Campus Emergency Procedures

All individuals must be familiar with emergency procedures and evacuation routes before an emergency occurs. Preparedness begins before the emergency, not during it. This includes knowing: 

• The established emergency procedures for your building and department. 
• How to register for SLU Alert emergency notifications, text, voice, email, and digital signage alerts issued by the Department of Public Safety. Instructions can be found at SLU Emergency Text Alerts.
•  At least two means of egress (exit routes) from every building you regularly occupy.
•  The location of fire alarm pull stations on your floor.
• The location of fire extinguishers on your floor and how to use them (P.A.S.S. method, explained in the fire section).
• Your building's designated outdoor emergency assembly area.
• Whether your work involves hazardous materials and the specific precautions required for your area.
• The locations of the nearest Automated External Defibrillators (AED). 

Recommended Preparedness Actions 

• Download the free SLU SAFE app. Search ‘SLU SAFE’ in the Apple App Store or Google Play and log in with your SLU Net ID and password. The app provides instant access to campus emergency procedures and resources, an option to live chat with SLU DPS dispatch, Friend Walk features, tip reporting, and your location shared with DPS in real time.
• Ensure you are registered for SLU Alert Emergency Notification.
• Review the emergency evacuation plan posted in your building (located near every elevator on campus).
• Complete any emergency preparedness training offered by DPS. Free training is available for departments, offices, and student groups upon request.

Call 911 for any situation requiring immediate police, fire or medical response. Immediately call DPS at 314-977-3000 as well, for any campus emergencies. When in doubt, call 911. It is always better to report and have responders confirm no emergency than to wait.

When reporting an emergency, remain as calm as possible and provide: 

• Your precise location: building name, floor number, room number, and nearest cross street if applicable.
• Your full name and the telephone number from which you are calling.
• The exact nature of the emergency, describe what is happening.
• The number of people injured or affected, and the nature of injuries if known.
• Any information about hazards present.
• Whether the incident is still ongoing or whether the threat appears to have passed.

Important: Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to. Emergency dispatchers are trained professionals who may need to ask follow-up questions to direct the proper response. If it is safe to do so, designate a person to meet emergency personnel at the building entrance to guide them directly to the scene. 

Stay Calm

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

• Know the location of at least two emergency exits in your immediate work area at all times. 
• Silence your mobile phones during active incidents unless it is needed for emergency communication. 
• Do not speculate or post unverified information about an active incident on social media; follow only official SLU Alert communications. 

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. Incidents are typically unpredictable, begin without warning, and evolve rapidly. Individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to make immediate, independent life-safety decisions. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provide established guidance for responding to an active shooter: Evacuate, Hide Out, or Take Action (also known as Run. Hide. Fight.). Know these options in advance and understand when each applies.

Run, Hide, Fight

Option 1: Run

Evacuate if a safe escape route exists. This is always preferred when safe.

Evacuation is the safest option if it can be accomplished safely. Per Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance, quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Employees and students often follow the lead of managers, supervisors and faculty. 

• Have an escape route and plan in mind before leaving, and know your building exits.
• Leave the area immediately. Do not stop to gather personal belongings.
• Help others escape if possible, but do not wait for those who refuse to leave.
• Use cover and concealment as you move. Cover can stop bullets. Concealment hides your location but will not stop bullets.
• Keep your hands visible at all times, especially when law enforcement arrives.
• Follow all instructions from law enforcement without hesitation.
• Call 911 and DPS at 314-977-3000 as soon as you are safely outside and away from the building.
• Do not return to the building for any reason until authorized by law enforcement.

Option 2: Hide

If You Cannot Safely Evacuate

If evacuation is not possible, find a location out of the shooter's view. Per DHS guidance: hide in an area out of the shooter's view, block entry to your hiding place, and lock the doors.

• Select a room that can be locked or barricaded. Close and lock the door. Barricade with heavy furniture if possible.
• Turn off lights and silence all electronic devices. Set phones to silent, not vibrate. Note: DPS will issue SLU Alerts to provide instructions and update the SLU community. This is why it is imperative that you keep your phones set to silent, not vibrate.
• Move away from windows and doors. Stay low and out of sight.
• Do not open the door for anyone until law enforcement provides an official all-clear.
• If it is safe, use the SLU Safe app to chat with DPS dispatch and let them know your building, floor and room number.
• Turn off any equipment that makes noise. Cover windows and door glass if possible.
• Be aware: Active shooters have been known to activate fire alarms to draw people into the open. Use judgment: do not evacuate into a potentially dangerous hallway unless you are certain the threat has passed, or you are directed to do so by law enforcement.

Option 3: Fight

Only as an Absolute Last Resort When Your Life is in Imminent Danger

Per DHS guidance: as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter. Yelling and physical aggression have been proven effective in stopping attacks.

