Take Emergency Action

Remember

Remember

Only follow these actions if safe to do so. When in doubt, follow your instincts — you are your own best advocate.

Actions

  1. Assess the situation.

  2. Act to best ensure your safety.

  3. Alert the right people.

  4. Assist anyone with a disability:

    • Blindness or low vision:

      1. Clearly announce the emergency.
      2. Offer your arm for guidance.
      3. Lead and alert to obstacles.

    • Deafness or hearing loss:

      1. Turn lights off and on to alert.
      2. Direct with gestures or written instructions.

    • Mobility:

      1. Guide to nearest exit stairs or Area of Rescue Assistance.

        Do not use elevators.

      2. Call 911 or text 911 and report location.

Know

  • Building name. Faculty or staff should also know the address.
  • Class, lab, or office room number.
  • At least two evacuation routes out of the building.
  • Evacuation Assembly Area.

Evacuation

Evacuation

Actions

  1. Evacuate immediately.
  2. Only take keys, phone, and outerwear if safe to do so. Leave other personal belongings.
  3. Pull fire alarm to alert others to evacuate.
  4. If you do not know a route look for EXIT signs,
  5. If unable to evacuate proceed to an Area of Rescue Assistance and call 911 or text 911.
  6. Proceed to Evacuation Assembly Area.
  7. Alert first responders to those who may need assistance.
  8. Do not re-enter building until informed by first responders or you receive an Illini-Alert that it is safe to do so.

Know

  • Multiple evacuation routes out of the building.
  • Evacuations are mandatory for fire alarms and when directed by first responders.
  • Evacuation Assembly Area.

Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-in-Place

Actions

  1. If outside proceed to nearest protective building.
  2. Proceed to Storm Refuge Area or lowest, most interior area of building away from windows.
  3. Remain sheltered until you receive an Illini-Alert that it is safe to leave.

Know

  • Storm Refuge Area(s).
  • Location of interior rooms and corridors.

Active Threats

Active Shooter

Active Shooter

Actions

  1. Remain calm.

  2. Assess and choose appropriate Run/Hide/Fight response.

  3. If safe to do so, one person should call 911 or text 911. Be clear about the location of the attacker.

    If on the phone with 911 and trapped with the attacker do not hang up so dispatcher has current situational awareness.

  4. Stay focused on survival. Keep others around you focused.

  5. When police arrive:

    • Remain calm.

    • Follow officer instructions.

    • Keep hands visible at all times.

    • Do not:

      • Make quick movements towards officer.
      • Point, scream, or yell.
      • Stop to ask officers questions.

Know

  • Escape routes.

  • Locations to hide.

  • Provide 911:

    • Location of active shooter
    • Number if more than one
    • Physical description of shooter(s)
    • Number and type of weapons
    • Number of potential victims

Run

Run

Leaving the area quickly is the best option, if safe to do so.

Actions

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Take best route away from active threat.
  3. Leave your personal belongings.
  4. Assist those who need help but understand whether that puts you at risk.
  5. Follow instructions from first responders once outside. If none have yet arrived do not remain in the vicinity.

Know

  • Escape routes.

Hide

Hide

When you cannot or do not want to run, take immediate shelter.

Actions

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Get to best place where you cannot be seen.
  3. Lock or barricade your area.
  4. Turn off lights.
  5. Silence your phone.
  6. Do not open door until a known police officer advises you to. An actual police officer will have a business card to slide up the door. Confirm badge number with call 911 or text 911.
  7. Do not leave until directed by a known police officer or you receive an Illini-Alert that it is safe to do so.

Know

  • Locations to hide.

Fight

Fight

As a last resort you may need to fight to increase your chances of survival.

Actions

  1. Be aggressive and commit to your actions.
  2. Use most effective available objects as weapons.
  3. Team up with others if possible.
  4. Do not pick up the attacker’s weapon as you will be seen as a threat to police.

Know

  • You are in a fight for your life. Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the attacker.
  • Common items can be used as weapons.

