|
|
|
Welcome
Crime Awareness & Campus
Security Annual Report
|
THE GRADUATE
CENTER
IN AN EMERGENCY CALL SECURITY AT x7777
INTRODUCTION
|
|
Security & Public Safety (24 Hours) |
212-817-7777 |
|
Director of Security & Public Safety |
212-817-7761 |
|
Asst. Director of Public Safety |
212-817-7768/7770 |
|
Environmental Health & Safety |
212-817-7761 |
|
Facilities Services & Campus Planning (Office) |
212-817-7730 |
|
Wellness Center |
212-817-7020 |
Graduate Center's Precinct: |
|
|
Midtown South Precinct Desk |
212-239-9801 |
|
Midtown South Precinct Switchboard |
212-239-9811 |
|
Midtown South Community Affairs |
212-239-9846 |
|
Midtown South Community Policing |
212-239-9805 |
|
Midtown South Crime Prevention |
212-239-9846 |
|
Midtown South Domestic Violence |
212-239-9863 |
|
Midtown South Youth Officer |
212-239-9817 |
|
Midtown South Detective Squad |
212-239-9856 |
|
Child Abuse Reporting Center |
800-342-3720 |
|
Crisis Intervention Hotline |
212-219-5599 |
|
Domestic Violence Hotline |
800-621-HOPE |
|
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children |
800-843-5678 |
|
Safe Horizon Crisis (Crime Victims) Hotline |
212-577-7777 |
|
Sex Crimes Report Line |
646-610-7273 |
You can report an emergency in the following ways:
1. Call x7777 to contact Security & Public Safety, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
2. Call 911 to report emergencies directly to the New York City Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services. If calling 911 while on campus, also call Security & Public Safety at x7777 so we can expedite the emergency response.
3. Press the Emergency Assistance Stations located in corridors and places of public assembly throughout the building. Emergency Assistance Stations are circular in shape and lit for high visibility. Pressing the blue, center section sends a signal to the electronic security console and an officer is then sent to the station’s location.
4. Press the Emergency Tape Switches mounted on rest room walls. This device is white in color and similar to the device used on buses to request a stop. When pressed, a signal is sent to the electronic security console and an officer is then sent to that tape switch location.
5. For smoke or fire, pull the Fire Alarm Pull Boxes, which are bright red in color, located adjacent to all fire exits. Lifting the cover and pulling down the handle activates the alarm. A signal is sent to the fire command station in the main lobby and to a central dispatch station that notifies the FDNY. When pulled, this device will also activate an audible fire alarm on the floor where pulled and the floor above.
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 at http://web.gc.cuny.edu/security/Workplace%20Violence.htm.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:
If you can run, do not run in a straight line. Attempt to keep objects (desks, cabinets, fixtures,
etc.) between you and the shooter. If outside, use vehicles and other objects to block you from
the view of the shooters.If you cannot run, take cover and if possible, try to hide in a well hidden space.
Fighting back is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.
If you are caught by the suspect and are not able to fight back, obey all commands and do not look the intruder in the eye.
If you are taken hostage:
Remain calm, be patient and avoid drastic action.
Follow the hostage taker's instructions. Do not speak unless spoken to. Avoid arguments.
Stay alert and be observant. You may be released or be able to escape. The personal safety of
others others may depend on your memory.
Other emergency procedures, security alerts and crime prevention information can be viewed at http://web.gc.cuny.edu/security/Default.htm.
1. An Alcohol and Drug Abuse Crisis can result from ingesting substances haphazardly or beyond an individual's normal ability to cope with the ingested amount or the consequence.
2. An alcohol or drug overdose can
be rapidly fatal. Call Security & Public Safety at x7777 to
request an ambulance if a person is:
 |
Poorly responding to stimuli |
|
Unconscious (no response to stimuli) |
|
Having difficulty breathing |
|
Out of control and a potential danger to self or others |
|
If you aren’t sure about the physical well-being of the person |
3. Before
approaching or touching the person having an alcohol or drug abuse crisis,
identify
yourself to the individual and explain what you intend to do. Talk
calmly in a non-challenging
manner and orient individual to time, place, and
condition if needed. Try to find out what the
individual has consumed and how much, including whether alcohol was mixed with other drugs
(prescription
medication or illegal drugs) so responding emergency personnel can be informed.
4.
Make certain someone stays with
individual. If the individual wishes to lie down, have person
lie
on his/her left side to avoid asphyxiation.
5. If the person is convulsing, do not attempt to put any object in the mouth and do not restrain.
6. People who are under the influence of alcohol/drugs can be irrational and /or dangerous. NEVER PUT YOURSELF AT PHYSICAL RISK.