•  Commit fully and without hesitation. Half-hearted action is less effective.
• Use available improvised weapons: fire extinguishers, chairs, computers, hot coffee, books, scissors, or anything at hand.
• Work together as a group. A coordinated, simultaneous attack from multiple directions is more effective than one person acting alone.
• Use the element of surprise to your advantage: act suddenly and decisively.
• Continue fighting until the threat is stopped. Do not stop until the attacker is completely incapacitated.

When Law Enforcement Arrives

• Remain calm.
• Put down any items in your hands immediately. Raise your hands and spread your fingers; always keep your hands visible.
• Avoid quick movements toward officers. Do not hold onto officers.
• Do not stop to ask questions. Follow all officer instructions without hesitation and proceed in the direction instructed. 

How DPS and Law Enforcement Will Respond

DPS and law enforcement will respond with the primary mission of the first responding officers to stop the active shooter as quickly as possible. Responding officers will proceed directly toward the threat and will not stop to assist injured individuals until the threat is neutralized. This is intentional and saves more lives overall.

Once the threat is neutralized, officers will immediately organize evacuation routes, reunification points, and emergency medical assistance. Emergency medical services will be staged and dispatched as soon as it is safe to enter. The University will activate its Incident Command Structure and Campus Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as warranted.

How We Inform Campus

When a credible active threat is confirmed, DPS will issue a SLU Alert via text message, voice, email, digital signage, and social media platforms. The initial alert may be brief; however, updates will follow as verified information becomes available. If you receive an alert, share it immediately with those in your area and take the appropriate action as directed.

Continue to monitor SLU Alert messages and official University communications for further instructions.

Sign Up for Emergency Notifications

Prevention: Recognizing and Reporting Warning Signs

Early identification and reporting of concerning behavior is the single most effective method for preventing active threat events. Research consistently shows that individuals who commit targeted violence typically communicate their intent in advance. Do not dismiss warning signs or assume someone else has already reported the concern.

Indicators of potentially violent behavior may include:

• Increased, unsolicited comments about violence, firearms, weapons or crimes.
• Expressed intent to harm specific individuals or groups.
• Significant behavioral changes, including increased agitation, withdrawal or erratic behavior.
• Expressions of extreme hopelessness, grievance, or desperation.
• Threats that are direct, conditional or vague, and are against individuals, groups or the University.
• Acquisition of weapons or materials inconsistent with the individual's role or what you know of the individual.

Where to Report Concerns

• DPS at 314-977-3000.
• A supervisor, department chair or resident adviser.
• Dean of Students Office at 314-977-9378 or deanofstudents@slu.edu
• Human Resources at 314-977-5847. 

Behavioral Concerns Committee 

For concerns involving student behavior, SLU's Behavioral Concerns Committee is a multidisciplinary team that investigates concerning behaviors and connects students with appropriate support. Submit a report online or contact the Dean of Students by email or phone.

Online Reporting Form

Additionally, you can report concerns involving employees to SLU’s Integrity Hotline at 1-877-525-5669 or online. The online reporting form can be found at SLU Integrity Hotline.

Please note that if a student or employee poses an immediate threat, 911 and DPS need to be notified immediately.

Support Resources

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 1-800-859-9319 — free, confidential counseling for faculty and staff.
• University Counseling Center: 314-977-8255 — for students.
• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988.  

Training

DPS offers Run, Hide, Fight active threat response training. To schedule a free presentation for your department, office or student group, contact dps@slu.edu. 

Additionally, there are several free training courses available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We recommend:

• Active Shooter Prevention: You Can Make a Difference
• Responding to an Active Shooter: You Can Make a Difference
• Active Shooter: What Can You Do

Percipio also offers free online training in active threat response. Percipio can be found on your MySLU applications dashboard. Type the following trainings into Percipio to access free training: 

• Active Shooter on Campus 2.0
• Active Shooter Event: Run, Hide, Fight

Bomb threats may be received by text, phone, email, in writing, or in person. Each channel requires a specific response designed to gather maximum information for law enforcement while protecting your safety.

Bomb Threat Received by Telephone

When someone calls with a bomb threat, your goal is to keep the caller talking as long as possible and collect as much detail.

