Emergency Management

Emergencies can happen at any time. Northeastern State University is committed to providing a safe academic environment for those that study, work, or visit our campuses. This site was developed to provide the NSU community with a resource in preparing for and in the event of an emergency.

There are a number of potential emergencies that might occur. These include natural disasters (such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, ice storms, outbreaks, etc.) and man-made incidents (including explosions, hazardous chemical releases, downed electrical lines, terrorism, etc.).

To be better prepared for when an emergency occurs; students, faculty, and staff should consider the following:

Fire Evacuation:

All residents are required to follow the Residence Life emergency procedures. Awareness of your environment and taking precautions is necessary for your personal safety and the safety of your fellow residents.

Emergency instructions are posted on each floor. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the fire evacuation plans, it could save your life.

NSU takes every precaution to prevent fires in residential facilities. If you hear the alarm of see a fire, remain calm. Act fast, but do not panic.

In case of fire, feel the door. If the door is hot or if smoke is seeping in:

Do not open the door. Stay in your room. Let someone know you are there by opening your window just enough to hang a sheet out. This is a signal to the outside that someone is in there and needs help
Wedge a cloth or towel around the door. If water is available, soak the towels before placing them around the door.
Make a tent for yourself with the blanket in the window or cover your face with a wet cloth to avoid inhaling smoke. Wait until you are rescued, especially if you are on the 3rd floor or higher.

If the door is cool:

Open the door slightly but be ready to close it if you find smoke or flames in the corridor. Leave if the corridor seems safe.
Take your key and walk to the nearest fire exit, if there is no smoke. If smoke is detected or, if it's dark, crawl to the exit, counting doors so you don't get lost.
Close all doors behind you.
Do not use the elevators.
Turn back if you encounter heavy smoke. Look for another exit.
Leaving the building as quickly as possible, using the proper exits and meet at your designated meeting area.

The following meeting areas have been designated evacuation sites in case of a fire:

Logan, Ross and Hastings residents should meet with staff in the Fitness Center parking lot.
North Leoser Complex residents should meet with staff in the Wyly Hall parking lot.
South Leoser Complex residents should meet with staff in the Physical Plant parking lot.
Seminary Suites residents should meet with staff in the parking lots outside of their building (A and b at the Optometry parking lot; C,D,E in the parking lot across from the clubhouse).
Wyly Hall Residents should meet with staff in the Wyly Hall parking lot.

Your RA and Hall Manager will be helping to evacuate the building while the NSU Department of Public Safety notifies the fire department. Help your staff by reporting to your designated evacuation area quickly, so they can begin a head count. Report any missing person to housing staff.

Hazardous Material Release:

If there is an emergency call University Police and provide them with the pertinent information.

Move away from the site of the hazard to a safe location (500ft-1000ft).
Alert others to say clear of the area.
Notify emergency personnel of what chemical agent is involved and if anyone has been. exposed.

Severe Weather:

Tune to National Weather Service Tulsa and ensure you are registered for NSU's emergency alert system.
Move to a safe location or seek shelter as appropriate.
Remain calm, provide assistance to others if neccessary.
Wait for the all-clear notification from emergency personnel before leaving a safe location.

Earthquake:

Drop, Cover, and Hold under a table, desk, or against an isude wall.
Avoid doorways!
After the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries and move toward the nearest exit or alternate route.
Evacuate the building

Power Outage:

Remain calm; provide assistance to other if necessary.
Move cautiously to a lighted area.
Exists may be indicated by lighted signs if the emergency power is operating.
Turn off and unplug computes and other volatge-sensitive equipment.
For information about a prolonged outage, tune in to your local emergency broadcast network.