Emergency Guidelines

Emergency Preparedness

UAFS has a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that may be found on the front page of the UAFS website. The UAFS COVID-19 Response Plan is also found here. For full emergency procedures please refer to the EAP, however, the following emergency guidelines are very important specifically for students living on campus. In some emergency ​situations, such as flooding or release of hazardous materials, emergency responders may order protective actions for people who live or work on campus. Typically, these protective actions are to evacuate to a safer area or to take shelter in place. It is possible that some emergency scenarios could result in one of these protective actions being ordered for one part of campus and the other protective action for a different area of campus. When such actions are warranted, police, fire, safety, or university officials via radio and television stations, Emergency Alert System, public address systems, loudspeakers, door-to-door notifications, or other appropriate means will advise residents.

UAFS also has a text messaging and e-mail subscription service for notifying the UAFS community of emergency situations and campus closing announcements. You are automatically signed up for Lion’s Alert when you register for classes. You will receive timely alerts directly on your phone and email account. To edit your Lions Alert preferences, log in to My.UAFS. If you have any questions, please contact the Service Desk at 788-7460.

On the back door of every apartment door at Sebastian Commons and hallway door at the Lion’s Den, is an emergency evacuation map. The maps include the evacuation routes, best available shelter locations, evacuation assembly areas, and where emergency equipment is located. Residents should become familiar with these maps. DO NOT REMOVE EMERGENCY MAPS.

Area Evacuation for Emergencies

An Area Evacuation is an organized withdrawal from a building or area to reach safe haven. Upon notification to evacuate, quickly:

• dress appropriately for the weather.
• take only essentials with you (e.g., eyeglasses, medications, identification, and cash, checkbook or credit cards). Do not take time to pack belongings.
• turn off unnecessary equipment, computers, and appliances.
• close the door as you exit.
• follow the directions provided for safe routes of evacuation. Always follow the directions given by UAFS staff and/or faculty.
• listen to a radio, if available, to monitor emergency status.
• do not use your personal vehicle for evacuation unless specifically instructed to do so. If cars are used to evacuate, protect against hazardous materials by keeping windows closed and outside air conditioning systems turned off. 

Sheltering in Case of Emergencies

When emergency conditions do not warrant or allow evacuation, the safest method to protect individuals may be to take shelter inside a campus building or room and await further instructions. If asked to take shelter in a building or room, quickly:

• move indoors and remain there. Avoid windows and areas with glass.
• take a radio or television to the room if possible to track emergency status.
• follow the directions given by UAFS staff and/or faculty.
• Keep telephone lines free for emergency responders. Do not call 911 for information.

If hazardous materials are involved, shelter in place and:

• turn off all ventilation systems (if accessible) and close or seal all air inlets and cracks with towels or blankets.
• select a room that is easy to seal and, if possible, has a water supply and access to restrooms.
• if you smell gas or vapor, hold a wet cloth loosely over your nose and mouth, and breathe through it as normally as possible.

Health and Safety Responsibility

If you become sick, during the day call the Powell Student Health Clinic at 788-7444, or in case of emergency, call 911. In the event that transport to a medical facility off campus is necessary by EMS personnel, Residential Life staff will not accompany or transport the resident to the hospital. If a resident is determined to have a contagious illness, the resident may be relocated to a different room and sick trays may be provided by Campus Dining. The resident is responsible for reporting extremely contagious illnesses and diseases (for example, H1N1, COVID-19, or scabies) to Housing staff so precautionary measures may be taken so other students are not infected. If a student is extremely ill or unresponsive, the student’s emergency contact may be contacted. Failure to report highly contagious diseases, bed bugs, lice, fleas, and other community health risks may result in eviction. Students are also required to dispose of their medical waste in a safe and secure manner for themselves and others who may come in contact with the waste.

COVID-19

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread person to person. Those with severe underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for contacting the illness. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, congestion, runny nose, nausea, and diarrhea. If a resident experiences any of these symptoms, they must immediately seek medical attention. A resident may be asked to self-quarantine, and the resident may be temporarily relocated. Residents are encouraged to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by maintaing a 6-foot physical distance, washing hands often, wearing a mask if not vaccinated, using hand sanitizer, and monitoring personal health. Residents must follow all current UAFS policies regarding COVID-19 policies and procedures.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection which usually affects the lungs. Tuberculosis is spread by breathing in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that have been coughed or sneezed out by someone with active TB. This can happen anywhere. International students are required by Arkansas law to be tested for tuberculosis in the United States before beginning classes at UAFS. Testing will be done during orientation before classes begin. This test should be done in the U.S. or Canada in the past six months and those results shall be acceptable. A student who has not completed the testing process by the end of the 10th class day of the academic term will receive a written notice from the Office of International Relations and Housing and Residential Life that an interim suspension from classes will be in place and a student will have two business days to contact the International Office and begin the testing process. Any student who fails to begin the testing process within that time or who fails to follow through with the testing process will be suspended from the university and will not be permitted to remain enrolled or live on campus.