• Remain calm. Do not hang up; keep the caller on the line as long as possible.
• Signal a colleague to call DPS at 314 977-3000 from a separate phone while you remain on the line with the caller. Do not use the phone that received the threat to call DPS.
• Note the exact time the call was received and any caller ID information displayed.
• Ask the caller as many of the following questions as possible (calmly, one at a time):
  • Where is the bomb located?  - Identifies target building, floor, and room. 
  • When will it go off? - Time frame for evacuation decisions. 
  • What does it look like? - Helps search teams identify the device.
  • What will cause it to explode? - Trigger mechanism info for bomb squad.
  • Did you place the bomb? Why? - Motivation may reveal additional targets. 
  • What is your name? - Identification
  • Where are you calling from? - Location data 
• Note the caller's exact words, write them down verbatim if possible.
• Note voice characteristics: gender, estimated age, accent, tone (calm, excited, angry, laughing, robotic) and any speech patterns.
• Note any background sounds: traffic, machinery, music, other voices, public address announcements.
• Note the language and manner of the threat: scripted, spontaneous, specific, vague, emotional.
• After the call ends (or the caller hangs up), immediately call DPS at 314 977-3000 from a different phone.

Bomb Threat Received by Text, Email or Social Media 

• Do not delete, forward, or print the message; preserve it exactly as received.
• Do not reply to the message.
• Do not close or navigate away from the screen.
• Screenshot or photograph the message on your screen if possible.
• Note the date, time, sender's email or username, and all message content.
• Call DPS immediately at 314 977-3000.
• Do not post or share the message. Follow only official DPS instructions.

Bomb Threat Received in Writing 

• Handle the note or document as little as possible.
• Place the note in a safe location without folding, crumpling, or tearing it.
• Do not allow others to handle it.
• Call DPS immediately at 314 977-3000.
• Note who touched it and when.

Suspicious Package Signs and Response

A suspicious package is any item that seems out of place, unattended, or has characteristics that are unusual for the context.

Indicators of a suspicious package:

• No return address, or a fictitious or unfamiliar return address
• Excessive postage relative to package size and weight
• Unusual weight, uneven balance, or protruding wires
• Stains, leaking, or strange odor
• Excessive tape or wrapping material
• Restrictive markings: 'Personal,' 'Private,' 'Do Not X-Ray,' 'Handle with Care'
• Unexpected delivery from an unknown sender with no postmark or from an unusual location
• Poorly printed, handwritten, or misspelled labels; incorrect titles or title with no name
  
  Do not touch, move, shake, or attempt to open a suspicious package. Do not use two-way radios, walkie-talkies, or cell phones within 300 feet of a suspicious package. Clear the area immediately and call DPS at 314-977-3000.
• Once you have reported the suspicious package to DPS, follow all evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions given by DPS and law enforcement. Do not re-enter the area until law enforcement confirms it is safe.

Please download the Bomb Threat Checklist and keep it by your work phone.

Although major earthquakes are less frequent in the St. Louis area, the New Madrid Seismic Zone presents a real and documented risk. St. Louis has experienced damaging earthquakes historically, and preparedness is warranted. When shaking begins, there is no time to plan.

You must act immediately using the standard recommended by FEMA, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the American Red Cross, and earthquake engineering researchers worldwide.

Duck, Cover, Hold On

Step 1: Drop to Your Hands and Knees Immediately

Dropping to your hands and knees protects you from being knocked down by the initial shock, reduces your profile as a target for objects falling, and lowers your center of gravity so you can move, if necessary, without losing balance.

Step 2: Cover Your Head and Neck with Your Arms

• If a sturdy desk or table is within reach, crawl underneath it; this is the safest position available. Hold on to it and be ready to move with it if it shifts.
• If no desk or table is available, crawl against an interior wall (away from windows), sit, and protect your head and neck with your arms and hands. Do not stand.
• Stay away from windows, glass, hanging objects, lighting fixtures, shelves, filing cabinets, and anything that could fall on you.
• Do not run for a doorway. Doorways provide no special protection and running through a shaking building significantly increases risk of injury.

Step 3: Hold On and Wait for Shaking to Stop Completely

• If sheltering under a table or desk, hold on firmly with one hand and be prepared to move with the furniture if it slides.
• Do not attempt to exit the building while the ground is still shaking.
• Expect aftershocks after the initial earthquake. Drop, cover and hold on with each one.

If you cannot drop to the ground, try to sit or remain seated so you are not knocked down.

• If you are in a wheelchair, lock your wheels. Remove any items that are not securely attached to the wheelchair.
• Protect your head and neck with your arms or any items you can safely grab that can provide protection. The goal is to prevent injuries from falling down or from objects that might fall or be thrown at you.
• If you are able, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Stay away from outer walls, windows, and hanging objects.
• If you are outside, go to an open area away from trees, telephone poles, and buildings, and stay there.