Mental Health Incidents

Personal Crisis

Personal Crisis

Actions

  1. If you or someone you know is in crisis and there’s any possibility for self-harm, call 911 or text 911.
  2. If you are in distress and think you may harm yourself, call 988. This service offers 24/7265 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, a mental health crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
  3. Reach out to additional university mental health resources: https://www.wellness.illinois.edu

Know

  • We care about you.

Distressed Individual

Distressed Individual

Actions

  1. If you or someone you know is in crisis and there’s any possibility for self-harm or harm to others, call 911 or text 911.

  2. Invite:

    • Talk in a private and quiet place.
    • Put away all distractions (phone and computer).
    • Make eye contact.
    • Speak slowly and calmly.

  3. Listen:

    • Listen to understand.
    • Maintain eye contact.
    • Be engaged and encouraging.
    • Do not immediately offer solutions.
    • Avoid giving advice or making assumptions.

  4. Ask:

    • Use short sentences and remain engaged.
    • Do not promise confidentiality.
    • Do not make it about yourself.
    • Be gently persistent.

  5. Support

    • Continue to offer other resources and options for support.
    • Continue to take all suicide threats seriously.

  6. Follow Up

    • If you say you will follow up, do so.

Know

Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention

Actions

  1. If you or someone you know is in crisis and there’s any possibility for self-harm, call 911 or text 911.

  2. Recognize: Know the warning signs of distress:

    • Self-disclosure of personal distress (family problems, financial difficulties, legal issues)
    • References to suicide, threat to others, or self-injury.
    • Depressed or lethargic behavior.
    • Sudden decline in the quality of work or grades.
    • Frequently miss classes or social activities.
    • Loss of focus; easily distracted.
    • Changes in physical appearance (poor grooming/hygiene, weight loss or gain).
    • Increased substance use.

  3. Respond: Tips for connecting and helping:

    • Stay safe. Call 911 if you or the person is in immediate danger
    • Stay calm. Take a few deep breaths before you start speaking, and be intentional as you explain what you’ve noticed and ask questions.
    • Take your time. If this isn’t an urgent situation, think through what might be the most helpful steps to take.
    • Seek consultation. If you’d like to talk to someone about what you’ve noticed and what you should say, you can call the Counseling Center during business hours at 217–333–3704. After hours, Rosecrance Crisis Line 815–720–4953 is available to assist.
    • Use active listening. Make eye contact and repeat in your own words to ensure you understand.
    • Ask direct questions. Don’t be afraid to ask if they have had thoughts of harming themselves. It’s a common misconception that asking may give the person the idea.
    • Give concrete help. Help the person get to the next step. This could look like coming with them to the Counseling Center or the hospital.

  4. Refer: Know the 24/7 available resources below:

    Also:

    • During business hours from Mondays-Fridays between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., you can also contact the Counseling Center. 217–333–3704
    • Over the weekends and holidays, you can contact the Emergency Dean. The Emergency Dean supports those who are experiencing health or safety emergency situations in which an immediate university response is needed and which cannot wait until the next business day. The emergency dean, however, is not a substitute for trained emergency personnel such as 911, police, or fire professionals. 217–649–4129 or 217–333–1216

Know

Medical Emergencies

Medical Aid

Medical Aid

Actions

  1. Do not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger.

  2. If the person is under cardiac arrest:

    • Assess the situation:

      • Is the person conscious or unconscious?
      • If the person appears unconscious, tap or shake their should and ask loudly, “Are you OK?”
      • If the person does not respond, call 911 or text 911.

    • Locate an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) if one is immediately available. Use the AED as you have been trained to do and as outlined on the device.

    • Perform CPR if trained to do so.

  3. Call 911 or text 911.

  4. Provide:

    • Incident location.
    • Nature of injury or illness.
    • Current condition of the victim.
    • Other requested information.

  5. Remain on phone until directed to hang up.

  6. Render first aid to the best of ability, training, and comfort with available equipment and people.

  7. Stay with the victim until first responders arrive.

Know

  • Location of AEDs (these will include NARCAN and Stop the Bleed kits).
  • Location of First Aid kits.
  • What staff have emergency first aid and/or CPR training.

