Campus Alerts

Pre-program the Valparaiso University Police phone number 219.464.5430 in your cell phone. This number can be used for emergencies and non-emergencies. When dialing 911 on any campus phone you will be contacting the campus police. If you dial 911 from a cell phone in the Valparaiso area you will be calling the Porter County Sheriff Department. Any of these options are acceptable and should not slow any emergency response.

• Become familiar with areas you use regularly. Know your evacuation routes and where to take shelter for different types of emergencies, before an incident occurs,
• STAY CALM. Do not make the situation worse. Do not let people take foolish chances. Others will respond as you do. SET THE EXAMPLE.
• Control the flow of information. Evaluate what is most essential and forward only that. Have a plan to disseminate: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
• DO NOT SPEAK TO THE MEDIA. All media inquiries should be directed to the Director of Media Relations, 219.464.6939.
• If you find yourself in charge of an area, delegate duties. Clearly communicate your needs and trust others to do their part. This will aid others who feel the need to be useful.
• Use plain language during a crisis. Everyone will be under stress. Keep things straightforward and simple.
• Be aware of those around you. Aid those whom you can without added risk. Follow instructions when they are given.
• Talk to others. Simply talking to each other and discussing what could happen and how to respond prepares us for crises.
• Remember personalities. Stress, fear, fatigue, and anger might be present in those around you. Be prepared to deal with human nature. Do not let it frustrate you.

Valparaiso University Emergency Service

POLICE 911

FIRE 911

AMBULANCE 911

VUPD Emergency and Non-Emergency

219.464.5430

Confidential Tip Line

877.988.8477

1. The quickest and easiest way to obtain professional help for any type of emergency is to dial 911.
2. When calling, stay calm and carefully explain the problem and location to the University Police dispatcher. Do not hang up until told to do so.
3. Notify the Residential Learning Coordinator or Resident Assistant in residence halls and the building contact person For additional Emergency Procedure information, speak with your Building R.L.C., R.A. or contact person.

KEEP CALM KEEP OTHERS CALM

Building Contact Person: ________________________

Telephone: ___________________

Location: _____________________________________________________________

Alternate

Building Contact Person: _________________________

Telephone: _________________

Location: _____________________________________________________________

The University has an emergency siren located in the center of campus. This siren will sound whenever there is a confirmed report of a LIFE THREATENING situation whether it be weather related, a chemical spill, or any other situation that threatens lives or property. The siren is connected to Porter County Emergency Management, a county-wide emergency response agency. Campus police can also activate it as needed.

In case of an emergency, the siren will sound continuously for three (3) minutes followed by one (1) minute of silence and repeated as needed. When this happens:

• SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY
• Basements and reinforced concrete buildings are your best protection.
• Go to the lowest part of the building, stay away from outside walls and windows. (Hallways and small rooms provide good protection.)
• For buildings without basements, go to the ground floor. Take cover under heavy furniture in the central part of the building, or in a small room, hallway or bathroom AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

The siren DOES NOT sound an all clear. To obtain all clear information and any further information regarding the reason for the siren’s activation, call the campus information line or listen to local media:

• Call ext. 7977 from phones on the campus phone system.
• Call 465.7977 from phones outside of the campus phone system.
• Tune into WLJE (105.5 FM) or WAKE (1500 AM).

The Porter County Emergency Management siren is TESTED the first Tuesday of each month. A warning siren will sound at 11:00 a.m. THIS IS ONLY A TEST! Testing will be thirty (30) seconds of constant signal followed by one (1) minute of silence and 30 second of wailing (wavering) signal.

“Siren Inside GO Outside”…

“…Siren Outside GO Inside”

1. All are to evacuate a building when a fire alarm sounds and/or upon notification by University Police or the building contact person.
2. Be aware of all marked exits from your area and building. Know the routes from your work area.
3. If necessary, or directed to do so by the University Police or the building contact person, activate the building’s fire alarms. CAUTION: THE BUILDING ALARMS RING ONLY IN THE BUILDING WHERE THE EMERGENCY IS OCCURRING. You must also call the University Police (911) and inform them of the emergency.
4. When the building’s fire alarm is sounded, or when told to leave by University Police or the building contact person, quickly walk to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
5. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING! DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
6. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
7. If requested, assist the University Police and/or the building contact person.
8. A public safety Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the Emergency Operations Center unless you have important information to report.
9. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by University Police, Fire Department, or the building contact person.
10. Refer to the emergency procedures specific to your building.

