FAU survival guide

September 26, 2011

Catastrophes happen, but FAU has a safety committee whose job is to create a “Crisis Action Guide” so students, faculty and staff know how to respond to the unexpected. Here are some of the things the guide covers.

Hostile intruder on campus

Run away as fast as you can from the threat.

Call campus police.

Don’t run in a straight line.

Keep behind vehicles, bushes, trees or anything that could possibly block your view from the hostile person(s) while you are running.

If you decide to hide, take into consideration the area in where you are hiding. Will I be found here? Is this really a good spot to remain hidden?

Turn your phone to vibrate.

If the intruder is on a mass killing spree and you can’t run or hide, play dead if other victims are around you. Your last option, if you are caught in an open area, may be to fight back. If you are caught and decide not to fight, don’t look the person in the eyes, obey all commands and be submissive.

When the police arrive, follow instructions. You may be handcuffed for safety precautions.

Intruder in the dorms

If you’re in your room, lock it and call police. Barricade yourself in by pushing desks, couches, beds and anything you can against the door. Stay away from the window and turn off all lights, and anything that will make a sound. It’s important not to set off any fire alarms because it will make students evacuate, possibly putting them in danger.

For more information on the “Crisis Action Guide,” go to: www.fau.edu/admin/cag2011

Bomb Threats

There are two types of callers who make bomb threats:

1. A hoax caller wants to cause chaos and disrupt the area where the explosive is supposedly placed.

2. A credible caller knows or believes that there is a bomb and tries to warn an official so that there is minimal personal injury or property damage.

Types of bomb threats:

Phone

Suspicious package, letter, etc.

Official bomb and incendiary device expert

If someone ever calls you about a bomb threat, don’t hang up. If possible, transfer the call to campus police, but if you can’t, stay on the phone for as long possible to get as much information as you can before the caller hangs up.

Ask questions like:

When will it (they) explode?

Where is it (are they) located?

What does it (do they) look like?

What kind of bomb(s) are they?

Who is (are) the target(s)?

Who is the caller and how can he or she be reached?

Why was it (were they) placed?

For more information, go to: www.fau.edu/admin/cag2011/BOMB%20THREATS%202011.pdf

Important numbers to have

Toll-free hotline: 1-888-FAUOWL (832-8695)

Boca University Police: 561-297-3500