Public Safety Department
Emergency Management Guide
Be prepared….
Emergencies, accidents, injuries and other unexpected events can occur at any time and place. Being prepared both mentally and physically for the unexpected is the first and best defense to minimize an incident. Each of us must take a proactive approach to providing a safe environment and, although no guide can cover all situations, the procedures outlined in this booklet will help prepare you should an emergency arise.
Contact Public Safety at 718.951.5511 if you have any
questions concerning emergency procedures.

On Campus
Public Safety 24-Hour Emergency Numbers x5444/x5445
Emergency Medical Squad x5858
Non-Emergency Medical Squad x5859
Emergency Closings x5444/x5445
Health Clinic x5580
Student Family Emergency x5352
Personal Counseling Office x5363
Facilities x5885
Environmental Health and Safety x5400
Off Campus
Fire/Police/Ambulance 911
Other Community
Services
70th Precinct Main Number 718-851-5511
Detective Squad 718-851-5553
Community Affairs 718-851-5557
Crime Prevention 718-851-5504
Domestic Violence 718-851-5563/5503
41st Fire Battalion 718-965-8248
Terrorism Hotline-Keep NYC Safe 866-723-3697
Child Abuse 800-342-3720
ASPCA – stray or injured animals 212-876-7700
Community Board 14 718-859-6357
Staff
· Familiarize yourself with your surroundings
· Know the locations of all exits from your area or building in case fire or debris should block one
· Know the location of fire alarm pull stations
· Know the location of fire extinguishers
· Building evacuations will occur whenever a fire alarm sounds and/or upon notification by a Public Safety Officer
· When the building fire alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest safe, marked exit, and alert others to do the same
· Assist the disabled whenever possible in exiting the building
·
DO NOT
USE THE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE
· Once outside, proceed to a clear area that is at least 200 yards away from the affected building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel
· DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by Public Safety/Police/or Fire Department
Staff
If you receive a threatening call (bomb, other physical harm, etc.) do not hang up. Have someone else call the Public Safety office at x5444 or x5445 from a different extension. Attempt to engage the caller in a conversation and obtain as much information as possible. Take the following notes:
Details about the caller:
· Male or female?
· Young or old?
· Calm? Angry? Stutter? Accent?
· What sounds are in the background?
· Record the caller’s exact words, if possible.
If it is a bomb
threat, ask these questions as well:
· When is the bomb going to explode?
· What does it look like? What kind is it?
· What will cause it to explode?
· Where is the bomb?
· Who placed the bomb?
· Why was the bomb placed?
The decision to evacuate will be made by Public Safety, based on an assessment of the information and circumstances surrounding the threat.
Evacuation
Once the decision to evacuate has been made and specific instructions for the evacuation are issued, try to remain calm and avoid panic. Walk to the nearest exit.
· Make sure that others are evacuating (students, faculty, and staff)
· Evacuate at least 200 yards away from the area containing the bomb. If you see something that appears to be an explosive, or if a bomb is found, DO NOT move it, or jar or touch the object or anything attached to it. Leave it for specially trained police officers to remove. Tell Public Safety immediately if you find something that looks suspicious
In any bomb threat
situation:
· Look in your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items; report them to Public Safety at x5444 or x5445
· Leave doors and windows open; Do not turn light switch on or off
· Use stairs only; do not use elevators
· Move well away from the building
Building occupants are required by law to evacuate a
building when the fire alarm sounds. If you hear alarm bells, report to the
nearest fire exit and proceed to leave the building. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 200 yards away from the
affected building.
IN ALL CASES OF FIRE, PUBLIC SAFETY MUST BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY AT x5444 or x5445.

· If there is a fire, activate the nearest red fire-alarm pull box
·
Immediately evacuate and close doors
·
Walk quickly to the nearest exit and alert
others to do the same
·
Use stairs only. Do not use elevators
·
Stay near the floor where the air is less toxic
·
If you become trapped in a building during a
fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat)
outside the window as a marker for rescue crews. If there is no window, stay
near the floor where the air is less toxic.
