General Crisis Management Guidelines

If possible, you should:

• Call Campus Safety immediately at ext. 7777 or (813) 257-7777.
• Call 911.
• Calmly try to assess the situation.
• Take all threats or allegations seriously.
• Be observant and try to remember everything seen or heard.
• Evacuate yourself and others if possible.
• In all cases, use extreme caution.
• When requesting emergency services, be prepared to provide the following:
  • Your name and telephone number
  • Location of emergency
  • Extent of the incident, injury or illness

During applicable crisis situations, try to obtain a description without staring at or antagonizing the individual(s). Mentally note height, weight, size, estimated age, hair, mustache, beard and any scars or distinctive characteristics. Descriptions of jewelry, clothing, shoes, hats, glasses and weapon also are important. These are suggestions and should only be employed if it is possible to do so without provoking the person(s).

You should NOT:

• Confront a hostile person.
• Attempt to disarm someone.
• Undertake any heroic actions.

Remember, in any emergency situation UT's highest priority is the safety of all University community members.

• Your judgment often determines whether or not an incident is an emergency. If in doubt, err on the side of safety.
• Be informed and prepared in advance. Planning includes being familiar with possible hazards in your building, knowing evacuation routes and locating the nearest fire alarm and fire extinguishers.
• Emergency telephones are placed in various locations around campus. These phones ring directly to Campus Safety.
• The University cannot anticipate every emergency, but we do have an overall emergency operations plan.
• Questions regarding departmental emergency procedures and responses should be addressed to department heads. For more information about the University’s Emergency Operation Plan, email planning@ut.edu.