Guidelines

An active shooter/armed intruder is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. Active shooter/armed intruder situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the suspect and mitigate harm to victims. Because these incidents are often over within minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter/armed intruder situation.

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Action Guidelines

Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life.

Evacuate (Get Out)

• If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:
• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help others evacuate, if possible.
• Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
• Keep your hands visible.
• Follow the instructions of any police officers.
• Do not attempt to move wounded people.

Shelter-In-Place (Hide Out)
If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:

• Be out of the active shooter’s view.
• Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e. an office with a closed and locked door).
• Not trap you or restrict your options for movement.

To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:

• Lock the door.
• Block the door with heavy furniture.

If the active shooter is nearby: 

• Lock the door.
• Silence your cell phone and/or pager.
• Turn off any source of noise (i.e. radio, television).
• Hide behind large items (i.e. cabinets, desks).
• Remain quiet.

Protect Yourself (Act Out)
As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

• Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her.
• Throwing items and improvising weapons.
• Yelling.
• Committing to your actions.

How to respond when law enforcement arrives:

• Put down any items in your hands.
• Keep hands visible.
• Follow all instructions.
• Avoid making quick movements toward officers.
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating. Just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.

Go to www.prepare.miami.edu/before/active-shooter-preparedness or www.dhs.gov/activeshooter for more resources.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

A threat, usually verbal or written, to detonate an explosive or incendiary device to cause property damage, death, or injuries, whether or not such a device actually exists. Typically delivered by telephone, the majority of such threats are intended to cause disruption, revenge, or play practical jokes, rather than warning of real devices.

• Download and complete the UM Bomb Threat Data Form.
• Call your campus emergency phone number.

The University of Miami's Bomb Threat Policy can be accessed via PolicyStat.

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Action Guidelines

If you receive a bomb threat via phone ask the following questions:

• What time/day is the bomb going to explode?
• Where is the bomb located?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will cause it to explode?
• Did you place the bomb?
• Why?
• What is your address?
• What is your name?

Attempt to identify the characteristics of the caller:

• Male or female
• Accent
• Sober or intoxicated
• Nervous or calm.
• Other identifiable characteristics in the caller’s voice
• Background noise

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

Action Guidelines

In Response to Disruptive Behavior:

• Do not ignore disruptive behavior.
• Consider discussing your concerns with the individual.
• Document exactly what you are concerned with, what you witnessed or heard, read, etc.
• Keep evidence that supports your concern.
• Notify University officials
  • Students contact the Dean of Students Office/Medical Education Office.
  • Employees contact Human Resources.

In Response to Harassing/Threatening Behavior:

• Decide whether it is best to evacuate, shelter-in-place, or avoid area.
• Call 911 or your campus emergency number.
• If needed, signal to someone that you need help.
• Do not engage in conversation or arguments.
• Do not attempt to physically detain anyone.
• Listen/ watch attentively.
• Document or try to remember as much as possible:
  • Write physical descriptions of individuals (clothing, physique, accent, etc.) and vehicles (make, model, color, license plate, etc…).
  • Write what is happening, noting actions, locations, and items. If important property, data, or research is threatened, secure the most high-value resources as best as possible, if it is safe to do so.

In Response to Psychological Crisis/Suicide Threat:

• Take all threats seriously.
• Monitor the person making the threats from a safe distance.
• Do not try to approach or reason with the person making threats.
• Call 911.
• Stay in a safe area until emergency responders arrive.
• Provide information to emergency responders.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

Action Guidelines

• Evacuate the building through the nearest exit.
• As you evacuate:
  • Assist persons with disabilities.
  • Stay away from anything that could fall on you.
  • Open doors carefully.
  • Do not use elevators.
• Do not move a victim unless there is an immediate threat to life.
• Once outside, stay at least 300 feet away from the building.
• Follow directions issued by emergency responders.