·
DO NOT
PANIC
· Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location
· Use your cell phone to identify your location to emergency responders
·
DO NOT
return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by the Fire Department,
Police, or Public Safety
Explosions can have a variety of causes, e.g., leaking gas, chemical accidents, bombs, etc. Approximately 70 percent of terrorist events involve the use of explosives. Explosives can be used to disperse other hazardous materials. Types of explosions are:
*Mechanical
*Chemical
*Nuclear/Radiological
Staff
If you receive a written, email, verbal, or call-in explosion threat, or upon discovery of a potential explosive device:
· Stay Calm
· Notify Public Safety immediately at x5444/x5445
· Do not operate radios or electronic equipment
· Evacuate the building, leave doors open as you exit
· Do use elevators, matches, or lighters
· Use the nearest or safest exit
· Move at least 200 yards away minimum from the building
· If possible ensure that staff and students in your area are accounted for
· Report any staff or student not accounted for to the first responder on the scene
·
Do not
re-enter the building until the all-clear is given by Public Safety/Police/Fire Department
SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE/LETTER BOMB
A suspicious-looking box, package, object, or container in or near a work area could be a bomb or explosives. Do not handle or touch the object. Move to a safe area and call the Public Safety office at x5444 or x5445. Use a telephone in a safe area. Do not operate any power switch.

Identifying Suspicious Packages and
Envelopes
Some characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes include the following:
·
Inappropriate or unusual labeling
-
Excessive postage
-
Handwritten or poorly
typed addresses
-
Misspelling of common
words
-
Strange return address
or no return address
-
Incorrect titles or
title without a name
-
Not addressed to a
specific person
-
Marked with
restrictions, such as “Personal,” “Confidential,” or “Do not X-ray”
-
Marked with
threatening language
-
Postmarked from a city
or state that does not match the return address
·
Appearance
-
Powdery substance on
the package or envelope
-
Oily stains,
discolorations, or odor
-
Lopsided or uneven
envelope
-
Excessive packaging
material, such as masking tape, string, etc.
·
Other suspicious signs
-
Excessive weight
-
Ticking sound
-
Protruding wires or
aluminum foil
If a package or
envelope appears suspicious, DO NOT OPEN IT!
- Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package or envelope
- Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others, or allow others to examine it
-
Do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at
it or at any contents that may have spilled. IMMEDIATELY CALL PUBLIC SAFETY AT x5444 or x5445
-
Notify your supervisor immediately
-
Alert others in the area about the suspicious
package or envelope. Leave the area, close any doors and take action to prevent
others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system
-
WASH hands with soap and water to prevent
spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin
-
If possible, create a list of persons who may
have also handled this package or letter. Give this list to the Public Safety
officer that responds to the area
-
Describe suspicious person(s) who may have been
seen in the area recently
EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED PERSON AND MENTAL
HEALTH EMERGENCY
A mental health emergency is any situation involving individuals in distress who are unable to appropriately manage themselves.
A mental health emergency or psychological crisis may include:
· Suicidal behavior
· An individual threatening harm to him/her self and/or others
· A psychotic break (sudden loss of contact with reality and/or bizarre behavior)
· An unusual or prolonged reaction to traumatic event(s)
· Any behavior that is unreasonably disturbing to the academic, work, or living environment
Quick Response:
·
Call
Public Safety at x5444 or x5445
·
Call the
For any unusual or
potentially dangerous situation:
·
Never try to handle a situation that is
potentially dangerous to you or others. Call
Public Safety At x5444 or x5445
·
Clearly state that immediate assistance is
needed. Give your name, location, and the nature of the problem
·
All suicide attempts need to be reported to
Public Safety so that proper procedures can be followed to ensure the safety of
those involved
Avoiding Violent Situations
Inform your supervisor or Public Safety about any individual(s) deemed to be threatening, dangerous, or exhibiting unusual behavior or disorganized thoughts (such as yelling, using profanity, waving arms and fists, pounding on a door or desk, damaging property, or throwing objects).