Location-Specific Guidance During an Earthquake

• High-rise building (typically defined as anything above 7 stories): Stay away from windows. Move to an interior wall. Drop, cover, hold on. Do not use elevators before, during, or immediately after.
• Outdoors: Move away from buildings, streetlights, utility lines, and trees. Once in the open: drop to the ground, cover your head and neck with arms, and hold on until shaking completely stops.
• In a vehicle: Pull over safely, away from buildings, trees, overpasses, and power lines. Stay inside with a seatbelt on. After shaking, proceed carefully and check for road damage.
• In a crowded public area: Do not rush exits. Move away from shelves, displays, or hanging fixtures. Drop and take cover.
• In a stadium or theater: Stay in your seat. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Do not try to leave until shaking stops.
• In a kitchen or laboratory: Move away from the stove, chemicals, equipment, or overhead cabinets before dropping. Many serious injuries in labs result from chemical spills during shaking.
• In a stairwell: Brace against wall and protect your head. Do not continue moving until shaking stops.

After Shaking Stops — Immediate Actions

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide basic first aid and call DPS at 314 977-3000 or 911 if medical assistance is needed.
• Expect aftershocks: drop, cover and hold on with each one.
• If you are in a damaged building, leave as quickly and safely as possible. Do not use elevators.
• Check for gas leaks: if you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the building immediately, leave doors open as you exit, and do not operate any electrical switches or devices.
• Check for damaged electrical wiring and report it immediately. Do not touch or walk through standing water if electrical damage is suspected.
• Do not enter a damaged building or one that appears structurally compromised. Wait for confirmation from DPS or authorities.
• Monitor SLU Alerts for official instructions.

Movement During Shaking

If you are outside during shaking, remain outside. If inside, stay inside. Moving between inside and outside during active shaking is one of the most dangerous actions. Falling glass, debris, and structural elements are concentrated at entry and exit points.

An elevator entrapment is not immediately life-threatening in most cases. The most important action is to remain calm, notify DPS, and wait for trained rescue personnel. Attempting to exit a stalled elevator on your own is dangerous and is a leading cause of elevator-related injuries.

If You Are Trapped in a Stalled Elevator

• Remain calm.
• Press and hold the emergency alarm button inside the elevator or use the emergency phone; this will alert DPS dispatch.
• If neither is working, use your cell phone to call DPS at 314 977-3000. Provide the building name and your best estimate of which floor you are on or between.
• Do not attempt to force open the elevator doors. The cab may not be level with any floor, creating a dangerous fall hazard.
• Do not attempt to exit through the ceiling hatch.
• Do not attempt to exit the elevator unless specifically and directly instructed to do so by trained rescue personnel (firefighters, elevator technicians, DPS).
• Once you have notified DPS, stay in place and wait. Most entrapments are resolved within a reasonable time.

If You Discover Someone Trapped in an Elevator

• Call DPS at 314-977-3000 immediately.
• Provide the building name, the elevator bank or number if known, and your best estimate of which floor the elevator has stopped at or between.
• Speak to those inside through the elevator door to reassure them that help is on the way and that they should not attempt to exit on their own.
• Do not attempt to manually open elevator doors from the outside.
• Remain present to direct DPS or rescue personnel when they arrive.

A building evacuation may be ordered during a fire, gas leak, hazardous materials incident, bomb threat, structural damage, or other life-safety emergencies. Familiarity with your evacuation routes and assembly area before an emergency is essential.

Review the posted evacuation plan in your building today, before an emergency. Know at least two exit routes from every area you regularly occupy. Know the location of your building's outdoor reassembly area.

Evacuation Procedures for Building Occupants

• Stop work safely. Shut down equipment that could become unstable or create additional hazards if left unattended; however, do not delay evacuation to perform extensive shutdown procedures if it is unsafe.
• Leave the building through the nearest marked exit. Use stairways only – do not use elevators.
• Touch closed doors before opening: if the door surface is hot, do not open it. Use an alternative exit route.
• Stay low if smoke is present. In heavy smoke, clean air is found close to the floor. Crawl if necessary.
• Close doors behind you as you leave, but do not lock them. A closed door significantly slows the spread of fire and smoke and can save lives.
• Follow the posted evacuation routes. If the primary route is blocked, use secondary exit routes.
• Assist others who need help. Alert individuals with visual or hearing impairments who may not have noticed the alarm.
• Leave personal belongings behind. Do not delay evacuation or return for any item.
• Proceed directly to your building's designated outdoor assembly area. Know this location in advance.
• Remain in the assembly area and await further instructions. Do NOT re-enter the building until officially authorized by DPS, law enforcement, or fire department personnel.
• Report any missing individuals and their last known location to emergency responders immediately.
• If your work area contains sensitive research, operating equipment requiring shutdown, hazardous materials, or animals, advise emergency responders upon arrival.

Assisting Persons with Access and Functional Needs During an Evacuation

Always ask first, never assume assistance is needed or wanted. Individuals with access and functional needs are the experts on their own requirements and preferences. Attempting to help without asking can cause injury and may violate a person’s autonomy. 