If you are notified that an explosion took place elsewhere on campus:

• Assess situation and decide whether to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
• Stay away from affected area.
• Follow directions issued through the Emergency Notification Network (ENN) or by emergency responders.
• Only call 911 if you have important and relevant information.
• Get additional information by visiting www.miami.edu or calling the UM Emergency Information Hotline 1-800-227-0354.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

Action Guidelines

Rescue

• Assist individuals with disabilities and others if it is safe to do so.

Alert

• Inform the people around you there is a fire.
• Activate the nearest fire alarm and call 911 from a safe location.

Confine

• Close doors behind you to inhibit the fire from spreading.

Evacuate

• Leave the building immediately via the nearest exit when instructed.
• If smoke is present, stay low and crawl to the nearest exit.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not re-enter the building until authorized by emergency responders.

If trapped in a room:

• Call 911.
• Place wet cloth material around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
• Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
• Signal to someone outside.

If forced to advance through flames:

• Hold your breath.
• Move quickly.
• Protect your head and hair.

Fire Extinguisher Use:

Pull safety pin from handle.
Aim at base of fire.
Squeeze the trigger handle.
Sweep from side to side at base of fire.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

Any item or agent (biological, chemical, physical) which has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors. The quantity of hazardous materials will determine the difference between a small spill/leak and a large release. An example of a small spill/leak is a broken beaker in a lab setting. An example of a large release is a ruptured tanker truck.

Be familiar with the materials you are working with, observe appropriate safety precautions, and consult with Environmental Health & Safety if you have any questions.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information is available to all University personnel by calling 888-362-7416 or visiting www.miami.edu/ehs.

Action Guidelines

Small Hazardous Materials Spill/Leak

• Evacuate the area and find a safe location.
• Do not walk in or touch any of the spilled substance.
• If possible, hold your breath or cover your mouth with a cloth while quickly leaving the area. Try not to inhale gases, fumes, or smoke.
• Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.
• Try to stay upwind of the accident.
• Call campus emergency phone number or call Environmental Health and Safety.
• Keep others away.
• Remain in a safe location to direct emergency personnel to the affected area.
• If you think you may have been exposed to a hazardous material, inform emergency responders immediately.
• Assist with obtaining information regarding the hazardous material.

Large Hazardous Materials Release:

• Stay informed and follow directions from University officials and emergency responders.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. While evacuating, avoid inhaling the hazardous material by covering your mouth with a cloth or shirt.
• If told to shelter-in-place, do so immediately.
  • Take refuge in a small interior room with few, if any, windows or other connections to the outside environment.
  • Close windows and doors.
  • Seal gaps under doorways and around windows with wet towels, duct tape, and plastic sheeting or other impervious materials.
  • Turn off ventilation system, if possible.

Assisting Victim Exposed to Hazardous Materials:

• Call 911.
• Follow directions from dispatcher on how to best assist the victim.
• The type of hazardous material will dictate whether it is best to:
  • Evacuate the area.
  • Move victim to fresh air.
  • Take the victim to an eyewash station or safety shower.
  • Remove the victim’s contaminated clothing.

Strange Odor:
Toxic fumes can infiltrate into or through a building from various sources. Improperly stored chemicals, faulty refrigeration, equipment malfunctions, and engines operated near outside air intakes, are some of the more common sources. If the presence of toxic fumes is suspected:

• Evacuate the area.
• Call your campus emergency phone number.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

Action Guidelines

Before

• Make sure you read and follow all official University of Miami Storm Alerts.
• Make sure your emergency contact and storm evacuation information is up-to-date on the University website.
• Follow directions from University officials.
• Contact your family members to let them know what is happening.

During

• Remain indoors.
• Do not open exterior doors or windows.
• Refrain from using alcohol or other impairing substances.
• Follow directions from University officials.

