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Emergency Information

We are committed to providing both a learning & working environment that is safe and secure. Here you will find information regarding emergency preparedness and responses on campus.

MSU Alerts

MSU Alerts are used to notify the campus community upon the confirmation of an emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of our campus community. The system is capable of delivering messages via Morgan State University email, text message to registered cell phones, and additional email addresses. Learn more information on the University Mobile Alert System page.

Report an Emergency

Immediate Emergency:
Call 9-1-1


Police & Public Safety:
Call 443-885-3103


VIEW EMERGENCY CALL BOX LOCATIONS

Report an Incident

The Behavior Emergency Assessment and Response Team is a team of Morgan State staff that can be helpful to students, faculty, and staff who are dealing with someone for whom they have a concern.

LEARN MORE

Communication Methods
Morgan State utilizes various methods to notify the campus community about any emergencies or weather-related events.

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Immediate Notifications

Police & Public Safety sends a notification using the Mobile Alert System if there is a significant and/or immediate emergency to the campus community, as well as any weather related closures.

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Follow-up Information

Additional information that accompanies may be sent using our Facebook and/or Twitter accounts, MSU Announce email, as well as posted on our www.kanako-therapist.com website.

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Other Notification Methods

Other methods of communication may be utilized to send important announcements. These methods may include, but may not be limited to, additional email methods or mobile app push notifications.

Internal Methods

Alert System: A message is delivered via email to university email accounts, as well as registered cell phones.

Online: A banner is posted at the top of all sites within www.kanako-therapist.comExpanded/detailed information may be found on our operating status page.

Social Media: Morgan State Facebook & Twitter accounts

Mobile App: Gives you access to the latest information about Morgan State University anytime, anywhere. Learn more.

Radio: WEAA-FM (88.9)

External Methods

TV: WMAR-TV 2 (ABC), WBAL-TV 11 (NBC), WBFF 45 (FOX), WJZ 13 (CBS).

Radio: Local radio stations, including WTOP which serves the DC/Metro area.

Security and Fire Safety Report

The Morgan State University Department of Police and Public Safety places the safety and well- being of all members of the University community at the top of its agenda. View our Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report to understand how we deliver services & initiatives to keep our campus community safe.

View the Report »

Emergency & Crisis Management Procedures

The safety of the Morgan State University community during an emergency is predicated on advance planning, as well as building awareness about how the plans will be implemented. Students, faculty, staff and visitors will be better prepared in an emergency if they know how the University will respond, where they can find information, and what they should do.

Active Shooter

Active Shooter events:  During these events you must shelter in place ("Lock Down"), follow the instructions of the text, email or outdoor warning alerts and if possible, lock your door and stay away from windows.

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

  1. All federally licensed broadcast stations and cable systems monitor the national EAS and their state-wide EAS. All participants in the EAS may also initiate their own, localized emergency messages.
  2. You can listen to any local radio station or watch any local television station for national or state-wide EAS announcements.
  3. You may listen to WEAA 88.9 for national, state-wide, and Morgan State University specific EAS announcements.
Bomb Threats

Upon Receiving A Bomb Threat by Phone:

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Listen carefully.
  3. Do not interrupt the caller:
  4. Try to keep the caller talking; 
  5. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible;
  6. Do not anger the caller;
  7. Write down exactly what the caller says.
  8. Obtain information necessary to complete Bomb Threat Data Reports. These forms can be downloaded from the Morgan State University Police web site.
  9. Keep a copy of the form at your workstation. 
  10. Try to determine
    a) Time device is set to detonate;
    b) Device location;
    c) Description of device;
    d) Type of explosive utilized;
    e) What will cause the device to detonate;
    f) If the caller is responsible for placing the device;
    g) Why the device was placed;
    h) Name, address, and phone number of caller;
    i) Organization represented by the caller;
    j) Exact wording of threat;
    k) Time and length of call and number call was made to;
    l) Age, gender, and voice characteristics of caller; and
    m) Background noises in the calls.
  11. Notify MSUPD - (443) 885 3103 or ext. 3103
  12. Do not erase threats if they are left on voice mail.
  13. Notify your supervisor.
  14. Meet and cooperate with responding University Police personnel.
Civil Disturbances/Protests

The university supports the rights of persons to self-expression, dissent, and to demonstrate provided that demonstrations are lawful, do not disrupt normal university activities, or do not infringe upon the rights of others. Most demonstrations are peaceful. People who are not involved in protests should attempt to carry on business as usual if safe to do so. It is the illegal acts, which may arise during these activities that concern the university.

