Think Safe, Be Safe

Here are some safety tips to remember when you are visiting campus.

General Safety Tips

University Police offers the following general safety tips:

• Sign up for the RAVE Alert notifications.
• Do not leave property unattended.
• Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle.
• Register your expensive items with the police department (bike, laptop, big screen TV, etc.).
• Be aware of your surroundings and communicate your plans with others.
• Do not release personal or financial information to unknown sources.
• Utilize the police escort service (available 24 hours a day).
• Be an active bystander.
• If you see something suspicious, say something.
• DDSS (don’t do silly stuff) that would draw attention.

Basic Emergency Information

Law enforcement is managed by University Police, which also maintains mutual aid agreement with the surrounding law enforcement agencies. Dispatching services are provided by the City of Fort Wayne’s Police Department.

The nearest hospital emergency room is only three miles from campus:

Parkview Hospital Randallia
2200 Randallia Dr
Fort Wayne, IN 46805

The Campus Health Clinic, located in Walb Union, Room 234, provides limited outpatient services, including by appointment.

Types of Emergencies

An emergency is any immediate threat to life and/or property that requires immediate response from police, fire, or ambulance personnel. Your judgment often determines if an incident is an emergency. If you consider a situation to be an emergency, then it is an emergency.

Preparation is critical to be effective in emergencies. All university personnel should become familiar with the Purdue Fort Wayne Emergency Handbook’s contents. If you are unsure what you need to do in your building or have any questions, call one of the following numbers:

• University Police Department: 260-481-6827
• Radiological and Environmental Management: 260-481-4193
• Campus Emergency Preparedness and Planning Coordinator: 260-481-5493

Evacuations and Shelter in Place

Get to know general information and procedures about building evacuations and shelter in place:

• Evacuation Information

  Building Evacuations

  Evacuation is the process for totally clearing identified campus buildings in the event of a dangerous situation. Some reasons for evacuations include bomb threats, fire, and active attackers. Here are the steps to take:

  1. Activate the building’s alarm if necessary or if directed to do so by emergency personnel.
  2. Evacuate the building when an alarm sounds continuously or if directed to do so by emergency personnel.
  3. Leave the building immediately using the shortest route possible in all crisis situations.
  4. Do not use elevators during an emergency evacuation. Emergency personnel may use an elevator for evacuation after a review of the circumstances.
  5. Head to the nearest marked exit quickly and ask others to do the same when an evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by emergency personnel.
  6. Move clear of a building once you have evacuated it, allowing others to exit freely.
  7. Do not return to an evacuated building until you are advised to do so by emergency personnel.
  8. If you have a disability and are unable to use stairways, follow these instructions.
     1. Stay calm and take actions to protect yourself. Call 911 if you have access to a campus telephone or a cell phone.
     2. If you must move from your location, move to an enclosed stairway exit if possible and request persons exiting the building to notify University Police of your location.
  9. Seek evacuation assistance only from people with emergency assistance training unless you are in immediate danger.
  10. Familiarize yourself with your department’s evacuation plan ahead of time.
• Shelter-in-Place Information

  Shelter in Place

  Shelter in place means to seek immediate shelter and remain there during an emergency rather than evacuate the area. It is always preferred to evacuate. Shelter in place should be used only when an evacuation is not safe.

  Certain events, such as tornado, severe weather, active attacker, and hazardous materials release may necessitate the initiation of the shelter-in-place protocol. When notified, you should seek immediate shelter inside a building (preferably in a room with no windows).

  Additionally, if you are “sheltering” due to a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) accidental release of toxic chemicals, the air quality may be threatened and sheltering keeps you inside an area offering more protection. Keep the following information in mind:

  • How would I be notified?
    • You would hear the all-hazards emergency warning sirens.
    • You would receive information and alerts through RAVE and Alertus.
    • You observe or sense dangerous air conditions.
    • You receive notification from emergency personnel.
  • Additional actions
    • Close all doors and windows to the outside.
    • Do not use elevators, as they may pump air into or out of the building (HAZMAT).
    • If possible, close and/or seal vents and ducts.
    • Do not go outside or attempt to drive unless you are specifically instructed to evacuate.

  Remain in place until police, fire, or other emergency response officials tell you it is safe to leave, or until information is announced through radio or television broadcasts alerting you that it is safe to leave.

Nonemergency Contact Information

University Police: 260-481-6827
Radiologic and Environmental Management: 260-481-4193
Facilities Management: 260-481-6832

If you are outdoors and hear a siren, go indoors. If you are indoors and hear a siren, go outdoors.

Emergency Procedures Poster [PDF]