The start of a school year is more than new classes and professors — September is National Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to check that you’re ready for sudden shifts in weather or other emergencies.
Emory’s Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) and the Emory Safe app make it easy to stay connected all year long. Being proactively prepared for emergencies improves both your personal safety and increases community resilience.
“Being prepared for emergencies saves lives. Being prepared reduces fear, instills confidence and allows you to take action to protect yourself and others. The more prepared you are, the more resilient you are during a crisis,” says Sam Shartar, assistant vice president of Emory CEPAR.
One stop shop: Emory Safe app
The Emory Safe app lets users easily contact the Emory Police Department (EPD), share location tracking with a friend, request Saferide (available on Emory’s Clifton campuses from 9 p.m.-5 a.m.), report an anonymous tip about on-campus emergencies and more. It’s free to download — just make sure that notifications are enabled (and note that they may revert to being off after an app update).
Plus, if you find yourself involved in a critical situation on campus, you can easily access all of CEPAR’s Just-In-Time Guides for guidance on what to do next or who to contact.
Stay safe and dry during weather events
If there’s one joke everyone’s heard about Atlanta, it’s that the weather changes dramatically and often. And with weather events specific to the Southeast (like the fact that we can experience both hurricanes and tornadoes), it’s important to know what alerts mean and what items you should stock up on.
If severe weather is expected to arrive on campus, there are a number of ways you’ll be alerted. Texts and emails from CEPAR will be sent out along with alerts from Emory Safe. Plus, you could hear the campus sirens going off, depending on the situation.
Note: All aspects of the emergency notification system are tested at noon on the first Wednesday of each month, weather permitting.
A “watch” means to be prepared, but a “warning” means to take action immediately. A watch can quickly become a warning, so having supplies at the ready is key.
No matter what the season, it’s always a good idea to have an extra bottle or two of water, ready-to-eat food (think granola bars and trail mix), basic first aid supplies (including any prescription medications), a flashlight (crank options are extra handy, as they don’t require batteries or charging), a NOAA weather radio, a change of clothes and shoes, and a blanket.
Severe weather refuge areas can be found in the Campus Maps and Transit section of the Emory Safe app.
Know what to do during a medical emergency
If you’re experiencing or witnessing a medical emergency on campus, call Emory Emergency Medical Service (EEMS). EEMS is a volunteer, student-led EMS organization with oversight from CEPAR.
EEMS provides a first responder service for emergency medical care to Emory University students, faculty, staff, visitors and the surrounding community. To request EMS, call the Emory police at 404-727-6111 or dial 911.
EEMS operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, during the fall and spring semesters and has an average response time of five minutes. The response area includes Emory University’s Clifton campus and the immediate surrounding facilities, businesses and roads. Calls to 404-727-6111 go directly to Emory Police, leading to a faster campus response from EPD or EEMS.
EEMS works in coordination with local EMS and fire departments responding to emergency and 911-based calls in the Emory community. In addition, it provides medical standby services for university events. Medical standby places EEMS personnel and equipment at a planned event to provide immediate medical care to attendees, if needed. The program also has a strong commitment to community outreach and education, hosting outreach events throughout the year.
Gain a new skill with hands-on learning
While you should certainly call 911 or the Emory police in the event of an emergency, you can also gain the skills needed to step in during critical moments.
Sign up for a Life Support Training class on campus to learn CPR, how to use an AED, how to treat an obstructed airway and how to control bleeding. CEPAR offers trainings for individuals with no medical training as well as for medical professionals, so there is something for everyone.
Plus, find out where automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available across campus in case you need to help someone else.
Three things to do in case of an active shooter
Active shooter events are unpredictable, but if you find yourself in an active shooter emergency, there are three things you can do to increase chances of safety and survival: run, hide and fight.
It’s best to run to escape the threat if a safe path is available. Encourage others to leave with you, but do not let their indecision slow down your own escape. Once out of the line of fire, try to prevent others from unknowingly walking into the danger zone and call Emory Police at 404-727-6111 or 911 when it is safe to do so.
If you can't escape, try to hide outside the shooter’s view. If you can't find a safe room or closet, hide behind large objects that offer protection and stay away from windows. Seek a hiding place that doesn’t restrict your options to move. Try to remain quiet and calm. When hiding, turn out lights, lock the doors and silence cell phones and other devices. If a door doesn't lock, attempt to block it with furniture or other large objects.
If your life is at risk, act with aggression by working together or alone. Use improvised weapons — for example, a fire extinguisher or chair. Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter.
If you see something, say something
For on campus concerns, issues and emergencies, contact the Emory Police Department by calling 404-727-6111 or via chat on the Emory Safe App. All reports are investigated by EPD officers.
The Emory Threat Assessment Team uses an evidence-based approach to identify behaviors that may be indicative of a threat to the safety and well-being of members of the Emory community. For an emergency, call the Emory Police at 404-727-6111.
In non-emergent situations, safety concerns about someone’s behavior can be reported to the Threat Assessment Team via the online form, email, or phone.
Act and follow these 5 steps to be Emory READY
- Ensure you’re enrolled in the Emory Emergency Notification Program by checking your contact information in OPUS (students) or PeopleSoft (staff/faculty).
- Download the Emory Safe App and enable push notifications.
- Learn what to do by reviewing the Just-in-Time Guide for Campus Emergencies.
- Locate emergency resources across campus including severe weather refuge areas, fire exits and AEDs.
- Take Emergency Preparedness and Life Support Trainings to learn CPR, how to use an AED, how to treat an obstructed airway and how to control breathing.