Emergency

• Keep your personal safety in mind
• Make sure you are in a safe location, otherwise find one
• Call 911
• Tell the dispatcher:
  • Your location
  • Phone number from which you are calling
  • Nature of the emergency
• Do not hang up unless your safety is threatened or you are told to do so by the dispatcher
• If safe to do so, have someone await the arrival of emergency responders and direct them
• After emergency responders arrive, provide them with any additional information you may have

Get Somewhere Safe

The type of emergency will dictate whether one evacuates a building/area or shelters-in-place. 

• Evacuation: The primary purpose for evacuating is to put distance between you and the hazard. 
  • Evacuation Guidelines:
    • Leave the area immediately
    • If fire, activate a fire alarm "pull station"
    • Evacuate in accordance with the Building's Emergency Action Plan or via nearest safe exit.
    • Assist individuals with disabilities if needed and safe to do so.
    • Do not use elevators
    • If you are not able to exit the building, go to an Area of Refuge.  Once you are in an Area of Refuge, activate the alarm box.
      • Areas of Refuge can be found under the "Area of Refuge Locations" section of this webpage
    • Warn others as you evacuate.
    • Unless circumstances or personal judgment dictate otherwise, individuals should report to the building's designated emergency assembly area.
      • Emergency Assembly Areas can be found under the "Emergency Assembly Areas" section of this webpage
    • Provide relevant information (unaccounted/trapped persons) to emergency responders.
    • Do not return until cleared to do so by emergency responders.

• Shelter-in-Place: This general term refers to situations where it is safest to remain or go indoors rather than face uncertainty outside. Depending on the emergency, appropriate areas to shelter may vary. When sheltering, seek safety by placing barriers between yourself and the hazard. This could include walls, rooms without windows, locked doors, furniture, etc. 
  • Shelter-in-Place Guidelines:
    • Find a safe location such as an interior room of a building.
    • Shut all doors and windows.
    • Go to the center of the room and stay away from areas exposed to the threat (windows, doors, outside walls)
    • Enact barriers between you and the threat.
    • Await further information from emergency responders.
    • Be advised that more specific "shelter-in-place" guidelines can be found below under specific hazards such as:
      • Tornados
      • Hazardous Materials
      • Active Shooter or Armed Intruder

Report the Emergency

• Call 911
• Advise others

Be Informed

• Web: cortland.edu or emergency.cortland.edu
• Twitter: @suny_cortland 
• Facebook: facebook.com/sunycortland 

SUNY Cortland

Raquette Lake Campus

Brauer Field Station

Additional Resources

SUNY Cortland Alert

The SUNY Cortland Alert System is the comprehensive emergency alert system that allows the university to quickly disseminate an urgent message through multiple communication mediums.  This is one component of the university's wide-reaching emergency communication strategy, with the goal of providing a safe and secure environment in which to learn, live and work.  If there is a condition which significantly threatens the health and safety of persons on campus, university officials will warn the campus community through a variety of notification methods:

• Text message
• Voice call
• Email
• All-Hazards emergency loudspeakers and siren
• Website: cortland.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/SUNYCortland
• Twitter: @suny_cortland

Action Guidelines:

• Assess the facts and instructions presented in the message and determine your course of action (evacuate, shelter-in-place, avoid the area. etc.)
• Alert others
  • Whether you are in a residence hall, dining hall, classroom or office, let those around you know about the alert.
• Get additional information by visiting SUNY Cortland's homepage 
• For critical incidents it is recommended that students and employees call home or contact their designated out-of-town contact.  If any critical event happens on campus, your family and friends may be left wondering if you are involved, please contact them.

To learn more about SUNY Cortland Alert or modify your contact information select the "Additional Resources" tab at the bottom of this page.

It is also recommended that faculty, staff and students sign-up to receive alerts from other systems such as:

• Hyper-Reach - Is the emergency alert system utilized by Cortland County when local government officials need to alert the public for emergencies and incidents within Cortland County.  This is the best way to receive alerts for emergencies and incidents occurring off-campus.
• NY-Alert - Is the emergency alert system utilized by New York State so that New Yorkers can receive critical information and emergency alerts for different areas throughout New York State.

Unless you have specific information regarding an on-going incident or emergency, we kindly ask that you do not contact University Police or Emergency Management in regards to general inquiries or to seek general information on an incident.  Doing so causes phone line congestion and may prevent emergency calls from being received.  As information develops the university will issue more information via one or more of the above communication mediums.

• • Media inquiries may be directed to the SUNY Cortland Communications Office at 607-753-2232

Students

The Disability Resources Office leads SUNY Cortland’s commitment to create a diverse, accessible, and socially just community that welcomes all students, whether or not they identify as disabled. For more information please contact the office at 607-753-2697 or visit their webpage at Disability Resources Office.

The Disability Resources Office is available to discuss emergency procedures with students and familiarize them with evacuation routes specific to their housing and classroom assignments.

