Emergency Preparedness

University Response

In the event of severe weather or a large-scale emergency, University officials must assess risks to safety and property, survey damages, and orchestrate a plan to best provide students with basic necessities until all hazards have subsided. Such events are sometimes very sudden, thus it is important that students be prepared to act quickly in a safe, smart, and efficient manner in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

It is recommended that our students and affiliates become familiar with the various sources of information provided by the University so that they are prepared should an emergency arise.

Emergency Preparation Guidelines

Prior to the onset of a severe weather front or a “shelter-in-place” emergency, students can prepare by doing the following:

  • Be familiar with the Building/Floor Evacuation plans for the university building in which you live.
  • Know which web sites to check for updates (see links above).
  • Ensure that your windows can be closed and properly secured. Contact Maintenance if you are unable to secure your windows, even if there is no immediate threat of an oncoming storm.
  • Make sure that the floor areas in your unit are clear, so as to create a safe and easily accessible egress in case of an emergency.
  • Create an emergency kit. Suggested items to include are:
    • A battery-powered or hand crank flashlight
    • Battery-powered radio
    • Extra batteries
    • A manual can opener
    • Bottled water
    • Non-perishable food items
    • First aid kit and any necessary prescription medications
    • Trash bags
    • Cell phone with extra battery, inverter, or solar charger
    • A list of contact phone numbers

Emergency Procedures

During an emergency situation where you are urged to stay indoors (e.g. severe weather and other shelter-in-place emergencies), remember to do the following:

  • Stay inside!
  • Secure all windows, and close the blinds. Once completed, stay away from the windows.
  • Keep cell phone and laptop use to a minimum in case the power goes out and you are unable to recharge them.
  • Should a power outage occur, DO NOT burn candles. Instead, use a battery-powered or hand crank flashlight.
  • If possible, check for emergency information and updates provided by the University, as well as local news updates.
  • In the event that you need urgent and immediate Maintenance or Custodial attention during the emergency situation, contact Security directly at 410-516-4600 or 911. Do not try to call the Housing Offices, and do not submit an online work request.
  • Heed all warnings given by University and local officials.

If building evacuation is necessary, remember:

  • Do not panic. It is important to stay calm and exit the building as quickly and orderly as possible.
  • Follow your Building/Floor Evacuation plans, located here.
  • In the event that the card access system fails and building or wing doors do not open, your RA has a key and can manually open these doors for you. Call Security at 410-516-4600 or 911 if an RA or other staff member is not available to open an inaccessible door in the event of an ongoing emergency where access or evacuation is necessary.

Disability Emergency Evacuation Protocol (DEEP)

If you can safely evacuate, you should do that.

If you cannot safely evacuate, Stay in Place and use the following protocol to get assistance evacuating:

  • Close the door to the space you are in or move to a space where you can close the door
  • Use a phone to call JHU security at 410-516-7777 to report your exact location in the building; this will enable rescue personnel to get assistance to you as quickly as possible
  • If you are with others who can evacuate they should evacuate, report that you are in the building, and provide your location to responders once they are out
  • Stay low and position yourself near the door if you are able to do this
  • Be patient, evacuation rescues can take some time; sprinkler systems and 2 hour fire rated materials are in place throughout the residence halls
  • Never break a window since that could prevent you from closing it if needed
  • Windows can be opened slightly if fresh air is needed, but be prepared to close it to prevent smoke from coming in
  • Refrain from opening the door once closed; before opening any doors, touch them to make sure the door is not hot; avoid opening any door that feels hot

Emergency personnel should be on the scene quickly. Student Disability Services maintains a shared list with Housing and Campus Security with names, residence hall room assignments and contact information for students who may need assistance in evacuating. Please make sure you contact Student Disability Services if you want to be added to that list and have not done that already.

Another Resource:

Download and set up the LiveSafe app on your phone; make sure you are connected to Johns Hopkins, indicate your campus or school, and allow the app to share your location. This app can be used to call or message JHU security (call them first if you are in a residence hall and an alarm is sounding), call 911 and/or report a range of safety and security concerns.