Meningococcal Disease

UAFS and the Office of Housing and Residential Life do not require students to receive a vaccination for meningococcal disease. Certain college students, particularly those who live on campus, are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, which is a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. Meningitis is rare and preventable. This potentially fatal bacterial disease, can lead to swelling of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb loss, and even death. It is spread through the air via respiratory secretions or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms often resemble the flu and can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and confusion. A safe and effective vaccine is available to protect against four of the most common strains of the disease. More information may be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Bed Bugs

In group living situations such as a hotel, hostel, residence hall, apartment building, or camp cabin, bed bugs have a potential to exist. All mattresses on campus are bed bug resistant. Bed bugs are easily spread, often unsuspected, via clothing, book bags, visiting friends, and other items. Bed bugs are not spread because of poor hygienic habits. They are attracted to exhaled carbon dioxide. All residents are asked to properly launder clothes, keep their room free from clutter, and remain responsible with keeping their room free from bed bugs. The Office of Housing and Residential Life strongly discourages residents from purchasing used furniture and placing it in their room. Residents who bring to campus furniture that contains bed bugs will bear remediation costs to rid residential space of the bed bugs. Remediation of the room and its contents is not optional, and full cooperation is expected. If a resident suspects bed bugs, IMMEDIATELY REPORT IT to the front desk or Housing Office. Failure to report bed bug incidents will incur severe sanctions.

Fire

The following procedures must be followed in responding to fire alarms, conducting fire drills, reporting system malfunctions, etc. If an alarm is sounded, you must evacuate away from the residential area immediately. You CANNOT leave via a vehicle as these vehicles may impede emergency vehicles from reaching the fire. You will receive a fine for impeding the process. UAFS personnel will assist with evacuation, but they may not knock on doors. Residents must be responsible in evacuating.

The evacuation area for Sebastian Commons is across the Campus Center parking lot on the grass area between the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center and Math-Science.

The evacuation point for the Lion’s Den is the Campus Green in the middle of campus.

In case of fire:

• Call 911 to alert the fire department.
• After calling 911, call University Police at 788-7140.

If the fire is in the beginning stage (small flame), immediately contact the Fort Smith Fire Department by dialing 911 and then UPD. Promptly locate a fire extinguisher and direct the charge of the extinguisher toward the base of the flame. If others are with you, have one person make the emergency call while another uses the fire extinguisher. Do not attempt to extinguish fires beyond the small or beginning stage.

To use the fire extinguisher (remember PASS):

• Stand 8 feet away from the fire.
• Pull the pin.
• Aim at the base of the fire. Hold the extinguisher upright.
• Squeeze the trigger. Be careful not to blow sparks and create a bigger fire.
• Sweep the nozzle side to side. The extinguisher can be discharged in as little as 30 seconds.

If the fire alarm sounds, quick evacuation from the building is essential. Any delay may allow fire or smoke to render exits impassible.

Prior to leaving your room, feel the door with the back of your hand. If any portion of the door is hot, do not open it. Stay in your room! If it is cool, brace yourself against the door and get low to the floor prior to opening it. If you encounter smoke, crawl below it, as clean air is closest to the floor. Be prepared to reverse your direction and use an alternate exit or even return to your room if you encounter impassible smoke.

As you leave the door to your room, know which direction to turn. If you turn to the right, keep your right hand in contact with the wall, counting the number of doors you pass before you reach the exit. If you turn to the left, keep the left hand in contact with the wall. This is the same method firefighters use when searching for fire victims.

If you cannot leave a room due to smoke, block cracks around the door and other openings with towels. Contact the fire department at 911 and give your name and room number and advise them you are trapped in the room and cannot exit. The fire department will be notified immediately. Do not leave the room until you are told it is safe to do so. Firefighters will remove those in the most danger first, so you may not be evacuated immediately.

If smoke enters your room, lie down on the floor, as this is where the coolest and cleanest air will be. Open your window if there is no smoke visible on the outside. Attract the attention of firefighters by dangling a bed sheet from your window and/or flashing the room lights at night. Reclose your window so the fire cannot “breathe.” If conditions deteriorate and your window cannot be opened, break it with a chair and knock all of the glass out as this will let smoke out at the top and allow you to breathe fresh air from the bottom of the window. By following these suggestions, you will provide yourself with the best chance of surviving a fire.

Severe Weather and Tornado Warnings

The National Weather Service and local radio and television stations will announce watches and warnings about severe weather. If a tornado siren is sounded or a university employee knocks on your door and/or tells you to evacuate, you must evacuate away from the residential area immediately.

When a watch is announced, this indicates that weather conditions are more favorable than usual for the formation of the specific weather hazard. Watches indicate you should be aware of a potential threat, and you should review your emergency preparedness. Warnings indicate that the specific weather hazard is imminent or has been reported in the immediate area. If a tornado warning or severe storm warning is issued, you must immediately follow the appropriate precautions and procedures listed in this section.

In the event that the weather becomes severe enough to warrant any action, university emergency personnel will contact the RA on call who will work to notify all residents.

When a warning is announced, Sebastian Commons residents must move to the Reynolds room in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center. Students in the Lion’s Den must move to the first floor of their building and seek shelter in the residential hallways. Do not evacuate to a lobby or lounge. For other evacuation areas on campus, refer to the UAFS Emergency Action Plan or the Evacuation Map posted by a public exit.