Faculty and Staff

The SUNY Cortland Disability and Workplace Reasonable Accommodation Policy can assist faculty and staff with disabilities. In addition, faculty and staff with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) related questions, concerns, and grievances should contact the Human Resources Office. For more information regarding SUNY Cortland's Disability and Workplace Reasonable Accommodation Policy please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at 607-753-2302.

Action Guidelines for Assisting Individuals With Disabilities:

• General Actions:
  • Check on people with disabilities during an emergency.
  • People with disabilities vary in their individual levels of independence and physical ability and some may need assistance during an emergency evacuation.
  • Ask if someone needs help, how you can properly provide assistance, and if any items need to accompany them.
  • Do not use elevators for emergency evacuation
  • If you observe someone who is not able to exit the building and you cannot assist them in exiting the building, assist them in getting to an Area of Refuge or a relatively safe area if you are able.
    • Areas of Refuge can be found under the "Area of Refuge Locations" section of this webpage
  • Once you exit the building, go to the buildings designated assembly space.
    • Designated building assembly spaces can be found under the "Emergency Assembly Areas" section of this webpage.
  • If someone you know is within an Area of Refuge or unaccounted for, report this information to emergency responders.

• Mobility Impairment:
  • If a person cannot exit the building, ask if assistance is needed.
  • If they elect to await evacuation assistance, escort the person to the nearest safe stairwell or other predetermined area of refuge.
  • Some individuals with mobility impairments who are able to walk independently may be able to negotiate stairs with minor assistance.
  • Do not try to carry anyone with a mobility impairment. You could harm them or yourself.
  • After you leave the building, immediately inform emergency responders of the location of the person awaiting evacuation.

• Blindness or Visual Impairment:
  • Give verbal instructions about the safest route or direction using directional terms and estimated distances.
  • Ask if assistance is needed.  If so, offer your elbow and provide guidance through the evacuation route. This may be especially helpful if there is debris or a crowd.  Never grasp the arm of the person you are assisting.
  • While escorting a person out of the building, explain where you are going and what you are doing.

• Deafness, Hearing Loss, Language Difficulty:
  • Get their attention by eye contact or touch if necessary.
  • Communicate the problem including the need to evacuate or shelter-in-place. Gesturing and pointing are helpful, but be prepared to write a brief statement if the person does not seem to understand.
  • Offer visual instructions to designate the safest route or direction by pointing toward exits or evacuation maps.
  • Offer to escort them from the building.

An individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.  Your actions should be determined by the circumstances and where you are in relation to the shooter or threat. Stay alert to your surroundings and decide whether to run, hide or fight.

Action Guidelines: "Run, Hide, Fight"

• Run: Your first option; if there is an accessible and safe escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:
  • Have an escape route and plan in mind.
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Help others evacuate, if possible.
  • Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
  • Call 911 when you are safe.

• Hide: If running and evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you and call 911. Your hiding place should:
  • Be out of the active shooter’s view.
  • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (a room with a closed and locked door).
  • Not restrict your options for movement.

• • To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:
    • Lock the door.
    • Block and barricade the door with heavy furniture or items.
    • Wedge a "door stop" under the door.
    • Use improvised ways to secure the door and prevent it from opening.

• • Once secured in your hiding place
    • Silence your cellphone.
    • Turn off any source of noise (radio, television, computer).
    • Hide behind large or heavy items (cabinets, desks).
    • Turn off lights.
    • Remain quiet.
    • Do not open the door.
    • Escape through a secondary or improvised exit (if available and safe to do so).
    • "Arm" yourself in case you are confronted by and need to fight the shooter.

• Fight: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:
  
  • Acting as aggressively as possible against them.
  • Throwing items and using improvised weapons.
  • Physically assaulting the shooter - do whatever it takes to survive.
  • Yelling.
  • Committing to your actions

• Reacting to law enforcement and emergency responders 
  • • Remain calm
    • Keep your hands visible.
    • Put down any items in your hands.
    • Avoid making quick movements toward officers.
    • Avoid grabbing officers
    • Follow the instructions of any police officers or emergency responders.
    • Provide any information to emergency responders.

For more detailed information please see the below training video produced by Ready Houston.

If you would like to schedule an in-person "Active Shooter" training for your class or group please email OEM@cortland.edu

The in-person training is designed to reach a broad range of individuals so they can be better prepared to respond during an active shooter incident.  This training raises awareness and provides valuable skills on how to respond to an active shooter situation before, during, and after law enforcement or other first responders arrive.   This training will focus on how to be prepared to prevent, recognize, and take decisive action during an active shooter incident.

Upon completion of the training, individuals will have a better understanding of:

• What to do and how to respond during an active shooter incident.
• How to prevent and prepare for potential active shooter incidents.
• How to make educated life-saving decisions regarding which actions to take during an active shooter incident.
• Active shooter trends.
• Common active shooter behavior.
• The actions to take when confronted with an active shooter and responding law enforcement officers .
• How to recognize potential community and workplace violence indicators and how to report them.

