Precautionary Tips for Faculty and Staff

• It is everyone’s job to keep the University safe — be aware and alert.
• Watch for and report unusual circumstances or behaviors such as:
  • People who appear out of place or “casing the area.”
  • People who seem unusually distracted, have a dazed appearance, are openly agitated, nervous or hostile.
  • Packages, backpacks, etc. that seem to have been abandoned or are noticeably out of place.
  • Vehicles that are parked in restricted or unusual areas or appear to have been abandoned.
• If you notice an individual who seems suspicious:
  • Get a good mental picture of the subject or, if possible, write down a description.
  • Remain calm and try not to agitate the individual.
  • Observe any suspicious packages or bags the person may be carrying.
  • Try to engage in small talk to ease the tension.

• Do not handle any suspicious packages or items left in your area.
• Create a special code word for your office that lets people know the police should be called.
• If receiving a phone call, try to get as much information as possible (especially if a threat is involved).
• When in doubt on how to handle a suspicious incident, call Public Safety at 660-665-5621.
• Report as much information as you can to the police. They need to know all you can tell them in order to determine the best course of action.
• Try to remember not to jump to conclusions based on media events, ethnicity, speech, manner of dress, etc.
• Know the location of the emergency exits in your building.
• Have a plan in place for contacting your family if an emergency occurs while you’re on campus.

General Tips for Emergencies

• In the event of a campus emergency, remain calm. Use common sense and assist others as necessary without endangering yourself.
• Evacuate buildings immediately if requested by authorities, upon hearing an alarm or when you sense that remaining inside may be dangerous.
• In emergencies, do not use the University telephone system except to report the emergency situation.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not risk your life or the lives of others by reentering a building to save personal or University property.
• Do not cross Police barriers without permission.
• Do not exceed your training or knowledge in attempting to provide first aid.
• Use your cellular phone as the University phone services may be down or overloaded.
• Contact a family member or a friend to let them know you’re safe once you have reached a secure location.
• If an emergency occurs while you are off campus, please do not drive to campus unless advised to do so.
• Go to the trualert.truman.edu website for current information regarding this emergency.