If you are sure that a true emergency situation exists, do not hesitate to call Licking County Emergency. If you are unsure about the severity of the situation and you want Campus Security to make the decision as to the appropriate response, call Denison University Fire/Emergency.

• Licking County Emergency — 911
• Denison Fire/Emergency — 6777
• Denison Campus Security — 6482 

When dialing 911:

• Stay on the line with the dispatcher.
• Provide the address of the building involved and your exact location. This is especially critical if you are calling from a cell phone.
• Provide a thorough description of the incident to ensure that proper resources are dispatched.
• Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so.

24-Hour emergency phones are located throughout the campus. When you pick up the receiver of these emergency phones, the operator immediately knows that assistance is will be needed and the exact location of the phone. Please speak distinctly and clearly describe the emergency situation.

Other Emergency Numbers

• Emergency First Aid — 6777
• Hazardous Materials Response — 911
• Campus Patrol — 6482
• Poison Control Center — 6777 or 1-800-686-7625
• Granville Police — 587-1234

Non-Emergency Numbers

• Whisler Hall Health Center — 6200
• Counseling Center — 6647
• Rape Counseling — 6366
• Safewalk — 6623
• Sexual Harassment Information — 6366
• Chemical Hygiene Office — 6650
• Trouble Calls – Physical Plant — 6264
• Visitor Directions — 9188 or 740-587-0810

Building or department specific information may differ from the details offered in this guide. Please refer to emergency information posted in each building for accurate details.

In the event of an emergency or closing of the university, information can be obtained by calling 740-587-5700.

Back to Top

If you are positive that a true emergency exists, do not hesitate to call Licking County Emergency—911. If you are unsure and you want Campus Security to make the decision, please call Denison University Fire/Emergency—740-587-6777.

When dialing 911:

• Specify whether you need Police, Ambulance, or Fire Department.
• Have the following information available:
  • Building name
  • Building address
  • Room number
• If emergency involves an unconscious or injured person:
  • Ensure there is no danger to yourself or victim.
  • Do not move victim unless their life is endangered in their current position.
  • Remain on the phone with the 911 operator until paramedics arrive.
  • Always stay with victim until help arrives.
• Inform your Supervisor or Department Head of actions taken.

Please visit the Emergency Phone Numbers section of this website for a complete listing of emergency numbers.

Back to Top

In the event of an emergency school closing for any reason, information is available by calling 740-587-5700 to hear a pre-recorded message. We will also announce this information on local TV and radio stations.

TV Stations

• WCMH Channel 4
• WSYX Channel 6
• WBNS Channel 10

Radio Stations

• WTVN 610 AM
• WNCI 97.9 FM
• WSNY 95 FM
• WCLT 1430 AM
• WCLT T100 FM
• WNKO 101.7 FM
• WHTH 790 AM

Snow Emergency Procedures

In the case of a snow emergency, the following information may be helpful for those who normally use on-street Village parking.

Those streets designated as snow emergency streets are posted and include —among others— Broadway, Plum, Mulberry, and College. When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles parked on designated streets must be moved immediately to allow snow removal equipment to clear the roadways. Failure to move your vehicle will result in towing by the Village.

Alternative off-street parking may be found in the Burke lot (for students, staff and faculty) and the Ace Morgan lot (for faculty/staff), as well as Ebaugh Lot, Sunset Lot, and the Brownstone Lot.

Back to Top

This guide aims to provide you with the information you need to identify various weather alerts and the procedures you should follow when you encounter severe weather emergencies.

In case of severe weather, please visit the Emergency Alerts & Policies (for Emergency Closing Policy) as well as Tornado Shelter Locations sections of this website.

Thunderstorms

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch means severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm is imminent or has been indicated by Doppler radar or reported by storm spotters.

Tornado sirens are sounded for those areas in the path of the tornado throughout Licking County. These sirens are intended to be heard outside of buildings and are not designed to be heard inside every building.

Security and the Operator initiate a phone tree in the event of a tornado warning to notify all departments as well as students.

Tornados

• Tornado Watch means tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms, and be prepared to seek shelter.
• Tornado Warning means a tornado is imminent or has been indicated by Doppler radar or reported by storm spotters. Move to your pre-designated place of safety immediately!