Your role is to: alert the individual that an emergency is occurring; offer assistance if they want it, help them reach the safest available location; and immediately notify DPS and emergency responders of their exact location: building, floor, stairwell, or room.

Individuals with visual impairments:

• Announce the emergency clearly and calmly by name if known.
• Offer your arm for guidance, describe what you are doing before you do it.
• Do not grab the person or push them, offer your arm and let them take it.
• Describe the route: number of steps, obstacles, doors, landings, and direction.
• Announce when you reach safety and ask if further assistance is needed.

Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing:

• Gain attention visually: turn lights on and off, wave your arms, or lightly tap their shoulder.
• Point toward exits and indicate the nature of the emergency using gestures or a written note.
• If time allows, briefly write the nature of the emergency and the exit route.
• Escort the individual to the exit if they accept the offer.

Individuals with mobility limitations (canes, crutches, or walkers):

• Ask whether they need assistance and how they prefer to be helped.
• Move at their pace, do not rush or pull them.
• Do not separate individuals from their mobility aids unless the aid itself creates an immediate hazard.
• Assist to the nearest exit stairwell if they cannot navigate the full stairway independently.

Wheelchair users and individuals who cannot use stairs:

• Ask first; some individuals may be able to self-evacuate on level ground.
• If they cannot use stairs and safe evacuation is not possible, assist them to the nearest enclosed fire exit stairwell. Stairwells are fire-rated constructions and are the safest waiting area in most fire emergencies.
• Immediately call DPS at 314-977-3000 with the individual's exact location: building name, floor number, and stairwell number or location.
• Law enforcement and fire department personnel are trained to assist individuals who cannot evacuate independently.
• Do not attempt to carry a wheelchair user down stairs; this frequently causes serious injury to both parties. Wait for trained responders unless there is an immediate, life-threatening danger that cannot wait.
• If immediate life-threatening danger means evacuation cannot wait, use at least two physically capable individuals, ask the person how they prefer to be moved, and carry them only far enough to clear the immediate threat.

Areas of Refuge

An area of refuge is a designated place in a building where individuals who cannot use stairs can safely wait for trained emergency responder assistance during an evacuation. Acceptable areas of refuge include an enclosed fire-exit stairwell or an adjoining building (if applicable). 

If you cannot use stairs during an evacuation:

• Move to the nearest enclosed exit stairwell on your floor without blocking stairway traffic. Stairwells are fire-rated constructions and provide significant protection from fire and smoke.
• Move inside the stairwell and stay on the stair landing through the fire door and pull the door closed behind you. Closed fire doors provide substantial protection.
• If you cannot reach any stairwell, remain in a room with: an exterior window, a telephone or cellular signal, and a fire-resistant door. Close all doors between you and the fire.
• Call DPS at 314 977-3000 immediately with your exact location: building name, floor, room number, and stairwell if applicable. Emergency responders will be directed to your exact location.
• If phone lines are unavailable, signal from a window by waving brightly colored cloth, clothing, or any visible item.
• Emergency responders are trained to search stairwells and identified locations for individuals requiring assistance.

If a Fire is Discovered 

• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station immediately if the alarm is not already sounding. This notifies all building occupants.
• Call DPS at 314-977-3000. Do not wait to see if the fire can be contained before calling.
• Leave your work area immediately using the closest, safest exit.
• Touch closed doors before opening. If a door is warm or hot to the touch, do not open it; use an alternative exit route.
• Stay low if smoke is present. Breathable air is close to the floor. Crawl if necessary.
• Close doors behind you as you exit, but do not lock them. A closed door significantly limits fire spread.
• Do not use elevators.
• Assist others in evacuating. Alert anyone who may not have heard the alarm.
• Proceed to your designated outdoor assembly area and wait for official instructions.
• Report any missing individuals and their last known location to DPS or fire department personnel immediately.
• Do not re-enter the building until authorized by DPS or the fire department.

If You Are Trapped and Cannot Evacuate

• Call DPS at 314-977-3000 immediately and provide your exact location: building name, floor, and room number. Stay on the line.
• Signal your location to emergency responders: hang a bright cloth, sheet, or piece of clothing from the window.
• Seal gaps under and around the door with wet towels, clothing, tape, or duct tape to block smoke from entering the room.
• Close all doors between you and the fire; each door significantly slows heat and smoke.
• Stay low, near the window, and await rescue. Emergency responders are trained to search for trapped individuals.

Using a Fire Extinguisher - P.A.S.S. Method  

Only attempt to use a fire extinguisher on a fire that is small, contained, and has not spread beyond its point of origin, and you are trained to do so. Before attempting, ensure the fire alarm has been activated, DPS has been called, the room has been cleared of others, and you have an unobstructed exit behind you. If the fire does not respond immediately or the extinguisher empties without effect, evacuate without delay.

