Public Safety

  Emergency Evacuation Plans

In the event of a fire or other emergency, seconds count. The safe, orderly and prompt evacuation of building occupants depends on having the physical safety features of a building in operating condition as well as having an emergency evacuation plan. The cooperation and participation of every building occupant is essential. Every person that lives and works in a building on campus has an individual responsibility to know how to evacuate in an emergency and to accomplish the evacuation when the fire alarm device sounds or when directed by an authority. This guide will help you to prepare for emergency situations that might arise in your building.

Pre-plan your escape

  • Know the location of fire alarm pull box locations.
  • Make sure your floor has at least two unobstructed ways out.
  • Check the fire exits to make sure they are usable.
  • Do not use the elevators. They could become disabled, trapping you on the fire floor.
  • Know the location of fire rated stairwells that will provide a protected path all the way to the outside.
  • Learn the sound of your buildings fire alarm. They could be bells, chimes, horns or a coded gong.
  • Post emergency numbers near all telephones.

If there is a fire or fire alarm, everyone evacuates!

  • If you discover a fire or smoke condition, sound the building alarm by activating the nearest pull station.
  • Make a follow-up call to University Police Department at 911 from a campus phone or (317) 940-9999 from a cell phone.
  • Whenever you hear the fire alarm sound,leave immediately! Don't assume the fire alarm is false or a test and wait to see what others do. In a fire, seconds count.
  • Try to help others, if you can do so safely.
  • Unless unusual conditions dictate otherwise, the best evacuation route is the nearest stairway and out the nearest exit.
  • When leaving, close the door behind you. If the door locks automatically, take your key with you in case you need to get back in for refuge.
  • Once outside, meet at your assembly point and take a head count to make sure everyone is out and accounted for. Never attempt to re-enter the building to search for someone missing, let fire or police officials know.

Shelter in Place

Indiana weather can be unpredictable at times, know how to "Shelter-in-Place." As the Department of Public Safety is working to identify shelter-in-place locations and mark them throughout campus, these common sense safety tips can help protect you:

  • Avoid hallways with doors at each end to the outside. This could create a wind tunnel if the doors are forced open during a violent weather event.
  • Avoid locations with exterior window glass.
  • Do not seek shelter in the top floor of a building. The roof of a building is likely to sustain damage during a violent storm.
  • Interior spaces in a building are the best locations.
  • If you're the last person out of a space, close the door.

If designated Shelter-in-Place locations are not yet identified for your building, please use interior areas (safe from broken glass) - interior classrooms and bathrooms are usually ideal locations if necessary. Areas of Rescue (places where occupants can await evacuation assistance) ARE NOT Shelter-in-Place locations.

Evacuation Maps for Evacuation and Shelter in Place

Please note, not all building are available yet. As soon as they are, they'll be posted. Below you will find the buildings that have evacuation maps available for fire evacuations and shelter in place locations.

Atherton Student Union

Clowes Memorial Hall

Fairbanks Hall

Gallahue Hall

Health & Recreation Center

Holcomb Building

Jordan Hall

Lilly Hall

Pharmacy Building

Residential College

Robertson Hall

Ross Hall

Schwitzer Hall

University Terrace