What to do during a tornado warning:

• As soon as a tornado sirens sound or a tornado has been sighted nearby, get to a safe shelter immediately.
• Move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement. Assist those with special needs in getting to the shelter area.
• Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use arms to protect head and neck. Stay away from windows and open spaces. Stay there until the danger has passed.
• If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest level (closets, interior hallways, or restrooms). Do not open windows.
• In a high-rise building, go to a small, interior room or hallway with no windows on the lowest floor possible. Do not call 911 unless you need to report an emergency, such as a fire, medical emergency or severe building damage. 911 lines need to be kept open and available for emergency calls.
• Get out of vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or a storm shelter.
• If caught outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of potential for flooding.
• Never try to outrun a tornado in a car or truck; instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Tornadoes are erratic and move swiftly.
• Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Snow

• Snow Alert means that the roadways are potentially hazardous with drifting snow and wind. Roads will most likely be icy as well, so drive carefully.
• Snow Advisory means that roadways are hazardous with drifting snow and strong winds. Only drive if it is extremely necessary to travel somewhere. Consider contacting your employer to see if you should report to work.
• Snow Emergency means that all roadways are closed to everybody except emergency personnel. Nobody should be out driving in conditions like this unless it’s an absolute emergency situation requiring you to do so. Everybody should contact their employers to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on roadways could possibly be subject to arrest.

Heat

• Heat Advisory & Alert — At times during summer months, the heat can be extremely dangerous given the right conditions. Please take a look at our Beat the Heat sheet to help prevent an emergency situation from occurring.

Back to Top

In the case of a tornado warning, all residents of Denison University should immediately seek nearby shelter. The following guide shows safe, low-level, or below ground locations that you can seek out should severe weather occur.

East Quad

Basements can be used for the following locations:

• Beaver
• Crawford
• East
• Sawyer
• Shaw
• Shepardson

Other safe locations:

• Gilpatrick — Interior hallway on the 1st floor
• Huffman — Dining Hall; enter from the stairwell near Room 103

West Quad

Basements can be used for the following locations:

• Curtis East
• King
• Stone
• Shorney
• Smith

Other safe locations:

• Curtis West — Lowest hallway, below Dining Hall, Women’s Restroom stairwell

North Quad

Basements can be used for the following locations:

• Ash
• Chamberlin
• Sunset
• Taylor

Other safe locations:

• Preston — Stairwell, bottom level
• Morrow — Access card for Residence Life Staff
• Beta — Access card for Residence Life Staff
• Kappa Sig — Access card for Residence Life Staff
• SAE — Stairwell, bottom level
• Sunset A/B/C/D — Bicycle Rooms; 3rd level (needs key). Bottom two apartment bathrooms 01-02 & 101-102
• Upper/Lower Elm — Ground-level Laundry Room, Exercise Room, hallway
• Hayes Hall & Wright Hall — Ground-level Laundry Room, Exercise Room, hallway

Satellites

Basements can be used for the following locations:

• Monomoy Annex*
• Mulberry*
• Rose*
• Bancroft*
• Shannon*
• 215 North Prospect*
• 135 Main*

* Residents should call operator to have the basement opened

Back to Top

The following is a list of procedures to follow should a fire exist at Denison University. In the event of such an emergency, you should immediately dial activate the fire alarm, dial “0 ” or 911 to notify the proper authorities of the fire, and evacuate the building.

Fire Emergency Procedures

If you discover a fire:

• Manually activate the building’s fire alarm system.
• Immediately evacuate the building, closing doors and windows behind you.
• Do not use the elevators
• Locate those persons with special needs, and provide assistance if possible, otherwise provide their location to emergency responders.
• Report to your department’s designated gathering point to be accounted for.
• Call “0 ” from any campus phone or 740-587-6777 from a cell phone or from off campus.

Once the fire alarm is activated:

• Walk quickly to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevators.
• If you are able, help those who need special assistance.
• Notify fire personnel if you believe someone may still be in the building.
• Gather away from the building and emergency responders at a pre-designated location.
• Do not re-enter the building until the fire department has cleared the scene and given you permission to re-enter.

If you are caught in smoke:

• Do not breathe the smoke.
• Drop to your knees and crawl on your stomach to the closest safe exit.
• If possible, only breathe through your nose, and use a damp shirt or towel to breathe through to help filter the smoke.

If you are trapped inside a building:

• Close all doors and windows.
• Wet and place cloth material around and under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
• Attempt to signal people outside of the building. Call for help using a telephone or cell phone and inform them what room you are in.