During a tornado stay calm and quickly follow the steps outlined below:

1. If indoors, seek shelter in the lowest level of the building. Interior hallways or rooms are preferable. STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
2. If outdoors, take cover in the nearest ditch or depression and away from power lines, buildings, trees, and metal objects. DO NOT STAY IN A CAR OR ATTEMPT TO OUTRUN THE TORNADO.
3. After the tornado has passed, evaluate the situation and, if emergency help is necessary, contact the University Police at 911 and the building contact person. Be aware at all times of dangerous structural conditions around you.
4. Damaged facilities should be reported to the University Police. NOTE: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards. Please refer to the section on utility failure.
5. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING! DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
6. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building(s). Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
7. If requested, assist the University Police and/or the building contact person.
8. Do not return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by the University Police or the building contact person.
9. If necessary an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated by the University Police Department.
10. All emergency procedures will be directed through the Emergency Operations Center. Building contact persons will be in contact with the EOC and communications will flow through the building contact person.
11. STAY CALM. All emergency response efforts will require clear thinking and cooperation from all members of the campus community.

1. If a serious injury or illness occurs on campus, immediately call the University Police at 911. Give your name, describe the nature and severity of the medical problem, and give the campus location of the victim.
   NOTE: The University Police Department has a direct line to Emergency Medical Services. Officers can render First Aid and CPR.
2. In case of minor injury or illness, provide first aid care. Use first aid materials located in the building. Be sure to restock the first aid supply kits as materials are used.
3. In case of serious injury or illness:

• Keep victim still and comfortable. DO NOT MOVE VICTIM.
• Ask victim, “Are you okay?” and “What is wrong?”
• Check breathing and give rescue breathing if necessary (If trained).
• Control serious bleeding by direct pressure on the wound.
• Continue to assist the victim until help arrives.
• Look for emergency medical I.D. on the victim, question witnesses, and give all information to the University Police.

4. First Aid and CPR are lifesaving skills. All members of the campus community are encouraged to take First Aid and CPR classes. Some automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are also available. The following volunteers in your building and/or area are trained in first aid and CPR:

In All Cases, Notify University Police Department at 911

First Aid and CPR are lifesaving skills. All members of the campus community are encouraged to take First Aid and CPR classes. Use universal precautions for blood borne pathogens.

POISONING AND OVERDOSE

1. Determine what substance is involved and how it was taken.
2. Stay with the victim and assist as necessary.

FAINTING, UNCONSCIOUSNESS, AND SHOCK

1. Have the victim lie or sit down and rest.
2. Keep the victim comfortable, not hot or cold.
3. Ask or look for an emergency medical I.D. for the victim.
4. Treat other injuries as necessary.

BURNS, THERMAL, AND CHEMICAL

1. If burns are caused by dry chemicals, brush off and remove clothing.
2. Flood the chemical burn with tepid water.
3. Cover the burn with dry sterile bandage.
4. Keep the victim quiet and comfortable.

SEVERE BLEEDING AND WOUNDS

1. Use a clean cloth or gloved hand.
2. Apply direct pressure on wound.
3. Apply pressure to a blood vessel, if necessary.
4. Elevate the body part that is bleeding.
5. Add more cloth if blood soaks through.
6. Keep pressure on the wound until help arrives.
7. If the patient loses consciousness, open the patient’s airway and elevate his/her legs.

CHOKING

(Lying Down Patient)

1. Check the victim’s mouth and clear foreign matter.
2. Use abdominal thrusts.

(Standing Patient)

1. If coughing and breathing stay with patient.
2. If the patient is unable to speak, perform abdominal thrusts.

HEART ATTACK

1. Place the victim lying on his/her back.
2. Give resuscitation or CPR as necessary. If available use Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
3. Keep the victim comfortable, not hot or cold.
4. Ask or look for an emergency medical I.D. for the victim.

