Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Safety and Emergency Protocols

Crime Prevention in the Residence Halls/Apartments

Although most students feel that the residence halls at Lycoming are relatively safe, thefts and various crimes against persons are problems experienced in residence halls at colleges throughout the nation. A truly safe campus can only be achieved if everyone gets involved with prevention. The following list of recommendations is provided so you can reduce your risk of being a crime victim in the residence halls:

  • Lock your door every time you leave your room and when you are sleeping.
  • Know the other residents on the floor and report suspicious people to the Department of Public Safety, ext. 4064.
  • Never prop open a locked door and don't admit people that you don't know into the building.
  • If you are aware of lights, doors, windows, or locks in need of repair report them to Residential Life or Public Safety.
  • Do not keep large amounts of cash in your room.
  • Report lost or missing credit cards to the appropriate store, bank, etc.
  • Keep your checks and checkbooks in a safe place.
  • Do not allow door-to-door salespeople to enter your room. Report all soliciting to the Department of Public Safety.
  • Report all crimes or suspected crimes to the Department of Public Safety.

Public Safety...............4064
Emergency...................4911

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Locations

  • Asbury, Crever, East, Rich, Skeath, Wesley and Williams Halls - Quad
  • Ross & Mulberry Apartments and the Commons - Sidewalk between the Academic Center and the Heim Building

Fire

In case of fire or fire alarm:

  1. Sound the building fire alarm system.
  2. Close all windows and doors to isolate fire and smoke.
  3. Carry a towel to cover the nose and mouth to minimize the danger of asphyxiation.
  4. Take your room key to get back into your room. Public Safety staff will lock all doors as they evacuate the building.
  5. Evacuate the building immediately per instructions given by the residence hall and Public Safety staff.
  6. Go out the nearest exit.
  7. Assemble outside the hall at least 200 feet from the building to allow emergency vehicle access.
  8. DO NOT return to the hall until an "all clear" signal is given.
  9. All residents are expected to leave the hall when the fire alarm sounds.

Residents not following correct evacuation procedures are subject to disciplinary action including a $75.00 fine for failure to evacuate. An increased sanction is possible for a defiant early return to the hall.

Severe Weather/Tornado

In case of impending severe weather:

  1. Do not leave the building.
  2. Evacuate to designated area per instructions given by the residence hall or Public Safety staff.
  3. Remain in the designated area until an "all clear" signal is given.

Earthquake

There is no advance warning for earthquakes. Most casualties result from falling debris, power lines, or fires. Earthquake procedures are: remain calm and:

  1. If indoors - remain there, and:
    1. Get under tables, desks, or other sturdy furniture, or;
    2. Move to an interior corner, away from windows, or;
    3. Move into a strong interior doorway or hallway;
    4. Do not use open flame or electrical devices during tremors.
  2. If outside:
    1. Avoid high buildings, walls, power lines, etc.
    2. Move to an open area, away from hazards;
    3. Stay out of severely damaged buildings;
    4. Do not use open flames

Bomb Threat

Should a bomb threat be received, the following procedure should be followed:

  1. Immediately notify Public Safety, extension 4911;
  2. Do not move any item that may look suspicious.
  3. Limit use of radios or electronic transmitter near device.

Fire Prevention in the Residence Halls/Apartments

Fires occur in residence halls throughout the country and account for significant loss of and injury to life and property. You can prevent a tragedy by taking very simple precautions:

  1. Never use prohibited items such as candles, appliances, and unapproved extension cords. Never smoke in the residence halls. They are the leading causes of campus fires.
  2. Do not prop open fire doors, tamper with exit signs, or block hallways or exits.
  3. Leave the building each and every time the fire alarm sounds.
  4. Never cover or block smoke detectors.
  5. Immediately report any tampering with fire equipment such as pull stations and fire extinguishers.

Medical Emergencies

The Student Health Center is located in the basement of Rich Hall (extension 4052). Hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, weekdays. During May Term the hours are 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. For minor health problems, contact the Health Center (extension 4052). For medical emergencies at any time, please call Public Safety, extension 4911, and also notify a member of the residence hall staff. Residential Life staff can contact Public Safety for you, but cannot transport students to the hospital. Students seen in the Emergency Room should contact the Student Health Center for a follow-up visit upon their return to campus.

Needle Disposal

All individuals using injection needles are required to properly dispose of them to prevent students, visitors, and housekeeping staff from accidental needle-sticks and injury. This means placing used needles in a red biohazard sharps container, available through the Student Health Center upon request. Although not the preferred disposal method, in the absence of a biohazard container, individuals may use a puncture-resistant container (such as an empty detergent bottle), taping the lid securely. The biohazard containers and any other item containing a used needle should be returned to the Student Health Center for disposal: do not place these items in trash cans. Contact the Student Health Center, ext. 4052, for further information.

Securing the Building

Outside entrances to the halls are locked 24 hours a day. It is the responsibility of each building resident to ensure that doors are closed properly. Doors propped open or blocked jeopardize the security of all residents and the person responsible may be subject to disciplinary action and a fine of $100.