What to do in an Emergency

Active Shooter
Fire Alarm & Evacuation Procedures
Medical Emergency
Shelter in Place
Severe Weather
Area Evacuation
Telephone Threat Procedures
Hazardous Material
Gas & Utility
Psychological Emergency
Violent or Criminal Behavior

The McMurry Emergency Response Team (M.E.R.T.) encourages everyone to develop a personal action plan to support the university’s safety guidelines regarding armed violence on campus and at special events.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends three response options: Run, Hide, Fight.

Run

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind

  • Leave belongings behind

  • Evacuate, even if others choose not to follow

  • Help others escape if possible

  • Do not move the wounded

  • Prevent others from entering the area

  • Keep your hands visible

  • Call 911 when safe

Hide

  • Stay out of the shooter’s view

  • Lock or block doors

  • Silence your phone (including vibration)

  • Remain quiet

Fight (last resort)

  • Act only if your life is in immediate danger

  • Attempt to incapacitate the attacker

  • Use physical aggression

  • Improvise weapons if necessary

  • Commit fully to your actions

Additional Resources:

Always 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 the building until authorized personnel give clearance

Designated Outdoor Gathering Areas

  • Wah Wahtaysee Park

  • Grassy area across from Hunt Residence Hall and Kimbrell Arena (Ross Street & South 14th Street)

  • Wilford Moore Stadium

  • Aldersgate UMC Parking Lot

If an Ambulance Is Needed

  • Call 911 immediately

  • Provide the dispatcher with:

    • Exact location of the emergency

    • Type of injury (if known)

    • Brief description of the injured person (gender, approximate age, etc.)

  • Contact McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269

  • Provide first aid if trained

  • Keep the individual as comfortable as possible until help arrives

If an Ambulance Is Not Needed

  • Contact McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269

  • Provide first aid if trained

  • Assist with transportation:

    • Employees to their personal physician

    • Students to the University Health Clinic

In specific emergencies — such as flooding or hazardous material releases — responders may direct portions of campus to either evacuate or shelter in place. Instructions may vary by location. Official guidance will be shared by police, fire, safety, or university officials through radio, television, the Emergency Alert System (EAS), door-to-door notification, or other approved communication channels.

Shelter in Place

When evacuation is not safe or feasible, remain inside a campus building until further instructions are provided.

  • Move indoors and stay away from windows and glass

  • Monitor radio or television updates, if available

  • Keep phone lines clear for emergency use; 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 all instructions provided by your department or the university

  • Monitor local radio and television for weather updates

  • Check the McMurry website, university email, and local media for return-to-work updates

Tornado Procedures

  • Go to the basement or the lowest level of the building

  • Stay away from exterior walls, doors, and windows

  • If possible, move to Radford, Garrison Campus Center, or Jay Rollins Library (buildings with basements)

  • Take shelter in interior hallways or small interior rooms (bathrooms, closets, etc.)

  • Get under sturdy furniture if available (desk or table)

  • Remain in place until an official all-clear is given by administration, McMurry Security, or local emergency personnel

  • Call 911 if emergency assistance is needed

Buildings with Basements

  • Radford

  • Jay Rollins Library

  • Garrison Campus Center

  • Gold Star Residence Hall

  • Graham Education Building (limited space available)

An evacuation is an organized movement from a building or area to a designated safe location. If instructed to evacuate:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather conditions

  • Take only essential items (medications, ID, glasses, wallet)

  • Do not pack personal belongings

  • Turn off unnecessary equipment and appliances

  • Close doors as you exit

  • Follow posted evacuation routes

  • Monitor radio updates if available

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

If you need assistance, contact your Resident Assistant (RA), Building Emergency Communication Person (BECP), or another designated emergency contact. If they are unavailable, call McMurry Security at 325-793-4666.

If you receive a threatening phone call:

  • Do not hang up. Even if the caller disconnects, keep the line open if possible.

  • Signal someone nearby to call 911 and McMurry Security, or use another phone to make the call.

  • Provide all available details to responding officers.

  • Meet and assist McMurry Security personnel upon arrival.

  • Help identify or locate suspicious items, if requested.

  • Evacuate the building if directed, following posted evacuation routes.

  • Do not re-enter the building until authorized personnel give clearance.

Possible Hazardous Material Spill – Inside a Building

  • Call 911 immediately if hazardous chemicals or radioactive materials are spilled (provide location and type of material)

  • Contact McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269

  • Isolate and secure the area

  • Warn others nearby

  • If trained and adequately equipped, attempt cleanup only if safe to do so

  • Evacuate if directed, following posted evacuation routes

  • Meet and assist emergency responders

Non-emergencies: Contact Environmental Services: 325-793-6771 (office) or 325-793-4666 (after hours)

Possible Hazardous Material Spill – Outside a Building

  • Call 911 immediately (provide location and type of material)

  • Contact McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269

  • Isolate and secure the area

  • Warn others nearby

Non-emergencies: Contact Environmental Services: 325-793-6771 (office) or 325-793-4666 (after hours)

Personnel Injury Involving Chemical Contamination

  • Assist the individual in using an emergency eyewash or safety shower, if needed.

  • Provide first aid if trained

  • Call 911

  • Contact McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269

  • If trained, help decontaminate and carefully remove contaminated clothing

  • Obtain the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), if available

Gas Odor

  • Contact McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269 (provide your name and location)

  • Warn others in the immediate area

  • Evacuate and secure the area as directed

  • Notify the Building Emergency Communication Person (BECP)

  • Meet and assist emergency responders

Major Gas Leak (e.g., Pipeline Break)

  • Call 911 immediately (provide your name, location, and details)

  • Evacuate the building or isolate the outdoor area

  • Warn others nearby

  • Eliminate ignition sources (e.g., cigarettes, electrical equipment).

  • Meet and assist emergency responders

  • Do not re-enter until authorized personnel provide clearance

Major Utility Failure

  • Contact McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269

  • Evacuate or isolate the area if necessary

  • Provide first aid if trained and needed

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

  • Do not attempt to manage a situation you believe is dangerous on your own

  • In immediate or life-threatening situations, call 911

  • Contact McMurry Security: 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 attempt to intervene or physically restrain an aggressive individual

  • Call 911 immediately

  • Contact McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269

  • Provide details, including:

    • Nature of the incident

    • Exact location

    • Description of individuals involved

    • Description of any property involved

  • Encourage others not to engage and leave the area if it is safe to do so

Always report threats, suspicious activity, or suspicious individuals to McMurry Security: 325-793-4666 or 325-665-6269.

Report a Non-Emergency

For non-urgent concerns or campus assistance, please get in touch with the appropriate office below.

McMurry Security

Available 24/7 for non-emergency safety concerns

Maintenance

Facilities issues, repairs, or service requests

Dean of Students

Student-related concerns or support

For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 first.

MCM_Alert

McM Alert enables the University to send urgent news to students/parents/staff via their cell phones. When you sign up for the service, the University can text you with timely information about emergencies, weather warnings, or class cancellations.

Administrative Login
Sign Up Today!