4. Emergency Information

In the event of a cardiac arrest, an automated external defibrillator (AED) is used to start medical treatment and attempt restoration of a normal heart rhythm while help is en route. Across all five of Washington University’s campuses, these devices are often located in elevator lobbies, near restrooms, or in common areas. In addition to AEDs, the University has invested in placing bleeding control supplies across its campuses as well. These supplies are co-located with the AEDs inside of their stationary cabinets. Known as an Individual Patrol Officer Kit (IPOK), its contents include trauma gloves, a tourniquet, gauze, and emergency trauma dressing.

Building Emergency Plans are located on the School of Medicine, Danforth, North, South and West Campuses. These plans consist of emergency numbers, response procedures, and a detailed floor map consisting of evacuation routes and the location of emergency equipment and information. The plans and maps are located near common areas such as stairwells, exits or elevator lobbies, and aid in mitigating incidents related to medical emergencies, active shooters, severe weather, hazardous materials, fires and earthquakes.

For additional information and details regarding emergency preparedness and response on campus, visit the Emergency Management Website.

Research Safety – Link to EHS

In the event of a serious university-wide emergency, faculty, staff and students will receive an emergency notification, or WashUAlert, providing basic information about the type of emergency, safety instructions and how/where to get additional information.

The university has determined WashUAlerts will only be used for emergencies that pose an “immediate threat” to the campus community. In less urgent situations, the university may issue a “Crime Alert”, which can be posted, mailed or emailed depending on the nature and scope of the incident.

When you receive an alert, you should be prepared to take action based on personal observations and the information that is provided. If possible, visit www.emergency.wustl.edu for additional information or instructions as it becomes available.

Alerts may be sent and received in a variety of modes to include phone calls or voice messages, text messages, university email, Alertus beacons, desktop pop-ups, fire alarm voice-over messages, and via the WashU Safe App or WUSTL Mobile App.

To ensure you receive the alerts, update your personal contact information via Workday for employees, or Webstac if you are a student. Additionally, download the WashU Safe App and allow push notifications.

For crime alerts and security memos, members of the Danforth and Medical Campus communities have the option to opt in to notifications from all campuses, rather than only receiving crime alerts or security memos for their primary campus. To opt in to notifications or get more information, visit the Subscribe to Crime Alerts/Security Memos page.

All university buildings have been designed and built with fire alarm detection and warning systems. Fire alarm detection & warning systems are designed to alert building occupants when there is a possible fire condition in the building. The fire alarm system in the Neuroscience Research Building will activate on the affected floor as well as the floors above and below the affected floor and consists of visual strobe lights and audible voiceover speaker messages.

When the fire alarm on your floor activates, all occupants on that floor should immediately begin evacuating the building, using the nearest accessible stairwell. DO NOT use elevators. Close doors on your way out and help others along the way. Once outside proceed to the building emergency assembly point (EAP #135), which is located in the parking lot across directly across from the main entrance. Once at the assembly point try to account for co-workers and wait for responding personnel to determine the nature of the alarm and give an “all clear”.

The Washington University Emergency Management Department recommends that all members of the university community take the following steps to prepare for emergencies on campus.

STEP #1: TUNE IN

Make sure you are able to receive WashUAlerts by keeping your information current in Workday if you’re an employee, or WebSTAC if you’re a student.

WashUAlerts are also sent through the WashUSafe and WUSTL Mobile apps. Download them from the Apple or Google Play store and enable notifications.

For additional preparedness information and updates during an emergency, visit emergency.wustl.edu and follow us @WashU Ready on Facebook and Twitter.

STEP #2: LEARN MORE

Educate yourself on emergency procedures. Visit emergency.wustl.edu for hazard-specific response options and upcoming training courses. Additionally, review your building emergency plans and evacuation maps located near the elevator lobbies of each building.

STEP #3: LOOK AROUND

Know your surroundings and be aware. Avoid distractions while walking around campus. Learn two exit routes for the buildings where you live, work, or attend classes.

Familiarize yourself with Emergency Assembly Point locations at emergency.wustl.edu. Maps are also posted in the elevator lobbies on the medical school.

STEP #4: TAKE ACTION

Be prepared to act if you receive a WashUAlert and know how to respond appropriately. Educate yourself at emergency.wustl.edu.

Questions: Contact Emergency Management at WashUReady@wustl.edu.