Campus Emergency Guide

The Y-Alert emergency notification system is designed to provide information, instructions, and updates in the event of an emergency. The system uses text-messaging, email, and the BYU app to contact people. It is important for students and employees to ensure their information is updated. You can update your information through the link on our Y-Alert page.

Y-Alert

BYU Police will use the following systems to make general emergency notifications:

• Text message to subscribing cell phones.

• Email general announcements.
• Notification from the BYU app. (Select Allow Notifications for the BYU app in your phone's settings in order to receive Y-Alerts)

In addition to Y-Alert, emergency warnings and notifications will be sent out using radio, television, and public announcements.

Emergency Management Twitter
https://twitter.com/ByuEmergency

Emergency Management Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/byuemergency/

Twitter
https://twitter.com/BYU

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/BYU

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/brighamyounguniversity/

Suspected Gas Leak?

Do not turn lights or electrical equipment on or off. Leave the area and contact 911.

Power Outage

Contact the BYU Electric Shop at (801)-422-5533. Shelter in place. Evacuate only if necessary using a flashlight or glowsticks.

Flooding, Plumbing, or HVAC

Contact Physical Facilities at (801) 422-5531

Need a Clean-Up?

Contact Building Care at (801) 422-5522

Locked Out?

Contact Access Services at (801) 422-5521

After hours, contact BYU Dispatch at (801) 422-2222.

Early defibrillation is a critical component in treating sudden cardiac arrest. An automatic External Defibrillator (also known as an AED) is a type of computerized medical device. When properly placed on a person's chest it can analyze the heart's rhythm and apply an electrical shock if needed.

For more information on campus AED locations, maintenance, or training, visit our page on AED information, call 801-422-0582, or email Emergency-Mgmt@byu.edu.

AEDs on campus can be found in the AED cabinets located in public areas like lobbies, entryways, and corridors. View exact locations through the AED Locator feature on the BYU app.

When told to evacuate, all building occupants must leave the building immediately.

• Shut down critical equipment if time permits. Never jeopardize your safety!
• Evacuate the building - walk, do not run, and do not use elevators!
• Proceed calmly to your designated Emergency Assembly Point (EAP).
• Do not re-enter the building unless cleared by BYU Police or Risk Management & Safety first.

There are many possible reasons to evacuate, including a fire, hazardous material spill, flooding, crime, bomb threat, or gas leak, so don't wait until you hear a fire alarm or smell smoke to evacuate. Follow directions given by Y-Alert notifications.

Evacuation chairs are strategically placed in university buildings to aid evacuation of individuals with mobility impairments. Evacuation chairs allow for people with permanent or temporary mobility limitations to be evacuated quickly during an emergency. Visit our Accessibility page for more information.

Weather emergencies or contaminants may make it temporarily unsafe to be outside. When it is necessary to seek shelter, move inside to a space that protects you from the danger. DO NOT lock doors behind you as others may also need to seek shelter.

• Remain calm and seek shelter inside the closest building. Do not wait until you see the danger before you react.

• Seek shelter in interior rooms and corridors.
• Close windows and exterior doors. Do not lock doors.
• Avoid windows, glass, and unsecured objects that may fall.
• Don't use elevators.
• Avoid large free-standing expanses such as auditoriums and gymnasiums.
• Resist the temptation to go outside and check the weather conditions yourself.
• Await further instructions from Y-Alert notifications and emergency personnel.
• Do not leave until an "all clear" is received.

Minor Injury or Illness:

1. If trained, treat a basic injury or illness with first aid.
2. If you are unsure of what to do, call BYU Police/BYU EMS at 801-422-0911.
3. Obtain necessary medical care.

Examples of a Minor Injury:

A cut where a Band-Aid or stitches are sufficient, a 1st or 2nd degree burn, a dislocated joint, a bump on the head, a sprain, a minor chemical burn, a minor fracture on fingers or toes, a needlestick, etc.

Major Injury or Illness:

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Be prepared to give dispatcher as much information as possible.
3. Put continuous pressure on any serious bleeding wounds.

Examples of a Major Injury:

A severe cut where tendons or ligaments are visible, 3rd degree burns, partial or full amputation of any body part, fracture of a major body part, a fall where the student/employee cannot get themselves up, severe shock, a chemical burn with secondary symptoms, etc.

For All BYU Employees:

1. Immediately report all incidents to your supervisor.
2. For any major injury and any type of fracture (including minor ones), after calling 911, immediately call Risk Management and Safety at 801-422-4468 to report the injury. Risk Management and Safety will determine if the injury meets OSHA reporting qualification and will notify OSHA if needed.
3. With your supervisor, complete the Supervisor's Report of Workers' Compensation Injury form found at risk.byu.edu.
4. Follow the treatment plan including work restrictions as prescribed by the treating physician.
5. Provide Risk Management and Safety with a copy of the work note given to you by the treating physician.

Indoor environmental quality concerns may include, but are not limited to, unpleasant or peculiar odors, mold growth, temperature complaints, or irritation not experienced prior to entering the building that results in coughing, excessive sneezing, burning, runny nose, eye, or respiratory irritation.

For extremely strong or acutely irritating odors that are causing symptoms such as burning, watering eyes, running nose, or coughing

Leave the area immediately and contact 911. Be prepared to provide your name and contact information, describe your symptoms and the situation.

