Use of the EAG and Subsequent Response

Call 911

Information to provide Law Enforcement:

• Name and the telephone number 
• The nature and location of the emergency
  • The address or building, the room number or floor, area, or department
• The number of injured people and their injuries
• Do not hang up until the person answering the call ends the conversation
• If it is safe, designate someone to meet emergency personnel at the approach to the building

Stay Calm

Do your best to stay calm, assess the situation, and protect yourself.

• If possible, locate at least two emergency exits in your area
• Silence your cell phone if necessary
• Use the telephone only for emergency purposes

Evacuate or Shelter in Place

Get to a safe place (evacuate or shelter-in-place).

• Leave the building immediately if you hear an alarm, if requested by authorities, or if the building seems unsafe.
• Do not enter an elevator in emergencies or attempt to force open elevator doors.
• Warn others around you and help them to the extent that your skills allow.
• Do not expose yourself or others to risk in trying to save personal or University property.
• As you move, be aware of potential hazards, including unstable structures, loose debris, exposed wires, chemical vapors or spills, smoke, and other dangers.

What is a Safety Hazard?

A  Safety Hazard  is any condition that might be dangerous to faculty, staff, students, or visitors at FAU, or something that could result in damage to University property

What is a Near Miss?

A  Near Miss  is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage, but had the potential to do so. Only a fortunate break in the chain of events prevented an injury, fatality, or damage from occurring.

How do I report a Safety hazard or near miss?

You can report safety hazards or near misses using the Environmental Health and Safety Hazard Report Form or by calling (561)-297-3129, Option 8.

What is an Evacuation?

An evacuation involves the movement of persons from a location within a hazard zone/area to a location outside the hazard zone/area. 

What Hazards May Warrant the Evacuation Area/Building?

A Fire, Bomb Threat, Hazardous Material spill, Active Threat, Utility Failure are a few examples. 

What should I know about the building?

• Know at least 2 exit locations for the building.
• Pay attention to the locations of emergency equipment (i.e., fire extinguishers, pull stations, emergency telephones, etc.).
• Know the location of the assembly area or building evacuation points.
  • To establish assembly points for your Unit, please contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. 

What should I do when I hear a fire alarm or receive an FAU Alert to evacuate?

1. Turn off all hazardous experiments or procedures before evacuating
2. Leave belongings
3. Check all doors before you open or go through them
4. Evacuate the building using the nearest exit or stairway. *DO NOT USE ELEVATORS*
5. Call 911 from a safe area and provide name, location, and nature of emergency
6. Proceed to the pre-determined assembly area/evacuation point of the building and remain there until you are told to re-enter by the emergency personnel in charge
   1. To establish assembly points for your Unit, please contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety
7. Inform emergency personnel of the event, conditions, and location of individuals who require assistance and have not been evacuated

What should I do to initiate an evacuation of a building?

Activate the fire alarm pull station located at various points along the exit routes.

“Shelter in place” is a directive to seek immediate shelter indoors following the announcement of an emergency condition.

Sheltering in place is scenario-based. When it is necessary to shelter in place, you will be safest by moving inside to a building space that protects you from danger. 

Shelter-in-Place — Severe Weather

Remain Calm

• Immediately seek shelter inside the closest sturdy building.
• Once inside, avoid windows, glass, and unsecured objects that could fall.
• It is best to seek shelter in interior rooms and corridors.
• Resist the temptation to go outside and check the weather conditions yourself.
• DO NOT use elevators.
• Monitor emergency communications for specific instructions.
• DO NOT leave until an “All Clear” is received.

During a tornado, seek shelter on the lowest level possible. If warranted, consider crouching near the floor and seeking additional shelter under a sturdy desk or table, or cover your head with your hands.

Weather Definitions

Watch: Conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. Closely monitor the situation in the event advisories or warnings are issued.

Warning: Severe weather has actually been observed. Listen closely for instructions provided by weather radios/emergency officials.

Shelter-in-Place — Chemical, Biological, or Radiological

A place of shelter is an area within a building that provides occupants with protection during an accident or the intentional release of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent.

Note: Many toxic chemicals have a vapor density greater than that of air and will seek the lowest ground. In the event of a shelter-in-place order due to a chemical spill, follow the instructions provided by emergency personnel.

• Go inside the nearest building.
• Close all doors, windows, and other exterior openings.
• Monitor emergency communications for specific instructions.

Shelter-in-Place — Hostile Intruder / Active Shooter

See Active Shooter procedures