Pull

Pull the safety pin from the handle. This breaks the tamper seal.

Aim

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames.

Squeeze

Squeeze the trigger handle firmly and steadily to discharge the extinguishing agent.

Sweep

Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire until it is out.

 

Never attempt to extinguish a fire if: The fire has spread beyond its starting point. There is smoke in the room. You do not have a clear exit path behind you. You are not trained in extinguisher use. In any of these situations, evacuate immediately.

After the Fire, Re-entry

• Do not reenter the building until DPS or the fire department has officially confirmed it is safe.
• Be aware of structural damage: weakened floors, damaged ceilings, unstable walls, and broken glass.
• Do not attempt to reconnect utilities, restore power, or reset alarms; wait for authorized personnel.
• Document any damage and notify your department and Facilities Management at 314 977-2955.

Fire Extinguisher Training 

DPS offers free fire extinguisher and fire safety training for departments and offices. To schedule training, contact dps@slu.edu. 

Flooding on campus could result from burst pipes, fire sprinkler activation, clogged drains, broken skylights, heavy rainfall, water main breaks, or loss of power to sump pumps. Water and electricity are a lethal combination. Never enter or remain in a flooded area without confirming from a qualified person that electrical power in the affected area has been shut off.

Immediate Actions During Flooding

• Call DPS at 314-977-3000 immediately. Provide your name, phone number, building, floor, room number, severity of flooding, and whether any people or equipment are in immediate danger.
• Evacuate the flooded area immediately. Do not re-enter until Facilities Management or DPS confirms it is safe.
• Do not attempt to unplug, move, or operate any electronic equipment in a flooded area; the risk of electrocution is severe, even from equipment that appears to be off.
• Do not touch any objects submerged in standing water until power is confirmed off by authorized personnel.
• Contact Facilities Management at 314-977-2955. Both DPS and Facilities should be notified.

Flooding in Research Laboratories and Special Facilities

• Do not allow untrained individuals to handle hazardous materials, biological agents, or radiation sources compromised by flooding.
• Immediately notify your supervisor and DPS. First responders may not be aware of hidden high-voltage systems or hazardous material interactions with water.
• Contact SLU Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) if hazardous research materials are involved. If after-hours, DPS will contact SLU Environmental Health and Safety. EHS has a spill team that is on call 24/7. 

Natural gas is colorless and lighter than air. It is odorized with mercaptan — a sulfur compound that produces a distinctive rotten egg or sulfurous smell — to enable detection. If you detect this odor, act immediately.

Immediate Actions when Discovering a Gas Odor

• Leave the building immediately.
• As you exit, do not: operate light switches (on or off), use elevators, use or answer cell phones, use any electrical equipment, or operate any gas appliances. Any spark can ignite accumulated gas.
• Do not attempt to locate the source of the leak or shut off any valves. Leave that to utility company technicians and facilities.
• Leave doors open as you exit to help ventilate the space, but do not open windows if doing so requires operating mechanical hardware.
• Alert others and direct them out of the building as you leave.
• Once at least 300 feet from the building and no gas odor is detectable, call DPS at 314-977-3000.
• Do not return to the building until DPS, the fire department, or the gas utility (Spire) confirms the area is safe.

Do not assume the smell has gone away: Gas leaks can accumulate, temporarily diminish, and reignite. Do not reenter a building because the smell seems to have dissipated. Wait for official clearance from the fire department or gas utility.

A hazardous material is any substance that poses a risk to people, property, or the environment if released, including chemical, biological, or radiological materials. While working with these materials in a laboratory environment is generally safe and requires extensive training, accidents can still occur.

If Chemical Spill Or Release Occurs

For spills or releases requiring special training, procedures, or personal protective equipment beyond the abilities of present personnel:

• Immediately notify affected personnel and evacuate the spill area. Pull the building fire alarm if a wider building evacuation is needed.
• Call DPS at 314-977-3000 to report the incident. Be ready to provide: the chemical name (spelled out), quantity, time of incident, exact location, whether anyone is injured or exposed, and your name and contact information.
• Close doors and seal off the area to prevent others from entering until emergency personnel arrive.
• Do not reenter the area until emergency personnel confirm it is safe.

If Skin Or Eye Exposure Occurs 

• Immediately and continuously flush the affected area with large amounts of clean running water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
• Remove contaminated clothing, cut or tear if necessary.
• Seek medical attention.
• All injuries and illnesses must be reported.

For Laboratory Incidents Involving Biological, Radiation, or Specialized Materials

• Do not leave the immediate area. Notify all people in the area and notify your supervisor immediately.
• Follow your lab-specific emergency procedures and call DPS at 314-977-3000 so they can make the appropriate notifications.