Bombings or threats of bombing are now harsh realities in today's world. While most bomb threats turn out to be hoaxes and most suspicious packages are harmless, it is important that all threats and suspicious objects be treated seriously. Time is of the essence when a bomb threat is received and we must be ready to react quickly and efficiently to minimize the risk of injury to students, staff, faculty and visitors. These guidelines are designed to help the Graduate Center community prepare for the potential threat of explosive-related violence. These guidelines and a Bomb Threat Checklist should be kept next to every college telephone.
|
Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Do not interrupt except to ask the caller to speak louder, slower or to repeat the message. |
|
Record pertinent information on a Bomb Threat Checklist. Do not hang up until the caller hangs up. |
|
If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or time of possible detonation, ask him/her for this information. |
|
Inform the caller that the building is occupied and the detonation of a bomb can result in death or serious injury to many innocent people. |
|
Pay particular attention to background noises, such as motors running, music playing, vehicle traffic and any other noise which may give a clue as to the location of the caller. |
|
Listen closely to the voice (male or female), the mood of the caller (calm, excited, despondent, etc.), accents or speech impediments. |
|
Report the threat to Security & Public Safety at x7777 immediately after the caller hangs up. Security & Public Safety will then implement its bomb threat response procedure. |
|
Remain
available in the event that law enforcement personnel want to interview you. |
|
Save all materials including the envelope. |
|
Once the message is recognized as a threat, further unnecessary handling should be avoided in order to maintain evidence. |
|
Report the threat to Security & Public Safety at x7777. Security & Public Safety will then implement its bomb threat response procedure. |
|
Remain available in the event that law enforcement
personnel want to interview you. |
|
Feel & Balance - Letters feel rigid, appear uneven or lopsided or are bulkier than normal. Sponginess or undue pressure can be felt through the package. Contents of the parcel may make a "sloshing" sound. |
|
Place of Origin - Check the delivery postmark to see if the place of origin is familiar. |
|
Foreign Packages - If the item is from another country ask yourself if it is expected. Look for foreign writing, addresses and postage. |
|
Unusual Addressing or Delivery Instructions - There are unusually restrictive endorsements such as "Personal," "Private" and "Confidential" or has no return address. |
|
Packaging - Packaging wrapped in string are automatically suspicious, as modern packaging materials have eliminated the need for twine or string. |
|
Postage - Excess postage on small packages or letters indicate that the object was not weighed by the Post Office. No postage or non-cancelled postage should also be a warning. |
|
Writing - Handwritten notes such as "Fragile," "Rush" or "Prize Enclosed," a foreign style of writing (not normally received), misspelling of common names, places or titles and mail addressed to generic or incorrect titles should be treated with caution. |
|
Odor - The mail or package emits the smell of marzipan or almonds or any other peculiar odor. |
|
Appearance - Leaks, stains, protruding wires, string, tape or tinfoil are present. |
|
Sound - Any package that emits a buzzing, ticking or other unusual noise should be treated with caution. |
|
Telephone Calls - Any packages or
letters arriving before or after a phone call from an unknown person asking if
the item was received is suspect. |
|
Under no circumstances should anyone move, jar, touch, tamper or interfere with the object or anything attached to it. |
|
Report the location and an accurate description of the object to Security & Public Safety at x7777. |
|
Security and Facilities personnel should not use portable radios to report a suspicious object as they can sometimes cause the premature detonation of an explosive device. |
|
If possible, open all doors and windows
in the area where the object is found to minimize primary damage caused by the
blast and secondary damage caused by fragmentation. |
|
If it is determined that an evacuation is necessary, bomb threat evacuations at the Graduate Center will follow a procedure similar to the one used for fire evacuations. |
|
Take personal belongings such as purses, briefcases, knapsacks and shopping bags with you so they are not confused with suspicious packages by those conducting a bomb search. |
|
Know your escape route in advance. Also be prepared to use an alternate exit in case your primary route is obstructed. Pay attention to all alarms and public address system announcements. |
|
Follow instructions given by Fire Wardens, Searchers, Security, NYPD and FDNY personnel. |
|
Never use an elevator to evacuate unless directed to do so by the Fire Department. |
|
Once outside, move well away from the building, especially away from windows. |
|
(Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print. It is available for free download.) |
While the Graduate Center does not have laboratories, chemical and chemical products are used throughout the building for maintenance, housekeeping, reprographic and other purposes. The following should be done if a hazardous chemical is spilled in the building:
1. Immediately report any spillage of hazardous chemicals to Security at x7777.
2. When reporting the incident, be specific about the nature of the involved material and the exact location. Security will contact Facilities Services and outside emergency response agencies if necessary.
3. The affected area should be evacuated immediately and sealed off to prevent further contamination of other areas until the arrival of Security, Facilities or other emergency service personnel.
4. Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill should avoid contact with others as much as possible. Remain in the vicinity and give your name to Security & Public Safety, so any required first aid and clean up can be performed by the appropriate emergency service personnel.
