Security and Emergencies

Weather, Disasters, and Emergencies at the Bellevue, Nebraska, Campus

Severe weather and other emergencies will occasionally affect classes held on the Bellevue, Nebraska, Campus. In the event that the Bellevue Campus closes, an announcement will be posted on the Bellevue University web page, typically by 6:00 A.M. in the morning for the day classes and by 3:30 P.M. for the evening classes.

Students should check the Bellevue University web page for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Local area radio and television will also carry the announcement. Campus closure for severe weather or other disasters/emergencies is to mitigate the hazards to faculty and students traveling to/from campus. Therefore, a Bellevue Campus closure generally does not affect online classes. Unless otherwise announced, online classes will continue as scheduled during a Bellevue Campus closure.

Disasters and Emergencies in Other Areas

Sometimes there are major emergencies and disasters in other areas affecting our online students (e.g., hurricanes, fires, evacuation orders). Bellevue University faculty understand the disruption and the paramount need to protect life and property. If you find yourself directly affected by a major emergency, contact your professor(s) as soon as it is safe to do so and develop a plan for communicating with them throughout the emergency and determine when you can resume your course work.

What is an active shooter?

An active shooter is "an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area." Encountering an active shooter on campus is unlikely, but preparing for the unthinkable is critical.

The call to 911

Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so. Staying as calm as possible, provide them with as much information as you can, including:

• Your name and exact location.
• Number of shooters and physical description (sex, race, clothing, type of weapons).
• Number of victims and their location.
• What you are hearing and seeing around you that may help security and police officers.

Run, Hide, Fight.

Active shooter situations can change quickly. In order to stop a shooter and minimize harm, an immediate response and deployment of law enforcement resources is critical.

The Bellevue University Security Department recommends that you consider the safest way and time to notify 911 and always be ready to defend yourself.

In the instance of an active shooter, every second counts. So, remember these three key steps:

RUN

• Evacuate the building immediately if it can be done in a safe manner.
• Leave all personal items behind and avoid elevators.
• If you know where the shooter is, move away from the threat as quickly as possible.
• When exiting the building, run as far as possible which may include leaving campus to surrounding neighborhoods or businesses.

HIDE

• Clear distance between you and the threat.
• Locate secure areas with adequate protection from the shooter.
• Lock and barricade doors and find a hiding spot inside the room.
• Turn off the lights and remain quiet. Silence your phone.

FIGHT
As a last resort, or if it's your only option, take action against the shooter.

• Attempt to quickly overpower the individual with force in the most violent manner possible.
• Do not fight fairly — use improvised weapons and throw things.
• Work as a collective group with others to overcome the shooter.
• Survive by any means necessary. Remember, the attack will continue unless the shooter is stopped.

Police Response

• Officers will respond as quickly as possible. Their primary mission is to neutralize the shooter and make the area safe.
• If you meet an officer, follow his or her commands.
• Keep your hands visible and free from any objects.
• Officers may initially bypass you in order to contain the threat — even if you are injured.
• It may take several hours for the officers to clear the area and find you. Until contact is made, remain calm, quiet, and alert.

Disruptive or Violent Behavior
Disruptive or violent behavior includes any incident in which a person or persons are in danger of injuring themselves or others either intentionally or unintentionally.

• Call for assistance in the immediate area.
• Dial 911 and Ext. 557-5000 and give the exact location and situation.
• Speak calmly.
• Do not challenge the individual.
• Stay out of their reach.
• Be aware of environment at all times. Keep the area clear of items that can be used as weapons.
• When police/or campus security arrive, give a brief summary of the event.
• Clear the area of visitors or other staff who are not required to assist in the situation.
• Assist those injured.

Watch for Signs that may be Associated with Impending Violence

• Verbally expressed anger, frustration or threats.
• Body language such as a threatening gesture.
• Signs of alcohol or drug abuse.
• Presence of a weapon.

Maintain Behavior that Helps Ease Anger

• Present calm, caring attitude, speak quietly and do not give orders.
• Acknowledge the person's feelings: "I know you are frustrated."
• Avoid behavior that may be interpreted as aggressive, i.e., moving rapidly, getting too close, touching or speaking loudly.

Be Alert

• Avoid sitting at the desk with your back to the door.
• Evaluate every situation for potential violence.
• Be vigilant throughout the encounter.
• Do not isolate yourself with potentially violent persons.
• Keep an open path for exiting.
• Do not let the potentially violent person stand between you and the door.
• Report suspicious people to Campus Security at Ext. 557-5000.

• If you receive a telephone bomb threat:
• Do not hang up.
• Remain calm.
• Try to prolong the conversation and get as much information as possible.
• Note what you hear. Are there background noises, such as music, voices or cars?
• How does the caller's voice sound? Accent? What sex? What age? Unusual words or phrases?
• Does the caller seem to know our campus? How is the bomb location described? Does the caller use a person's name? Does the caller give his/her name?
• Dial 911 or 557-5000 to report a bomb threat. Give the operator all the information you collected. Identify yourself — give your name, location and phone number.
• After this is done, notify your supervisor immediately. Then, stand by for further instructions.
• If it is deemed necessary to evacuate, you will be notified by your supervisor or Campus Security. Evacuate via the primary route for your area, or by the alternate route, if so directed.

If You Discover a Bomb or Suspicious Item

• Leave it untouched and secure the area until police arrive.
• Go to a telephone. Dial 911 and 557-5000 and report a suspicious item. You may be asked to assist in a search, because you are familiar with the area.
• If so directed, evacuate your area, as directed.

Other Important Actions

• Immediately turn off hand-held radios and cellular phones.
• Notice any items in your area that look strange or out of context such as loose backpacks, packages, shopping bags, unusual smells, noise or vapor.
• Do not leave the area unless it is obvious there is a bomb visible.
• Follow the directions of the Campus Security Department or law enforcement that has responded. Know the evacuation routes.
• Most bomb threats are hoaxes made in an effort to disrupt individuals and businesses. No bomb threat should be dismissed as a hoax without investigation by the proper authority.

Fire

• Pull the nearest fire alarm. Dial Ext. 557-5000. Campus Security will then sound the general alarm. Give your name, location and the extent of the fire.
• Spread the word if possible. Evacuate the building.
• If possible, close all doors behind you.
• Assemble at the rally point for the building. Avoid blocking drives that may be used by emergency personnel.

Smell Something Burning, but See No Smoke

• Call Campus Security at Ext. 557-5000.
• Campus Security will:
• Send an officer to investigate.
• Activate the building fire alarm system, if necessary.

Alarm

• Activate the fire pull station.
• Call Ext. 557-5000 and give:
• Exact location of fire (room number and building), your name and type of fire (if known).
• Let operator hang up first. Contain the fire by closing all the doors and windows.

Extinguish if Possible, or Evacuate to the Rally Point

• If time allows, turn on all lights and close all doors behind you as you leave.
• Do not use elevators. Do not run.

Self-Protective Measures

• If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll.
• If you are caught in smoke, drop to your hands and knees and crawl below the smoke level.
• If you are trapped in a room, place cloth and material under the door to prevent smoke from entering.
• Retreat and close as many doors as possible between you and the fire. Signal for help.

Protective Measures

• Learn at least two escape routes and emergency exits from your area.
• Never use an elevator as part of your escape route.
• Learn to activate the fire alarm and the extinguishers in your area.
• Learn to recognize fire alarm and signals.

• Dial 911 or Ext. 557-5000. Give 911 or Campus Security your exact location, i.e., building, room number, parking lot, etc. and the telephone number where you can be reached.
• Briefly describe the medical condition of the victim and, if possible, obtain the victim's name.
• Return to the injured party. (Do not move a seriously injured person unless it is a lifesaving situation.)
• If possible, have someone meet Campus Security or emergency personnel at lot or building entrance.

First Aid

• Medical assistance is available for minor injuries, call Ext. 557-5000.
• If you require transportation or need first aid treatment at the scene, dial 911 and contact Campus Security Ext. 557-5000.
• Inform your supervisor of your injury. (Supervisors must complete an Injury Report for all work-related injuries.)

Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Issued when conditions are right for severe thunderstorms. Be alert for changing conditions.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Issued by the National Weather Service when storms with strong winds, rain, and hail are expected in the area. A severe thunderstorm warning may last for up to one hour.

Issued when weather conditions exist that could produce a tornado. A tornado watch may last for several hours. When a tornado watch is issued, all faculty and staff will be alerted through the ANS notification system.

Tornado Warning
Issued when a tornado has actually been sighted and is threatening the community. At this time, the Civil Defense Warning Sirens are sounded, and the emergency messages are broadcast by the media. A tornado warning usually lasts for 30 minutes or less. When a tornado warning is issued, all faculty and staff will be alerted through the ANS system. Individuals on campus should take shelter in designated building tornado shelters.

Handling of Suspicious Packages or Envelopes

• If a package or envelope appears suspicious, DO NOT OPEN IT!
• Contact Campus Security at Ext. 557-5000.
• Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package or envelope.
• Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others, or allow others to examine it.
• Put the package or envelope down on a stable surface; do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or at any contents that may have spilled.
• Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope. Leave the area, close any doors, and take actions to prevent others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.
• Notify Campus Security at Ext. 557-5000 and your supervisor.
• If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who also may have handled this package or letter. Give this list to Campus Security and local law enforcement officials.