceled in anticipation of an emergency?

A: It is highly unusual for classes to be canceled. The campus will continue to operate as usual unless specific, credible information is obtained indicating an increased risk to the IU Bloomington community. This information will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by campus officials and relevant government agencies to determine the most appropriate course of action. Students, faculty, and staff should go about their normal activities unless directed otherwise.

You should always check the Indiana University Bloomington campus homepage (www.iub.edu) news headlines for the latest information.

Q: What can I do to prepare for an emergency or disaster?

A: Your safety and the safety of the entire IU Bloomington community are our foremost concern. However, we do recognize that each individual must take personal responsibility for his or her own safety. Here are some things you can do to be prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster:

• Be aware of security conditions by monitoring news sources to learn of changes in the advisory system and specific areas of concern.
• Create a personal plan that includes a method for making contact with family and friends in the event of disaster.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Identify exits, life safety equipment, building shelter areas, and emergency telephones.
• Have emergency supplies available, such as first aid kits and nonperishable food and water.
• Keep your automobile fuel tank full or nearly so.
• Be prepared for either an evacuation or to take shelter where you are.
• Avoid unsafe conditions due to overcrowding, poor lighting, or limited emergency exits.
• Report suspicious activity, packages, or conditions to your local law enforcement.

Q: What should I do in the event of an emergency or disaster?

A: You should:

• Remain calm, be patient, use common sense, think before you act, and give assistance as needed.
• Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
• Closely monitor news reports and emergency alert systems for news and instructions.
• Keep ready access to your medicines and phone numbers.
• Avoid crowded public areas.
• If an attack occurs, stay away from the area.
• Know where emergency devices are located and the location of at least two emergency exits close to your living/working area.
• Make sure to have access to an adequate first aid kit.

You should not:

• Use the telephone (landline or cellular) except to report the emergency situation.
• Use elevators.
• Jeopardize your life or the lives of others by attempting to save personal or university property.
• Light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches.

Q: What does it mean to "shelter-in-place?"

A: There are situations when it's simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside, a process known as "shelter-in-place." Use available information to assess the situation. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to take this kind of action.

• Lock doors and close windows and air vents.
• Turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced air heating systems.
• Go into an interior room with few windows, if possible.
• Seal all windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. Consider measuring and cutting the sheeting in advance to save time.
• Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you create a barrier between yourself and any contamination.
• University and local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Emergency Tips and Contacts for Faculty, Staff, and Students

We encourage you to use the chart below as a starting point, investigate specific procedures online at www.iub.edu/~prepare, and print those that are most useful to you. You can also use the preparedness site to link to other local, state, and national resources.

Last updated: July 03, 2008