The desired outcome of the training is to encourage decisive action in a rapidly unfolding and life-threatening situation to increase one’s safety and survivability.

A threat, usually verbal or written, to detonate an explosive or incendiary device to cause property damage, death, or injuries, whether or not such a device actually exists. Typically delivered by telephone or social media.  All bomb threats need to be treated as serious until proven otherwise.

Action Guidelines:

• If you receive a bomb threat via phone do not hang-up.  Attempt to keep the caller on the phone as long as possible and ask the following questions:
  • What time/day is the bomb going to explode?
  • Where is the bomb located?
  • What does it look like?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What will cause it to explode?
  • Did you place the bomb or someone else?
  • Why?
  • What is your address?
  • What is your name?

• • Attempt to identify the characteristics of the caller by documenting the following:
    • Male or female
    • Accent
    • Sober or intoxicated
    • Nervous or calm
    • Other identifiable characteristics in the caller’s voice
    • Background noises

• • Contact Police by Calling 911
    • If you are the one on the line with the person calling
      in the threat, notify a supervisor, co-worker, or
      other individual and have them call 911

• • These Action Guidelines (PDF) can be printed and kept near your phone or desk for quick reference in the event you or your office receives such a threat.

• If you receive notification of a bomb threat to the campus via SUNY Cortland Alert or University Police:
  • Follow instructions in the SUNY Cortland Alert message
  • Follow instructions of emergency responders

Explosions can be triggered by natural, chemical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or nuclear reactions. There is the potential for great personal injury, as well as the damage and destruction of property in any explosion.

Action Guidelines:

• Evacuate the building through the nearest exit.
• Call 911
• As you evacuate:
  • Assist persons with disabilities
  • Stay away from anything that could fall on you.
  • Open doors carefully.
  • Do not use elevators.
• Do not move a victim unless there is an immediate threat to life.
• Once outside, stay at least 500 feet away from the building.
• Follow instructions of emergency responders. 

• • If you are notified that an explosion took place elsewhere on campus:
    • Follow instructions issued through SUNY Cortland Alert or by on-scene emergency responders.
    • Assess situation and decide whether to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
    • Stay away from the affected area.
    • Only call 911 or University Police if you have important and relevant information.
    • Get additional information by visiting cortland.edu 

Fires are one of the most serious and common hazards on college campuses. Understanding basic fire safety tips and how to respond to a fire can save lives.

Action Guidelines: "RACE" - Rescue, Alert, Confine, Evacuate

• Rescue
  • Assist individuals with disabilities and others if it is safe to do so.
• Alert
  • Inform the people around you there is a fire.
  • Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and call 911 from a safe location.
• Confine
  • Close doors behind you to inhibit the fire from spreading.
• Evacuate
  • Leave the building immediately via the nearest exit when instructed.
  • If smoke is present, stay low and crawl to the nearest exit.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Do not re-enter the building until authorized by emergency responders.

• If trapped in a room or other area
  • Call 911.
  • Place wet cloth material around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
  • Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
  • Signal to someone outside.

• If forced to advance through flames
  • Hold your breath.
  • Move quickly.
  • Protect your head and hair.

• Fire Extinguisher Use: "PASS"
  • Pull safety pin from handle
  • Aim nozzle at the base of fire
  • Squeeze the trigger handle
  • Sweep nozzle from side-to-side at base of fire.

Any item or agent (biological, chemical, physical) which has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors. The quantity of hazardous materials will determine the difference between a small release and a large release. An example of a small release is a broken beaker in a lab setting. An example of a large release is a ruptured tanker truck.

Always remember to be familiar with the materials you are working with, observe appropriate safety precautions, and read over the university's chemical hygiene plan (PDF). Consult the Environmental Health and Safety Office  at 607-753-2508 if you have any questions.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information is available to university personnel by calling 607-753-2508 or visiting the university's Chemical Management Database.

Action Guidelines:

• If you are involved in a release or spill that creates imminent danger to health, property, or the environment:
  • Isolate the area by shutting doors or using other means of containment.
  • If able to do so safely (without risk of exposure) take action to stop the release & prevent or minimize the release.
  • Evacuate the area, pull the "fire alarm" and find a safe location.
  • If possible, hold your breath or cover your mouth with a cloth while quickly leaving the area. Try not to inhale gases, fumes or smoke.
  • Call 911
  • Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.
  • Try to stay upwind of the spill or leak.
  • Keep others away from the area.
  • Remain in a safe location to direct emergency personnel to the affected area.
  • If you think you may have been exposed to a hazardous material, stay away from others and inform emergency responders immediately.
  • Assist emergency officials with obtaining information regarding the hazardous material.

• If you are involved in a release or spill that does not creates imminent danger to health, property, or the environment:
  • Use appropriate spill supplies to contain the material.
  • If injury or illness render appropriate first aid and call 911.
  • Notify Environmental Health and Safety at 607-753-2508 during business hours or University Police at 607-753-2111 after hours for further assessment of the incident.