Reminder: Do not attempt to contain or clean up any spill or release until you are authorized and trained to do so.

Hazmat Training 

SLU’s Environmental Health and Safety Department offers extensive training on hazardous materials handling and safe work practices. For more information, visit the Environmental Health and Safety Training Website or contact ehs@slu.edu. 

Medical Emergencies

A medical emergency is any situation where a person's life is at immediate risk or where serious injury may result from a delayed response. Prompt activation of emergency services and calm, informed action are the most important steps.

Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening medical emergency. Seconds matter. Call DPS at 314-977-3000 as soon as possible as well. DPS officers are certified in basic life support and can respond within minutes. 

Immediate Actions For Any Medical Emergency

• Remain calm and assess the situation.
• Call DPS at 314 977-3000 and 911. Provide your full name, the exact location (building, floor, room), and a description of what is happening. Stay on the line.
• Send a designated person to the building entrance immediately to meet and guide EMS and DPS to the exact location. This reduces response time significantly.
• If you are trained in first aid, begin appropriate assistance. Only provide care at your level of training.
• Do not move the injured person unless they are in immediate environmental danger (e.g., fire). Improper movement of a patient can cause injury.
• Clear the area of bystanders to give emergency responders space to work.
• Remain present to provide critical information to arriving emergency responders, mechanism of injury, what you observed, and any medications the person takes if known.
• Do not give the injured person food, drink or medication unless specifically directed by a medical professional or 911 dispatcher.

Cardiac Arrest and AED Use

If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally:

• Call 911 and DPS at 314 977-3000 immediately.
• Begin CPR, if trained.
• Send a second person to retrieve the nearest AED as fast as possible.
• Turn on the AED and follow all audio and visual prompts exactly. AEDs are designed for use by nonmedical personnel and provide clear step-by-step instructions.
• Apply the AED pads as shown in the diagrams on the pads themselves.
• Stand clear when the AED analyzes the heart rhythm and when it delivers a shock.
• Resume CPR immediately after the AED delivers a shock or advises no shock, until emergency responders arrive and take over.
• Do not stop CPR or AED use until DPS or emergency medical services personnel take over.

See the location of Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) on campus.

CPR and AED Training

Contact dps@slu.edu to inquire about CPR and AED training. We also recommend downloading the American Red Cross First Aid app, which features step-by-step instructions for everyday medical emergencies.  

Mental Health Emergencies

A mental health emergency should be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate professional response.

• Call DPS at 314-977-3000 or 911 if there is immediate risk of harm to the individual or others.
• Do not leave the individual alone if they appear to be in crisis.
• Speak calmly, directly, and without judgment. Listen rather than lecture.
• Remove access to means of self-harm if it can be done safely and without confrontation.
• University Counseling Center: 314-977-8255 (TALK).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP for faculty and staff): 1-800-859-9319.
• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: dial or text 988 (available 24/7).
• Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741.

St. Louis is located in a region with significant severe weather risk, including tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, large hail, damaging straight-line winds, and heavy flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues tornado alerts by county. The SLU Alert system is integrated with the NWS Integrated Public Alert and Warning System and will automatically issue an alert when a tornado warning is issued for any area that includes the main campus.

DPS monitors the National Weather Service, NOAA Weather Radio, and local emergency management channels. SLU Alerts are issued automatically for tornado warnings affecting the campus area and manually for other significant threats.

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development. A watch covers a larger area for several hours.

Actions to take:

• Stay alert. Monitor SLU Alerts, NOAA Radio, and local media.
• Know where you will shelter if conditions worsen.
• No immediate shelter action is required at this time.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or confirmed by Doppler radar. Seek Shelter now.  A warning is for a specific location and is typically in effect for 30-60 minutes.

Actions to take:

• Move to your designated shelter immediately. Do not wait.
• Go to the lowest floor, interior, windowless room, or hallway.
• Stay until the warning expires at its stated time and no new warning is in effect.

Where to Shelter During a Tornado Warning

• An underground basement or sub-basement provides the best protection from tornado winds and debris. If available, this is always the first choice.
• Lowest floor, small, windowless interior rooms, bathrooms, closets, stairwells, and interior hallways on the lowest floor. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
• Interior stairwells on lower floors, per NOAA guidance, interior stairwells are generally good places to take shelter in office and campus buildings. Crouch low and cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Any interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior walls, if nothing else is available.