If protests disrupt normal university activities, result in damage to university buildings or grounds, or threaten the safety of others:

  • Remain calm.
  • Notify the University Police at EXT. 3103.
  • Avoid obstructing or provoking protestors.
  • Notify your supervisor.
  • Alert all persons in the area of the situation.
  • If prudent, lock doors and windows and close blinds to prevent flying glass.
  • If necessary to evacuate, follow the directions of responding University Police.
  • If evacuated, meet at the predetermined evacuation location and wait for additional instructions and information
Earthquakes

During an Earthquake

Drop, Cover and Hold On. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If Indoors

  1. DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
  2. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
  3. Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection.
  4. Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
  5. DO NOT use the elevators.
  6. Be aware that the electricity may go out and the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If Outdoors

  1. Stay there.
  2. Move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.
  3. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a Moving Vehicle

  • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If Trapped Under Debris

  • Do not light a match.
  • Do not move about or kick up dust.
  • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
  • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

After an Earthquake

When the shaking stops, look around to make sure it is safe to move. Then exit the building. Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with access and functional needs. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.

After it is determined that it's safe to return, your safety should be your primary priority as you begin clean up and recovery.

Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.

Inspect utilities.

  • If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building and notify Police and/or Facilities Management.
  • If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation notify Police and/or Facilities Management
  • If water pipes are damaged, contact Facilities Management and avoid using water from the tap.
Elevator Failures

Persons trapped in elevators should use emergency telephones in elevators to notify MSUPD. If for some reason, the elevator phone call does not go through, use cell phone to call MSUPD at (443)-885-3103 or ext. 3103

Do not attempt to crawl through escape hatches or force elevator doors open. Only trained mechanics, elevator technicians, and fire/rescue personnel are permitted to conduct elevator rescues.

Evacuation Procedures

General Evacuation Procedures

When evacuating your building or work area:

  1. Stay calm and do not rush or panic.
  2. Safely stop your work.
  3. Gather your personal belongings, only if it is safe to do so. (Reminder: take your prescription medications with you if at all possible; it may be hours before you are allowed back into the building).
  4. If safe, close your office doors and windows and lock them for security reasons.
  5. Use the nearest safe stairs and proceed to the nearest exit. Do not  use the elevator. Proceed to the designated Emergency Assembly Area unless the evacuation is for a bomb threat. In that case, assemble as directed by emergency responders.
  6. Wait for instructions from emergency responders.
  7. Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so by the emergency responders.

Evacuation Disabled Individuals

Persons who are either temporarily or permanently disabled to the extent their mobility is impaired are individually responsible for informing their supervisors and Police and Public Safety (443)-885-3103 or ext. 3103) of their name, building name, room number, and nature of disability. This information will be placed on a list and given to the Baltimore City Fire Department during emergencies.

Co-workers may assist evacuating disabled persons only if this places them in no personal danger.

Never use elevators.

Always ask someone with a disability how you can help before attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask the individual how to best assist and whether there are any special considerations or items that need to come with the person.

Mobility impaired persons in wheelchairs on non-ground level floors should proceed to nearest enclosed stairwells and wait for the Baltimore City Fire Department to arrive. Someone should stay with the disabled person, if it does not place them in additional danger and someone should meet responding fire fighters to report the location of disabled persons. Follow the instructions for being trapped if you cannot get to an enclosed stairwell.

Visually impaired persons should have a sighted assistant to guide them to safety. Individually inform hearing-impaired persons of the emergency. Do not assume they know what is happening by watching others.

Evacuations - Hazardous Materials Release

If you witness a hazardous material spill, evacuate the spill site and warn others to stay away.