• If you are informed of Hazardous Materials release via SUNY Cortland alert, emergency officials, or other medium:
  
  • Follow any instructions received via the alert.
  • Follow directions from emergency responders and university officials.
  • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. While evacuating:
    • Avoid inhaling the hazardous material by covering your mouth with a cloth or shirt.
    • Move away from the area at right angles to the prevailing wind.
    • Seek an area of higher elevation
  • If told to shelter-in-place, do so immediately:
    • Take refuge in a small interior room with few, if any, windows or other connections to the outside environment
    • Close windows and doors.
    • Seal gaps under doorways and around windows with wet towels, duct tape, and plastic sheeting or other impervious materials.
    • Turn off ventilation system if possible or by calling Facilities Operations and Service at 607-753-2100
    • NOTE: Many toxic chemicals have a vapor density greater than that of air, and will seek lowest ground. In the case of a Shelter-in-Place order due to a chemical spill, DO NOT shelter below grade.

• Assisting Victim Exposed to Hazardous Materials:
  • Call 911.
  • Follow directions from the dispatcher on how to best assist the victim. The type of hazardous material will dictate whether it is best to:
    • Evacuate the area.
    • Move victim to fresh air.
    • Take the victim to an eyewash station or safety shower.
    • Remove the victim’s contaminated clothing.

• Strange or Suspicious Odors
  • Noxious or toxic fumes can infiltrate into or through a building from various sources.  Improperly stored chemicals, faulty refrigeration/HVAC components, equipment/infrastructure malfunctions, and engines operated near outside air intakes are some of the more common sources. If the presence of noxious or toxic fumes is suspected:
    • Evacuate the area.
    • Call 911.

SUNY Cortland is proud to be a certified "Storm Ready" university via The National Weather Service and our Emergency Management Office is proud to be a recognized Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  Being part of a weather-ready community is about preparing for your community's increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events.  The weather conditions in Central New York can quickly change with little or to no warning.  Some natural hazards that can impact our area include:

Utility failures can be caused by a wide variety of events including weather related, technological, and human-caused.

Only personnel specifically trained in emergency shut-off procedures should attempt to turn on or shut off local and/or main utility lines to and in campus buildings.  Only personnel specifically trained in elevator response procedures should attempt to override elevator components such as doors and power systems.  Try to go about your business as normally as possible while you wait for the utility to be restored.  If it will be out for an extended time, the campus community will be notified through email, the university's internet homepage, social media, campus video screens or other medium.

Action Guidelines:

• Electrical or Lighting Failure:
  • Call Facilities Operations and Services Customer Service at 607-753-2100 (after hours and weekends contact University Police at 607-753-2111).
  • Provide assistance to others who may be unfamiliar with the space.
  • Do not use candles or other type of open flame for lighting.
  • Do not leave class or work unless told to do so by an authorized person.
  • If desired, you can proceed cautiously to a portion of the building or an outdoor area that has emergency lighting.
  • In most cases, power will be restored shortly or you may be relocated to another area with power.
  • If the failure involves a research laboratory and/or animal areas, notify the department chair or other appropriate employee because these areas may need special attention.
  • In laboratories, fume hoods do not operate during a power outage, and most laboratories should not be used until the ventilation is properly restored. Laboratory personnel should secure experiments or activities that may present a danger when the electrical power is off or restored unexpectedly. Close sashes on fume hoods and clean up or put away chemicals. Do not perform procedures using hazardous materials or chemicals until power is restored.

• Elevator Failure:
  • If you are in the elevator activate the emergency/telephone button located inside the elevator and you will be connected with a University Police Dispatcher
    • If you do not get a response via the emergency/telephone button call 911 via your mobile device.
      • If there is no mobile service try to get the attention of someone outside the elevator by shouting or yelling.
  • Do not attempt to evacuate the elevator or help others evacuate.
  • Do not pry open elevator doors or climb through the elevator roof escape hatch.
  • If you discover persons trapped in an elevator:
    • Notify University Police at 607-753-2111.
    • Talk to the trapped persons and try to keep them calm until emergency responders or other help arrives.
    • Do not pry open elevator doors or climb through the elevator roof escape hatch.
    • Do not attempt to evacuate the elevator or help others evacuate.

• Gas Leak:
  • Pay attention to odor.  A rotten-egg smell could indicate a natural gas leak in a building or from an underground line.
  • Cease all operations immediately and evacuate the area as soon as possible, notifying others as you leave.
  • Do not activate fire alarms, light switches, electrical equipment or anything else that could cause a spark.
  • Do not take time to open windows or close doors.
  • Call 911.
    • Follow instructions of the dispatcher.
  • Keep a safe distance from the leak. A distance of at least 500 feet is recommended.
  • DO NOT re-enter the building until instructed by emergency responders.