FRACTURES AND SPRAINS

1. Keep the victim still.
2. Keep the injured area immobile.
3. Use an ice pack if available to reduce swelling.

In the event of a violent accident such as an explosion or aircraft crash on campus that could render a building or area unsafe, take the following actions:

1. Immediately take cover under tables, desks, and other such objects that will give protection against falling glass or debris, or evacuate if possible.
2. After the effect of the explosion and/or fire have subsided, notify the University Police (911), and the building contact person. Give your name and describe the location and nature of the emergency.
3. When appropriate, or you are told to leave by the University Police or by the building contact person, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
4. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING! DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
5. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
6. If requested, assist the University Police, and/or the building contact person.
7. An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the Emergency Operations Center unless you have important information to report.
8. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by University Police or the building contact person.

1. Any spillage of a chemical or radioactive material is to be reported immediately to the University Police at 911.
2. When reporting, be specific about the nature of the involved material and the location. The University Police Department will contact the necessary specialized authorities and medical personnel.
3. Risk assessment should be conducted immediately. All persons not trained in spill containment techniques should immediately evacuate the area and contact the University Police Department by dialing 911.
4. While persons trained in chemical spill containment techniques begin spill containment procedures, no one should be allowed to enter the affected area.
5. Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill is to avoid contact with others as much as possible. Required first aid and clean up by specialized authorities should be started at once.
6. If necessary, or if directed to do so by University Police or the building contact person, activate the building’s fire alarm. CAUTION: THE BUILDING ALARMS RING ONLY IN THE BUILDING. In addition, you must call the University Police or the building contact person.
7. If necessary, or you are told to leave the building by the University Police or by the building contact person, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same. If the spill is outdoors you may be directed to shelter in the building.
8. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING! DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
9. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building(s). Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
10. If requested, assist the University Police and/or building contact person.
11. An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the EOC unless you have important information to report.
12. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by University Police or the building contact person.

1. If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus, DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT! Clear the area and immediately call the University Police at 911. Refer to steps 6 through 11 below for further instructions.
2. Any person receiving a phone call that a bomb or other explosive device has been placed on campus is to ask the caller:
   1. When is the bomb going to explode?
   2. Where is the bomb located?
   3. What kind of bomb is it?
   4. What does it look like?
   5. Why did you place the bomb?
3. Keep talking to the caller as long as possible and record the following:
   1. Time of call
   2. Age and sex of caller
   3. Speech pattern, accent
   4. Background noise
4. Immediately notify the University Police by dialing 911 and supply them with the information outlined above.
5. The University Police will conduct a detailed bomb search. Employees are requested to make a cursory inspection of their area for suspicious objects and to report the location to the University Police. DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT!
6. If necessary or if directed to do so by the University Police or the building contact person, activate the building fire alarm. CAUTION: THE BUILDING FIRE ALARMS RING ONLY IN THE BUILDING. In addition, you must call the University Police or the building contact person.
7. When the building fire alarms are sounded or when told to leave by the University Police or by the building contact person, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
8. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING! DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
9. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building(s). Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
10. If requested, assist the University Police and/or the building contact person.
11. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by the University Police or the building contact person.

1. Know the location of fire extinguishers in your area and know how to use them. Training and information are available through Campus Safety.
2. On a minor fire that appears controllable, IMMEDIATELY contact the University Police. Promptly direct the charge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
   1. PULL
   2. AIM
   3. SQUEEZE
   4. SWEEP
3. If necessary, or if directed to do so by the University Police or the building contact person, activate the building fire alarm. CAUTION: THE BUILDING ALARMS RING ONLY IN THE BUILDING; in addition you must call the University Police (911).
4. On large fires that do not appear controllable, IMMEDIATELY contact the University Police and the building contact person. Evacuate all affected rooms closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen. DO NOT LOCK DOORS!
5. When the building fire alarm is sounded or when told to leave by the University Police or by the building contact person, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit, and alert others to do the same.
6. ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING! DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
7. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building. Keep the streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
8. If requested, assist the University Police and/or the building contact person.
9. An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) unless you have important information to report.
10. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by the University Police.

NOTE: If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for emergency personnel. If there’s no window, stay near the floor, where the air will be more breathable. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency personnel of your location.

