Safety Tips

• Remain vigilant and reduce distractions such as using a cell phone or digital devices
• Familiarize yourself with the campus to know the quickest way to get help
• Take extra precaution at night by walking with a friend or group of friends
• Safely dispose expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs in the collection bin located in the main lobby at the MSU Police Department

Evacuation

Evacuation maps are posted at key locations throughout facilities on campus. If an evacuation alarm sounds or if you are ordered to evacuate an area, please keep safety in mind.  Move quickly to the nearest exit and move away from the hazard or danger.  In an active violence incident, this is the “Run” component in the  Run-Hide-Fight paradigm and should be your first option.

There are also emergency classroom guidelines posted in classrooms throughout campus that identify accountability locations, weather shelter protocols, hazardous atmosphere shelter information, and suspicious package guidelines. We ask you to familiarize yourself with exits at facilities you are frequently at.

Secure-in-Place

Secure-in-Place is a protective action to take when an active violence incident occurs. For an active violence incident, if you are not able to “Run” or evacuate, then “Hide” or secure-in-place. That means finding a hiding place that is secure, safe and protects you from the threat.  Some examples include:  bathrooms, file storage areas, or locked offices.

Below are suggestions for what to do and what not to do when officers arrive on scene of an active violence incident.

• Things to do:
  • Raise your arms
  • Spread your fingers
  • Follow officer commands
• Things not to do:
  • Do not point at the police or at the offender
  • Do not make quick movements toward officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety
  • Do not have anything in your hands
  • Do not pull the fire alarm as a method of initiating an evacuation of the building

Seek Shelter

Hazardous Materials Outside:

• Close doors and windows in your selected shelter area
• Turn off fans and/or air conditioner
• If possible, have the building heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) turned off
• Use plastic sheeting, duct tape, towels, or clothes to seal windows, doors, air vents, etc.
• Notify emergency services of your shelter location and the number of persons sheltered
• Monitor commercial radio/TV for an all-clear notice
• Remain in shelter until notified that conditions are safe to exit

Hazardous Weather

Sheltering from severe weather is typically thought of for a tornado, however; severe thunderstorms can produce extremely high winds, heavy rains and lightning that can be hazardous or even fatal if precautions are not taken

MSU building Emergency Action Plans have pre-identified Weather Shelter locations that are shaded in yellow on the building’s posted emergency maps.

• If you cannot locate a posted map, seek shelter in an area that is as removed from windows as possible
• Become familiar with those locations and be prepared to move to shelter if a weather warning is issued.

• Never hold the door open to let strangers into the residence hall
• Do not prop any exterior door to the residence hall
• Document serial numbers of your valuables
• Do not keep large sums of money, jewelry, or valuables in plain view

• Never leave your personal property unattended
• Before leaving your residence or vehicle, remember to lock the doors
• Remember to lock your door and windows before going to sleep
• Always lock your bicycle to a bike rack using a U-Lock through the frame and tire.

• Never share your passwords
• Use complex passwords and change passwords frequently
• Never leave your laptop or digital devices unattended
• Do not open e-mails from untrusted or unsolicited accounts
• Only shop online with companies you know

• Destroy private records and statements
• Never provide your social security number to an untrusted source
• Monitor your credit report
• Review bank and credit card statements

• Research to see if police or security patrol the grounds or buildings
• Ask the leasing office how often the locks are changed
• Check to see if the parking lots are well lit
• Research how safe the commute to campus will be
• Search crime maps