Below are some common questions about Safety and Security. For additional questions, please contact us at prepared@umn.edu.
| Q |
Is the University prepared to handle major emergencies on campus? |
| A |
Yes. While no organization--especially one the size of the University--can fully anticipate every possible emergency, planning helps ensure the University is ready to respond in the event of a crisis. The details of the University's planning are in the Emergency Operations Plan. This Web site serves as a resource for preparing the campus community to respond in emergency situations.
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| Q |
What is a major emergency or disaster? |
| A |
A major emergency or disaster is any incident, potential or actual, which could disrupt University operations for a prolonged period of time. These incidents generally involve large numbers of people and significant property damage. Outside emergency assistance and sustained recovery efforts may be required. During a major emergency, policy decisions will usually be required from top University administrators. Accidents, injuries and other minor emergencies occur just about every day on campus. Responding to these is generally quick and routine.
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| Q |
How do I know what to do in the event of an emergency? |
| A |
Each member of the University community has a role and a responsibility in emergency preparation and response. Specific information about emergency preparation and response for University employees, students, parents, the general public, and the media is available from this site.
An overview of what to do during different emergency scenarios is also provided.
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| Q |
How will I be informed of the need to evacuate a building? |
| A |
You may learn of the need to evacuate in several ways. In most buildings, alarms will sound. Other methods of notification are: radio alerts issued by the University Police Department, emergency messages received by pager or phone, and even word of mouth.
For information about how to participate in Radio, Pager and Telephone Alert Programs, contact the Department of Emergency Management at 612-625-8047.
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| Q |
When do I evacuate a building? |
| A |
You should evacuate whenever a firm alarm sounds, if you see or smell fire or smoke, or have been told to do so by emergency personnel. In any of these situations, leave! Do not assume that it is a false alarm. Remember that the building may need to be evacuated for reasons other than fire (chemical spills, violence, bomb threat, etc.). For more on evacuation and other emergency situations, visit the Emergency Scenarios section
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| Q |
Are there evacuation plans for my building? |
| A |
Many buildings on the Twin Cities campus have evacuation plans, including all residence halls and most areas of the Academic Health Center. Contact the Department of Emergency Management for information on existing evacuation plans and assistance creating or revising evacuation plans.
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| Q |
What happens if I call 911 from campus? |
| A |
From campus phones, 911 calls go directly to the University of Minnesota Police Department. An operator will ask you a number of questions. Stay on the line and answer the questions. This does not keep them from dispatching responders.
If you call 911 from campus on a cell phone, immediately tell the dispatcher that you are calling from the University of Minnesota and you will be connected with the UMPD.
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| Q |
Is the University open during emergencies? |
| A |
The University's goal is to maintain essential business services and operations during emergencies and disasters while protecting life, health and safety.
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| Q |
What type of emergency training is available? |
| A |
The Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety and the Building Codes office, provide a variety of training opportunities for individuals and units on campus. Contact them for more information.
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