If you are the HAZMAT user:

  1. Leave the area of the spill first and go to a safe location nearby.
  2. Determine if you have the proper training and protective gear to clean up the spill.
  3. If you are able to clean up the spill, follow proper cleanup procedures and use proper personal protection.
  4. Manage the generated waste appropriately.
  5. Consult your supervisor as necessary.
  6. Isolate the spill area to keep everyone away and post signs as necessary.

Individuals recognizing HAZMAT spills that require additional notifications and resources will:

  1. Alert all individuals who might be harmed to evacuate the immediate area and to go to a location that will not impede emergency personnel.
  2. If safe and appropriate to do so, limit the spread of the material by applying absorbent and shutting doors.
  3. Notify MSUPD - (443)-885-3103 or ext. 3103 at a safe distance from the hazard to report:

a. The nature of the incident, and name of the HAZMAT, if known.
b. The exact location.
c. Whether or not there are any injuries.
d. What symptoms are being exhibited by exposed individuals.
e. Any other details that would assist officials in preparing their response.

Fire Emergencies

University buildings will be immediately and totally evacuated whenever building fire alarms are sounding.

If you see or suspect a fire, remain calm and activate fire alarms.

Report fires by phone from safe places outside buildings.

  1. Call 911 from any on-campus, off-campus, or cell phone. At the Emergency Blue Light and yellow phones located around campus, press the emergency button to be connected to the University Police who can contact 911 for you, or dial 911 on the keypad to be connected directly to the 911 Call Center.
  2. Notify MSUPD - (443)885-3103 or ext. 3103
  3. Give as much specific information as possible when emergency operators answer. Operators need to be told calls are for Morgan State University, what is burning - if known, the proper name, floor, and room number or other specific location information. Do not hang up unless it is unsafe or calls are released by emergency operators.
  4. Report all fires, even if extinguished or found subsequent to being extinguished.
  5. Report all fire alarms, even if they are suspected to be false or accidental.

If safe to do so, shut off all machinery and equipment in work areas.

Evacuate. Do not attempt to fight fires. Close doors and windows if time permits. Leave buildings at once using nearest exits or stairways. Do not use elevators. Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire. Use the backs of your hands to feel doors and doorknobs before opening doors. Do not open if the door or doorknob feels hot.

Crawl if there is smoke.

Use secondary exits if primary exits are blocked.

If you are trapped:

  1. Stuff the cracks around doors with towels, lab coats, throw rugs, etc. to keep out as much heat and smoke as possible.
  2. Go to window and if there is no smoke or flames outside, open windows at the top. Signal for help by hanging a flag, (i.e., sheet, jacket, etc.), out of the windows.
  3. Use available telephones to notify (443)-885-3103 or ext. 3103 and let them know your exact location.
  4. Do not attempt to jump from multi-story buildings. 

Do not re-enter buildings for any reason until fire or police officials say it is safe to do so.

Render reasonable assistance to disabled persons. 

Gather at pre-designated assembly areas.

Take roll and report missing or unaccounted for individuals to emergency responders.

Faculty and Staff are not expected to remain inside buildings to inspect and move people to exits, however, it is requested that Faculty and Staff once safely outside, assist by moving people out of exits and away from the building so others can exit safely.

Hazardous Materials – HAZMAT

HAZMAT incidents may be:

  • Indoor and outdoor fuel spills;
  • Solvent or other chemical spills in shops;
  • Chemical or biological spills in buildings and laboratories;
  • Chemical odors in buildings;
  • Natural gas smells and leaks; or
  • Fires in laboratory or other facility involving highly toxic chemicals, infectious substances or radioactive materials.

If you witness a hazardous material spill, evacuate the spill site and warn others to stay away.
If you are the HAZMAT user:

  • Leave the area of the spill first and go to a safe location nearby.
  • Determine if you have the proper training and protective gear to clean up the spill.
  • If you are able to clean up the spill, follow proper cleanup procedures and use proper personal protection.
  • Manage the generated waste appropriately.
  • Consult your supervisor as necessary.
  • Isolate the spill area to keep everyone away and post signs as necessary.

Individuals recognizing HAZMAT spills that require additional notifications and resources will:

  • Alert all individuals who might be harmed to evacuate the immediate area and to go to a location that will not impede emergency personnel.
  • If safe and appropriate to do so, limit the spread of the material by applying absorbent and shutting doors.
  • Notify the University Police, EXT. 3103, on a university telephone located at a safe distance from the hazard to report:
    • The nature of the incident, and name of the HAZMAT, if known.
    • The exact location.
    • Whether or not there are any injuries.
    • What symptoms are being exhibited by exposed individuals.
    • Any other details that would assist officials in preparing their response.

If you suspect or witness a release of a hazardous material to the environment (air, water, ground) call University Police.

Additional Actions for HAZMAT

  1. Close all doors and windows to the outside.
  2. If there is a chemical, biological or fire hazard, do not use elevators.
  3. Turn off all machinery.
  4. If in laboratories, reduce all operations to safe conditions as quickly as possible, pull down sashes on chemical fume hoods, and discontinue laboratory processes that may create hazards if chemical fume hoods, bio safety cabinets, or building ventilations systems were turned off.
  5. Limit the use of telephones so that emergency communications will not be hindered by non-essential calls.
  6. Tune radios or televisions to Emergency Alert System (EAS) stations for further information (see below).
  7. University and emergency management officials will control building ventilation systems.
  8. Do not go outside or attempt to drive unless you are specifically directed to evacuate.
  9. Remain in place until university or emergency management officials tell you it is safe to leave or until information is announced through radio or television broadcasts alerting you that it is safe to leave.
Homeland Security

As events unfold in the Middle East, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge encourages individuals to develop personal action plans with their families and loved ones in the event of the unthinkable, another terrorist attack.

These websites may be helpful as you make preparations or in the case of emergencies:

Inclement Weather Procedures

This memorandum is distributed to provide guidance in the event of severe inclement weather. In the event there is a need to close or delay the opening of the University, employees, students, and the community at large will be informed via the local television and radio stations as well as the Internet and the campus telephone message center in the following order:

  1. The University switchboard at the main telephone number 443.885.3333 which relays messages regarding openings and closings, is the one official and the most authentic medium.

  2. The University’s Radio Station WEAA-88.9 (FM) will announce delayed openings and early closings on a continuous basis.

  3. The University’s Homepage (www.kanako-therapist.com) will provide a link to access information of this nature.

  4. The Local TV and Radio Stations, to include WTOP which serves the DC Metro area.

In some instances, the University will remain open, but employees will be given the option of using Liberal Leave. “Liberal Leave” means that the employee may inform his or her supervisor that he or she will be using accumulated annual, personal or compensatory leave for the particular day. However, “Liberal Leave” applies only to employees who have not been designated as “Essential.” “Essential” employees are required to work during any official closings. Employees who are not sure of their status should contact their supervisor.

When the University is opening on time, local TV and Radio Stations will not make this announcement. However, this information will be made available via the switchboard on 443.885.3333 or by listening to Morgan’s radio station WEAA 88.9 FM.

Please note that Morgan State University has an independent Personnel System and as such instructions or information that refers to Maryland State Employees DOES NOT apply to MSU employees.

We will attempt to make decisions for closings or delays as early as possible. Please call your supervisor or the Office of Human Resources on extension 3195 if you have any questions regarding this correspondence.

Infrastructure Failures

Infrastructure failure can involve:

  • Utilities;
  • Elevators;
  • Fire detection and suppression systems;
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; or
  • Steam lines.

To report infrastructure failures call:
Work Control, Ext. 3320, M – F during operational hours.

Electrical Failures

  • Turn off equipment to reduce the potential for damage caused by power surges.
  • Evacuate laboratories because of the inability to operate fume hoods.

Plumbing Failures / Pipe Ruptures

  • Buildings will need to be evacuated if water or sewage systems cannot be restored within a reasonable time.
  • Turn off electrical equipment to minimize the potential for electrocutions and equipment damage.

