Emergency Management

ACTIVE SHOOTER

RUN, HIDE, or FIGHT. Quickly determine the best way to protect your life, based on your situation.

RUN

• Have an escape route and escape plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Keep your hands visible to responding police officers.

HIDE

• Hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view.
• Lock doors and barricade entry to your hiding place.
• Silence cell phones.

FIGHT

• Fight only when your life is in imminent danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with strong physical aggression.

Call 911 or WPI Police at 508-831-5555 when it is safe to do so.

CAMPUS LOCKDOWN

A campus lockdown may be initiated when an imminent threat of violence is occurring on or near campus. Exterior doors may be automatically locked by WPI Police.

The goal of a lockdown is to limit exposure by preventing dangerous individuals from entering campus buildings.

During a lockdown

• Get inside and stay inside! Do not leave the building unless an imminently dangerous situation arises inside.
• Take shelter in a lockable room, if possible. If a lockable room is unavailable, seek the most secure and concealed location possible. Close windows, shades, and blinds, and avoid being seen from outside the room, if possible.
• Silence cell phones.
• Monitor WPI Alerts for further instruction.
• Report any emergency or unusual conditions to WPI Police.
• Once in a secure location, remain there until official instructions are received.

HOSTAGE SITUATION

If you observe a hostage situation

Immediately remove yourself from any danger and notify WPI Police. Be prepared to provide:

• Location of incident
• Number of possible hostages and hostage takers
• Physical description and, if known, names of hostage takers
• Any observed weapons
• Your name, location, and phone number

If you are taken hostage

• Remain calm, be polite, and cooperate with your captors.
• Do not attempt to escape unless there is a high chance of success.
• Do not be belligerent or argumentative.
• Do not draw attention to yourself with sudden body movements, statements, comments, or hostile looks.
• Observe the captors and try to memorize their physical traits, voice patterns, clothing, any tattoos, or other details that can help provide a description later.
• Avoid getting into political or ideological discussions with the captors.
• If forced to present demands from captor(s) to authorities, either in writing or on tape, state clearly that the demands are from your captor(s). Avoid making a plea on your own behalf.
• Try to stay low to the ground or behind cover from windows or doors, if possible.

During a rescue situation

• Do not run. Drop to the floor and remain still. If that is not possible, cross your arms, bow your head, and stand still. Make no sudden moves that a responder may interpret as hostile or threatening.
• Wait for instructions from a responder and obey all instructions you are given.
• Do not be upset, resist, or argue if a responder isn’t sure whether you are a terrorist or a hostage.
• Even if you are handcuffed and searched, do not resist. You will be taken to a safe area, where proper identification and status will be determined.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

WPI Police officers are all certified in CPR and first aid and operate hand-in-hand with WPI Health Services. Do not hesitate to call 508-831-5555 in an emergency.

General guidelines

• Fall or potential neck injury: If injury involves neck, spine, or back, DON’T MOVE the injured person unless the environment might cause further harm.
• Bleeding: For serious bleeding, immediately apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or pad. Maintain pressure continuously. If bleeding soaks through, add more layers without removing the first cloth/pad. For severe extremity bleeding not controlled by direct pressure, consider applying a tourniquet above the wound (if trained to do so).
• Unresponsiveness: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping), assume cardiac arrest and begin CPR immediately, if trained. Ask a bystander to call WPI Police at x5555 (or 508-831-5555) if on campus; off campus, call 911.
• If feasible, keep the injured person lying down with injured body parts elevated. Cover the person with a blanket or coat to keep them from losing body heat.
• Seizure: During seizure activity, clear the area around the person to avoid further injury. Do not place anything in the person’s mouth. Do not restrain the individual. After the seizure, turn the person on their side (recovery position), if possible.
• Choking: If the person is conscious and choking but unable to speak or cough, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if trained.
• Allergic reaction: If the person has a known severe allergy and prescribed EpiPen, help them use it immediately if they have difficulty breathing, swelling, and/or hives.
• Stroke: For a suspected stroke, use FAST to assess (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call help) and call 508-831-5555 immediately if on campus; off campus, call 911.
• Overdose: For a suspected opioid overdose (person is unresponsive with slow or no breathing, possibly with small pinpoint pupils), call 508-831-5555 immediately if on campus; off campus, call 911. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR, if trained. If naloxone (Narcan) is available, administer it according to package instructions; lay responders can safely give naloxone. The person will need emergency medical evaluation even if they respond to naloxone.

STUDENT IN DISTRESS

If you are in contact with a student who appears to be an immediate threat to their own safety or that of others, call WPI Police at 508-831-5555.

Quick reference for helping students having difficulties

Recognize symptoms

• Significant change in academic performance or classroom conduct
• Unusual behavior or appearance
• Traumatic event or change in relationships
• Reference to suicide, homicide, or death

Respond to the student

• Ask to speak privately with the student.
• Directly and candidly discuss your observations and concerns.
• Offer support and assistance.

