Emergency Response Guides

Emergencies can happen without warning. Knowing what to do can help protect you and those around you.

Florida Atlantic University provides guidance for responding to emergencies on campus. Select an emergency below to find recommended protective actions. Always follow instructions from emergency responders and university officials.

For an immediate emergency, call 911.

Active Threat

RUN: If you can safely escape

• Identify an accessible escape route and leave immediately.

• Leave personal belongings behind.

• Help others escape if it is safe to do so.

• Keep your hands visible and follow police instructions.

• Call 911 when you reach safety.

HIDE: If you cannot safely escape

• Find a location out of the threat's view.

• Seek protection behind substantial barriers when possible.

• Silence your phone and other sources of noise.

• Remain concealed until it is safe to leave or law enforcement directs you.

FIGHT: As a last resort

• If your life is in immediate danger and escape or hiding is not possible, take decisive action to defend yourself.

• Commit to your actions and use available objects to disrupt the attacker.

When speaking with law enforcement, provide the location of the threat, description of the individual, and any known weapons.

Fire

If you discover a fire or hear a fire alarm:

• Activate the nearest fire alarm if it has not already sounded.

• Evacuate using the nearest safe exit or stairway. Do not use elevators.

• Assist others when it is safe to do so.

• Proceed to the designated emergency assembly point.

• Call 911 from a safe location and provide the building, location, and nature of the emergency.

• Do not reenter the building until authorized by emergency personnel.

If you cannot evacuate: Move to a room where you can limit smoke entry, close doors, call 911, and communicate your location to responders.

If someone cannot evacuate, notify emergency responders of their exact location. Do not place yourself in danger attempting to assist.

Severe Weather

Thunderstorms and Lightning

• Move indoors to a substantial building or enclosed vehicle.

• Stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment connected to outlets.

• Watch for fallen power lines, damaged trees, and other hazards.

• Follow weather alerts and university instructions.

Tornadoes

• Seek shelter immediately.

• Move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest accessible level of a sturdy building.

• Stay away from windows, exterior doors, and glass.

• Protect your head and neck with your arms or available materials.

• Remain sheltered until conditions are safe or officials provide further instructions.

Flooding

• Follow official evacuation or shelter instructions.

• Move to higher ground or an upper floor when appropriate.

• Never walk or drive through floodwaters.

• Do not drive around barricades.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Before the Storm

• Monitor National Hurricane Center forecasts and official university communications.

• Review your emergency plan, evacuation arrangements, and essential supplies.

• Follow instructions regarding university operations, housing, and campus closures.

• Prepare your home or residence and secure belongings when safe to do so.

During the Storm

• Remain in a safe location and stay away from windows.

• Do not travel during dangerous weather conditions.

• Follow emergency alerts and instructions from local officials.

• Remain sheltered until authorities indicate conditions are safe.

After the Storm

• Avoid flooded areas, fallen power lines, and damaged structures.

• Continue monitoring official communications.

• Do not return to campus until authorized by the University.

Hazardous Materials

If you discover a hazardous materials spill or suspect exposure:

• Move away from the affected area and avoid contact with the substance.

• Call 911 for an emergency or potentially dangerous release.

• Warn others nearby without placing yourself at risk.

• If evacuation is necessary, close doors behind you when safe.

• Do not touch, smell, or attempt to clean up an unknown or hazardous substance.

• Follow instructions from emergency responders.

Provide responders with the location, type of substance if known, approximate quantity, and any reported injuries or exposures.

Non-emergency spills: Contact FAU Environmental Health & Safety at 561-297-3129 during normal business hours. After hours, contact FAU Police at 561-297-3500. Cleanup should only be attempted by appropriately trained and equipped personnel when safe and authorized.

Medical Emergencies

If someone experiences a serious injury or medical emergency:

• Call 911 immediately.

• Provide the exact location and describe the person's condition.

• Check that the area is safe before approaching.

• Do not move the person unless remaining in place presents an immediate danger.

• Provide first aid or CPR only as appropriate to your training and the instructions of the emergency dispatcher.

• Ask someone to retrieve the nearest AED when appropriate.

• Have someone direct emergency responders to the location.

• Stay with the individual until help arrives, if safe.

Employees should also notify their supervisor and follow applicable workplace injury-reporting procedures after the immediate emergency has been addressed.

Suspicious Package

If you discover a suspicious package or unknown item that may pose a threat:

• Do not touch, move, open, shake, or examine the item closely.

• Move away and prevent others from approaching.

• Call 911 from a safe location.

• Follow evacuation or isolation instructions from law enforcement.

• If you believe you were exposed to a suspicious substance, avoid spreading contamination and follow emergency responder instructions.

• Provide responders with the item's location, appearance, and any relevant observations.

Do not attempt to investigate or handle the item yourself.

Bomb Threat

If you receive a bomb threat:

• Call 911 and notify law enforcement.

• Take every threat seriously.

• Follow police instructions regarding evacuation or sheltering.

If the threat is received by telephone:

• Remain calm and keep the caller talking if possible.

• Record the exact words used.

• Note any information about the device, location, timing, or caller.

• Do not disconnect the call if you can safely keep it connected while obtaining help.

If the threat is received by email or in writing:

• Preserve the original message or document.

• Do not delete the email or unnecessarily handle written materials.

• Provide the information to law enforcement.

Preparedness Starts Before an Emergency

Knowing how to respond is important, but preparing ahead of time can make a difference. Explore Florida Atlantic's preparedness resources, develop your emergency plan and learn how to stay informed.

Be Owl Ready Explore FAU Alert