• In the event of a major utility failure (gas leak, electrical problem, etc.) immediately notify the University Police at 911. For failures during regular business hours, also call Facilities Management at (219) 464- 6864.
• If there is potential danger to people, buildings, and/or equipment, or if the utility failure occurs after hours, on weekends or on holidays, notify University Police at 911.
• ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN EXITING THE BUILDING! DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
• Once outside, move to a clear area, away from the hazard and affected building. Keep walk and roadways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
• DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless directed to do so by the University Police or the building contact person.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

Always observe steps 1 and 2 above whenever the following utility emergencies arise:

Electrical/Light Failure

At present not all buildings are equipped with an emergency light system that will provide enough illumination in corridors and stairs for safe exiting. It is therefore, advisable for each campus department to have flashlights available.

Elevator Failure

If you are trapped in an elevator, use the emergency phone in the elevator to notify the Police Department. If the elevator does not have an emergency phone, turn on the emergency alarm (located on the front panel) which will signal your need for help. If you find someone trapped in an elevator, call 911 and report it to the University Police. Elevator safety is governed by code and rescues are to be made by firefighters.

Plumbing Failure/Flooding

Cease using all electrical equipment. If necessary, vacate the area. Notify University Police at 911.

Serious Gas Leak

Cease all operations. DO NOT SWITCH ON LIGHTS or ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Electrical arcing can trigger an explosion! Vacate the area and notify University Police at 911.

Ventilation Problem

If smoke or odors come from the ventilation system, and it becomes necessary, cease all operations and vacate the area. Notify University Police at 911.

1. Most campus demonstrations will be peaceful and everyone should attempt to carry on business as normally as possible. Avoid provoking or obstructing the demonstrators.
2. Should a disturbance occur, call the University Police at 911. To avoid causing additional trouble, make the call in private. The procedures outlined under number 3 below should also be considered.
3. A threatening disturbance should be reported immediately to the University Police Department and the building contact person. The following action also should be taken:
   1. Remain on the line with the University Police Dispatcher to share information and to receive additional instruction.
   2. Direct someone to alert all individuals in the area of the situation.
   3. Direct someone to lock interior doors and secure all files, documents, and equipment.
   4. If necessary, cease operations and evacuate.
4. University Police will assess the situation. Participants who refuse to disperse may be subject to prosecution if any campus rules and/or state laws are violated.
5. If a class is disrupted, call the University Police at 464-5430 or 911.

1. Everyone is asked to assist in making campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations or persons and by reporting them as outlined below.
2. If you are the victim of, or witness to, any criminal acts and/or violations of the law such as assault, robbery, theft, overt sexual behavior, etc., immediately contact the University Police Department by dialing 911 or 219.464.5430.
3. Notify the University Police at extension 911 or 219.464.5430 as soon as possible and supply them with the following information:
   1. Nature of incident
   2. Location of incident
   3. Description of person(s) involved
   4. Description of property involved
4. If you witness a criminal act or whenever you notice a person(s) acting suspiciously on campus, immediately notify the University Police (911) or 161.5430 and give them the information outlined in #3 above.
5. Assist the police when they arrive by supplying them with all additional information and ask others to do the same.

Everyone can and should take precautions to prevent victimization. This includes increasing your knowledge of potentially dangerous situations, avoiding them when possible, and being prepared to deal with them as they are recognized. Some suggestions for improving personal safety are:

AT HOME

• Make sure hallways, garages and grounds are lighted. Have a key ready to open doors.
• Leave a spare key with a friend rather than leaving it under the doormat or over the door.
• Lock windows and doors that are easily accessible. Pull shades or curtains after dark so it is not as easy to advertise that no one else is home.
• List only last name and initials on the mailbox and door and in phone book.
• Do not give out information or make appointments with strangers over the phone.
• Do not admit strangers to your home. If an unexpected person approaches your door, determine identification before opening the door.

AT THE OFFICE

The office environment is unique. Each department, depending upon working habits, public commitments and style of operation, will differ. A safety system can be developed that will complement the particular environment in which you work. The University Police should be contacted as a resource for information and assistance in the design of a personal protection program for your office.