Refer to a mental health professional at the Student Development and Counseling Center

• Be caring, nonjudgemental, and straightforward in your referral.
• Consider calling from your office or escorting the student to the Student Development and Counseling Center at 16 Einhorn Road.

Discuss your concerns about a student with any of the following on-campus resources

• Student Development and Counseling Center: 508-831-5540
• Student Health Services: 508-831-5520
• Dean of Students: 508-831-5201

After-hours support

• Call HelpNow at 508-831-5540 to speak with a crisis counselor through a choice available in the answering message menu.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Sexual misconduct refers to unwelcome or nonconsensual sexual behavior that harms, intimidates, or takes advantage of someone.

In an emergency situation

• Go to a safe place as soon as you can.
• Call WPI Police at 508-831-5555 or x5555 if on campus; off campus, call 911.

Confidential resources

Medical

• Student Health Services (for WPI students only): 508-831-5520 or SHS@wpi.edu. After hours, contact the physicians on-call line: 508-334-8830.
• UMass Memorial Medical Center emergency room offers Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services. WPI Police can provide students with an escort to the hospital.

Counseling

• Student Development and Counseling Center (for WPI students only): 508-831-5540 or sdcc@wpi.edu
• Pathways for Change Rape Crisis Center (24/7 hotline): 800-870-5905

Reporting options

• Discuss your options and receive support from the Equal Opportunity & Outreach/Title IX Office: titleix@wpi.edu
• File a report with WPI Police and/or the police department where the incident took place:
  • WPI Police non-emergency: 508-831-5433
  • Worcester Police: 508-799-8466
  • Massachusetts State Police: 508-829-8410

CAMPUS SHELTER-IN-PLACE

A shelter-in-place order may be initiated when dangerous environmental conditions, such as extreme weather or a hazardous materials release, are occurring.

During a shelter-in-place

• Move into the nearest building, preferably into an interior room with few windows.
• Close exterior doors, windows, and any other openings to the outside.
• Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms, if necessary.
• Monitor WPI Alerts for further instructions.
• Report any emergency or unusual conditions to WPI Police at 508-831-5555.
• Once in a secure location, remain there until official instructions are received.

TORNADO

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in the area.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted (or indicated by weather radar) in the area. Take cover immediately in a safe place.

If a tornado warning is issued

• Monitor WPI Alerts and weather websites for severe weather updates.
• Be prepared to take shelter on the lowest level of your building or residence hall.
• Do not pull the fire alarm to alert others (doing so may cause them to evacuate the building).
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Move to an interior hallway for shelter.
• If outdoors, lie in a ditch, low-lying area, or crouch near a building if shelter is not available or if there is no time to get indoors.
• Once in a secure location, remain there until further official instructions are received.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM

A thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when thunderstorms are possible in the area.

A thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted (or indicated by weather radar) in the area. Take cover immediately in a safe place.

If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued

• Get inside a building, house, or hard-top automobile. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Unplug electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Use a corded telephone only for emergencies; cordless and cellular telephones are safer to use.
• Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall tree or an isolated tree in an open area.
• Avoid open fields or hilltops, lakes, or boats on water.
• Avoid anything metal, including bicycles, motorcycles, golf carts, and golf clubs.

If someone is struck by lightning

• The person can be handled safely, since they carry no electrical charge.
• Areas on the skin where the person was struck and where the electricity left the body may be burned. Check for burns in both places.
• Seek medical help immediately.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT

If there is a release of hazardous material

• Do not attempt to clean up the spill.
• Close doors to isolate the area.
• Evacuate the area.
• Do not pull the fire alarm unless there is a fire.
• Notify WPI Police at 508-831-5555.
• Meet emergency responders outside the building and provide details of the incident.
• Be specific: Report the composition of the material involved and the exact location.
• Remain out of the area until it is deemed safe by emergency responders.
• Isolate anyone who had contact with the hazardous material and have them await treatment by emergency personnel. They should not leave the site until cleared by emergency responders.

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE

If you observe or come into possession of a suspicious package

• Do not open the suspicious item. If you have opened it, remain calm, notify emergency responders, and stay on location.
• Notify WPI Police at 508-831-5555.
• Do not move the letter or package or examine it further.
• Keep others out of the area; close off the area, if possible.
• If possible, limit the use of cell phones and two-way radios near the suspicious item.
• If the package is leaking a substance or powder and you came into contact with the substance, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, mouth, or any part of your face.
• Do not touch others or let others touch you.
• Wash your hands and arms from the elbow down with soap and hot water.
• Do not attempt to clean or cover anything that might have spilled from a package.
• Follow all instructions given by emergency responders.

