Emergency Information

The McMurry Emergency Response Team encourages everyone to develop a personal action plan for armed violence on campus or at a university event. The Department of Homeland Security recommends three response options: Run, Hide, Fight.

Additional resources

• DHS Active Shooter Preparedness video
• Active Shooter pocket card
• Surviving an Active Shooter Event video

Report threats or suspicious activity to McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269.

When the fire alarm sounds, or you are instructed to evacuate:

• Exit immediately using the evacuation routes posted in each room.
• Use the nearest stairwell and close doors behind you.
• Do not use elevators.
• Proceed to the nearest designated outdoor gathering area.
• Report to your Building Emergency Communication Person (BECP).
• Assist individuals with special needs if possible.
• Do not re-enter until authorized personnel give clearance.

Designated outdoor gathering areas

• Wah Wahtaysee Park
• Grassy area across from Hunt Residence Hall and Kimbrell Arena at Ross Street and South 14th Street
• Wilford Moore Stadium
• Aldersgate UMC parking lot

If an ambulance is needed

• Call 911 immediately.
• Give the dispatcher the exact location, type of injury if known, and a brief description of the injured person.
• Contact McMurry Security at 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269.
• Provide first aid if trained.
• Keep the person as comfortable as possible until help arrives.

If an ambulance is not needed

• Contact McMurry Security.
• Provide first aid if trained.
• Assist employees with transportation to their physician or students to the University Health Clinic.

During emergencies such as flooding or a hazardous material release, officials may direct parts of campus to evacuate or shelter in place. Follow instructions issued through official communication channels.

• Move indoors and stay away from windows and glass.
• Monitor official alerts and local broadcasts.
• Keep phone lines clear; do not call 911 for general information.

If hazardous materials are involved:

• Turn off ventilation systems and close outside-air inlets.
• Choose a room that can be sealed, preferably with access to water and restrooms.
• If you detect gas or vapor, cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth and breathe normally.
• Remain sheltered until an official all-clear is issued.

General guidelines

• Follow instructions from your department and the university.
• Monitor official alerts, local radio, and television.
• Check the McMurry website and university email for return-to-work updates.

Tornado procedures

• Go to the basement or the lowest level.
• Stay away from exterior walls, doors, and windows.
• If possible, move to Radford, Garrison Campus Center, or Jay Rollins Library.
• Otherwise, use an interior hallway or small interior room such as a bathroom or closet.
• Get under sturdy furniture if available.
• Remain until an official all-clear is given.
• Call 911 if emergency assistance is needed.

Buildings with basements

Radford; Jay Rollins Library; Garrison Campus Center; Gold Star Residence Hall; and Graham Education Building, where space is limited.

If instructed to evacuate an area:

• Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Take only essential items such as medication, ID, glasses, and wallet.
• Do not pack personal belongings.
• Turn off unnecessary equipment and appliances.
• Close doors as you exit and follow posted evacuation routes.
• Monitor official updates.

Do not use your vehicle unless directed. If vehicles are used, keep windows closed and turn off outside-air intake systems.

For assistance, contact your RA, BECP, or designated emergency contact. If unavailable, call McMurry Security at 325-793-4666.

If you receive a threatening phone call:

• Do not hang up. Keep the line open if possible, even if the caller disconnects.
• Signal someone nearby to call 911 and McMurry Security, or use another phone.
• Provide all available details to responding officers.
• Meet and assist Security personnel upon their arrival.
• Help identify suspicious items only if requested.
• Evacuate if directed and follow posted routes.
• Do not re-enter until authorized personnel give clearance.

Spill inside a building

• Call 911 immediately for hazardous chemical spills or radioactive materials; provide the location and type of material.
• Contact Security at 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269.
• Isolate the area and warn others.
• Attempt cleanup only if trained, equipped, and safe to do so.
• Evacuate if directed and assist responders.

Spill outside a building

• Call 911 and provide the location and type of material.
• Contact Security, isolate the area, and warn others.

Chemical contamination injury

• Help the person use an emergency eyewash or safety shower if needed.
• Provide first aid if trained and call 911.
• Contact Security.
• If trained, assist with decontamination and carefully remove contaminated clothing.
• Obtain the relevant Safety Data Sheet if available.

Non-emergency: Environmental Services at 325-793-6771, or Security after hours at 325-793-4666.

Gas odor

• Contact Security and provide your name and location.
• Warn people nearby.
• Evacuate and secure the area as directed.
• Notify the BECP and assist responders.

Major gas leak

• Call 911 and give your name, location, and details.
• Evacuate the building or isolate the outdoor area.
• Warn others and eliminate ignition sources.
• Meet responders and do not re-enter until cleared.

Major utility failure

• Contact Security.
• Evacuate or isolate the area if necessary.
• Provide first aid if trained and needed.

A psychological emergency may involve someone threatening harm to themselves or others, or experiencing a severe crisis such as hallucinations, extreme disorientation, or uncontrollable behavior.

• Do not try to manage a situation you believe is dangerous on your own.
• For an immediate or life-threatening situation, call 911.
• Contact Security at 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269.
• Prioritize safety and seek professional assistance without delay.

If you witness or experience an on-campus offense:

• Do not intervene or physically restrain an aggressive person.
• Call 911 immediately.
• Contact Security at 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269.
• Give the nature and exact location of the incident and descriptions of people or property involved.
• Encourage others not to engage and leave if it is safe.

Always report threats, suspicious activity, or suspicious individuals to McMurry Security.