Safety & Emergency Policies & Procedures

In the event of an earthquake, residents are encouraged to follow these general guidelines:

• Stay indoors if already there.
• Take cover under sturdy furniture and/or stay to the interior of the building.
• Stay away from the outside of buildings. Stay as near to the center of a building as possible; an interior corner is best. Protect head and neck, if possible.
• Stay away from glass windows and exterior doors.
• Do not run through shaking buildings where debris is falling.
• If outside, stay in an open area, away from buildings and utility wires.
• Follow all directions from University personnel following the quake. 

In the event of an actual fire or a drill, all residents are required to evacuate the buildings. Follow the instructions of Residential Life staff, University Police Officers, and/or firefighting personnel. Keep the following items in mind in the event of a fire:

• Walk; don't run. Be particularly careful in staircases. Do not use elevators!
• Proceed directly to a place of safety. Do not attempt to salvage personal belongings. They are not worth it.
• Close doors and windows when you leave.
• Before opening a closed door, feel to see if it is hot. If it is hot, attempt to find another exit route.
• A towel or blanket soaked in water can be helpful in combating smoke inhalation.
• If at all possible, wear shoes and wrap a towel around your head.
• At all times, follow the instructions of personnel authorized to take charge at the scene of the emergency. If you have any questions about the procedures, contact your RA/SA immediately. 

The University will hold fire drills to acquaint the residents with fire evacuation procedures. All residents and guests should follow directions during the drills. Failure to evacuate the apartment may result in judicial action as outlined in the Student Conduct Code.

The fire/smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and hose connections are to be used only in case of fires.  Immediately report when an extinguisher is used so it can be refilled. Residents will not block fire extinguishers. Inspections of fire extinguishers in each apartment building and resident hall will be done on a regular basis. Objects are not to be affixed to or hung from sprinkler heads.

Tampering with fire equipment (smoke detectors, heat sensors, sprinkler heads, etc.) or setting off a false alarm is a misdemeanor under State law. Disciplinary action will be taken against a student found tampering with fire protection equipment or setting off the alarm under false pretense. 

St. Francis Hospital and Health Services serve the University for Emergency Care and after-hours medical treatment (when Northwest's Health Center is not open). Residential Life Staff should be contacted in the event of a medical emergency. They can assist in notifying University Police for appropriate means of transportation. Hall staff cannot transport students to the hospital. 

When a tornado or other severe weather is reported, residents are to follow the procedure of each building and move in an orderly manner to the designated location for shelter. If time and conditions do not permit this, please go to the hallway on the first floor of your apartment building. Keep the following items in mind in the event of a tornado:

• Close room door.
• Proceed to a designated area (where there are no windows).
• Take a blanket or a pillow.
• If a warning is declared, immediately move to the designated area of safety. If there is no time, get under a piece of heavy furniture and protect head and neck.
• Keep away from windows!