Natural Gas Leaks

  • Open windows, if possible, to increase ventilation and let gas escape.
  • Turn off all possible ignition sources.
  • Do not turn on lights or any electrical equipment.
  • Do not use the phone for any other reasons
  • Activate building alarms if you believe there is potential danger to building occupants.
  • Do not start vehicles within areas of gas leaks.

Elevator Failures

  • Persons trapped in elevators should use emergency telephones in elevators to call the University Police.
  • Do not attempt to crawl through escape hatches or force elevator doors open. Only trained mechanics, elevator technicians, and fire/rescue personnel are permitted to conduct elevator rescues.

Fire Detection and Suppression System Impairments
Report all impairments of fire detection and suppression systems to the University Police.

Heating, Ventilation, & Air Condition (HVAC) System Problems

  • Strange odors or minor smoke odors coming from HVAC systems should be reported to Work Control for initial investigations.
  • Report large amounts of smoke coming from HVAC systems immediately to the University Police.

Steam Line Failures
Individuals must be evacuated from the area of steam line failures in order to protect them from steam burns.

Medical Emergencies

Basic Medical Emergency Information

  1. In the event of a medical emergency keep calm, act immediately.
  2. Check the scene for safety. Check the victim for consciousness, breathing, pulse and severe bleeding. Assist victims and remove them from hazards if injuries are minor. Do not move seriously injured victims unless they are in danger of further injury.
  3. Notify persons in adjacent areas of potential hazards.
  4. Care for life-threatening conditions if you have the proper training. If there is no life threatening conditions, provide first aid if you have the proper training;
    Watch for changes in breathing and consciousness;
    Help the victim rest comfortably;
    Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated; and
    Reassure the victim.
  5. Summon medical help. If possible, do not leave victims alone.
    First, activate the Emergency Medical System by calling 911 from any on-campus, off-campus, or cell phone.
    Second, notify MSUPD - (443)-885-3103 or ext. 3103
  6. Let the Emergency Medical System and University Police know if the victim:
    • Is unconscious;
    • Has trouble breathing;
    • Has chest pain or pressure;
    • Is bleeding severely;
    • Has pressure or pain in the abdomen that does not go away;
    • Is vomiting or passing blood;
    • Has a seizure;
    • Has a severe headache or slurred speech;
    • Appears to have been poisoned;
    • Has injuries to the head, neck, or back; or
    • Has a possible broken bone(s).
  7. Be prepared to give the following information: what happened, number of victims, kind of injury, exact location of the emergency, what help is being given, and your name and phone number.
  8. Do not transport seriously injured persons to the hospital and do not hang up until the dispatcher hangs up.
Sheltering In Place - Police Activity

Sheltering in place means that individuals must seek immediate shelter in buildings or residence halls and remain there until emergency management officials issue additional instructions or declare that emergency conditions have ended.

Basic Information

  1. Sheltering in place is one of several response options available to emergency management officials in the event of certain emergencies.
  2. Sheltering in place is usually intended as a short-term option for limiting the potential exposure of persons to hazards that may be present outdoors. These situations may include, but are not limited to:
    1. Hazardous material (HAZMAT) incidents;
    2. Weather emergencies; and
    3. Chemical, nuclear, or biological incidents caused accidentally or intentionally.

Notifications
Ways you may be notified to shelter in place include, but are not limited to:

  1. Alert sirens (the university is exploring this and other notification devices);
  2. Radio or television announcements;
  3. Emails;
  4. Observing dangerous conditions outdoors; or
  5. University or other emergency management officials.
  6. Electronic Text and voice emergency system (the university is exploring this and other notification devices)

Additional Actions

  1. Close all doors and windows to the outside.
  2. Do not use elevators as they may pump air into or out of buildings.
  3. Turn off all machinery.
  4. If in laboratories, reduce all operations to safe conditions as quickly as possible, pull down sashes on chemical fume hoods, and discontinue laboratory processes that may create hazards if chemical fume hoods, bio safety cabinets, or building ventilations systems were turned off.
  5. Limit the use of telephones to that emergency communications will not be hindered by non-essential calls.
  6. Tune radios or televisions to Emergency Alert System (EAS) stations for further information (see below).
  7. University and emergency management officials will control building ventilation systems.
  8. Do not go outside or attempt to drive unless you are specifically directed to evacuate.
  9. Remain in place until university or emergency management officials tell you it is safe to leave or until information is announced through radio or television broadcasts alerting you that it is safe to do leave.