For strange or unusual odors that are not extremely strong or acutely irritating

Contact the Risk Management & Safety Department at (801) 422-4468.

High Wind:

High wind can topple trees, outdoor equipment, and electrical lines, and can send debris flying.

• Seek shelter immediately.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls; do not open windows.
• Avoid buildings with wide span roofs.

Dressing for the Season:

• Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes in layers. Trapped air insulates.
• Outer layers should be tightly woven, water repellant, and hooded.
• Wear a hat - half of all body heat comes from the head.
• Cover your mouth to protect from extreme cold.
• Mittens that are snug at the wrist are better than gloves.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Try to stay dry.

Winter Storms:

When a severe storm occurs and impacts campus, the university will decide whether to cancel classes or whether personnel should leave work early. Personnel are notified through supervisory channels and Y-Alert notifications. Please follow directions provided.

• Stay inside.
• Use telephones only for life-threatening emergencies.
• Drink plenty of water and eat enough to maintain your energy levels.

Spring Flooding:

• Avoid flooded areas.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• Unplug appliances (do not touch wet electrical equipment).
• Never attempt to cross even shallow flooded areas on foot or in your vehicle.

Lightning Storms:

Shut down outdoor activities if lightning is less than six miles away. Use a "flash to bang" (lightning to thunder) approach to calculate lightning distance. A count of five seconds equals one mile in distance (10 sec. = 4 miles, 30 sec. = 6 miles, etc.). Or, visit our page on weather information.

• Stay or move indoors or inside a vehicle.
• If outside, stay low.
• Stay away from trees, flag poles, and metal fences.
• Avoid plumbing fixtures and appliances.
• Do not use phones or electronic equipment.

People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to assist. Call 911 and get emergency help immediately.

Part of keeping our campus and communities safe is being aware of our surroundings. This is especially important if an explosive device or suspicious package is found. Whether you have found a suspicious device/package or someone has informed you of one, please refer to the following instructions. Remember, if you see something, say something!

Bomb Threat

If a suspicious device is found:

• Remain calm.
• Do not touch or move the device.
• Notify authorities immediately.
• Follow instructions.
• Calmly evacuate the area.

Suspicious Package

The following list of questions will assist in determining if a package is suspicious. If the answer to any of the questions is "yes", call 911.

• Are there any leaks, stains, or strange odors?
• Are there protruding wires, strings, tape, or other items?
• Is there excessive postage?
• Is the package expected?
• Is the return address missing or suspicious?
• Is there any foreign writing, address, or postage?
• Are names and titles incorrect and/or spelled improperly?
• Did the package arrive non-traditionally or "just show up"?
• Are there any handwritten notes directing how or when the package should be opened?
• Does the package make you feel "uneasy" for some unknown reason?

Threat Assessment:

Any member of the campus community who observes signs of threat to public safety should contact 911. The following are examples of potentially reportable conduct. Anyone who is:

• Causing physical injury.
• Engaging in physical actions short of actual conduct, such as aggressively moving closer to a person, waving arms or fists, yelling in an aggressive manner, etc.
• Engaging in threats or threatening behavior either written or verbal which creates a reasonable fear of injury or subjects another individual to undue emotional stress.
• Possessing or brandishing a weapon.
• Threatening in a joking fashion.
• Engaging in hate speech or other derogatory speech.
• Damaging of threatening to damage property intentionally.
• Retaliating toward those who report such conduct to university officials.
• Stalking.

Campus Disturbance/Riot:

Avoid areas where disturbances are taking place. Do not become a "sightseer." Notify BYU Police by dialing 801-422-0911 and provide all information you have available. Follow the instructions of local/university authorities.

Active Shooter:

When an active shooter is in your vicinity you must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with the situation. You have three options. Choose which is right for you.

RUN

• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Leave belongings behind.
• Help others escape, if possible.
• Prevent others from entering area.
• Call 911 when safe.

HIDE

• Hide in an area out of the shooter's view.
• Lock and block doors.
• Silence your phone (including vibrate mode).
• Remain quiet.
• Text 911.

FIGHT

• Fighting may be your best option if you are in immediate danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with physical aggression.
• Improvise weapons and throw items.
• Commit to your actions.
• Yell and call for help.

DROP

Drop where you are, onto your hands and knees. This protects you from being knocked down, and allows you to crawl to nearby shelter.

COVER

Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. Crawl underneath a sturdy desk or table. If there is no shelter, stay next to an interior wall, away from windows.

HOLD ON

Hold on until shaking stops. If under shelter, hold on with one hand, move with your shelter if it shifts. If there's no shelter, hold onto your neck and head with both arms and hands.

During an Earthquake:

• Do NOT run outside during the shaking or use the elevators.
• Move to a safe place.
• If in a vehicle, pull over and stop.
• If indoors, get under a sturdy table or desk or crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Do not get in a doorway! Find a table to hide under.
• Do not run outdoors. Find shelter.
• Stay away from windows.
• If outdoors, stay outdoors. Go to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
• Seek safety where you are.
• Be prepared for electrical outages, sprinkler systems turning on, or fire alarms sounding.

After an Earthquake:

• Check for injuries.
• Do not moved seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
• Do not turn light switches on or off, as they may spark and create a fire hazard.
• Do not use any type of open flame.
• Call 911 to report fires, chemical spills, and gas leaks.