Fire Extinguisher Use

Before deciding to attempt to use a fire extinguisher, you should first report the fire by dialing “0 ” from a campus phone, or 740-587-6777 from any other phone. You should only use a fire extinguisher if you have been trained to do so, as improper use may increase fire hazard. If you have any doubt in your ability to fight the fire with an extinguisher, you should exit immediately and wait for help to arrive.

If you decide to use a fire extinguisher, start by placing yourself between the fire and your exit from the area, so you are not trapped if the fire spreads.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

Follow the PASS method to use a Fire Extinguisher:

1. Pull the pin. This will break the tamper seal if one is provided.
2. Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or the horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until the fire is out. Watch the area.

If the fire re-ignites, repeat the steps above until empty, or escape before you become trapped.

Back to Top

If a bomb threat is received:

• Stay calm.
• If your phone has Caller ID, record the number displayed.
• Gain the attention of someone else close-by, point to this information, and have that person call “0 ” from any campus phone or 740-587-6777 from any other phone. This call should be made out of hearing range from the caller.
• Attempt to keep the caller on the phone long enough to complete the Bomb Threat Check below.
• Ask all Bomb Threat Checklist questions, trying to get the caller to provide as much information as possible.
• Work with arriving emergency personnel to assist them in evaluating the situation.
• Assist emergency responders with a search of the area if requested.
• Provide for an orderly evacuation only when ordered by emergency personnel.

Bomb Threat Checklist

If you receive a bomb threat call, it is very important for you to attempt to ask the caller to as many of the following questions as possible.

Write down:

• Exact time of the call
• Exact words of caller

Questions to ask the caller:

1. Where is the bomb?
2. When is bomb going to explode?
3. What does it look like?
4. What kind of bomb is it?
5. What will cause it to explode?
6. Did you place the bomb?
7. Why?
8. Where are you calling from?
9. What is your address?
10. What is your name?

Other Notable Information:

• Describe the caller’s voice:
  • Calm
  • Normal
  • Rapid
  • Excited
  • Disguised
  • Nasal
  • Angry
  • Broken
  • Stutter
  • Slow
  • Sincere
  • Lisp
  • Giggling
  • Deep
  • Crying
  • Squeaky
  • Stressed
  • Accent
  • Loud
  • Slurred
• If voice is familiar, whom did it sound like?
• Were there any background noises?
• Who was the person who received the call?
• Phone number call was received at?

Report the call immediately to 9-911 from a campus phone, or 911 from any other phone.

Back to Top

It is incredibly important during a medial emergency to stay calm and to seek help immediately. Never attempt to move somebody who is injured, nor try any medical procedures you are not trained to do, unless the victim is in an immediately life-threatening situation.

During a medical emergency: Call “0 ” from any campus phone or 740-587-6777 from any other phone.

Emergency First-Aid Guide

Back to Top

Medical Assistance

Call Whisler Hall Health Center: 6200 or Emergency: 6777

The nurse at Whisler Hall Health Center or the Emergency operator is trained to provide guidance as to how serious the situation is and the best means of transportation to the Health Center. The nurse will know if an Emergency responders will be needed, or if Campus Security should transport you to the Health Center.

The head residents are trained in minor first-aid and also have first-aid kits available as necessary.

Hours of Operation

During the Fall and Spring semesters, the Health Center is open 24 hours a day.

During college holidays and summer, the Health Center is closed.

Back to Top

You can now use our Anonymous Tips form to confidentially and anonymously report a crime or suspicious activity.

Witnessing a Crime

• If you witness or become the victim of a crime, call “0 ” or 6777 from a campus phone, or 740-587-6777 from any other phone to report the incident to University Security.
• Do not block their avenue of escape. If you observe a perpetrator commit a crime, do not attempt to stop them. Instead, get a good description of the perpetrator, note their direction of travel, and obtain vehicle information if pertinent.
• Do not follow the perpetrator. Let the perpetrator leave the scene. If followed, the perpetrator may panic and cause you harm.

Personal Safety Tips

• Do not let people into a locked building or office unless you work with them or they have been properly identified. If the person gives you any problems, call Campus Security.
• In the event that a suspicious person is seen roaming around, or suspicious calls are received, contact Campus Security immediately.
• Always keep the door to your room locked when you are working alone.
• Do not investigate a suspicious person or noise outside by yourself.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers with you.
• Never walk alone at night. Walk in an alert and confident manner, and actively pay attention to your surroundings.
• Choose the best lit, most traveled paths when walking.
• Take a self-defense course.