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

  1. All federally licensed broadcast stations and cable systems monitor the national EAS and their state-wide EAS. All participants in the EAS may also initiate their own, localized emergency messages.
  2. You can listen to any local radio station or watch any local television station for national or state-wide EAS announcements.
  3. You can listen to WTMD 89.7 for national, state-wide, and Morgan State University specific EAS announcements.

Additional Resources

Sheltering In Place - Non Active Shooter (Criminal Activity)

Sheltering in place, commonly known as "Lock Down" means that individuals must seek immediate shelter in buildings or residence halls and remain there until emergency management officials issue additional instructions or declare that emergency conditions have ended.  It is understood that during a Shelter in Place not all doors and buildings may be secured.  Notwithstanding, during emergencies that state to lock doors, lock the door in your immediate area if it is lockable  In the event of a criminal or violent act that has been committed at Morgan State University or in the adjacent areas near the campus, it may become necessary to Shelter-In-Place within campus buildings. When notified by the Morgan State University Police Department to Shelter-In-Place due to criminal activity, these procedures will be followed:

  1. All students, faculty, staff and visitors will immediately seek shelter in the nearest room with a door (locking door if available). Faculty and Staff, if safe to do so, are requested to provide direction and assistance to students and visitors by directing them to a location where they may seek shelter.
  2. Close and lock all windows and doors. If door has no lock, barricade with available items (desks, chairs, bookshelves etc.).
  3. If possible, cover all interior windows and door windows.
  4. Stay away from all doors and windows, move to interior walls and try to remain out of sight of potential threats
  5. Turn off all lights.
  6. Remain quiet.
  7. Do not leave until instructed by law enforcement personnel.
  8. Cooperate with law enforcement personnel; show them that you are not a threat by keeping your hands empty and visible when interacting with them. If possible, "buddy up" with someone you know; this assists law enforcement personnel when they are searching the area.
  9. Monitor cell phones registered to receive emergency alert text messages; monitor campus computer for Net Notify emergency messages.
  10. Report suspicious persons or activities to MSUPD - (443)-885-3103 or ext. 3103
  11. If you are in an open area such as a dining area, seek concealment behind a solid object such as a door, file cabinet or counter area. Remain quiet and wait for law enforcement to arrive and assist you.
  12. If outdoors, follow emergency alert messages or directions from law enforcement personnel; stay away from the affected area.
Suspicious Letters and Packages

Anyone receiving mail and packages should regularly, reasonably, and prudently examine those materials before opening them. Characteristics that may cause letters and packages to be treated as suspect are:

  1. Letters and packages delivered by someone other than regular carriers;
  2. Packages wrapped in string because modern packaging materials have eliminated the need for twine and string;
  3. Excess use of securing material, i.e., tape;
  4. Packages that are lopsided, heavy sided, or have lumps, bulges, or protrusions;
  5. No postage, non-cancelled postage, or excessive postage;
  6. Handwritten notes such as: "To Be Opened in the Privacy Of ....", "Confidential", "This is Your Lucky Day";
  7. Packages or letters that have no return addresses or nonsensical return addresses;
  8. Letters or packages arriving before or after phone calls asking if the items were received;
  9. Improper spelling of common names, places, or titles; or
  10. Leaks, stains, or protruding wires, foil, string, tape, etc.

If you discover a suspicious letter or package:

  1. Stop immediately. Do not open items any further. Do not move items or put them in water or confined spaces such as desk drawers or filing cabinets.
  2. Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
  3. Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
  4. If you do not have any container, then cover the envelope or package with something, i.e., clothing, paper, etc.
  5. Notify MSUPD - (443)-885-3103 or ext. 3103.
  6. Isolate the mailing and get people out of the immediate area.
  7. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  8. Notify your supervisor.
  9. If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder or substance. Give this list to the responding emergency personnel.
  10. Meet and cooperate with responding Police Officers.

