As we embark on a new academic year filled with promise, it’s essential to prioritize safety and security for all members of our University of Michigan community.
We share a collective responsibility to ensure our campus remains a safe environment, and as part of this responsibility, it is important that we familiarize ourselves with best practices and protocols so that we can respond effectively in any emergency situation.
Below is information on fire safety, severe weather protocols, active attacker scenarios, and maintaining awareness of public health concerns. As always, in the event of an active emergency, please prioritize your safety by moving to a secure location and promptly dialing 911.
Fire Safety
- Familiarize yourself with the locations of fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, egress stairways, and emergency exits in your building(s)
- Activate the fire alarm system if you see smoke or fire
- Evacuate the building immediately using the nearest marked exit
- Use stairs; do not use elevators
- Encourage those around you to evacuate as well
- Assist those with disabilities or those who cannot safely evacuate the building by getting them to a safe rescue location and notifying emergency responders of their location as soon as possible
- Keep building exits and fire lanes clear
- Meet at designated assembly areas
- Re-enter only when directed by authorities
- Once in a safe location, report all fire events on university property, regardless of magnitude, to the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) by calling (734) 763-1131 or 911. All unintended or unwanted fires must be reported to DPSS, and DPSS will notify the local fire department.
Tornado and Severe Weather
- Move to the lowest interior space of the building (hallway, basement, restroom)
- Stay away from windows and glass
- Crouch near the floor or under heavy, well-supported objects and cover the back of your head
- Close all doors, including main corridors
- Monitor local media outlets for updates and all clear messages
Active Attacker
- Run – If there is an accessible escape path, use it
- If able, move away from the threat as quickly as possible
- Warn others of the danger
- Leave your belongings behind
- Hide – If evacuation is not possible, find a secure place to hide and barricade yourself in the space
- Lock and secure doors
- Create barriers to prevent or slow down the threat from getting to you
- Remain out of sight and quiet – silence your phone
- Fight – As a last resort, and only if your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active attacker
- Incorporate a distraction – throw items and yell loudly
- Commit to your actions – be aggressive and use improvised weapons
- Disarm the attacker – solicit help; there is strength in numbers
For more information, please visit the Active Attacker section of the DPSS website.
Public Health
The U-M Health Response website shares up-to-date information on the university’s public health response to infectious diseases and how the U-M community can stay safe and reduce the spread of illness on campus.
All U-M faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to receive the most up-to-date COVID-19 and influenza vaccines each fall. Vaccination is an important and effective component of protecting our community.
Additional Resources
One of the most important safety measures you can take today is to ensure you receive UM Emergency Alerts. Students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled to receive UM Emergency Alerts via email and text message/SMS. Please visit alerts.umich.edu to verify or update the mobile number currently enrolled in the system or add additional numbers to receive alerts.
For more information on these and other emergency preparedness topics, please visit the DPSS and Environment, Health & Safety websites.
As we kick-start a fresh academic year – one filled with potential and possibility – DPSS would like to thank you for your cooperation and support in maintaining a safe and informed campus environment. We appreciate your attention to this important information and wish you all the best this year.