Resource Information:

• Emergency: 911 or “0”
• Emergency from a campus phone: “0 ” or 6777
• Security non-emergency: 6482
• Safe Rides/Escort: 6623

Back to Top

Civil disturbances are events or happenings in which you feel your general safety may be in question or rules and laws are possibly being broken. Civil disturbances can include: riots, demonstrations, threatening individuals or groups of people, and assemblies that have become significantly disruptive.

In the event of a civil disturbance:

1. Dial “0 ” from any campus phone or 740-587-6777 from a cell phone or other off-campus phone.
2. If the event is in its initial stage and has not reached a critical point, call Security, Safety, & Risk Management at 740-587-6482.
3. Provide the address, location, and all possible details to the dispatcher.
4. Do not provoke or become involved in the disturbance in any way.
5. Secure your work area. Log off any computers, secure sensitive files, and gather your belongings, as long as it is safe to do so at the moment.
6. If the disturbance is outside, stay away from doors and windows. Remain inside.

Back to Top

In the event of a power outage, many campus facilities are equipped with emergency generators to power critical operations. Most buildings are provided with emergency lighting to aid in the safe evacuation of the building until power can be restored.

To report a localized power outage, contact Facilities Services at 6264. After regular business hours, please contact the Office of Security, Safety, & Risk Management at 6482.

Power Outage Tips & Procedures

Be prepared:

• Keep a flashlight with spare batteries immediately accessible.
• Know how to locate the closest exit.

In the event of a large-scale power outage:

• Remain calm.
• Follow directions provided by Security, Safety, & Risk Management through the   established campus communications systems.
• If building evacuation becomes necessary, seek out persons with special needs and provide assistance if possible. If additional assistance is necessary, contact Security, Safety, & Risk Management at 6777 from a campus phone or 740-587-6777 from off-campus or a cell phone.
• Secure all vital equipment, records, experiments, and hazardous materials if safe to do so. Store all chemicals in their original or marked containers and fully open all fume hoods. If this is not possible, or natural ventilation is not adequate, evacuate the area until power is restored.
• Do not light candles or other types of flames for lighting.
• Unplug electrical equipment, such as computers, and turn off all light switches.

If people are trapped in an elevator:

• If you are able to communicate with them, let the passengers know help has been summoned.
• Call “0 ” from any campus phone or 740-587-6777 from a cell phone or off-campus phone.
• Provide specific location information and number of individuals involved to the dispatcher.
• Stay near the passengers if safe to do so, until emergency responders are on site and the elevator is identified.

Back to Top

This guide is to help you should you encounter a hostile individual, hostile intruder, or a hostile weapon-weilding individual. Always attempt to stay as far from a hostile individual as possible.

Please keep in mind, this guide cannot cover every possible situation that may occur.

Warning Signs

If you have contact with any individuals who display the following tendencies, you should contact Campus Security or Counseling in a timely manner:

• Threatens harm or talks about killing themselves, or other students, faculty or staff.
• Becomes frustrated easily and converts frustration into uncontrollable physical violence and constantly starts or participates in fights.
• Loses temper and self-control easily.
• Assaults others constantly to include immediate family members.
• Possesses weapons (firearms or edged weapons) or has a preoccupation with them.

Hostile Intruder / Active Shooter Safety Plan

If you believe there is an active shooter in a building:

• Lock yourself in the room you are in.
• Barricade yourself in the room with furniture or anything you can push against the door. Lock the window and close blinds or curtains.
• Stay away from windows.
• Turn all lights and audio equipment off.
• Try to stay calm and be as quiet as possible.
• If communication is available, call 911.
• Don’t stay in the open hall.
• Do not sound the fire alarm.

If you are caught in an open area such as a hallway or lounge area:

• You can try to hide, but make sure it is a well hidden space or you may be found as the intruder moves through the building looking for victims.
• If you think you can safely make it out of the building by running, then do so. If you decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Keep any objects you can between you and the hostile person(s) while in the building. Use trees, vehicles or any other object to block you from view as you run. When away from the immediate area of danger, summon help any way you can and warn others.
• If the person(s) is causing death or serious physical injury to others and you are unable to run or hide, you may choose to play dead if other victims are around you.
• The last option you have if caught in an open area in the dorm, may be to fight back. This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.
• If you are caught by the intruder and are not going to fight back, follow their directions and don’t look the intruder in the eyes.
• Once the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve your being handcuffed or made to put your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons and once circumstances are evaluated by the police, they will give you further directions to follow.