After

• Remain inside until University officials say it’s safe to leave. If you must go outside, be cautious of fallen objects, downed power lines and other hazards.
• Contact family members by any available means, and advise you are okay.
• Check in at https://recover.miami.edu.
• Await further instructions from University officials.
• Additional information can be obtained from the UM Emergency Information Hotline 1-800-227-0354.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

Action Guidelines

Asthma Attack:

• Help the person sit in a comfortable position and take their medication.
• Call 911 if the attack becomes severe, they don’t have their medication or they don’t improve with medication.

Bleeding:

• Have the person apply firm steady pressure to the bleeding wound for 5–10 minutes with a clean cloth or paper towel. Assist in applying pressure if the person is unable to do so.
• If bleeding is pulsatile (spurting in time with the heart beat), very heavy, or persists despite pressure, call 911 immediately.
• Have person lie down. If the person is bleeding heavily from an arm or leg, elevate their arm or leg above heart level.
• Stay with person until help arrives.

Burns - Chemical:

• If you are SURE the chemical does not react with water, immediately flush the chemical away from skin or eyes with cool running water for 15 minutes.
• Remove any contaminated clothing or jewelry.
• Seek immediate medical attention if the chemical burns involve the eye, hand, foot, face, groin or buttocks or if there is continued burning or pain after flushing.

Burns - Thermal:

• First degree burns cause skin redness and pain. They can be treated with cool compresses or water.
• Seek immediate medical attention if the burns result in one or more of the following:
  • Cause severe pain
  • Blistering
  • Involves hands, feet, face, eyes, groin or buttocks.
  • Are larger than 2 inches
  • Appear charred, black, or dry

Choking:

• If person is coughing, speaking, or able to breathe, do nothing. Stay with the person, encourage them to cough, and be prepared to help if their condition worsens.
• If the person is conscious but unable to cough, speak or breathe:
  • Call 911.
  • Hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades 5 times to dislodge the object.
  • Give them 5 abdominal thrusts and repeat until the object has been forced out.

Heart Attack:

• The person may have persistent vice-like chest pain, or isolated unexplained discomfort in arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.
• Call 911 immediately.
• Make sure they are in a position that is comfortable for them (e.g. sit them on the floor, leaning against a wall or chair) while waiting for emergency responders.
• If the person becomes unconscious, follow the guidelines for unconscious individual.

Heat Stroke:

• The person’s skin may be hot or red, and may also be dry or moist; they may be experiencing changes in consciousness, as well as vomiting and a high body temperature.
• Call 911 immediately.
• Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person.
• If conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure they drink slowly.
• If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits.
• For more information on heat safety tips, visit miamidade.gov/global/economy/environment/heat-safety-tips.page.
• Access the Student Health Services Website at studenthealth.studentaffairs.miami.edu. 

Poisoning:

• Establish what they have taken. When? And how much?
• As soon as possible, call the Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
• Do not make the person sick or give them anything to drink unless advised to do so by the Poison Information Center.
• Call 911 if there is change in behavior, they become unconscious or have difficulty breathing.

Seizures (convulsions):

• Call 911.
• Move objects away which may injure the person during the seizure.
• If possible, roll the person gently onto their side and support them.
• Do not try to restrain the person or place anything in their mouth.

Unconscious Individual:

• Call 911.
• If you are trained in CPR, evaluate the unresponsive person and act according to protocols.
• If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, follow AED instructions for further actions.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

A suspicious activity is anything that an average person would consider unusual given the activity, time, place, and/or location. These types of incidents usually involve a suspicious person, vehicle, and/or object.

Examples:

• Person carrying unusual property given the time of day or location.
• Person loitering in a way that is inconsistent with the usual purpose of the area; perhaps at a bike rack, in between rows of cars, around lockers, or in a way as if to conceal himself or herself from view.
• Vehicle idling with the lights off at night in a dark area.
• An unattended bag in a high-occupancy area.

Action Guidelines

If you discover a suspicious object on campus:

• Do not touch, tamper with, move, cover, insulate, or open the object.
• Keep a safe distance from the suspicious object. A distance of at least 300 feet is recommended.
• Call your campus emergency phone number.
• If you encounter a suspicious vehicle or person on campus:
  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle or person.
  • Call your campus emergency phone number.
  • Be as detailed as possible when describing the suspicious person or vehicle.

Personal Characteristics:

• Sex/Gender
• Race/Ethnicity
• Height/Weight/Age
• Clothing Type/Color
• Hair Style/Color
• Distinguishing marks
• Location
• Direction of travel
• Method of travel

Vehicle Characteristics:

• Color
• Year
• Make
• Body Style/Model
• License plate number and state
• Distinctive Marks/Accessories
• Location
• Direction of travel
• Occupants (number and description)

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

Action Guidelines

Electrical/Light Failure:

• Call your campus Facilities Work Control.
• Provide assistance to others who may be unfamiliar with the space.
• Do not use candles or other type of open flame for lighting.
• Do not leave class or work unless told to do so by an authorized person.
• Proceed cautiously outdoors or to an area that has emergency lighting.
• In most cases, power will be restored shortly or you may be relocated to another area with power.

Elevator Failure:

• Activate the emergency button/telephone.
• Call your campus emergency phone number if you do not get a response from the emergency button/telephone.
• Do not attempt to evacuate the elevator or help others evacuate.
• Do not pry open elevator doors or climb through the elevator roof escape hatch.

Gas Leak:

• Stop whatever you are doing.
• Do not turn on lights or any electrical equipment.
• Keep a safe distance from the leak. A distance of at least 300 feet is recommended.
• Call 911.

Water Leak/Flooding:

• Stop whatever you are doing.
• Do not turn on lights or any electrical equipment.
• Call your campus Facilities Work Control.
• If you can do so safely, turn the local water source off.
• If you can do so safely, cover or move objects that could be damaged by water.
• Evacuate the area.

Water Supply Failure:

• Call your campus Facilities Work Control.
• Do not consume tap water until told it is safe to do so by authorized personnel.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness

The weather conditions in South Florida can quickly change with little or no notice. Severe thunderstorms have the potential to produce a number of hazards that can pose a threat to life and property. Be prepared for flooding, lightning, and/or tornados which may occur during any severe weather event.

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Current Weather

Coral Gables Campus

Medical Campus

RSMAS Campus

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Action Guidelines

• Go to or stay inside a solid structure.
  • Be alert to flying or falling objects.
  • Stay away from windows, mirrors, glass, and unsecured objects.
  • Proceed to a fully enclosed central hallway of the building, or a closed room with no windows.
  • Do not use elevators.
• If requested, assist persons with disabilities to the safest area on the same floor.
• Refer to the sections below for incident specific information.

Flooding:

• Protect your area with sand bags, barriers, or other absorbent materials.
• Move to a higher floor in your building or evacuate to higher ground.
• Avoid driving or walking through standing or fast-moving water.

Lightning:

• When thunder roars, go indoors! Seek shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows closed.
• Stay inside until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder. 
• The Coral Gables campus utilizes Thor Guard Lightning Prediction and Warning Systems to monitor the atmosphere and evaluate for the potential threat of lightning within the area. If lightning is predicted to occur within 2.5 miles of campus, a siren will sound and a strobe light will remain flashing until safe conditions return.
  • 1 long siren blast = Lightning imminent, immediately seek shelter.
  • 3 short siren blasts = All clear, resume normal activities. 

Tornados:

• Go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, if possible.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• A vehicle or modular building does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
• If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS:  Emergency Guide Home
CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Reporting an Emergency	Evacuation
Important Phone Numbers	Shelter-In-Place
Emergency Notification	Individuals with Disabilities
SPECIFIC ACTION GUIDELINES:
Active Shooter/Armed Intruder	Hurricane
Bomb Threat	Medical
Concerning Behavior	Suspicious Activity
Explosion	Utility Failure
Fire	Weather
Hazardous Materials
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Crime Prevention	Personal Preparedness