In light of the heightened "Orange" alert issued by the Office of Homeland Security, Saint Joseph's University has also responded with heightened vigilance from the Office of Public Safety and extra preparedness as suggested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In preparation for terrorist acts, we should follow these steps:
- Wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. The very nature of terrorism suggests there may be little or no warning.
- Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Unusual behavior, suspicious packages and strange devices should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel.
- Do not be afraid to move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.
- Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Notice where exits are when you enter unfamiliar buildings. Plan how to get out of a building, subway or congested public area or traffic. Note where staircases are located. Notice heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.
- Assemble a disaster supply kit at home and learn first aid. Separate the supplies you would take if you had to evacuate quickly, and put them in a backpack or container, ready to go.
- Be familiar with different types of fire extinguishers and how to locate them.
If a disaster hits, you may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means having your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together.
Employees and students have been notified to refer to the Homeland Security web page to assemble individual emergency kits and to develop a personal emergency plan as described below.
Assembling the supplies you might need following a disaster is an important part of your disaster plan. You should prepare emergency supplies for the following situations:
- A disaster kit with essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days - this kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to "grab and go" in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept.
- Consider having additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to two weeks.
- You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container, ready to "grab and go" in case you have to evacuate the building.
- A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored in your car at all times. This kit would also include flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.
If time does not allow evacuation of students, faculty and staff, Security will:
- Sound fire alarms and direct everyone to the cafeteria or an alternate site and have people take seats and await information from University officials. Non-perishable food and water will be stored here during the crisis period. Please bring with you any preparedness kits you may have assembled.