Residents are to avoid the top floors of the building and such areas as the entrance foyers, lobbies, stairwells, or any area that may be glassenclosed and/or has a large unsupported roof.

Despite natural curiosity, residents must not go outside. Do not move until the tornado or storm is well out of the area and the warning has been officially lifted. UPD will send an “all clear” notification when it is safe to leave the shelter areas. Just because the sirens have stopped does not mean the situation is clear and safe; wait for an “all clear” notification before resuming normal activities.

Winter Weather: At times snow and ice will accumulate on campus streets and sidewalks. Use caution if you choose to go out in inclement weather. Snow and ice may also accumulate on roofs and stick around for several days. Residents are responsible for looking up and using caution near overhanging roof areas. If classes are cancelled, a Lion’s Alert will be sent out.

Earthquake

• DROP down onto your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down. This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary.
• OVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under the shelter of a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
• HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.
• If the building alarm sounds, follow the fire alarm evacuation procedure.
• Stay away from glass windows, shelves, and heavy equipment.
• If outdoors, move quickly away from buildings, utility poles, and other structures. NOTE: Always avoid power or utility lines as they may be energized.
• After the initial shock, evaluate the situation. If emergency help is necessary, call emergency services at 911. Do not panic, but protect yourself at all times and be prepared for aftershocks.
• Report damaged facilities to University Police at 788-7140. NOTE: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards.

Active Shooter

• Remain calm.
• UAFS follows the US Department of Homeland Security guidelines regarding Active Shooters. Remember to Run. Hide. Fight. Always have an escape route and plan in mind. If possible, Run away from the scene.
• If you cannot run, then hide. Proceed to a room that can be locked or secured by some other means such as a door wedge or barricade materials. Lock all doors and windows and turn off the lights.
• If possible, get everyone down on the floor and ensure that no one is visible from outside the room.
• Call 911 to advise the dispatcher of the situation and provide your location.
• If you are able, call UPD at 788-7140 to advise the dispatcher of the situation and provide your location.
• Remain in place until emergency personnel gives you the “all clear” notification, or if the threat is imminent and you are able, move to an area that can be locked or secured.
• Unfamiliar voices may be the shooter attempting to lure victims from their safe space. Do not respond to any voice commands until you can verify with certainty that they are being issued by a police officer.
• Attempting to overpower the shooter with force should be considered a very last resort and only after all other options have been exhausted.
• Move quickly, keep your hands visible, and follow instructions given by any police officers you may encounter.
• Do not try to move injured people; leave them where they are and notify authorities of their location as soon as possible.
• Do not attempt to leave campus until the “all clear” notification is given by emergency personnel. Remember that the entire area is considered a crime scene.
• Should the fire alarm sound and you know there is still a hostile intruder in the building, do not evacuate unless you know there is a fire in the building or you have been advised by UPD or Fort Smith Police. If you have any details regarding the identity or location of the subject(s), tell the officers.

Missing Student Policy

A missing student is defined as any currently registered student at UAFS who has not been seen by friends, family members, or associates for a reasonable length of time, and whose whereabouts have been questioned and brought to the attention of a member of the university community. Through the UAFS registration process, all residents register the name and number of a contact who will be contacted within 24 hours after the resident is determined to be missing, and it will only be disclosed to UAFS employees and law enforcement personnel on an as-needed basis. This is done in part through their inclusion in the application process. Resident assistants or resident directors who determine that a resident has been missing for longer than 24 hours shall immediately report the same to their resident director or director of Housing. If a member of the university community has reason to believe that a resident has been missing for 24 hours, they should immediately notify UPD 788-7140 or the vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management 788- 7310. UPD or a local law enforcement agency, upon notice, will initiate an investigation, with the assistance of Housing and Residential Life. Should UPD and/or Student Affairs determine that the student is missing and has been missing for more than 24 hours, the resident’s emergency contact, or the resident’s parents if the resident is under 18 and not legally emancipated, will be contacted, no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing.

Safety and Security Guidelines

Hopefully, you will never be a victim of theft or vandalism, but it is important for you as a resident to observe the following guidelines.

• Keep bedroom and front doors locked at appropriate times.
• Keep your vehicle locked at all times and keep valuables out of sight.
• Close and lock windows when sleeping or when away from your room.
• Report lost or misplaced keys and student ID cards immediately to staff.
• If the student is the victim or a witness to any on-campus criminal offense (e.g., theft, vandalism, or property destruction), observes a suspicious person on campus, or observes a person with a weapon, promptly notify 911 to report the incident. After placing the call to 911, notify UPD at 788-7140 and any member of the Housing and Residential Life staff.
• UAFS is required to keep and disclose information about crime on and near campus due to the Clery Act. This information is updated annually and may be found on the UAFS website. The Clery Act also states that all universities must give a timely warning covering any crimes that pose an ongoing threat to the campus community. This notification is typically done through Lions Alert. You may adjust your Lions Alert settings in My.UAFS.
• The University Police Department is located in the 51st Annex at 425 N. 51st St. UPD provides assistance and protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on a year-round basis.