Severe Weather / Natural Disasters

Tornado

Tornado

Actions

  1. Remain calm.

  2. The safest place to be is underground. Move to your storm refuge area, or a small window-less interior room on the lowest level possible.

  3. Assist those who need help.

  4. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.

  5. Crouch down or get under sturdy furniture and use arms to protect head and neck.

  6. Stay away from windows and open spaces.

  7. If you are caught outdoors, seek safety in the nearest protective building. If that is not possible, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.

    Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

  8. There are no All Clear sirens. If you continue to hear tornado sirens, there is still a threat. You will receive an Illini-Alert when the tornado is over.

  9. Do not call 911 or text 911 unless reporting a fire, medical emergency or severe building damage.

Know

  • Storm Refuge Area(s)

  • Tornado Watch means tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms and be prepared to act quickly if a warning is issued.

  • Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted and there is an immediate danger to life and property. Immediately proceed to your Storm Refuge Area.

    Tornado sirens are sounded for those areas in the path of the tornado throughout Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. Tornado sirens are intended to be heard outside of buildings and are not usually heard inside. Inside rely on Illini-Alerts and/or an NOAA Weather Radio.

Thunderstorm

Thunderstorm

Actions

  1. Stay indoors.
  2. Pay attention to Illini-Alerts and/or an NOAA Weather Radio for specific instructions.

Know

  • Storm Refuge Area(s)
  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch means severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Severe Thunderstorms are capable of producing large hail, dangerous winds, and tornadoes without warning.

Winter Weather

Winter Weather

Actions

  1. Limit time outdoors. Stay inside during the worst part of the extreme cold.

  2. Dress for the weather. Wear plenty of layers, a warm hat, gloves, socks, scarf and waterproof boots.

  3. Have enough food and supplies on hand at home.

  4. Prepare your vehicle for winter:

    • Keep gas tank full.
    • Store blankets, coat, hat, gloves, ice scraper, flashlight, and phone charger.
    • Consider including small shovel and kitty litter for traction.

  5. Pay attention to information provided by Illini-Alerts.

Know

  • Freezing Rain creates ice on roads and walkways.
  • Wind Chill or Feels Like is the perceived decrease in air temperature due felt by the body due to flow of air across exposed skin.
  • Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets and causes roads to freeze.
  • Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice, and snow are expected.
  • Freeze Warning means below freezing temperatures are expected.
  • Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible.
  • Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
  • Blizzard Warning means heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

Extreme Heat

Extreme Heat

Actions

  1. Drink plenty of fluids (avoid caffeine, alcohol and high-sugar drinks). Carry a water bottle.
  2. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  3. Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air conditioned place.
  4. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
  5. Protect yourself from the sun with a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  6. Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
  7. Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  8. Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.

Know

  • Heat Index or Feels Like is the higher temperature felt due to high humidity preventing sweat from evaporating efficiently.
  • Check National Weather Service HeatRisk https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

Flood

Flood

Actions

  1. If you encounter a flooded road or sidewalk turn around, don’t drown.
  2. Proceed with caution. Electric shock possible in flooded areas.
  3. Do not evacuate unless safe to do so.
  4. If safe to do so secure vital equipment, records, and hazardous materials by moving to higher ground.
  5. Shut off all non-essential electrical equipment.

Know

  • Evacuation Assembly Area.
  • Call Facilities & Services afterwards for assistance on cleaning and renovation.

Air Quality

Air Quality

Actions

  1. Work inside.
  2. Close all doors and windows.
  3. KN95 and N95 masks can be helpful with unhealthy air quality.

Know

Earthquake

Earthquake

Actions

  1. Drop to the ground where you are.
  2. Cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table.
  3. Hold On to something sturdy until the shaking stops.

Know

  • Do not run. You can injure yourself or others by running.
  • Remain indoors. Never exit a building while it’s shaking; you could be killed by falling debris.
  • If driving, slow down and pull to the side of the road until the shaking stops. Do not park under trees, overhead power lines, or overpasses.

