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Emergencies On Campus - Columbus State University

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University Police

Emergencies On Campus

In order to ensure timely warning to the university community, faculty, staff and students are strongly encouraged to report unsafe, suspicious or criminal activity immediately to University Police at 706-507-8911. You can report this information either by phone or in person at the department's offices in the Health and Safety Center. Security issues and emergencies should be reported to allow police to coordinate the proper response. Emergency (blue light) phones are located strategically around campus and in parking lots as an additional means of communication. These emergency phones ring directly into CSU Police office and can be used for emergencies as well as requests for services provided by the department.

Infectious Disease Response Plan (PDF)

This video presentation created by the CSU Campus Police describes how to respond to an active shooter on campus.

Emergency Types

For any life-threatening emergency or to report criminal activity, call University Police immediately at 706-507-8911.

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

  • When will the bomb explode?
  • What kind of bomb is it? What will cause it to explode?
  • Why did you select this place for it?
  • What does it look like?
  • Did you place the bomb? Who did? Why?
  • Where is it right now?
  • What is your address? Your name?

Call University Police immediately at 706-507-8911 to give them the information, describing the caller's voice, any background noises and the exact wording of the message.

Notify an official of the building you are in.

Don't touch suspicious packages. Inform authorities and let the experts decide what to do.

Don't try to clean up a chemical spill unless you know the chemical(s) involved, the needed protective environment and materials and how to proceed without endangering yourself or others.

If a spill occurs:

  • Give first aid and then phone for medical help for injured persons.
  • Confine the spill by spreading absorbent material around the spill area.
  • If flammable liquids are spilled, extinguish all sources of ignition (such as Bunsen burners) and do not turn on any electrical switches (such as lights) or equipment.
  • Call Environment Safety Services at 706-507-8213 and University Police at
    706-507-8911 to report the problem.

Prevention is the best approach to fire.

  • Know where fire alarms and portable extinguishers are located.
  • Know what immediate hazards might cause a fire or become dangerous in a fire (e.g., blocked corridors, chemical storage, propped-open smoke and stairway doors).
  • Know who to call and keep the number near the phone.
  • Know where exits are located.

In the event of fire:

  • Pull the fire alarm if one is available and start an orderly evacuation (even for small fires, a closed room can reach 1500 degrees within three minutes).
  • From a safe location call CSU Police at 706-507-8911.
  • If you are trained in the use of portable extinguishers, and it is safe to do so, attempt to put out the fire.
  • If the fire is too large for the use of a portable extinguisher, don't consider trying to extinguish it yourself. Evacuate the room and close the door.
  • Report to emergency personnel after you have evacuated.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes. A tornado warning means a tornado has actually been sighted in the area. In case of a tornado:

  • Go to the basement, or the lowest floor possible.
  • Avoid windows and doors; interior hallways and walls are safer.
  • Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums or other structures with wide free-span roofs.
  • Take shelter underneath your desk or any heavy piece of furniture.
  • Curl up to protect your head and eyes.

Ask Cody

Ask Cody