Back to Top

This guide is aimed to provide emergency information on how to deal with an individual threatening suicide or otherwise psychologically unstable persons that may be danger to themselves or others. If it appears an individual may cause harm, call “0 ” immediately from any campus phone or 740-587-6777 from any other phone.

Available Resources for students, faculty and staff:

• Health & Counseling Center call 6647 on campus, off campus or from cell phone call 740-587-6647
  Provides confidential services to students by psychologists, counselors and professional staff.
• Employee Assistance Plan; call the Human Resource Office, 6299
  Provides mental health counseling to employees participating in the Cigna Health Plan.

Back to Top

If you receive or discover a suspicious package or device:

• Do not touch it, tamper with it, or move it!
• Immediately call “0 ” from a campus phone or 740-587-6777 from any other phone.
• Do not use a cell phone within 300 feet of the suspicious package.

What constitutes a suspicious letter or parcel?

Some typical characteristics which ought to trigger suspicion include letters or parcels that:

• Has any powdery substance on the outside.
• Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
• Have excessive postage, handwritten or poorly typed address, incorrect titles or titles with no name, or misspellings of common words.
• Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.
• Have no return address or have one that can’t be verified as legitimate.
• Are of unusual weight, given their size, or are lop-sided or oddly shaped.
• Have an unusual amount of tape.
• Are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or “Confidential”.
• Have strange odors or stains.

What to do if you receive a suspicious package or parcel:

• Handle with care. Do not shake or bump it with anything.
• Isolate it immediately as far from you as possible.
• Do not open it, smell it, touch it, or taste it.
• Treat it as suspect: contact Campus Security immediately.

Back to Top

If you detect natural gas, fumes or vapors:

1. Call “0 ” from any campus phone or 911 from a cell phone or from off campus to report the situation.
2. Clear the area immediately if instructed to do so by the emergency dispatcher, providing assistance to those with special needs.
3. Provide your location and the location of the odor to the dispatcher.
4. Provide as many details as possible to the dispatcher.

If a building or area evacuation is ordered by emergency responders:

• Leave all ventilation systems operating unless instructed otherwise by emergency responders.
• Leave the area immediately, avoiding the use of elevators unless necessary.
• Identify those persons with special needs, and provide assistance if possible. Otherwise, provide their location to emergency responders.
• Report to your department’s designated gathering point to be accounted for.

Back to Top

This guide is to help you respond and stay safe should you become involved with or observe a hazardous material incident or release — whether biological, chemical, radiological, fuel, or an oil spill.

If you are involved in an incident in which assistance is needed:

1. If the incident occurs indoors, close all doors in order to isolate the area if it is safe to do so.
2. From a safe area, call “0 ” from a campus phone or 740-587-6777 from any other phone. Be prepared to provide the following information regarding the spill or release:
   • Name of the material
   • Quantity of material
   • Time of the incident
   • Location of the incident
   • If anyone is injured or exposed to the material
   • If a fire or explosion is involved
   • Your name, phone number, and location.
3. Follow instructions provided by the emergency responders.
4. Arrange for someone to meet the emergency responders.
5. Evacuate, if necessary. Remain in a safe designated area until released by emergency responders.
6. Present the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of involved substances to emergency responders if this information is available.
7. Do not attempt to clean up a spill or release unless you are trained to do so and have the proper equipment.

If you are notified of a hazardous materials incident:

1. Clear the area immediately if instructed to do so by the emergency providers, providing assistance to those with special needs.
2. When evacuating, move cross-wind, or never directly with or against the wind.

If you observe what you believe to be an unauthorized release of any pollutants to the environment, Security, Safety, & Risk Management immediately at 740-587-6482.

Back to Top

In the case of imminent or flash flooding

Flooding can occur for many reasons, including major rainstorms, water main breaks, or loss of power to sump pumps.

If you can do so safely:

1. Secure vital equipment, records, and hazardous materials by moving to higher, safer ground.
2. Shut off all non-essential electrical equipment.
3. Move all personnel to a safe area, away from the building in danger.
4. Locate those persons with special needs, and provide assistance if possible. Otherwise, provide their location to emergency responders.
5. Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by Security, Safety, & Risk Management or Facilities Services.
6. Wait for instructions from Security, Safety, & Risk Management or Facilities Services

After a flood:

Call Environmental Health & Safety for assistance with flood clean-up efforts.

Back to Top