Emergency Response
Blue Light Phone Emergency Systems
Blue light emergency phones are strategically placed across the UTulsa campus for rapid access to Campus Safety and Security from various points, including parking lots, walkways, roadways, outside classroom buildings, residence halls, and selected indoor areas. Marked with signs and distinctive blue lights, these phones ensure constant visibility, allowing Campus Safety and Security to promptly locate callers and dispatch officers as needed.
Fire
Understanding and practicing fire safety is the safest way to prevent loss of life and property. Fire is a major threat to a college student’s safety.
- Make sure a properly functioning smoke detector and / or sprinkler system is located within the residence or off-campus housing before moving in.
- Never disable a smoke alarm or any other fire protection equipment. If the smoke alarm is beeping due to low battery, contact your Resident Assistant or landlord; never leave it without batteries for an extended period.
- Regularly inspect your room and common areas for fire hazards. Also, inspect exit doors and windows and make sure you have a clear safe path.
- Take every alarm seriously. Always participate in fire drills. You should practice escape routes and be aware of evacuation plans.
- Be aware of your campus housing fire safety rules. There should never be any open flames, gas, or propane in a residence.
- Learn to use and maintain heating and cooking appliances properly, and never leave anything cooking unattended. Microwave fires are common in college dorms, so be sure to read all labels before placing anything in the microwave.
- Locate fire extinguishers in or near your dorm room. Seek permission from UTulsa Housing before using extra electrical devices in the dorm room.
- Understand how to properly notify the Tulsa Fire Department at 911.
Unified Efforts for Campus Fire Safety: Partnerships and Protocols
The City of Tulsa Fire Marshall is actively involved in the plan, review and inspection process of every new and remodeled project located on the UTulsa campus. Staff from the Physical Plant cooperate with Tulsa’s Fire Marshall on a routine basis to conduct inspections of every existing facility on campus. Campus Security is committed to eliminating any potential fire hazards and ensuring the fire and life safety systems located in all campus buildings are functioning properly.
The Tulsa Fire Department is responsible for responding to any fires on campus and for determining their cause and origin.
If you are unsure of a safety issue call Campus Safety and Security immediately at 918-631-555
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Mandatory Fire Drills
Each year, the university Residence Life staff conducts mandatory fire drills and provides fire safety training to residents in an effort to familiarize the campus community with critical procedures.
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Evacuation Procedures in an Emergency
If the fire alarm sounds, all occupants in residence halls must meet at the emergency evacuation safe location designated by resident assistants. In the case of an actual fire or other life-threatening situation, residents will be moved to a designated area or shelter until they are notified that it is safe to return to the building.
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What to do in the event of an alarm
Move quickly to the exit in your area and remain calm. Proceed to the designated waiting area for additional instructions in an orderly fashion.
Wear appropriate clothing and carry a towel or blanket
in case of smoke. Don’t forget keys and your ID.
If not occupying your room when the alarm sounds, continue to the nearest exit without returning to your room.
Always use stairways. Never use elevators. -
Combustibles
The combustibles used in room decorating, including fabrics, cardboard and other materials, must be flame proof. Please purchase only UL- or FM-approved material that is labeled flame proof or flame retardant.
Active Shooter
The first few seconds are critical.
- Mass communication system is key, view our notification systems and resources.
- Must alert employees and customers
- Public address system, text alerts, or both are preferable
- Response strategy should be planned and practiced
Assess the Situation
- What is going on?
- Where is it happening?
- Who is doing it?
Respond: Run. Hide. Fight.
Response – Run
Run away to avoid the gunfire:
- Evacuate regardless of whether others follow
- Leave your belongings
- Help others escape, if possible
- Prevent individuals from entering the shooter’s area
Response – Hide
If you cannot run, hide.
- Stay out of shooter’s view
- Seek cover from gun shots
- Do not trap yourself or restrict movement
- Lock or block any doors
- Do not move. Be silent
- Turn off lights and any source of noise, including your cell phone
Response – Fight
As a last resort, fight for your life.
- Take aggressive action
- Disrupt or incapacitate
- Yell and scream
- Throw items and use improvised weapons such as a chair, stapler, mug, plaque, or heavy book
How to Respond When Police Arrive
Remember, the police will not know you when they arrive.
- Remain calm and do as you are told
- Do not point at them
- Put down items you are carrying
- Slowly raise your hands and spread your fingers
- Avoid sudden movements, yelling, or screaming
- You may be handcuffed or pushed to the ground for safety
It will be hard to focus when such an incident has occurred. However, common sense will help in the long run.
Contact Campus Safety and Security 918-631-5555
Dated: June 28, 2022
Prepared by:
Department of Campus Safety & Security
The University of Tulsa
Explosions
Explosive devices can be carried in a vehicle or by a person, delivered in a package or concealed on the roadside.
Locating a Possible Explosive Device
- Do not move or touch suspicious packages.
- Immediately remove yourself from the room of a suspicious package.
- Do not use a cell phone near or around a suspicious package.
- Immediately notify Campus Safety and Security by other means than a cell phone at 918-631-5555.
During or Immediately After an Explosion
- Always follow the instructions of local officials and Campus Safety and Security officers. Emergency services may not be on scene right away.
- Remain calm. If things are falling around you, get under a sturdy table or desk.
- If it is safe to do so, leave the area as quickly as possible. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls.
- Once you evacuate to safety, let your family emergency contact know you are safe by texting or messaging them on social media.
If You are Inside, and Able to Evacuate
- Check for fire and other hazards. Stay low if there is smoke.
- Do not use elevators. Avoid floors and stairways that are obviously weakened.
If You are Outside
- Continue moving away from the area to safety.
- You may be the help until help arrives. If it is safe to do so, help people get to safety.
- If you know where people are trapped, do not attempt to rescue them as moving debris could cause further harm. Once First Responders are on scene, immediately notify them.
If You are Trapped Under Debris
- Use a flashlight, whistle, or tap on pipes to signal your location to rescuers. Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dust.
- Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand.
During the incident, stay informed and listen to reports generated by UTulsa and local officials. Look for messaging and learn more about notifications and resources available.
If you are unsure of a safety issue call Campus Safety and Security immediately at 918-631-5555.
Discover how we prepare for and respond to natural disasters and security incidents with effective plans and resources, prioritizing safety across our campus.