Homeland Security

What is a "Heightened Security State of Alert"? "A mind set that leads you to notice unusual or suspicious behavior/circumstances and reporting your observations to authorities in a logical, rational and timely manner."

Heightened Security is not intended to induce fear and panic. People should go about their normal business while paying particular attention to their surroundings.

In response to the elevated threat level, reports of the possibility of war and the continuing threat of terrorism around the world, the College's Emergency Preparedness Task Force met recently to review procedures that ensure the security of students, faculty and staff and make the following recommendations:

Be aware of and report to Public Safety (1111):

• People in buildings or areas who do not appear to be there on legitimate business.
• People requesting information with no apparent need for that information.
• Abandoned packages or other items in unusual or high traffic areas.
• Multiple persons who appear to be working in unison, committing the above.

Be alert to:

• Abandoned vehicles.
• Unexpected/unfamiliar delivery trucks.
• Vehicles containing unusual/suspicious packages or materials.
• Substances leaking or spilling from vehicles.

Building/Office security:

• Don't prop open building/residence hall entrance doors/windows.
• Secure all areas when not attended.
• Be aware of unfamiliar persons in or visitors to your office/lab etc.
• Talk with co-workers or fellow students, know what is out of place or just doesn't look right.

In the event of an actual emergency and/or major event the campus EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM will be activated via:

• EAS (Emergency Alert System) all channel broadcast via the College Cable TV System.
• All-campus e-mail PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY.
• FLYERS in Residence Halls and Academic Buildings.
• PHONE TREE notification to faculty, staff and residence life staff.

The Emergency Preparedness Task Force maintains an EMERGENCY INFORMATION Web page, accessible via the College Home Page, providing up-to-date status of the emergency/event, cancellations of classes and activities, availability of support programs, parent information and detailed emergency instructions and procedures.

If you have any questions regarding the College's emergency plan, please feel free to contact us at the Department of Public Safety at 717-245 1349.