IN THE CAR

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Walk back to your car with key ready.
• Check the back seat before getting into your car and make sure no one is hiding.
• Keep doors locked at all times.
• If the car breaks down, raise the hood, put on the emergency lights, return to your car, and lock the doors. Wait for someone to stop and offer help; stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police or a tow service.
• Avoid hitchhiking due to the high risks involved.
• If You Are the Victim of a Sexual Assault
• Attempt to stay calm and remain alert. Look for situations that you can exploit to your advantage. Your primary objective should be to survive the attack, and if possible, avoid serious injury to yourself.
• If possible, try to get away as fast as you can. If necessary, fight back. If, however, you are immediately threatened, attempting to escape or fight back initially may not be possible or advisable. In such a case, it may be necessary to cooperate somewhat until a safer opportunity for escape presents itself, but never leave the location with an attacker. Remember staying alive is your most important concern.
• Take notice of the characteristics of your assailant and perhaps try to talk your way out of a rape situation, or identify a means of escape. Information you recall about your attacker is invaluable to the police in trying to apprehend the criminal.
• If you are on campus, notify the University Police at 911 as soon as possible.

REFERRAL SERVICE

Education on rape prevention is available through the Valparaiso University Police Department, the Sexual Assault Awareness Facilitative Education Office (S.A.A.F.E.), the Student Counseling & Development Center, and the Dean of Students office. To report a sexual assault, contact the University Police immediately at extension 911.

CONDUCT WHILE BEING HELD HOSTAGE

• Under all circumstances, attempt to stay calm and be alert to situations that you can exploit to your advantage. Remember that the primary objective of law enforcement officials will be to secure your safe return as quickly as possible.
• No matter how “reasonable” your captors may appear on the surface, they cannot be trusted to behave normally and their actions may be unpredictable.
• Comply with the instructions of your abductors as well as you can.
• Do not discuss what action your family, friends or employer may take.
• Make a mental note of all movements including time in transit, direction, distance, speed, landmarks along the way, special odors, and sounds.
• Whenever possible, take note of the characteristics of your abductors, their habits, surroundings, speech mannerisms, and the contacts they make. Such information can be of great value in their ultimate apprehension.
• Generally, you cannot expect to have a good opportunity to escape; any attempt to escape, however, should not be made unless it is indicated that your life is in imminent danger. Carefully calculate the best possible odds for success.
• Avoid making provocative remarks to your abductors. As noted, they may be unstable individuals who react explosively and are likely to be violent and abusive.
• Try to establish some kind of rapport with your captors.

The National Tactical Officers Association defines an active shooter as one or more subjects who participate in a random or systematic shooting spree, demonstrating their intent to continuously harm others. An active shooter’s overriding objective appears to be that of mass murder, rather than criminal conduct such as robbery, kidnapping, etc. The definition also can also include any assault with a deadly weapon causing a mass homicide.

IN A CLASSROOM OR OFFICE

• If you are in a classroom, room, or office, STAY THERE, and secure the door.
• If the door has a lock use it. If the door opens in, barricade it closed with heavy furniture or any items located in the area. You may also use something to wedge under the door to help barricade it.
• If the door opens out, tie a belt or other items to the door and then to a heavy piece of furniture that can not be pulled though the doorway. This will help to keep the door from being opened from the hallway. Again cover the door with furniture or other items in the area.
• If the door has a window, cover it if you can.
• Depending on the gunman’s location, consideration may also be made to exit through ground floor window openings. Have someone watch as you get as many people out of the windows as calmly and as quietly as possible.
• If the windows don’t open, or you can’t break them, or you are not on a ground floor, get out of sight from the door, stay away from windows, take cover behind or under furniture, stay low, keep quiet, and act as if no one is in the room. Silence your cell phone.
• Do not answer the door.
• Stay calm.

Exiting the Building

• If it is possible to exit the building safely, move away from the immediate path of danger.
• Do not run in a straight line (zigzag).
• Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately.
• Do not signal an evacuation by pulling the fire alarm; this may cause those that are in secure places to exit into the view of the gunmen.

After Exiting the Building or in Open Areas

• Try to keep as many large objects such as parked vehicles, large trees, brick walls, retaining walls, and any object which may stop firearm ammunition penetration, between you and the shooter as you run.
• Run to a police officers, keeping your hands in the air or on you head, and follow the orders that the police give you.
• Don’t leave the area entirely; you may have information that responding police officers will need. Once in a safe place stay put.

In Hallways, Lounge Areas, or Corridors

• If you are in a hallway, get in a room that is not already secured and secure it.
• Unless you are very close to an exit, don’t run through a long hall to get to one, you may encounter the gunman or hostage taker.
• If you are trapped in these areas, do your best to hide.