• Carbon Monoxide:
  • For an active carbon monoxide alarm vacate the area and get to fresh air.
  • Call 911.
  • Await arrival of emergency responders.

• Water Supply Failure, Water Leaks, or Water Contamination:
  • Call Facilities Customer Service at 607-753-2100 (after hours and weekends contact University Police at 607-753-2111).
  • For leaking water:
    • Use extreme caution if any electrical appliances/outlets are near the water.
    • Stop using all electrical equipment that is exposed to water.
    • If the source of the leaking water is known and you are confident you can stop it safely (i.e., unclog the drain, turn off the water), do so cautiously.
  • If the incident involves contaminated water, do not consume tap water until told it is safe to do so by authorized personnel.

• Network Failure (phone or internet)
  • Contact the Information Resources "Help Center" at 607-753-2500
  • You can check the status of current and known technology issues as well as planned maintenance by visiting the Information Resources webpage.

An illness, injury, symptom or condition so serious that a reasonable person would seek care right away to avoid severe harm.

Action Guidelines:

• Chest Pain or Heart Attack:
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Get or direct another to get an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available (in the event one needs to be used).
    • AED locations can be found under the "AED Locations" section of this webpage
  • The person may have:
    • Persistent vice-like chest pain,
    • Isolated unexplained discomfort in arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.
  • Make sure they are in a position that is comfortable for them (e.g.. sit them on the floor, leaning against a wall or chair) while waiting for emergency responders.
  • If the person becomes unconscious, follow the guidelines for unconscious individual.

• Unconscious Individual:
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • If you are trained in CPR, evaluate the unresponsive person and act according to protocols and training that you may have.
    • If you are trained and an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, act according to protocols and training. 

• Difficulty Breathing or Asthma Attack:
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Help the person sit or get into a position of comfort.
  • Have the person loosen any tight clothing.
  • Continue to monitor the person until help arrives.
  • If the person becomes unconscious, follow the guidelines for unconscious individual.

• Severe or Traumatic Bleeding:
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Have the person apply firm steady pressure to the bleeding wound for 5–10 minutes with a bandage, clean cloth, or paper towel.  Assist in applying pressure if the person is unable to do so.
  • Utilize a "Stop the Bleed" kit if one is available
  • DO NOT remove an object such as a knife, stick, or other object that is stuck in the body. Doing so may cause more damage and bleeding.
  • If the person is bleeding heavily from an arm or leg, elevate their arm or leg above heart level.
  • Watch for signs of shock. Signs and symptoms include:
    • Fainting
    • Pale complexion
    • Breathing in a notably shallow fashion.
  • If you suspect the person is going into shock, lie them down and elevate their legs.
  • Stay with person until help arrives.

• Thermal Burns - Severe:
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Protect the burned person from further harm.
    • If you can do so safely, make sure the person you're helping is not in contact with the source of the burn. For electrical burns, make sure the power source is off before you approach the burned person.
  • Make certain that the person burned is breathing.
  • Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist bandage or a clean cloth.
  • DO NOT immerse large severe burns in water. Doing so could cause a serious loss of body heat (hypothermia).
  • Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound above heart level, if possible.
  • Watch for signs of shock. Signs and symptoms include:
    • Fainting
    • Pale complexion
    • Breathing in a notably shallow fashion.
  • If you suspect the person is going into shock, lie them down and elevate their legs.
  • Stay with person until help arrives.
• Chemical Burns:
  • Call 911 immediately
  • If you are SURE the chemical does not react with water, immediately flush the chemical away from skin or eyes with cool running water for 15 minutes.
  • Remove any contaminated clothing or jewelry.

• Poisoning:
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
  • Establish:
    • What was taken
    • When?
    • How much?
    • Was the poisoning accidental or intentional?
  • Do not induce vomiting or give them anything to drink unless advised to do so by the 911 Operator or Poison Control Center.
  • Follow instructions of the 911 Operator, Poison Control Center, or Emergency Responders.

• Seizures
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Move objects away which may injure the person during the seizure.
  • Do not try to restrain the person or place anything in their mouth.
  • If possible, roll the person gently onto their side and support them.
  • Stay with the person until the arrival of emergency responders.

• Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature):
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Often caused by exposure to cold-weather.
  • Signs and symptoms include:
    • Low body temperature
    • shivering
    • feeling exhausted or tired
    • confusion
    • Fumbling hands
    • Memory loss
    • Slurred speech
    • Slow or shallow breathing
    • Weak pulse.
  • Get the person into a warm room or shelter and remove any wet clothing.
  • Warm the person slowly by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the person.
  • Warm the core first (trunk, abdomen), not the extremities (hands, feet).
  • Do not warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing them in warm water. Rapid warming may cause dangerous heart arrhythmias.
  • Stay with the person until the arrival of emergency responders.

