Emergency Response Guide

RUN — Evacuate

HIDE — Shelter in place

FIGHT — Self defense

Building Evacuation

• Leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same unless directed by emergency personnel to another exit.
• DO NOT use elevators unless authorized to do so by police, fire, or other emergency personnel.
• Once outside proceed to a clear area that is at least 150 feet away from the building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
• Do not return to an evacuated building until you are informed by emergency personnel or Stout police that you may enter the building. When an alarm quits sounding it does not mean it is safe to re-enter.
• Wait until informed it is safe to re-enter.

Evacuation Procedures for Individuals with Disabilities 

• Persons who cannot leave a building on their own should ask for assistance. Do not assume that someone will voluntarily help you. The person needing help must be specific in asking for assistance.
• Disabled persons who do not have arranged evacuation assistance must report to the nearest stairwell and ask an evacuee to immediately notify rescue personnel of his/her location. 
• Note: Caution should be taken to not block the exit. It should also be noted that the initial focus of the fire department is to respond to the fire location. They will “only” check stairwells if they believe a danger exists.

You may be told to “shelter- in- place.” This means selecting a small interior room with no or few windows and taking refuge there.

Monitor television, radio, and other forms of communication for information regarding the threat/ emergency and follow official emergency response directions.

Intentionally providing false information about bombs and the illegal use of explosives are felonies that could result in substantial fines and/or prison sentences. 

Notify the University Police immediately by calling (715) 232-2222 or 911.

Bomb threats usually come by telephone. If you receive a bomb threat call, remain calm and obtain as much information as possible from the caller:

• When will the bomb explode?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will cause it to explode?
• Where is it right now?
• What does it look like?
• Did you place the bomb?
• Who placed the bomb?
• Why did you place the bomb?
• How many bombs are there?
• What is your address?
• What is your name?

Notify the University Police immediately by calling (715) 232-2222 or 911 to give the information you have obtained. 

• Describe the caller’s voice, any background noises you heard, and the exact wording of the message. 
• Do not touch suspicious packages. Be sure to inform Public Safety of any suspicious packages, items or people in the area. 
• Follow instructions from first responders in regards to evacuation assembly areas.

Bomb Threat printable reference card

WHAT? 

Any suspected abuse (physical, sexual, emotional abuse or the manufacture of methamphetamine) or neglect of any person under 18 years of age must be reported to UW-Stout Police, local law enforcement or a county social services agency. 

HOW? 

Contact UW-Stout Police, local law enforcement or a county social services agency:

• Emergency: 911 on or off campus
• UW-Stout Police: 715-232-2222
• Dunn County Human Services 715-232-1116 or if after normal business hours, 715-232-1348.
• Menomonie Police Department 715-232-1283 

WHEN?

Immediately.

• Do not delay making a report in order to gather evidence; the agency to whom you make the report will determine whether such an investigation is warranted.
• t is acceptable to quickly collect additional information that is readily available (such as talking to coworkers who also interact with that child) or to verify that the information learned meets criteria for reporting, but this must be done very promptly.
• It is better to report without all relevant information than to delay a report to collect information.

WHAT MORE SHOULD I KNOW? 

You're protected from liability if you make a report in good faith. You are not responsible to investigate or verify.

Reporting a Crime

All crimes should be reported to the UW-Stout Campus Police Department at (715) 232-2222. Public Safety personnel will respond and will call local police for assistance if necessary. If you witness a crime in progress call Campus Police immediately. Give your name, location, and phone number. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so. Remain at the location until an officer contacts you unless it is not safe to do so.

• Anonymous Reporting: Available through Dunn County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-3866
• Text-to-Tip: Text “TIPDUNN” plus your message to 27463

If you become trapped in an elevator, the following actions should be taken:

• DO NOT panic. Use the elevator phone or your cell phone to call for assistance.
• Press the ALARM or HELP button to notify others who may be nearby.
• DO NOT attempt to force the door open or attempt to climb out of the elevator car. The elevator may re-start without warning.
• Your best course of action is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for professional assistance. Even if the air temperature feels warm, there is plenty of air circulating in the elevator and throughout the shaft.
• Provide the following information to Public Safety:  Your name, total number of people in the elevator, report any injuries, medical conditions, or disabilities.
• Public Safety will contact Facilities Management and/or the fire department to get you out.

Building Evacuation

• Leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same unless directed by emergency personnel to another exit.
• DO NOT use elevators unless authorized to do so by police, fire, or other emergency personnel.
• Once outside proceed to a clear area that is at least 150 feet away from the building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
• Do not return to an evacuated building until you are informed by emergency personnel or Stout police that you may enter the building. When an alarm quits sounding it does not mean it is ok to re-enter. Wait until informed it is ok to re-enter.

Evacuation Procedures for Individuals with Disabilities

• Persons who cannot leave a building on their own should ask for assistance. Do not assume that someone will voluntarily help you. The person needing help must be specific in asking for assistance.
• Disabled persons who do not have arranged evacuation assistance must report to the nearest stairwell and ask an evacuee to immediately notify rescue personnel of his/her location. Note: Caution should be taken to not block the exit. It should also be noted that the initial focus of the fire department is to respond to the fire location. They will only check stairwells if they believe a danger exists.
• Visually impaired may need to be guided to the nearest safe exit or location.
• Hearing impaired may need the nature of the emergency written.

Become familiar with buildings that you frequent during non-emergency times so you know where to evacuate if necessary.

You may be told to "shelter-in-place." This means selecting a small interior room with no or few windows, and taking refuge there.

Monitor television, radio, and other forms of communication for information regarding the threat/emergency and follow official emergency response directions.

Report an explosion by calling 911 immediately!

If necessary, or when directed to do so, activate the building fire alarm system to evacuate the building.

CAUTION: The building fire alarms rings inside the building, but the alarm system does not automatically notify an emergency dispatchers. Someone must report the emergency via telephone (911).

• When the building evacuation fire alarm is sounded, an emergency exists. All rooms must be evacuated. Closing doors will help contain a fire. If possible, leave lights on.
• Do not use elevators.
• Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
• Stay below the smoke at all times.
• Assist the disabled to an enclosed stairwell and notify emergency personnel of their location.
• If you are trapped under debris, remain calm and minimize your movements so that you do not kick up dust.
• Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

• Activate the nearest fire alarm to warn other occupants of the building to evacuate.
• Evacuate the building.
• Once out, call the Menomonie Fire Department Emergency Dispatcher immediately at 911. The person calling 911 should remain in the vicinity outside the building to provide Menomonie Fire Department with information upon request.
• CAUTION - The building fire alarm will sound in the building but it does not automatically notify emergency personnel. Someone must report the alarm via telephone 911. Do not assume someone else is making this call! Please make the call yourself.
• When the building fire alarm is sounded, an emergency exists. All rooms must be evacuated. Leave the lights on. Close the doors.
• Assist the disabled to the nearest stairwell in the building. Have them wait on the landing. Stairwells are constructed to provide a higher degree of protection. Immediately notify the police or fire department if a disabled individual is waiting on a stairwell landing.
• Do not return to an evacuated building until you are informed by emergency personnel or Stout police that you may enter the building. When an alarm quits sounding it does not mean it is ok to re-enter. Wait until informed it is ok to re-enter.

NOTE: If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for rescue personnel. If there isn’t a window stay near the floor, the air is less toxic. Seal up cracks around the door using pieces of clothing. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency personnel of your location.

Please visit these sites for additional information:

• UW-Stout Disaster Recovery Plan site
• Safety Tips

Penalties for interfering With Fire Fighters

Interfering with fire fighting is punishable by a fine and/or prison sentence. Included in this category of violation are:

• Interfering with proper functioning of fire alarm system,
• Interfering with the efforts of fire fighters to extinguish a fire, and
• Tampering with, or removing fire-fighting equipment including fire extinguishers and fire hoses.

Arson

Intentionally setting a fire the damages property is a felony that could result in a prison sentence — no matter how small the fire is.

Any major spill of a hazardous substance must be reported immediately, first to the Menomonie Fire Department (911) and then to the Department of Safety and Risk Management Services (715) 232-2188 or (715) 232-1793. Personnel on site should be evacuated from the affected area at once. Seal off the contaminated area to prevent further contamination until the arrival of trained responders. Persons who may be contaminated by a spill/release are to:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Avoid contact with others
• Alert responders/emergency personnel of injury
• If safe to do so, assist in the evacuation of persons with disabilities

Call 911 immediately for assistance on large spills. Large spills are considered to be any spill that you do not have the knowledge on how to clean up.

NEVER HESITATE TO CALL.
IF AMBULANCE ARRIVES, BUT DOES NOT TRANSPORT, THERE IS NO CHARGE TO THE PATIENT.

• Report any serious injury or illness by calling 911 immediately! Be prepared to provide the following information to the dispatcher:
  • Current location 
  • Nature of injury 
• If safe to do so, wait with the individual until help arrives, try to keep the individual still.
• Non-emergency injuries or illness should be reported to University Police (715) 232-2222.
• Begin first aid, if qualified, or seek someone who can. University Police Officers (715) 232-2222 and/or trained personnel (Ambulance, Menomonie Fire Department, Menomonie Police Officers, etc.) will respond shortly; however, do not wait to start necessary first aid treatment you're qualified to offer.
• Community Health Problem Response will be coordinated by the University Health Services (715) 232-1314. Personal safety is your first priority. Use protective equipment when in contact with the victim's blood or any other bodily fluids.

Exposure Control Plan: Immediate treatment for an individual exposed to blood and/or body fluids is to thoroughly wash the exposed area with non- abrasive antibacterial soap and running water. Students should be sent to the Student Health Center, (103 1st Avenue West) or to the emergency room at Mayo Clinic Health System (2321 Stout Road). Employees should be referred to the emergency room at the Mayo Clinic Health System (2321 Stout Road) for treatment after performing the above initial treatment.

Communicable Disease Protocol: If you believe a student has contracted a contagious disease that may pose a health risk to others, notify the Student Health Center (715) 232-1314. Refer the student to the Health Center (103 1st Avenue West) for treatment or further referral. If the Student Health Center is closed, students will be sent to the emergency room at Mayo Clinic Menomonie (2321 Stout Road), and the Student Health Center director on campus will then be notified.

If you are in contact with a student who appears to be an immediate threat to his or her own safety or that of others, call Campus Police at (715) 232-2222.

Quick Reference for Helping Students having difficulties.

Recognize Symptoms

• Talk of suicide or harming self. 
• Significant change in academic performance or classroom conduct 
• Unusual behavior or appearance
• Traumatic event or change in relationships
• Reference to suicide, homicide, or death Respond to the Student
• Speak privately with student
• Directly and candidly discuss your observations and concerns
• Offer support and assistance 

Refer to a Mental Health Professional at the Counseling Center

• Be caring, firm, and straight-forward in your referral.
• Consider calling from your office or escorting student to the Counseling Center.

Consult with On-Campus Resources – Discuss your concerns about a student with any of the following on-campus resources.

• University Counseling Center – (715) 232-2468
• Student Health Center – (715)232-1314

How to identify a suspicious letter or package:

• Use reasonable judgment
• No return address label
• Insufficient postage
• Return address and postmark were not from the same area
• Grease- stained or discolored paper
• Strange odors
• Foreign mail, airmail, or special delivery
• Restrictive markings, such as confidential, personal, etc.
• Excessive postage
• Hand-written or poorly typed addresses
• Incorrect titles
• Titles but no names
• Misspellings of common words
• Excessive weight
• Rigid envelope
• Lopsided or uneven envelope
• Protruding wires tinfoil
• Excessive securing material such as masking tape, string, etc.
• Visual distractions

Call UW-Stout Police at (715) 232-2222 for assistance.

If you see something, say something.

UW-Stout will take actions necessary based on current threat levels and recommendations by federal, state, and local agencies in implementing measures to respond to threat levels or other actions that may affect the UW-Stout community.

NTAS Alerts

Imminent Threat Alert 

• Warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States. 

Elevated Threat Alert 

• Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States. 
• Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States. 

NTAS Alerts will only be issued when credible information is available. 

Suspicious Activity

If you observe a crime in progress or behavior that is suspicious:

• Do not approach or try to apprehend person(s) involved.
• Call University Police (715) 232-2222, or 911.

Provide the following information:

• What the person is doing that makes them suspicious
• Location
• Physical and clothing description
• Any tools or weapons used
• Vehicle description and license plate
• Direction of travel when last seen
• Stay on the phone until instructed otherwise

• A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in the area.
• A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted, or indicated by weather radar, in the area.
• Monitor local TV stations, NOVA Alert and weather websites for severe weather updates.
• Be prepared to take shelter on the lowest level of your building or residence hall if a tornado warning is issued.
• Do not pull the fire alarm to alert others of a tornado warning.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Move to an interior hallway for shelter.
• Wait for the warning time to expire prior to returning to your work area, classroom, or living area.
• If outdoors, lie in a ditch, low-lying area, or crouch near a building if shelter is not available or if there is no time to get indoors.

All utility failures must be reported to the Physical Plant Department as soon as possible during normal working hours (7:30-4:30 Monday-Friday): please call (715) 232-2200. Utility failures include electrical power outages, disrupted cable service, interrupted telephone service, unavailable water or heat. In the event of a major utility failure, follow these guidelines: 

• If utility failure occurs after-hours, weekends, or holidays, notify the UW-Stout Police at (715) 232-2222.
• If there is potential danger to building(s) and/or its occupants, call 911 immediately.
• If telephone service is not available, go to the UW-Stout Police Office (not a 24/7 department) or Menomonie Police Department and request they contact Physical Plant.

Excel Energy can also be contacted to help shut down natural gas or electricity services. They can be reached by calling 1-800-895-1999. To follow-up with Excel Energy to check the status of your call they can be reached by calling 1-800-717-7300. Gas leaks are very serious and pose a potential danger for all in the area. 

In the event of a gas leak, follow all these guidelines:

• DO NOT turn on lights or turn on/off any electrical appliances.
• DO NOT use any electrical devices such as flashlights, radios, or telephones. They can cause electrical sparks that could ignite the gas fumes.
• DO NOT use the fire alarm.
• DO NOT use elevators for evacuation.
• DO NOT smoke in the area.
• Leave the area immediately, leaving doors and windows open.
• Call 911 immediately. GO TO AN UNAFFECTED AREA and notify UW-Stout Police (715) 232-2222.
• Inform others not to enter the affected area.
• If safe to do so, assist in the evacuation of persons with disabilities.

Actions to Take:

• All violent/criminal behavior should be reported by calling 911 immediately.
• To report threats and other crime reports notify the University Police Officers at (715) 232-2222.
• Practice crime prevention and learn self-defense techniques. If you do, the likelihood of being involved as a victim of violent or criminal behavior will be greatly reduced. Don't just leave the job of preventing crime to others; you can be your own best security.

Preventive Measures:

• Protect yourself! Be aware of your surroundings. Walk in well-lit areas, and do not walk alone. Consider carrying pepper spray for self-protection or carry a personal security alarm to alert others if you have trouble. Learn self-defense techniques.
• Lock your doors.
• Keep inventory of your valuables and engrave them.
• Register your bike with UW-Stout Police Department and use a good lock to protect your bicycle.
• Lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables inside of it in plain sight.

UW-Stout University implements the following procedures for announcing operational changes during periods of inclement winter weather:

• The decision to delay or close the University due to inclement weather is made by the Chancellor in consultation with UW System Administration.
• Closings and delays are announced on the UW-Stout website, its official Facebook page, its two twitter feeds as well as media in the Chippewa Valley and the Twin Cities.
• Do not come to campus when a weather-related closing is announced. 

Employee access to inner-campus is typically limited to emergency vehicles and snow removal personnel. If a weather closing is possible, take any needed items from campus in advance as you may not be permitted to enter until snow removal is complete.