In Large Rooms or Auditoriums

• If in a gym or theater area and the gunman or hostage taker(s) are not present, move to and out the external exits.
• If you are trapped in these areas, do your best to hide.

Trapped With the Gunman

• If you are trapped with the gunman, don’t do anything to provoke him/her. If there is no shooting, do what the gunman says and don’t move suddenly. Only you can draw the line on what you will or will not do to preserve your life or the lives of others.
• If you are in an area where there are victims, consider playing dead.
• If the gunman starts shooting people, you need to make a choice. At this point, it is your choice of whether to stay still, and hope they do not shoot you, run for an exit while zigzagging, or attack the shooter. Attacking the shooter is very dangerous, but certainly no more so than doing nothing and dying in place. A moving target is much harder to hit than a stationary one and the last thing that the shooter will expect is to be attacked by an unarmed person. Any option chosen may still result in a negative consequence.
• If fighting is your only option, fight in a group (swarm) and use any available items to attack or secure the shooter. Again this is NOT A RECOMMENDATION to attack the shooter but rather a choice to fight when there is only one other option.
• If the shooter leaves the area, attempt to lock or barricade the door, or proceed to a safe location.

 Notifying the Police

• Call the Valparaiso University Police Department at 911 or 219.464.5430 as soon as it is safe to do so. Stay calm and give the dispatcher as much information about the shooter(s), victim(s), and location(s) as you possibly can.

Individuals on campus but away from the active shooter building or location

• Take protective cover within your shelter-in-place location, staying away from windows and doors until notified otherwise.
• Seek a location where you can secure the door by locking and/or barricading with furniture.

Valparaiso University Police are trained and equipped to respond to an incident of this nature. Obey all orders of the police. This may involve being handcuffed or told to put your hands in the air as you exit the building. This is done for your safety, the safety of others, and the safety of the police. If you have locked yourself in a safe area, wait for the police department or a campus administrator to give an all-clear directive before leaving the area.

These safety tips and guidelines are not all inclusive. No two emergency incidents are the same. The incident itself will dictate your choices to make yourself safe. Periodic reminders and training when feasible can increase your chances of surviving an active shooter incident.

Winter weather advisory means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads, limited visibility, and use caution when driving. This may also include extreme cold temperatures and limited outside activities are advisable.

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify winter weather

• Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
• Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
• Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
• Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
• Blizzard Warning means heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.
• Frost/Freeze Warning means below freezing temperatures are expected.
• When a Winter Storm WATCH is issued
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and television stations, or cable television such as The Weather Channel for further dates.
  • Be alert to changing weather conditions.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel
• When a Winter Storm WARNING is issued
  • Stay indoors during the storm.
  • If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
  • If the pipes freeze during University hours call the Facilities Management work order desk at 464-6864. After hours call University Police at 464-5430.
  • Do NOT use electric or kerosene heaters they can be a fire hazard and build-up of toxic fumes.
• Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must…
  • Carry an Emergency Supply Kit in the trunk.
  • Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
  • Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first, and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.

The University will make one of three announcements using the Emergency

Notification System and update on the web at http://www.valpo.edu/alert.

1. Winter Weather Conditions … Alert!

Due to predicted weather conditions, watch for delay or closure updates on Valpo’s alert page.

2. Winter Weather Delay … Alert!

Due to inclement weather conditions, classes have been delayed. Watch for updates on Valpo’s alert page.

3. Winter Weather Closure … Alert!

Due to inclement weather conditions, classes have been canceled. Watch for updates on Valpo’s alert page.

The University has an emergency Notification System. The Official form of communication for the University is Email. The University has two sirens on campus to alert the campus community. The Emergency Notification System is integrated into the University e-mails system. It is also integrated into the following systems:

• 2-Way Radio Integration
• CCTV Integration
• Existing PA Integration (All residence Halls, Harre Union,

Christopher Center, and Heritage Hall

• Networked Fire Panels and the Non-Networked Fire Panels –

Stand Alone Systems

• PC Alerts
• Telephone Integration Text To Speech (TTS)
• RSS feed to the social network site Twitter. (See Below to setup access)

Additional communication devices may also be used to inform the campus community as needed. Such as: