Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency plans have long been in place at the University of Michigan, and since Sept. 11, 2001, all of us have become more aware of the need to be prepared. Staff members from the Department of Public Safety, Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, the Health Systems, Plant Operations, Student Affairs and others have been working together to coordinate efforts for emergency preparedness at the University. Plans are continually reviewed and revised, where necessary, to help ensure the University of Michigan is a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.

You can play an important role.

As a University of Michigan community member:

  • You are urged to be vigilant and observant of anything that might be suspicious.
  • Report those observations immediately to the Department of Public Safety by calling 9-1-1 from any campus phone or (734)763-1131 from a cell phone or using any U-M emergency “blue-light” phone.

These reports can help law enforcement officials in solving crimes or identifying threats to campus security.

The following list of questions and answers will give you further information about the University’s emergency preparedness and recommended actions you can take.

Q: What is the University doing to protect students, faculty and staff?

A: University officials have completed a number of initiatives:

  • Emergency response protocols have been established.
  • Evacuation plans for University buildings, including residence halls, are in place and have been reviewed.
  • Lab security plans have been analyzed, assessed, and updated in collaboration with governmental agencies, such as the FBI, Washtenaw County Public Health Department, and the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
  • Emergency procedures have been revised, with detailed instructions for many types of emergencies. They have been distributed as flipcharts in buildings throughout the campus, and are available electronically on this website.
  • Effective relationships are well established with many local, state and federal agencies to assist our administration in continuing to analyze any potential threats or actual emergencies.
  • Police and security patrols throughout buildings and campus property occur on a regular basis.
  • Operational staff members have been trained through our “Eyes and Ears” program to assist community members with emergency needs.
  • Our Level I Trauma Center is fully prepared to care for injured persons in a mass emergency, including those that involve biological, chemical or radiological materials.
  • Health System experts have been working with other health care and emergency response officials in southeast Michigan in preparation for a coordinated emergency medical response.

Q: Does the University have an Emergency Operations Plan?

A: Yes, it does. Coordination of the Emergency Operations Plan is the responsibility of the Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health. OSEH, DPS and many other operations staff have been working together to coordinate efforts for emergency responses. Standard procedures for many emergencies, including evacuation, bomb threat, biological spill, fire and medical emergencies, can be found on this website, as well as in our Emergency Procedures flipcharts posted in buildings throughout the campus.

Q: How will I know if the University closes? Or the Hospital? Or if a major event is canceled?

A: The University very rarely closes; the University Hospital will remain open. However, if changes are necessary, we will provide specific instructions to the local television, radio and print media in addition to posting notices on our main gateway. The same is true if non-emergency medical appointments need to be delayed or special events are canceled.

Q: Should I come pick up my student or spouse in the event of an emergency?

A: That is an individual decision. We don’t have any information at this time that indicates there is a specific threat to the University. We all should continue to conduct our daily business of learning, teaching, researching and enjoying University events. In the meantime, keep in touch with family and friends and discuss what you would do if things do escalate.

Q: Where should students or faculty/staff go in an emergency?

A: The answer will vary depending on the kind or nature of the emergency.

  • Depending on the emergency, it will be important to decide whether to stay put or leave. Use available information to determine your action.
  • Follow instructions from emergency personnel and building coordinators who will have access to unit specific Action Plans.
  • If the emergency is more widespread, instructions for possible re-location or shelter may be distributed through our main gateway, e-mail to the University community, local media and/or special bulletins through University officials, and emergency personnel.

Q: How will I know where to go if we lose electricity and / or computers?

A: Communication strategies will depend on the nature and extent of the existing emergency and the communication vehicles that are available at the time. We may use a variety of actions, including:

  • Press releases to local radio and television stations
  • Telephone fan-outs through multiple branches—i.e., Student Affairs, University Housing, Health System, Provost's Office, etc.
  • Communications to Operations staffs through their radio networks
  • Police announcements from loud speakers
  • Police and security personnel working with residence hall staffs or other facility managers and building coordinators to go door-to-door, if necessary.

Q: What can I do to be prepared?

A: There are several things each of us can do:

  • Remain calm—Don’t panic.
  • Stay tuned to radio or television stations for updated information.
  • Review the Emergency Procedures flipchart.
  • Contact your building coordinator to learn your building’s evacuation or shelter plan and become familiar with building exits near you.
  • Monitor sensitive areas.
  • Report suspicious and/or unauthorized persons to DPS (call 9-1-1 or 763-1131).
  • Secure building maintenance areas and loading docks.
  • Keep offices and residence rooms locked when unattended.
  • Immediately report to DPS (call 9-1-1 or 763-1131) suspicious or unattended packages, containers or vehicles; signs of break-ins or attempted unauthorized entries; or unusual odors or substances.
  • Use the buddy system. Never go somewhere alone, especially at night.
  • Be informed. View web sites such as www.ready.gov or www.redcross.org. If we receive a specific threat for southeast Michigan, check the U-M gateway for specific instructions. We’ll also send information via email to the campus community.
  • Know the location of fire extinguishers.
  • Talk with your family about how you’ll communicate with one another in an emergency.
  • Use care, caution, common sense and control.

Q: What else should I know?

  • If an emergency occurs, stay away from the area. By going to the incident, you’ll only add to the problem and could become another victim.
  • Evacuate your building whenever an alarm is sounded or when directed by emergency personnel.
  • Hazardous material hoaxes, harassing emails, graffiti and rumor spreading could be criminal actions. They are not helpful to our campus community and they distract our emergency responders from their work.
  • Obey all instructions from emergency personnel.

Q: What if I’m an international student or staff? What do I need to know?

A: The University’s International Center is an excellent resource for all international students and staff. Additional information and resources for faculty, staff and students planning international travel are available through the U-M Travel Registration website.

Q: Who can I talk with if I still feel anxious?

A: There are a variety of services available to students, faculty and staff, as well as those who support others in need: