Emergency Response Plan

The following is a brief outline of the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency or crime occurring on the campus of the University of Mount Saint Vincent.

The primary considerations are:

• The life and safety of all members of the Mount community,
• An organized and orderly response to the emergency, and
• The resumption of normal activities on the University of Mount Saint Vincent campus.

Notifications
In the event of a significant emergency or crime that could endanger the health and safety of the Mount community, a timely warning via the Send Word Now® notification system will be issued by the Director of Campus Safety and Security or designee. In some cases, such notice will to be issued immediately. When circumstances allow time for consultation, such notice is to be issued after conferral with members of the Emergency Management Team and Emergency Response Personnel.

The College broadcast email system and website will also be used to issue notification and to keep the Mount community informed of the nature of an emergency, any instructions to be followed, and additional steps to be taken to mitigate the emergency. Timely updates will be provided as appropriate to keep the Mount community safe and informed, and to reiterate instructions to be followed.

Reporting Emergencies 
The following are recommended procedures for reporting an emergency or a crime:

• If there is an immediate threat to life and safety, call 911.
• IN ADDITION: Notify Campus Safety and Security by calling the main security booth at (718) 405-3434 or (718) 548-2116. The main booth is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The booth will notify the Campus Safety and Security supervisor and proper emergency personnel.
• Report via an emergency call box. Press the “call” button. Campus Safety and Security personnel at the main booth will answer the call and will forward the information to the Campus Safety and Security supervisor who will respond to the incident location and notify appropriate emergency response personnel. Call box locations:
  • Main entrance of Alumnae Hall/Mastronardi Hall
  • Main entrance of Spellman Hall
  • Main entrance of Marillac Hall
  • Main entrance of Seton Hall
  • Main entrance of Founders Hall
  • Main entrance of the Peter Jay Sharp Athletic and Recreation Center
  • West side of Villa parking lot
  • 261 Street at the rear of the Science building
  • 261 Street at the entrance to the Marillac parking lot

Emergency Management Team 
The Emergency Management Team is headed by an Incident Commander (or designee). This role will be filled by the senior Campus Safety and Security supervisor until the arrival of the Director or Assistant Director of Campus Safety and Security. Also, on the team are the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Vice President for Operations.

Procedures:

• In an emergency that requires relocation, evacuation, or sheltering in place, the Incident Commander will notify the Emergency Management Team and the appropriate emergency personnel.
• The President, Provost, and all Vice Presidents will be promptly notified and join the Emergency Management Team, as they are able and required to do so.
• The Vice President for Operations will notify the President and Vice Presidents and the appropriate emergency personnel. Subsequent notifications will follow the notifications flow chart below.
• Pertinent information will be exchanged between Campus Safety and Security, emergency personnel, and members of the Emergency Management Team to determine the best course of action to address the emergency. Members of the Emergency Management Team will continue to contact members in the flow chart until someone is reached.

Emergency Management Team Notification Flow Chart

Evacuations and Relocations

1. If evacuation of any building(s) is deemed necessary by the Emergency Management Team after conferral with the proper emergency response authority, Campus Safety and Security personnel will direct all persons in the endangered area to proceed in a calm and orderly manner to one of the following locations, and will remain at the relocation site until advised by Campus Safety and Security.

In the event of a large-scale emergency that requires the evacuation of all persons from campus, the 261st Street gate will be opened to provide an additional point of egress, in addition to the main entrance at 263rd Street. Once off the campus grounds, evacuees will be directed by Security or emergency personnel to one of two short-term relocation sites, the Hebrew Home or Saint Margaret’s Parish.

In such an event, a Command Post will be set up in one of the following locations:

1. The Peter Jay Sharp Athletic and Recreation Center in the office of the Director of Athletics and Recreation or
2. Hudson Heights in the office of the Food Service Director or at the
3. Maloney Center in the administrative offices located in the Library

The Emergency Management Team will gather at the Command Post. Communications will be established and maintained among the emergency response personnel, Incident Commander, and Emergency Management Team, to ensure an effective teamwork approach and resolution to the emergency.

2. In the event for the need to relocate individuals on campus, the new gym at Peter J. Sharp or the dining area at Hudson Heights will be utilized. Temporary sleeping accommodations will be set up as needed. A Command Center will be established at the location selected.

Shelter in Place
In the event of an emergency on campus, such as an active shooter, an order to “Shelter in Place” will be issued by the Incident Commander through Send Word Now®, the College Broadcast Email System, and if feasible, the College website. A siren will be activated throughout the campus a total of nine times. All present on campus will be directed to follow instructions from the Incident Commander and responding emergency personnel. The Incident Commander will consult with the Emergency Management Team by phone as time and safety permits.

“Shelter in Place” means to immediately cease all classes, work, and business operations. Everyone should secure themselves in a room near where she/he is located and if possible lock and stay away from any windows or doors. Individuals should remain sheltered until directed by Campus Security or emergency personnel.