Emergency Procedure Handbook

Active Shooter Incidents

The personal safety of students, staff , faculty and visitors is of primary importance at The Graduate Center. In the wake of the incidents at Virginia Tech, we are reviewing our present security posture and emergency operation plans and will be looking at strategies to prevent such incidents from happening on our campus. However, a truly safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of the entire Graduate Center Community. Shooting incidents are often difficult to predict but many serious workplace violence incidents are preceded by warning signs that are ignored. Therefore, we must all work together to minimize the threat of violence and maintain the safety we have enjoyed at The Graduate Center. Taking the proactive measures below can help us in that effort:

• Comply with the Graduate Center’s ID/Access policy.
• Become familiar with CUNY’s Workplace Violence policy. A copy of the policy can be viewed here.
• Inform Security & Public Safety if you have a court order of protection.
• Become familiar with all fire exits on your floor.
• Immediately report violent incidents or threats of violence to Security & Public Safety at x7777.
• In addition, immediately report any suspicious activity to Security & Public Safety at x7777.

In the event that there is an active shooting incident on campus, you can follow the guidelines below, depending on the situation:

If someone enters the area you are in and starts shooting:

• Exit the building immediately only if it can be done quickly and safely.
• While exiting, notify anyone that you encounter to do the same.
• Do not sound the fire alarm as it may cause unknowing persons to evacuate into the danger zone.
• Call 911 and Graduate Center Security & Public Safety at x7777 and give them the following information:
  • Your name
  • Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
  • Number of shooters if known
  • Identification or description of the shooter(s)
  • Number and type(s) of weapons used if known (handguns, shotguns, explosive, etc.)
  • A direction of travel, if known
  • Number and location of victims and extent of injuries

If you are unable to safely evacuate

• Go to the nearest room.
• Close and lock the door. If possible, use rooms without windowed doors.
• Stay away from doors and windows and stay as low to the ground as possible.
• Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
• DO NOT answer the door unless an “all clear” announcement has been made.
• Call 911 and Graduate Center Security & Public Safety at x7777 and give them the following information:
• Your name
• Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
• Number of shooter(s) if known
• Identification or description of the shooter(s)
• Number and type(s) of weapons used if known (handguns, shotguns, explosives, etc.)
• Number and location of victims and extent of injuries
• Wait for NYPD and/or Security & Public Safety personnel to assist you out of the area.
• When the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve you being handcuffed or keeping your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons until the situation is evaluated.

If you are caught in an open area:

Also in the Emergency Procedures Handbook

• Active Shooter Incidents
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Crisis
• Bomb Threats
• Chemical Spill
• Civil Disturbance
• Crimes in Progress
• Earthquake
• Elevator Failure
• Emergency Closing Due to Weather
• Evacuations
• Evacuating Disabled Persons
• Explosion/Downed Aircraft
• Fire
• Flooding or Plumbing Failure
• Gas Leak
• Handling Suspicious Mail
• Hostage Situations
• Medical Emergency
• Power Failure
• Psychological Crisis
• Severe Weather
• Sexual Assault
• Sheltering in Place
• Terrorism
• Ventilation Problems
• Workplace Violence