Eliminate
opportunities for violence by:
·
Alerting
Public Safety at x5444 or x5445
· Knowing your escape route
· Placing a barrier between yourself and the aggressor
· Using effective people/communication skills to defuse aggression
· Having a second person with you
Reacting to violent situations:
· Maintain eye contact
·
Do not touch or approach a person who may become
violent
·
Keep the person talking as you maintain a
controlled, calm demeanor
·
Show concern yet maintain a safe distance; avoid
being alone with the person
·
Call
Public Safety or have someone else contact Public Safety at x5444 or x5445
DEATH ON CAMPUS – Natural Causes, Accident,
Suicide, or Homicide
Staff
· Ensure the area is safe to approach the victim
· Identify the problem and the location, secure and isolate the area
·
Call
Public Safety immediately at x5444/x5445
·
Assist Public Safety, BC
· Discourage large crowds from forming
· When possible obtain witness names for Public Safety
· Notify the victim’s immediate supervisor
· Ascertain emergency contact information to notify family members
· Provide the EMS/Police with emergency information

MEDICAL EMERGENCY - Serious Injury, Accident
If there is a medical emergency in the work area:
Staff
· Notify Public Safety at x5444 or x5445 and stay on the phone until instructed to hang up
· Be prepared to give as much information as possible, such as nature of injury, cause of injury, and any hazards that may be present
· If properly trained, render first aid
· Make the ill/injured person as comfortable as possible and try to be reassuring
· Direct any onlookers away from the area of the ill/injured person
· Clear the area of any objects that might impede rescue or interfere with emergency personnel
· Notify the victim’s immediate supervisor as quickly as possible of any on-the-job injury or illness
Staff
The following guidelines are intended to help evacuate people with physical disabilities.
Evacuating a disabled or injured person by yourself is the last resort. Consider your options and the risks of injuring yourself and others in an evacuation attempt, which could make an emergency situation worse.
Evacuation is difficult and uncomfortable for both the rescuers and the people being assisted. Some people have conditions that can be aggravated or triggered if they are moved incorrectly. Remember that environmental conditions (smoke, debris, loss of electricity) will complicate evacuation efforts.
The following
guidelines are general and may not apply in every circumstance:
· Staff members should be invited to volunteer ahead of time to assist disabled people in an emergency. If a volunteer is not available, designate someone to assist who is willing to accept the responsibility
· Volunteers should obtain evacuation training for lifting techniques
· Two or more trained volunteers, if available, should conduct the evacuation
· Do not evacuate disabled people in their wheelchairs. This is standard practice to ensure the safety of disabled people and volunteers. Wheelchairs will be evacuated later if possible (use a stair chair specifically designed for emergency rescue operations)
· Always ask someone with a disability how you can help before attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask how they can best be assisted or moved, and whether there are any special considerations or items that need to come with them
· If the situation is life threatening, call Public Safety x5444 or 5445
REPORTING A SUSPICIOUS PERSON/THREATENING
INDIVIDUAL
Staff
· Notify Public Safety immediately at 5444 or 5445 if you believe an intruder is on the premises
· Be prepared to give an accurate description of race, age, gender, appearance, and location
· Be prepared to describe the direction of travel in which he/she was headed
· Report any new information that becomes available
·
Report solicitors immediately to Public Safety at x5444 or x5445
For your own safety do not approach or engage the
individual(s) yourself. Go to the nearest phone and call Public Safety at x5444 or x5445.
Threatening Individual
A threatening individual is any person who you determine to be a threat to you or those around you. The individual may have a weapon or just make you feel uncomfortable. The person may be acting aggressively or appear under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trust your instincts and keep yourself safe by creating distance between you and the person(s).