BOMB THREAT

If you receive a phoned-in bomb threat

• Have another party notify WPI Police at 508-831-5555 while you are on the phone.
• Take note of:
  • Time of call
  • Any characteristics of the caller, including speech characteristics or accent
  • Emotional state of caller
  • Background noise
• Ask the following questions:
  • When will the bomb go off?
  • Where is the bomb located?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • Why did the caller place the bomb?

If you receive or observe a written bomb threat

• Notify WPI Police at 508-831-5555.
• Do not destroy the written correspondence.

If you see a suspicious object

• Do not touch it. Step away from the area and notify the police immediately.
• Do not open drawers or cabinets.
• Do not turn on/off any electrical devices, switches, cell phones, or radios.
• Be observant of additional suspicious objects in the vicinity (potential secondary explosive devices).
• Do not attempt to evacuate the building without the authorization or assistance of emergency personnel.

FIRE

During an active fire

• If time permits, stabilize lab procedures, turn off stoves and ovens, and unplug or disable any device that could make a dangerous situation even worse.
• Report the fire to WPI Police at 508-831-5555.
• Close doors and windows as you leave, if safe to do so. Feel doors before opening; if a door is hot to the touch, DO NOT OPEN IT!
• Activate the fire alarm system by pulling a fire alarm station on your way out of the building, leaving via the nearest exit.
• Alert others as you leave.
• Do not use elevators.
• Notify emergency responders of anyone trapped, especially anyone with a physical disability who cannot evacuate.
• Do not go back into the building for any reason until an authorized university official deems it safe to reenter.
• If an egress is blocked due to a hot door or excessive fire and/or smoke, stay in the room and call for help. Block smoke at the foot of the door with towels or clothing.
• Open all outside windows and yell for help. Signal for help by hanging an object (such as a jacket or shirt) out the window to attract attention.
• If you cannot stay in an area due to the presence of fire and/or smoke, exit the premises by crawling low under smoke and heat. Cover your mouth with a cloth.
• If your clothes catch fire, remember STOP, DROP, and ROLL. Rolling can smother the flames.

If a fire alarm sounds

• Evacuate premises immediately during a fire alarm, whenever possible; close all doors after leaving.
• Look for the nearest exit.
• Feel doors before opening; if a door is hot to the touch, DO NOT OPEN IT!
• If an egress is blocked due to a hot door or excessive fire and/or smoke, stay in the room and call for help. Block smoke at the foot of a door with towels or clothing.
• Open all outside windows and yell for help. Signal for help by hanging an object (such as a jacket or shirt) out the window to attract attention.
• DO NOT use elevators.

Emergency Evacuation Planning: Accessibility and Support

Preplanning is essential. If you may need assistance evacuating during an emergency, please review the information below and contact the appropriate office to create or update your personal evacuation plan.

Students registered with the Office of Accessibility Services

• Contact the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) by emailing accessibilityservices@wpi.edu or calling 508-831-4908.
• OAS partners closely with the Housing and Residential Experience Center (HREC) to review the living arrangements of students who identify as having a disability. When appropriate, OAS will coordinate with HREC and WPI Police to communicate any required accommodations or support needs.

Faculty and staff

• Contact the Division of Talent & Inclusion (T&I) by emailing talent@wpi.edu or calling 508-831-5470.
• T&I will work with WPI Police to document any required accommodations and ensure an appropriate plan is in place.

Best practices for emergency evacuation planning

If you require, or might require, assistance during an emergency, consider the following:

• Identify your needs. Evaluate whether you should identify yourself as someone who may need assistance during an evacuation. Some disabilities are not visible, and advanced communication ensures faster support.
• Communicate clearly. Practice explaining how others can best assist you. Be specific and concise. If speech is difficult for you during emergencies, consider carrying a small written card or document with essential instructions.
• Build a personal network. Establish a circle of people who are often nearby, such as classmates, colleagues, or neighbors. Don’t rely on only one person; they may not always be available.
• Assess your own abilities. Know your strengths and limitations and communicate them openly with those in your network.

In an emergency

• Call WPI Police at 508-831-5555 immediately.

UTILITY FAILURE/NATURAL GAS ODOR/PHONE/IT FAILURE

Immediately report utility (electricity, water, gas) failures or natural gas odor

• During regular work hours (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.), call the WPI Facilities Office at 508-831-5500.
• After regular work hours, on weekends, and on holidays, call WPI Police at 508-831-5555.

Phone and IT failures

• Call IT Services Support at 508-831-5888 during normal business hours. If this number is not working, call the WPI Police alternate phone numbers 774-285-7781 or 774-285-7804.
• In the event of a campuswide phone failure, the WPI Police normal phone numbers, including the emergency number, may not work. Call the WPI Police alternate phone numbers at 774-285-7781 or 774-285-7804.