Personal Preparedness

Overview/Basics

Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

Situational awareness means being cognizant of your environment and understanding how information, events, and your own actions can impact your safety. This heightened awareness will enhance your capability to protect yourself in current and future situations.

Protect Yourself

Use your best judgment based on the assessment of the situation to safeguard yourself and, if possible, assist others.

Call for Help

In any emergency, you can reach emergency services by dialing 9-1-1. 

Follow Emergency Instructions

Following the directives issued by first responders, public safety personnel, and official university channels like Code Maroon is essential to ensure your safety. 

Assist Others

Once you have reached a safe location, please inform others of any potential hazards and provide assistance if doing so does not jeopardize your own safety.

Emergency Orders

During an emergency, officials may issue one of three directives: evacuate, shelter in place, or avoid the area.

Evacuation

You may be instructed to EVACUATE the premises during some hazardous conditions. Instructions may come from emergency alert systems, university officials, first responders, or other sources.

• Remain calm but act quickly.
• Secure your equipment and research in a safe, shutdown condition.
• If it will not delay your evacuation, take your belongings with you.
• Alert others as you leave the building.
• Leave the campus as directed.
  • If you are on foot, take the shortest, most direct route. You may leave campus by vehicle unless otherwise indicated.
  • If possible, Transportation Services will continue to operate their off-campus routes, outbound only.
  • Please note that bus pick-up locations may be altered, and updates will be posted on the emergency website.
  • For Transportation Services Paratransit, please call 979-845-1971.
• Remember: do NOT call 9-1-1 during the evacuation unless you face an immediate, life-threatening emergency.

Important Note: If you evacuate due to a fire, leave the building immediately and do not use elevators.

Shelter in Place

In certain scenarios, you may be instructed to SHELTER IN PLACE. Follow these steps if such a directive is given:

• Go indoors and remain there.
• Avoid areas with glass or windows.
• Use your phones, televisions, or radios to monitor for situation updates.
• Don’t make phone calls so lines remain free for first responders.

Do not leave your designated shelter until emergency or university officials instruct you to do so.

You may be required to seek or remain in a safe location during incidents involving active threats, severe weather, or hazardous material.

Avoid the Area

In some situations, you may be directed to AVOID THE AREA. This may necessitate finding alternate routes or avoiding certain locations altogether. Follow official communication channels for updates regarding when access to affected areas has been restored.

What to Expect When You Call 911

In the event of an emergency, calling 9-1-1 is a critical step. When you speak to a dispatcher, please keep the following in mind:

Stay Calm

The dispatcher will ask a series of important questions. Each question is designed to gather the necessary information to dispatch the appropriate resources to your location. Even as help is on its way, dispatchers will continue to ask questions to ensure that the responding units have the most up-to-date information. 

Stay on the Line
If the situation changes, you can provide the dispatcher with instant updates. If speaking is unsafe for you, remain on the line so the dispatcher can hear what is occurring. Additionally, the dispatcher may provide life-saving instructions, such as performing CPR, using an Epi-pen, or clearing an airway. 

You Can Text
If speaking is not safe before calling 9-1-1, you may opt to send a text message. It is important to note that while texting 9-1-1 is not universally available, it is operational in Brazos County.  

Called 9-1-1 by Accident?

If you inadvertently dial 9-1-1, do not hang up before speaking to a dispatcher. It is crucial to inform the dispatcher that there is no emergency. 

Common Myth: The dispatcher automatically knows your location if you call on a cell phone: FALSE! The dispatcher may or may not be able to identify your location depending on a variety of factors which is why it is important for you to always confirm your location.

Build an Emergency Kit

Building and maintaining an emergency kit is one of the most effective preparedness strategies. You can assemble a comprehensive kit for your dorm or home or opt for a more compact version that fits in a small pouch.

Here's what to include in a large kit:

• Water for 3 days
• Non-perishable food for 3 days
• First aid supplies
• Copies of important papers (physical or digital)
• Medications
• Phone charger
• Spare battery pack
• Multi-tool
• Flashlight and batteries
• Hygiene and cleaning items
• Items for children
• Items for elders
• Items for pets
• Entertainment
• Blankets/warmth
• Pens/paper

For a small kit, consider:

• Spare battery pack
• Phone charging cable
• Flash drive with important documents
• First aid supplies
• Quick snacks

We advise you to check and rotate items seasonally to ensure their efficacy.

Wildlife on Campus

Please remember not to touch bats or other wildlife, as they may carry diseases such as rabies. If you experience any animal bites or scratches, report them to the Biosafety Occupational Health Program (BOHP) at 979-845-4311.

Poison

Poisonous materials can be present in various common household items, laboratory reagents, and chemicals. Given that poisons react differently to various treatments, should you suspect that you or someone else has been poisoned through ingestion, inhalation, or skin exposure: 

• Try to identify the poisoning agent.
• Call 9-1-1 -OR- call the Poison Control Center Network at 800-222-1222 for specialized first aid instructions.