· Notify the Public Safety office at x5444 or x5445 (whether the individual poses an immediate threat to you or not) and be prepared to provide a situation assessment
· Be realistic about your ability to protect yourself. Stay calm and avoid conflict. If possible, seek protection in a classroom/office that locks and has phone access
Remember Public
Safety encourages you to report suspicious activity whether or not it ends up
being a true crime in progress.
“If you see something... Say
Something”
ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED SUBJECT/HOSTAGE
SITUATION
Staff
If there is a shooter TAKE
IMMEDIATE COVER
- Do not panic, remain calm
- DROP to the ground and out of the line of fire
- Do not draw attention to yourself
- Get into the nearest room, out of sight of the shooter
- Lock doors
- Stay away from windows, pull shades
- Hide in far corner or under desks
- Keep STILL
- Stay SILENT and LISTEN
- Note and remember physical characteristics of the shooter, direction of travel, multiple shooters, type of weapon, etc. Convey that information as soon as possible, without compromising your own safety, to Police/Public Safety at x5444/x5445 and 911
- If possible maintain the attendance record of your students and convey that information to Police/Public Safety
- If in a safe location away from the shooting, remain there, use cover and hide if possible
- “Cover” means putting a solid barrier between yourself and the shooter. This can be a solid wall, a thick wooden desk, an engine block in a car or anything solid enough to stop bullets from penetrating
- If an opportunity presents itself to escape, be willing to act quickly to run away from the scene
- If you can safely do so without drawing attention to yourself, call 911
- If injured, try to stop bleeding wounds by applying and maintaining direct pressure
-
ONLY if
you feel your life is in imminent danger should you consider trying to
overpower the shooter
Hostage Situation
· If the shooter is unaware of your presence, remain quiet and hidden. Do not draw attention to yourself
· Do as the shooter demands
· If the shooter asks you a question, answer directly and concisely
· Do not look at the shooter directly but try to remember any details as far as physical characteristics
· If the shooter demands money or other valuables, give them up quickly with no hesitance or resistance
· Try to remain calm until Police arrive
· Upon arrival of Police – Drop to the floor – DO NOT RUN
Staff Response Checklist
Secure Immediate
Area:
· Lock and barricade doors
·
Turn off lights
·
Close blinds
·
Turn off radios and computer monitors
·
Keep occupants calm, quiet and out of sight
·
Keep yourself out of sight and take adequate
cover/protection, i.e. concrete walls, walls, thick desk, filing cabinets (cover
may protect you from bullets)
·
Silence cell phones
·
Place signs in exterior windows to identify the
location of injured persons
·
Stay where you are
Un-securing an Area:
· Consider risks before un-securing rooms
·
Remember, the shooter will not stop until engaged
by an outside force
·
An attempt to rescue people should only be undertaken
if it can be accomplished without further endangering the persons inside a
secured area
·
Consider the safety of masses vs. the safety of
a few
·
If doubt exists for the safety of individuals
inside the room, the area should remain secured
Contacting
Authorities:
· Use Emergency 911
·
Public
Safety x5444 or x5445
Be aware that the 911 system will likely be overwhelmed.
What to Report:
· Your name and address
· Your specific location, building name, and office/room number
· Number of people at your specific location
· Injuries – number injured, types of injuries
· Assailant(s) – location, number of suspects, race/gender, clothing description, physical features, type of weapons (long gun or handgun), backpack, shooter’s identity if known, separate explosions from gunfire, etc.
If Weapon is Found
· Isolate the area
· Do not touch the weapon
· Police will secure the weapon for evidence
If Subject is Visible
· Stay calm and do not approach subject
· Do not attempt to confiscate the weapon
· Communicate and cooperate with the subject
· Stay calm if a suspect threatens you with a weapon
· Follow the suspect’s directions
·
Do not
try to be a hero
Chemical agents are compounds that, through their chemical properties, produce lethal or damaging effects. Chemical warfare agents are designed to incapacitate by entry through the skin. These agents (such as Mustard gas and Lewisite) severely burn or blister the skin and may cause permanent damage to the lungs if they are inhaled.