•  Hyperthermia (abnormally high body temperature)
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Signs and symptoms include:
    • High body temperature.
    • Skin may be hot or red.
    • Skin may also be dry or moist
    • Changes in consciousness.
    • Muscle cramps
    • Vomiting
    • Balance issues
    • Disorientation
    • Dizziness or light-headedness
    • Rapid breathing or heart rate
  • Move the person to a cooler place.
  • Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin.
  • "Fan" the person
  • If conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure they drink slowly.
  • If needed, continue rapid cooling by:
    • applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to:
      • Wrists
      • Ankles
      • Groin
      • Neck
      • Armpits
  • Stay with the person until the arrival of emergency responders.

Concerning behavior and incidents involving personal crisis can take many forms.  Some of the more common types of behaviors and incidents can include:

Disruptive or Concerning Behavior: Communications (verbal or written) or actions which prevent or significantly impair effective workplace activities, classroom activities, or residential living but do not threaten the personal safety of the individual or others.

Harassing Behavior: Unwanted, unwelcome, and uninvited behavior that threatens, intimidates, demeans, alarms, annoys, or puts a person in fear for their safety.

Threatening Behavior: An expressed or implied imminent threat to harm an individual(s) that causes a reasonable fear that personal harm is about to occur.

Person in Crisis: An individual who is in an abnormal state of mind that may result in imminent harm to themselves or others such as a state of extreme anger, panic, anxiety, psychosis, delusion, hallucination or depression.

Suicidal Threat or Ideation: A verbal statement, written statement, or behavioral action indicating an individual’s idea or plan to harm themselves.

Action Guidelines:

• In Response to Disruptive or Concerning Behavior:
  • Consider discussing your concerns with the individual.
  • Document exactly what you are concerned with, what you witnessed or heard, read, etc.
  • Keep evidence that supports your concern.
  • If you suspect the person is in need of non-emergency assistance or the person's behavior requires non-emergency notification to campus officials:
    • For student concerns contact the Care and Outreach Services Office at 607-753-4318 or by submitting a
      Care Report via Care and Student Outreach Referrals
    • For employee concerns contact the Human Resources Office at 607-753-2302.

• In Response to Harassing/Threatening Behavior:
  • Decide whether it is best to evacuate, shelter-in-place, or avoid area in an effort to avoid the individual(s) involved.
  • Call 911.
  • If needed, signal to someone that you need help.
  • Do not engage in conversation or arguments.
  • Do not attempt to physically detain anyone.
  • Maintain your situational awareness.
  • Document or try to remember as much as possible:
    • Physical descriptors of the individual(s) involved.
    • Vehicle(s) involved (make, model, color, license plate, etc.)

• In Response to Person in Crisis or Suicidal Threat or Ideation:
  • Take all threats and actions seriously.
  • Call 911.
  • Monitor the person making the threats from a safe distance.
  • Do not try to approach or reason with the person making threats.
  • Stay in a safe area until emergency responders arrive.
  • Provide information to emergency responders.

Suspicious activity is anything that an average person would consider unusual given the context, activity, time, place, and/or location. These types of incidents usually involve a suspicious person, vehicle, and/or object.  Examples Include but are not limited to:

• Person loitering in a way that is inconsistent with the usual purpose of the area (in between rows of cars, building alcoves, or in a way as if to conceal their person from view)
• Vehicle idling with the lights off at night in a dark area.
• Person following you in an out-of-context manner (ex: stalking)
• Person taking out-of-context photographs or videos.
• Person trying to elicit unusual information from community members.
• Person "limit-testing" secure areas or doors.
• Persons in or attempting to gain entry to unauthorized areas.
• An unattended bag in a high-occupancy area.

Action Guidelines:

• If you observe a suspicious person or vehicle on campus:
  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle or person.
  • Call 911 to report the vehicle or person.
  • Be as detailed as possible when describing the suspicious person or vehicle.
    • Who did you observe?
    • What did you observe?
    • When did you observe it?
    • Why is it suspicious?
  • Do not take direct action.
  • Do not confront the individual.
  • Do not reveal your suspicions.
  • Do record as many details as possible.

• If you discover a suspicious object on campus:
  • Do not touch, tamper with, move, cover, insulate, or open the object.
  • Keep a safe distance from the suspicious object.
  • Call 911 to report the object.

Read Recognize the Signs (PDF) to learn more about recognizing signs of suspicious activity.

No matter how rapid the arrival of professional emergency responders, bystanders will always be first on the scene. A person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes, which may be faster than first responders can arrive on scene.  Traumatic and severe bleeding is a major cause of preventable deaths. Approximately 40% of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, establishing hemorrhage as the most common cause of preventable deaths in adults.  In an effort to mitigate the consequences of a traumatic bleeding incident, "Stop the Bleed" kits have been installed in various buildings across the university.

