Emergency Situations Policy

Effective Date

June 12, 2017

Last Revision Date

June, 2023 

Responsible Party

Human Resources

Scope

All employees  

Purpose

To establish policies, procedures, roles and responsibilities and an organized structure for responses to a major emergency. 

Policy Statement 

Marymount University (“University”) is committed to the safety of its students, employees, and guests. In an emergency, taking personal responsibility is key.  The university has emergency plans in place and maintains close contact with the Arlington County and District of Columbia offices of emergency management. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but rather, best practices in emergency situations.

1.0 Reporting an Emergency

If you become aware of an emergency situation on campus, dial (703) 284-1600 or extension 1600 to reach Campus Safety and Emergency Management personnel, who can summon medical, fire, or police response.  In a life-threatening situation, dial 911. Campus Safety and Emergency Management personnel will automatically be notified.

  1. When you call, give your name, telephone number, and location, the nature and location of the emergency, and if an ambulance is needed.
  2. Don’t hang up until the Campus Safety and Emergency Management officer or a 911 operator ends the conversation.
  3. If the phone lines are dead, take the message to Campus Safety and Emergency Management in person or use a cell phone if available.
  4. If you are in a hazardous situation, do not endanger yourself further. Avoid unstable structures; smoke; electrical hazards; fire; and radiation, chemical, or biological exposure. Do not risk your well-being to save personal or university property.

1.1 Reporting Unsafe Conditions

Employees and students should report conditions that may pose a serious risk of injury or property damage. Do not assume that someone else will report the situation. Call Campus Safety and Emergency Management at (703) 284-1600 (ext. 1600) or Physical Plant at (703) 284-1529 (ext. 1529).

1.2  Acting in Emergencies

The Office of Campus Safety and Emergency Management will take the lead in all campus emergency situations. Please listen carefully to information provided by Campus Safety and Emergency Management personnel and follow their instructions. When an emergency arises, these are the best practices to follow:

  1. Remain calm and use common sense.
  2. Know the location of all marked exits from your office, classrooms, living area, etc.
  3. Always evacuate the building immediately when you hear an audible alarm or see a visible alarm, when directed by authorities, or when the building conditions appear hazardous (e.g. the odor of natural gas).
  4. Use the telephone for emergency purposes ONLY.
  5. Do not enter elevators during an emergency. If stuck in an elevator, do not attempt to force open stalled elevator doors; use the emergency phone, which will automatically contact Campus Safety and Emergency Management.
  6. Keep a flashlight handy if you are in an area that does not have emergency lighting or natural lighting.

2.0 Emergency and Non-Emergency Transportation

2.1  Procedure

  1. If the Student Health Center (SHC) is operating and a determination is made by the SHC nurse that the injured/ill person needs urgent attention or assessment, emergency assessment, or treatment outside of the SHC services, the SHC nurse will determine the most appropriate transportation, whether by ambulance or taxicab. 
  2. The escort accompanying the injured person can be of the student’s choice or the university can designate an individual. 
  3. If the SHC is not in operation, proceed to contact 911 and seek emergency transportation immediately.

NOTE: No University employee or department is to transport an employee, student, or visitor with an urgent or serious medical condition or injury under any circumstances. CALL 911 immediately and notify the Office of Campus Safety and Emergency Management.

2.2  University Vehicle Transportation

  1. Use of an available University Vehicle, driven by a person who has completed the University Vehicle and Driver Safety training and had a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) verification performed by Human Resources within the past 12 months is acceptable as is the use of a commercial taxi cab service.
  2. When either a commercial taxicab service or University vehicle is used for transportation, another person should accompany the injured person so there is someone to assist the person should they become worse and relieve the driver of that responsibility while they are driving safely to the destination. This third person can be a fellow student, employee, friend, or family member.

2.3 Injury Reporting

Employees injured on campus must report their accident and injury as soon as possible to Human Resources for Worker Compensation evaluation. Other employee illnesses that are non-critical can be evaluated by the Student Health Center personnel, if available.

2.4 Crime Reporting

The University encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all suspicious persons/activities and crimes to Marymount Campus Safety and Emergency Personnel and the appropriate external law enforcement agencies (i.e. Arlington County Police Department). Reporting is also encouraged and recommended when a victim is unable to make a report themselves.