If a chemical attack or release is suspected, notify the Public Safety office at x5444 or
x5445, Health and Safety office at x5400, and Facilities at x5885.
Staff
· Advise of injuries/anyone in immediate danger
· Stay calm
· Remain in room with door and windows closed. Await further instructions
· If you are instructed to evacuate the building, move at least 200 yards from the affected building. DO NOT BLOCK THE ENTRANCE
· Cover mouth and nose with handkerchief or other material
· Ensure that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are turned off (by contacting Facilities at x5885)
· If possible notify others in your area
· DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by Public Safety, Police or the Fire Department
Indicator of Chemical Hazard
Symptoms may include:
- Blister or rash
- Unusual liquid droplets or oily film
- Unexplained odors
- Unexplained coughing, fatigue, tearing in eyes, dizziness
- Unexplained animal sickness or death
RADIOLOGICAL /NUCLEAR ATTACK/RELEASE
Radiation is defined as high energy particles or gamma rays that are emitted by an atom. The three most common types of radiation are ALPHA, BETA AND GAMMA. All three forms of radiation can have long-term physiological effects.
If a radiological attack or release is suspected notify Public Safety Immediately at x5444
or x5445 and the Health and Safety Office at x5400.
Staff
· Close windows and doors
·
Do not chew gum, eat, drink or place any objects
in mouth
·
Cover mouth and nose with handkerchief or other
material
·
Notify others in your area
·
Evacuate the room, floor or building, as
necessary
·
Pull the fire alarm if necessary to evacuate the
building
·
Wait for further instructions from Public Safety
Indicators of
Radiological Exposure
Symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
-
Nausea
-
Diarrhea
-
Dizziness
-
Fatigue
-
Headache
Symptoms usually do not appear for two to six hours, even with heavy doses.
BIOLOGICAL ATTACK/RELEASE/OUTBREAK
Biological agents are more deadly than chemical agents and occur in nature as well as through man-made development. Biological agents generally fall into one of three types: pathogens (which are living, reproducing diseases), parasitic microorganisms (in the forms of bacteria), and viruses.
If a biological attack, release, or outbreak develops notify Public Safety immediately at x5444
or x5445 and the Health and Safety Office at x5400.
Staff
Biological Safety:
Universal Precautions
· Barrier protection should be used at all times to prevent skin and mucous membrane contamination (Examples of barrier protection include disposable lab coats, gloves, and eye and face protection)
·
· Avoid accidental injuries that can be caused by needles, scalpel blades, and laboratory instruments
· Ensure that all lab students and staff are present and accounted for
Indicators of
Biological Incident
Symptoms may not present themselves for one to twenty days, depending on the agent, and may include:
·
Fever, headache, chills, and nausea
· Sweating, weakness and fatigue
·
Respiratory distress, difficult talking or
eating
·
Joint and muscle pain
·
Unusual number of sick or dying people and
animals
·
Unusual swarms of insects
Consider establishing a temporary decontamination or quarantine location.