Locations to avoid during a tornado warning:

• Any room with windows or exterior walls.
• Large rooms with wide, unsupported roof spans, gymnasiums, auditoriums, cafeterias, atriums, and similar spaces are particularly vulnerable to roof collapse in high winds.
• Upper floors of any building.
• Portable or temporary structures of any kind, evacuate to a permanent building immediately when a warning is issued.
• Any vehicle. Vehicles provide minimal protection from a tornado. Seeking shelter in a sturdy building is always safer.

Protective Actions During a Tornado

• Crouch as low as possible. Cover your head and neck with your arms.
• If available, use a blanket, coat, or heavy material to protect yourself from flying debris, which is  the leading cause of tornado fatalities and injuries.
• Do not stand near windows or glass at any time during the warning.
• Stay away from exterior walls.
• Do not use elevators.

After the Warning

Remain in shelter until the warning expires at its stated time or NWS cancels the warning. Tornado activity can continue after it appears to have passed.

If a tornado has occurred on campus: 

• Watch for downed power lines when exiting. Treat all downed lines as energized and lethal. Never drive over or approach a downed line.
• Watch for structural damage: broken glass, weakened ceilings, unstable walls or flooding from broken pipes.
• Do not enter any building that appears structurally damaged.
• Report injuries, structural damage, gas odors, or downed lines to DPS at 314-977-3000.
• Monitor SLU Alerts for campus status updates.

Shelter-in-place means remaining inside a building and taking steps to make the building your shelter. It is used when going outside would expose individuals to a greater risk than remaining indoors, for example, during a hazardous materials release, when toxic outdoor air is present, or when an active external threat makes evacuation dangerous.

Basic Shelter-In-Place Guidance 

If an incident occurs and the building you are in is not damaged, stay inside in an interior room until you are told it is safe to come out. If your building is damaged, gather your personal belongings if it is safe to do so, and follow the evacuation procedures for your building. Once you have evacuated, seek shelter at the nearest University building quickly. Always follow directions from emergency personnel on scene. 

You will know to shelter in place if a notification comes from one of several sources, including DPS, Housing and Residence staff members, other SLU employees, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, or other authorities utilizing the University’s emergency communications tools.

Shelter-In-Place Procedures

No matter where you are, the basic steps of shelter-in-place will generally remain the same:

• If you are outdoors: go inside the nearest permanent building immediately. Bring others with you.
• If you are already inside: stay where you are. Collect a phone and any emergency supplies readily at hand.
• Select an interior room above ground level with few or no windows. If the group is large, use multiple interior rooms.
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• Turn off all HVAC systems: air conditioners, fans, heaters and any ventilation that draws air from outside. Facilities Management will shut down central ventilation systems as quickly as possible.
• Close vents and openings to ventilation systems if accessible.
• If sheltering from a toxic outdoor release: seal gaps under exterior doors, around window frames, and along any other air-infiltration points with wet cloths, tape, or other available materials.
• Make yourself comfortable and monitor SLU Alerts and official University communication for updates.
• Remain in place until DPS or other authorities declare it safe to leave and give specific exit instructions.

• Report the outage immediately to DPS at 314-977-3000 and Facilities Management at 314 977-2955. Provide the building name, affected floors, and any relevant details (visible sparks, equipment failures, alarms, unusual sounds or smells).
• Use only battery-powered flashlights for emergency lighting. Never use candles or open flames of any kind.
• Turn off or unplug electrical equipment, computers, laboratory instruments, and appliances that were in use when power went out.
• Do not use elevators during a power outage.
• Avoid opening refrigerators, freezers or temperature-controlled laboratory storage.
• Do not use portable gasoline or propane generators indoors or in any enclosed or semi-enclosed space. 
• For extended outages affecting research, biological specimens, medications, or other temperature-sensitive materials, contact Facilities Management for guidance on backup power resources.

Saint Louis University monitors winter weather conditions and makes decisions about closings, delayed starts, and operational changes based on the safety of roads and campus conditions. Student, faculty, and staff safety is the University's first consideration in these decisions.

How To Stay Informed About Closings and Delays 

• SLU Snow Line: 314-977-SNOW (314-977-7669). This line is updated with official closing information whenever the University makes a determination.
• SLU Alert: closings and delays are announced via text and email through the SLU emergency notification system.
• Local news: closings are also reported to St. Louis area broadcast and online media outlets.

Personal Winter Safety On Campus 

• Wear appropriate nonslip footwear on icy or snowy days. Slip-and-fall injuries increase significantly in winter weather.
• Walk on designated and cleared paths. Avoid shortcuts across potentially icy, snow-covered, or unsalted surfaces.
• Allow extra travel and commute time in winter weather conditions.
• Report icy walkways, untreated parking lots, or other winter hazards to Facilities Management at 314-977-2955.
• Dress in warm layers and limit outdoor exposure during extreme cold.
• Know the signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech) and frostbite (numbness, white or gray skin discoloration). Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.