5. If an emergency exists that requires a building evacuation, activate the nearest fire alarm (as a precaution also report the emergency by telephone).
Most demonstrations such as marches, meetings, picketing and rallies are peaceful and non-obstructive. However, demonstrations can become disruptive if one or more of the following conditions exist:
|
Interference with the normal operations of the college. |
|
Prevention of access to an office, building or other college facility. |
|
Threat of physical harm to persons or damage to college facilities. |
|
Disorderly conduct which disturbs the campus or community. |
1.
If any
of these conditions exist, contact Security & Public Safety at x7777 and report
the
location, nature and size of the disturbance.
2. Continue
as much as possible with your normal routine. If the disturbance is outside,
stay away
from doors and windows.
3.
Avoid
provoking or obstructing demonstrators. Do not interfere with those persons
creating the
disturbance or with law enforcement authorities on the
scene.
1.
Do not
attempt to apprehend or interfere with the criminal except in case of
self-protection.
If possible, move to a safe location.
2. In the event of a robbery, do not resist.
3.
If safe
to do so, attempt to get a good description of the criminal. If the criminal is
entering a
vehicle, note the license number, make, model, color and outstanding characteristics of the
vehicle.
4.
If you observe a crime or are a victim, call Security & Public Safety at x7777,
advise the officer
of the situation and give the following
information:
|
Your name |
|
Location of incident |
|
Description of the suspects involved (clothing and physical features) |
|
Injuries that have occurred |
|
Description of any weapons involved |
|
Description of property involved |
|
The suspect's direction of travel and vehicle description (if applicable) |
|
Make sure that the officer understands that the incident is in progress |
5. If possible, stay on the line with the officer until help arrives. Keep the officer updated on any changes in the situation so responding personnel can be updated. Even if you cannot communicate, keep the line open so the officer listening in can learn more about what is happening.
6. Meet with Security & Public Safety personnel when they arrive.
While New York City is usually not associated with earthquake activity, earthquakes have occurred in the metropolitan area. It is believed that earthquakes of up to a magnitude of 6.0-6.5 on the Richter Scale are possible. This, combined with a concentration of high rise buildings, many of which were constructed prior to the implementation of seismic building code guidelines in 1996, make damaging earthquakes a potential threat. During an earthquake, remain calm and quickly follow the steps outlined below:
1. If indoors, seek refuge in a doorway or under a desk or table. Stay away from glass windows, shelves and heavy equipment.
2. If outdoors, move quickly away from buildings, utility poles and other structures. CAUTION: Always avoid power or utility lines, as they may be energized.
3. If in an automobile, stop in the safest place available, preferably away from power lines and trees. Stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle for the shelter it offers.
4. After the initial shock, evaluate the situation and, if emergency help is necessary, call Security & Public Safety at x7777. Be prepared for aftershocks.
5. Damaged facilities should be reported to Security & Public Safety at x7777 and Facilities Management at x7730.
6. If the building evacuation alarm is sounded, walk to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
7. Assist the disabled in exiting the building. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE. Do not panic. Remain calm.
8. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building(s). Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear from emergency vehicles and crews.
9. If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
10. A Campus Emergency Command Post may be set up near the disaster site. Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.
11. Do not return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by emergency response personnel.
1. Elevators have mechanical safety brakes that will operate even during power failures.
2. Use the emergency telephone located in the front of the elevator cab to call Security & Public Safety.
3. Inform the officer if medical emergency exists.
4. Remain calm and try to keep other occupants calm.
EMERGENCY CLOSING DUE TO WEATHER
In the event that prevailing weather conditions cause serious disruption to the public transportation system or make other means of traveling hazardous, The Graduate Center may be closed until conditions improve. If there is a threat of a snow emergency (Monday through Friday) when the college is scheduled to be in session, information concerning the college's status can be heard on the following radio stations or by calling the telephone numbers listed below:
Radio Stations Broadcasting CUNY Message
|
WADO 1280 AM |
|
WBLS 107.5 FM |
|
WCBS 880 AM 101.1 FM |
|
WFAS 1230 AM 104 FM |
|
WINS 1010 AM |
|
WLIB 1190 AM |
|
WOR www.wor710.com |
Telephone Numbers
|
(718) 330-1234 - NYC announcements, up
to the minute transportation conditions and emergency |
|
(212) 817-7000 - Graduate Center recorded message. |
1. Know your escape route in advance. Also be prepared to use an alternate exit in case your primary route is obstructed. Plan how you would escape in case of a fire. Know your escape routes well enough to be able to make your way in the dark or in dense smoke.
2. Below are the fire exits/stairs for the Graduate Center:
Stairs |
Location in Building |
Serves Floors |
Re-Entry |
Exits to Street |
|
"S" |
Elevator Lobbies |