Emergency Information
Fire Emergency
If a Fire Alarm Sounds
- Always assume the alarm is real and exit the building quickly without running. You must exit, even if you know the alarm is false.
- Use normal exits if you can, but never use the elevator.
- Before opening a door, use the back of your hand to feel near the top for heat.
- If the door is hot or warm, or smoke is present, do not open.
- If the door is cool, open it slowly.
- Close all doors behind you to limit the spread of fire and smoke.
- If you must exit through heat or smoke, cover your nose and mouth with a towel or an item of clothing, then crawl or crouch.
- Move well away from the building and meet your fellow residents at the designated location.
- Do not re-enter until the alarm is turned off.
Prevention and Planning
- Know the location of emergency exits, alarm pull boxes, and fire extinguishers.
- Report damaged equipment immediately.
- Never prop open hallway doors. Many have automatic closing devices designed to prevent the spread of fire.
- Many items, such as candles and halogen lamps, are prohibited from rooms and residence halls.
- Never store bicycles or other items in hallways or stairwells.
Tornado Emergency
Tornado Watch
This indicates there is a chance of dangerous weather with damaging winds.
Tornado Warning
If a tornado has been sighted, radio warning and the Public Address Siren (which is tested every first Wednesday of the month) will sound. The Wesleyan Alert System will alert students and employees to seek shelter. The Wesleyan Alert System will then be used to signal when the situation is clear and will give further directions if needed.
- Seek shelter immediately.
- If you are outdoors without shelter lie flat in a ditch or low area. Protect your head.
- If you are in your car, leave your vehicle for a ditch or low spot. Never try to drive away from a tornado.
- If you are in a residence hall/apartment building or Greek living unit go to the designated shelter area (often the basement). Stay away from all windows, doors, and outside walls. Protect your head.
- If you are in a large building, interior hallways on the lowest floors, or a basement, offer the best protection.
- Remain in place of shelter until you receive all clear signal or until you are sure the tornado has passed.
| In the event of a tornado, please take shelter in the following areas: | |
|---|---|
| Old Main | Central hallways |
| Olin Hall of Science | Basement interior hallways Basement stairwells |
| Smith Curtis Administration Building | Callen Conference Center First floor classrooms Interior hallways |
| Rogers Center For Fine Art | Basement hallways Basement practice rooms Band room Emerson Recital Hall |
| Elder Memorial Speech and Theatre Center | Tunnel connection between theatre and library Interior hallways and restrooms |
| Cochrane-Woods Library | Basement area Basement stairwell area |
| Lucas Hall | Front entrance foyer |
| Story Student Center | Round Up room Lower level office area Lower level restrooms Lower level TV lounge |
| Knight Field House | Dressing rooms/Restroom |
| Grounds Garage | Seek outside shelter by lying flat in front of concrete retaining wall adjacent to track in stadium area |
| Plainsman Hall | Basement stairwells Basement lounge Basement hallways |
| Burt Hall | Basement stairwells |
| Pioneer Hall | Kitchen area Basement area Tunnel between Pioneer Hall and Johnson Hall |
| Johnson Hall | Laundry room Basement hallway Tunnel between Johnson Hall and Pioneer Hall |
| Centennial Hall | Basement stairwells Laundry room |
| Suites | Main floor hallway |
| Townhouses | Lower Level – back hallway |
| Weary Center | Restrooms – main floor Locker Room – located in the weight room area |
| 49th St. Building |
Basement area |
Emergency Response Levels
Emergency notification will be determined using three response levels:
- Heightened Alert: Be aware of your surroundings; report any suspicious activity.
- Stay In Building: Continue your activities but do not leave the building. If you are outdoors, please go to the nearest building.
- Lockdown: Imminent danger. Secure or lock your doors if possible. If an alarm sounds in your building, evacuate.
Please keep in mind that each situation will be different. The university cannot anticipate every possible crisis situation. In the event of an emergency, stay calm and use your best judgment to keep yourself and others safe.