Physical Dangers

Fire

Fire

Actions

  1. Pull the fire alarm if you discover a fire. Call 911 or text 911.

  2. Evacuate the building, closing doors and windows.

  3. Only take keys, phone, and outerwear if safe to do so. Leave other personal belongings.

  4. Assist those who need help but understand whether that puts you at risk.

  5. If unable to evacuate proceed to an Area of Rescue Assistance.

  6. If caught in smoke:

    1. Drop to your knees and crawl to safe exit.
    2. Breath through your nose. Breath through a shirt or towel.

  7. If trapped in building:

    1. Close all doors and windows.
    2. Plug under door to prevent smoke entering.
    3. Go to window to signal to someone outside.
    4. Call 911 or text 911.

  8. Proceed to Evacuation Assembly Area.

  9. Alert first responders to those who may need assistance.

  10. Do not re-enter building until informed by first responders or you receive an Illini-Alert that it is safe to do so.

Know

  • Multiple evacuation routes.

  • Evacuation Assembly Area.

  • How to use a fire extinguisher:

    1. Report fire to call 911 or text 911 first.

    2. Only use a fire extinguisher if you have been trained.

    3. Place yourself between safe exit and fire.

    4. Use the PASS method:

      Pull the pin.
      Aim low at the base of fire.
      Squeeze handle to release extinguishing agent.
      Sweep from side to side at base of fire until out. Watch the area.

Gas Leak

Gas Leak

Actions

  1. Immediately evacuate location. Abandon any equipment without shutting it down.
  2. Leave doors and windows open.
  3. From a safe location call 911.
  4. Assist those who need help but understand whether that puts you at risk.
  5. If unable to evacuate proceed to an Area of Rescue Assistance.
  6. Proceed to Evacuation Assembly Area.
  7. Alert first responders to those who may need assistance.
  8. Do not re-enter building until informed by first responders or you receive an Illini-Alert that it is safe to do so.

Know

  • Multiple evacuation routes.
  • Evacuation Assembly Area.

Do not:

  • Use cell phones, computers, appliances, elevators, or other electronic devices.
  • Touch electrical outlets, switches, or doorbells.
  • Smoke, use a lighter, match, or other open flames.
  • Operate vehicles or powered equipment.
  • Relight pilot light.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials

Actions

  1. Do not attempt to clean up a spill or release unless specifically trained and have proper equipment.

  2. Close all doors if incident is indoors and it is safe to do so.

  3. From a safe location call 911.

  4. Provide following information on spill or release:

    • Name of the material
    • Quantity of material
    • Time of the incident
    • Exact location of the incident
    • Injuries or exposures
    • Fire or explosion is involved
    • Your name, number, and location

  5. Follow instructions to evacuate or shelter-in-place.

  6. Present Material Safety Data(s) to first responders.

Know

  • Location of fire extinguishers.
  • Evacuation Assembly Area.
  • Location(s) of Material Safety Data Sheets.

Stuck in Elevator

Stuck in Elevator

Actions

  1. Remain calm.

  2. Use emergency call button. If that does not work call 911 or text 911.

  3. Provide:

    • Location of elevator.
    • Number of people trapped.
    • Any injuries or medical needs.
    • Noises before elevator failed.

  4. If stuck between floors do not attempt to exit.

Know

  • You are going to have to pick one corner for everyone to use.

Bomb Threat

Bomb Threat

Actions

  1. If you receive or discover a suspicious package: Do not touch it, tamper with it, or move it.
  2. Record phone number calling.
  3. Get someone else to call 911 or text 911. Do not use a cell phone to call.
  4. Keep caller on the phone as long as possible.
  5. Follow first responder instructions.

Know

A suspicious package:

  • Powdery substance on the outside.
  • Unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
  • Excessive postage, handwritten or poorly typed address, incorrect titles or titles with no name, or misspellings of common words.
  • Addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.
  • No return address or one that cannot be verified as legitimate.
  • Unusual weight or is lopsided or oddly shaped.
  • Unusual amount of tape.
  • Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or “Confidential”.
  • Strange odors or stains.
Emergency Management
1011 Springfield Avenue
Urbana, Illinois 61801
217-333-1216
University of Illinois