Emergency Information

911 – Memphis Police Emergency

Severe Weather

Meteorologists generally define severe weather as any aspect of the weather that poses risks to life, property or requires the intervention of authorities. A narrower definition of severe weather is any weather phenomena relating to severe thunderstorms.

Tornado

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air, usually pendant to a cumulonimbus, with circulation reaching the ground. It nearly always starts as a funnel cloud and may be accompanied by a loud roaring noise. On a local scale, it is the most destructive of all atmospheric phenomena.

If Indoors:

• Move quickly to a safe interior area without windows; e.g., hallways, basements, or restrooms.
• Move to the lowest levels, using stairways, NOT elevators.
• If possible, close all doors as you leave an area.
• Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls.
• Do NOT go outdoors.

If Outdoors:

• Get inside, if possible.
• Stay away from trees, power lines, utility poles and other hazards.
• Curl up in a ditch or low-lying area; stay low to the ground; use your arms to protect your neck and head.

Earthquake

An earthquake is the shaking of a part of the earth's surface which often causes great damage.

• "Drop, Cover and Hold" under a table or desk or against an inside wall, not in a doorway, until the shaking stops.
• After the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries and move toward the nearest exit or alternate exit.
• Evacuate the building.
• Do not leave the area/campus without reporting your status to your instructor or supervisor.

Fire

Fire is generally known as the light, heat and especially the flame produced by burning.

• Remain calm.
• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and call Campus Police from a campus phone; call 911 from a cell phone; or, if available in the lobby, use the red emergency phone.
• Evacuate the building.
• Do NOT use elevators!
• Do NOT re-enter the building until authorized by emergency personnel.

Important: If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) in the window as a marker for rescue crews. If there are no windows, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

• PULL the pin.
• AIM at the base of the fire.
• SQUEEZE the handle/trigger.
• SWEEP with the extinguisher as you suppress the fire.

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Hazardous Materials Release

A hazardous materials release is the release of a substance(s) that pose a threat or danger to public health.

• If an emergency exists or if anyone is in danger, move away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
• Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
• Alert others to stay clear of the area.
• Notify emergency personnel if you have been exposed or have information about the release.

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Suspicious Person

A suspicious person, is a person or persons whose questionable behavior or actions arouses suspicion.

• Do not physically confront the person.
• Do not let anyone into a locked building/office.
• Do not block the person's access to an exit.
• If suspected terrorist/hostage, lock doors. Do not leave or enter until all clear.
• Call Campus Police from a campus phone; or, if available in the lobby, use the red emergency phone.
• Provide as much information as possible about the person and their direction of travel.

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Active Shooter

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

• A: Avoid Danger. This is the preferred option and begins with situational awareness of one’s environment prior to any active, hostile act occurring. It also includes having a plan ahead of time regarding what you would do in the event of an active shooter and knowing escape routes.
• D: Deny: Access. If avoidance isn’t possible, find ways to prevent the attacker from having access to you and others around you (close and lock doors, barricade doorways with furniture, etc.).
• D: Defend Yourself. Take action! As a last resort you have a right to defend yourself if you believe your life is in imminent danger.

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Suspicious Object

A suspicious object is an object or thing that is questionable, or arouses or is apt to arouse suspicion.

• Do not touch or disturb the object.
• Do NOT use a cell phone!
• Call Campus Police from a campus phone; or, if available in the lobby, use the red emergency phone.
• Notify your instructor or supervisor.
• Be prepared to evacuate.

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Power Outage

A power outage is the failure of electric power for a general area.

• Remain calm; provide assistance to others if necessary.
• Move cautiously to a lighted area. Exits may be indicated by lighted signs if the emergency power is operating.
• Turn off and unplug computers and other voltage sensitive equipment.
• For information about a prolonged outage, call the Physical Plant at 901-333-4240.

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Explosions On Campus

An explosion on campus is a release of mechanical, chemical, or nuclear energy in a sudden and often violent manner with the generation of high temperature and usually with the release of gases.

• Immediately take cover under tables, desks or other objects that will provide protection against falling glass or debris.
• Assist persons with disabilities in exiting the building. Do not use elevators, in case of fire. Do not panic. Use stairways.
• Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. Know the designated area assembly points.
• If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
• Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a campus official.

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Evacuation

Evacuation is the clearance of personnel, animals, or materiel from a given locality.

• Remain calm.
• Evacuate using the nearest safe stairs and safe exit.
• Do NOT use elevators!
• Gather personal belongings (medication, keys, purses, wallets, etc.), but only if safe to do so.
• Follow directions given by emergency personnel.
• Go to identified assembly points at least 500 feet from the affected building.
• Assist persons with disabilities or injuries without jeopardizing your safety.
• If you are unable to evacuate due to a physical disability, go to a safe location (e.g., stairwell) and wait for assistance. Ask others to inform emergency personnel of your location.

If There Is Time:

• Turn off all electronics, including computers (except in cases of leaking gas or other flammable substances).
• Secure any hazardous materials or equipment before leaving.

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Designated Assembly Points for Evacuation

Macon Cove Campus

View the Macon Cove Campus evacuation assembly points map (PDF) [Size: 398 KB], requires Adobe Reader (opens new window).

Union Avenue Campus

View the Union Avenue Campus evacuation assembly points map (PDF) [Size: 351 KB], requires Adobe Reader (opens new window).

Centers and Site

View the Maxine A. Smith Center evacuation assembly points map (PDF) [Size: 318 KB]. You can also view the Whitehaven Center evacuation assembly points map (PDF) [Size: 307 KB]. Both require Adobe Reader (opens new window).

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Designated Indoor Shelters

Macon Cove Campus

Union Avenue Campus

Centers and Site

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