REPORTING CRIMES/IN PROGRESS/PAST
Staff
Reporting Crimes:
·
Notify Public Safety immediately at x5444 or x5445
·
Describe the
situation, the suspect, and the stolen item(s)
·
Report any new
information immediately
·
Report things that
appear out of place or any suspicious activity
·
Report
strangers/solicitors in your office
Be prepared to give an accurate description of the suspect,
such as: 
·
Race
·
Age
·
Gender
·
Clothing/Appearance
·
Location
MISSING PERSON/STUDENT/ABDUCTED STUDENT
Staff
If an
abduction is observed or suspected:
·
Call 911
and Public Safety at x5444 or x5445
· If an abduction is witnessed by other students, detain the students for interviews with law enforcement
· If an abduction occurs during class, attempt to persuade the abductor not to commit the act, if possible
· Do not place yourself or students in harm’s way
· Obtain a detailed description of the abductor such as:
- Physical appearance
- Type/color of clothing
- Vehicle/make/model/color/license plate
· Obtain a detailed description of abducted/missing student:
-
Notify
Student Affairs at x5352
- Describe clothing type/color/shoes/coat/hair/hat
- Time
- Location last seen
CAMPUS DEMONSTRATION/OFFICE TAKE OVER
Staff
If a
demonstration/office takeover should occur on campus:
· Ask the students to leave your office
·
If possible, secure your office door
immediately; notify Public Safety at
x5444 or x5445
· Do not taunt or obstruct demonstrators
· Never provoke a confrontation
· Continue with normal routines as much as possible, unless alternative directions are issued by Public Safety
· The prohibition of the blocking of corridors or entrances to any area, or the use of loud noise to disrupt a conference, meeting, office, or classroom in session
· Demonstrations may not be conducted in faculty or administrative offices, classrooms, the library, or other academic/performance areas
· Picket lines in College corridors are prohibited. Students, faculty, or other members of the College community who violate these regulations will be subject to disciplinary action
SEVERE WEATHER – SNOW/ICE/TORNADO/HURRICANE
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Receive text or voice alerts of emergencies or weather-related closings on your campus via cell or home phone and email. Sign up today and stay alert. Go to www.cuny.edu/alert for step by step instructions.
A major snowfall, blackout, or
other extraordinary occurrence may force alteration or cancellation of College
schedules. For information during these situations, call (718) 951-5444/5445 or listen to the following radio stations:
WCBS 880 AM 101.1 FM
WINS 1010 AM
WLIB 1190 AM
WFAS 1230 AM
WBLS 107.5 FM
WADO 1280 AM (Spanish)
If a weather emergency occurs (Such as a
Hurricane): 
· Move away from the perimeter of the building and any exterior glass
· Leave all exterior offices and close the doors
· Go to an enclosed area in the building core (such as an elevator lobby, corridor, restroom, or stairwell)
· Sit down and protect your head
· Do not use elevator; if in transit in the building, take the stairwell to the lobby
* Upon the recommendation of College officials, or when there is a significant security concern, the safest course of action may be to set up temporary shelter on campus
· For all utility emergencies, notify Facilities at x5885 weekdays, and Public Safety at x5444 or x5445
·
If evacuation of the building is required, exit
using the stairways. DO NOT USE
ELEVATORS. Seek out persons needing
assistance
·
When mechanical ventilation is interrupted,
vapors of chemicals may reach hazardous concentration levels. Laboratory
personnel should secure experiments or activities that may present a danger
when the electrical power is off, or when it is restored unexpectedly. Close
sashes on fume hoods and clean up or put away chemicals. Notify the lab
supervisor immediately
Do not perform
procedures using hazardous materials until power is restored.
Flooding or Water
Break
· If flooding occurs, stop using all electrical devices
· Notify Public Safety by calling x5444 or x5445 and evacuate the area or building
Gas Leak
· Cease all operations immediately and evacuate the area as soon as possible, notifying others as you leave
·
Call
Public Safety at x5444 or x5445
· Do not switch lights on or off. Do not take time to open windows or close doors
· Do not re-enter the building until cleared to do so by the Fire Department, Police or Public Safety
People Trapped in
Elevator
·
If you are trapped, use the emergency phone in
the elevator or push the alarm button. Or use a wireless phone to call Public Safety (718)951-5444/5445. Wait for
help to arrive. Remain calm
·
If you discover trapped people, talk to them and
try to keep them calm until an officer or other help arrives
·
Do not attempt
to open elevator doors at any time
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