If the letter or package has been opened, notify MSUPD - (443)-885-3103 or ext. 3103 and:

  1. Do not try to clean up any powder or substance, but rather cover the spilled contents immediately with anything.
  2. Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
  3. Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any power or other substance to your face.
  4. Notify your supervisor.
  5. Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place it in a plastic bag or some other container that can be sealed. This clothing bag should be given to the emergency responders for proper handling.
  6. If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder or substance. Give this list to the responding emergency personnel.
  7. Meet and cooperate with responding Police Officers.
Weather Emergencies: Shelter-In-Place

Tornadoes and Severe Storms present a substantial threat to Morgan State University, especially during the spring and summer seasons.

Tornadoes & Severe Thunderstorms

  1. tornado watch means that tornadoes could develop in the designated area;
  2. tornado warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted in the area or is indicated by radar.
  3. severe thunderstorm watch indicates the possibility of thunderstorms, frequent lightning and/or damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain.
  4. severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm has actually been sighted in the area or is indicated by radar.

Everyone should pay attention to weather conditions, listen to the radio and television for weather alert information or if you receive an alert from Morgan State University, seek shelter immediately.

  1. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible.
  2. If warnings are issued or if you receive an alert that says "Weather Emergency: Shelter-In- Place", or if you see threatening weather approaching, seek shelter immediately.
  3. If you are outdoors: 
    • Seek inside shelter immediately;
    • Do not try to outrun tornadoes in vehicles, but leave them and seek indoor shelter or low spots off the side of roads;
  4. Once you get to, or if you are already in a building:
    • Move to safer areas, such as basements;
    • If underground shelters are not available, move to interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floors and get under sturdy pieces of furniture; and stay away from windows.

Faculty and Staff, if safe to do so, are requested to provide direction and assistance to students and visitors by directing them to a location where they may seek shelter.

Workplace Violence/Criminal Behavior

Workplace Violence
Individuals who become violent at work or threaten to become violent have usually displayed behaviors long before they take any action. Individuals prone to workplace violence may:

  1. Be chronically disgruntled;
  2. Be inflexible;
  3. Cause trouble on the job;
  4. Frequently changing jobs;
  5. Be quick to perceive unfairness or malice in others;
  6. Be unwilling to take responsibility for problems – it’s always someone else’s fault;
  7. Often challenging management's requests, either passively or actively;
  8. Have a deep sense of entitlement;
  9. Have a past history of violent acts or threats;
  10. Have complaints that often appear to be of a paranoid nature; i.e., blown out of proportion and taken personally, especially when action was not intended that way;
  11. Have recently experienced stressful events;
  12. Have access to weapons or fascinations with weapons (They will often mention this to others.);
  13. Abuse alcohol or other substances;
  14. If there have been allusions to violent acts committed by others and an expression of empathy with those who resort to violence.

On- the- Spot Managing of Violence

  1. Remain calm.
  2. To the extent that you can, try to continue to communicate with the individual calmly and confidently.
  3. Call the University Police at EXT. 3103. If you cannot call, instruct others to call. Report your name and location and information on "who, what, where and when."
  4. Do not physically attempt to get the suspects to leave. Do not touch them.
  5. If violent behavior is occurring, escape, hide if not already seen, or cover up if injury is likely.
  6. Make every possible effort to get others out of the immediate area.
  7. Never attempt to disarm or accept weapons from suspects.
  8. If weapons are involved, calmly ask suspects to put weapons in neutral locations.
  9. Don't argue, threaten, or block suspects’ exit.

Criminal Behavior
Immediately call the University Police at EXT. 3103 from any on-campus phone and be prepared to report information that may include:

  1. Your name and present location;
  2. Nature of incidents;
  3. Locations of incidents;
  4. Descriptions of persons involved;
  5. Description of property involved; and
  6. Where suspects were last seen and their direction of travel.