• What is "Stop the Bleed"  
  • Similar to AED (automated external defibrillator) programs, Stop the Bleed is a nationwide program and campaign designed to empower civilian bystanders to act quickly and save lives prior to the arrival of first responders.  Officially launched by the White House in 2015, Stop the Bleed encourages bystanders to utilize appropriate equipment and care - the ABCs of bleeding control, to control traumatic bleeding prior to arrival of professional responders.

• ABCs of bleeding control
  • Alert- Call 911 as soon as possible
  • Bleeding- Locate the source of the bleeding
  • Compress- Apply pressure to stop the bleeding

• Stop the Bleed Equipment Kits 
  • Located in various buildings on campus, these kits are designed to be used by anyone present at an emergency, much like an AED (automated external defibrillator). These kits are small, single-purpose, and contain items selected to enable untrained or minimally trained laypersons to stop or significantly mitigate loss of blood at an injury site.  Each kit contains:
    • Care Instructions
    • Nitrile Gloves
    • Bleeding Control Dressing
    • Tourniquet
    • Gauze Dressing
    • Trauma Shears
    • Marker

Kit Locations

Wall Mounted Units

Mobile Units

Off-Site Units

An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuations.  Below are designated areas of refuge where required by fire code.  Once at the refuge area, use to the emergency call box to notify emergency responders of your location.

(As noted above, not all buildings have "designated" areas of refuge.  If in such a building, move to a safe area of the building and call 911 to inform emergency responders of your location)

Below please find designated assembly spaces for specific campus buildings.  These are designated areas outside the building that all occupants of the building should report to upon evacuating the building in the case of a fire alarm or other notice to evacuate.

While the university has extensive safety and security elements in place, personal safety always begins with an individual's practices and awareness.  Below you will find some personal safety tips that can help increase your own personal safety on a daily basis.

Personal Safety Tips:

• Always maintain your situational awareness and be aware of your surroundings:
  • Continually look and listen to what’s going on around you.
  • Use good sense, judgment, and intuition...If something doesn’t look or feel right, it probably isn’t.
  • Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas; use well-lit routes.
  • Become familiar with the layout of the campus and the buildings you frequent.
    • Note locations of primary exits, secondary exits, and emergency exits when entering a room or venue.
    • Note locations of areas of refuge
• React to potential problems before they can develop:
  • Don’t wait for an uncertain or uncomfortable situation to go wrong; depending on the situation options include:
    • Leaving an area or situation.
    • Calling 911.
    • Taking other protective actions.
• Educate yourself:
  • Take time to review personal safety information from an accurate and trustworthy source.
  • Consider taking a self-defense class hosted by the University Police.
• Never leave property unattended (most crime on campus involves the theft of unattended or unsecured property).
• Look your residence or office if the room is going to be unattended.
• Always lock everything:
  • Lock your property in a secure area.
  • Lock your door, your car, your bicycle, and anything else you have with a lock on it.
• Never leave anything of value visible inside your vehicle.
• Have a record of the following information for valuable items in the event such an item is lost or stolen:
  • Serial numbers.
  • Make and model.
  • Item description
• Carry insurance on expensive and valuable items.
• Do not let unknown persons into Residence Halls.
• Do not allow unknown persons "tailgate" into the building as you are entering.
• Report all crime and suspicious activity to University Police.

Emergencies and disasters can happen with little to know warning.  Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency or disaster is a critical part of being prepared.  Personal preparedness includes being ready for emergencies wherever your location in an effort to mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters.  Additionally, being prepared contributes to the "whole-community" approach of making SUNY Cortland and our community more ready and resilient to respond to emergencies and disasters.  While the concept of personal preparedness can get very in depth, there are Three basic elements to keep in mind:  being informed, making a plan, and building an emergency kit.

• Be Informed: 
  • Understand some the hazards that our area is vulnerable to including:
    • Extreme winter weather events
    • Flooding
    • Tornados
    • Thunderstorms
    • Human-caused hazards
    • Hazardous Materials incidents
    • Utility failures
    • Fires
  • Some of the basic protective actions are similar for multiple hazards, and now is the best time to learn more about the effects of these hazards and how you should respond.
  • Make sure you are subscribed to SUNY Cortland Alert and other emergency notification systems such as:
    • Hyper-Reach (Cortland County's emergency alert system)
    • NY-Alert (New York State's emergency alert system)

• Make a Plan:
  • Develop personal, workplace, and residential emergency plans before emergencies or disasters happen.  The time to plan is not in the moment but before emergencies happen.  Having an understanding of how you will act before emergencies happen can greatly increase your safety and overall response to such incidents.
  • Become familiar with the layout of the campus and the buildings you frequent.
    • Note locations of primary exits, secondary exits, and emergency exits when entering a room or venue.
    • Note locations of areas of refuge
  • Discuss plans in conjunction with your class, friends, co-workers, and family.
    • Your plans should include and outline:
      • How you will respond to different types of hazards and incidents.
      • How you will get to a safe place if needed.
      • How will you contact friends, co-workers, and family.
      • How and where you will reunite with one another.
      • Consider the unique needs of your workplace and household including but not limited to:
        • Those with functional or access needs.
        • Vulnerable adults.
        • Children.
        • Those with medical conditions.
        • Service animals or pets.

• Build a Personal Emergency Preparedness Kit for Home and Your Vehicle: 

• • For Your Home - build a kit with these essential disaster items to ensure your basic needs are met during the first 48-72 hours after a large emergency or disaster:
    • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three to seven days).
    • Non-Perishable Food (at least a three to seven day supply).
    • Cellphone (with extra charger and/or Solar Charger).
    • Flashlight (with extra batteries).
    • Emergency Radio (battery-powered or hand crank).
    • First Aid Kit (including medication and prescription drugs for at least 2-weeks).
    • Fire Extinguisher.
    • Lighter.
    • Whistle.
    • Hand sanitizer.
    • Multi-Tool / Tool Kit / Can Opener / Dust Mask.
    • Tarp or plastic sheeting and duct tape.
    • Plastic garbage bags.
    • Extra Clothing.
    • Emergency Blankets.
    • Candles.
    • Important Documents (in a weatherproof container).
    • Cash.
    • Special items (for children, those with functional or access needs, those with medical conditions, and service animals/pets).

• • For Your Vehicle - Build a kit for your vehicle with these essential items in the event you find yourself in your vehicle during an emergency (especially during the winter months):
    • Flashlight (with extra batteries).
    • First-Aid Kit.
    • Shovel.
    • Ice Scraper (with brush).
    • Emergency Blankets.
    • Non-perishable food items.
    • Bottled Water.
    • Booster cables or jump pack.
    • Extra winter clothing (hats, gloves, outerwear, boots)
    • Sand/Kitty Litter (can help with vehicle traction if stuck)
    • Cellphone (with portable charger)
    • Reflective Triangles/Emergency Flares/LED Flares
    • Tow Rope

Below please find additional resources that may be of use to faculty, staff, and students.  These resources can be utilized to help foster a culture of preparedness and aide in creating a safe environment in your class, office, or place of residence.

• Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Faculty and Instructors (PDF)
• Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Offices and Departments (PDF)
• Emergency Closing Policy (PDF)
• Essential Personnel Policy (PDF)
• Workplace Violence Prevention Policy (PDF)
• Interpersonal Violence Awareness
• How to sign-up or modify personal information for SUNY Cortland Alert:
  • Students - Be advised students are required to sign-up for SUNY Cortland Alert during their orientation session and when they first register for classes as a SUNY Cortland student.
    • Log into myRedDragon
    • Select the "Student Tab"
    • Select "Main Menu" under the Registrar Channel
      1. If this is your first time in BannerWeb you should be directed to the “Emergency Alert Notification” registration survey page
      2. If not, you can enroll or modify your enrollment by selecting the “Personal Information” tab
    • Select “SUNY Cortland Alert Enrollment”
    • Check “Emergency Alert Notification”. 
      • Select "continue"
    • Select “I would like to register for this service now and receive any alerts sent to the campus community”
      • Select "continue"
    • Check the email address(es) you would like SUNY Cortland Alert messages sent to.
      • Select "continue"
    • Edit or add email addresses and select the format you wish your emails to be received.
      • Select "continue"
    • If you have a mobile plan with text messaging, under the “Text Messaging” area enter your cellphone number and select your network (ex: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.)
      • Select "continue"
    • Review your contact information, if all is correct
      • Select "Register me with SUNY Cortland Alert"
    • You have successfully registered for SUNY Cortland Alert

• • Faculty and Staff - Faculty and staff members who wish to receive alerts via text message must have their cellphone number(s) associated with their Human Resources record.  New employees will have the opportunity to add cellphone numbers to their Human Resources record during their "on-boarding" process. If text messages are not desired, no action is required.   If there is no cellphone on file for an employee, SUNY Cortland Alert will automatically send emergency notifications to an employee through the employee's work email.  However, we strongly encourage registering your cellphone number in order to receive text message notifications.
    • Log into myRedDragon
    • Select the Faculty/Staff Tab
    • Under Important Links, select HR Services/TAS
    • Under Self Service, select SUNY HR Self Service
    • Enter your date of birth for verification.
    • You should now see your Human Resource Record
    • Select the Phone tab
    • The numbers listed here under "cellphone", "other phone" and "work phone" will be the only numbers that will be sent to SUNY Cortland Alert.
    • Select the phone you want to update (Usually, cell for the main cellphone and the other categories for additional phones)
      • Select "add" to add a phone number.
    • Under Phone Details, enter the number
      • On the line “is this a cellphone?” select “Yes.”
      • Phones identified as cellphones will receive text messages only. Phones not identified as cellphones will receive a voice alert, but no text message.

• • Parents and Family Members - Parents and family members may receive SUNY Cortland Alert messages through the student sign-up. If you are a parent or family member and would like to receive such alerts:
    • Have your student add your cell and/or email information to their account.