Faculty/Staff Emergency and Safety Procedures
The best time to prepare for disasters is before they occur. Emergencies can arise at any time and from various natural or manmade causes. RIT attempts to minimize potential loss and speed up the process of recovery from any emergency by planning ahead. You can learn more about RIT's approach by reading Safety & Security at RIT.
Steps you can take to be prepared
- Know the exit routes from your office, floor, and building. Study these in advance. It is easy to get disoriented during an actual emergency.
- Know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them. Read the directions before an emergency. Report missing extinguishers immediately.
- Make sure that RIT's Publics Safety emergency number ( (585) 475-3333) is posted on your telephone.
- If you are a manager, develop a departmental calling tree and have this list readily available at the office & at home.
- If you are a manager, administrator or department head, know your critical operating activities and plan for recovery.
- Be alert and report any criminal incident, suspicious behavior, suspicious packages, or improper security activity to the Public Safety.
- If your mobility is limited by wheelchair, crutches, etc, call Public Safety in advance and alert them that you may require assistance during an emergency.
- Report any unsafe conditions to the Public Safety at (585) 475-3333/ V or TTY.
- Stay informed about developing emergency conditions through the Emergency Updates on this Emergency Preparedness website.
In case of an emergency
- Follow emergency directions as given.
- Monitor telephone broadcast messages and the "Emergency Updates" section of this website for the most current emergency information.
- Emergency calling tree notifications may be used to provide you with instructions.
- Various other methods of communication may be used as the emergency develops including posted notices throughout campus and broadcast email messages to the RIT community.
If a Fire Occurs
- Notify anyone in the immediate area of the emergency.
- Activate the nearest fire alarm box as you evacuate your building.
- Call Public Safety at (585) 475-3333 from any campus phone located at a position of safety.
- If there is smoke or heat, stay low.
- DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
- Before opening any door, using the back of your hand, test the door to see if it's hot.
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If it is hot, do not open, but:
- Call Public Safety and tell them your exact location and situation.
- Place a blanket or similar article along the bottom of your door to keep out smoke. If possible, wet the material first.
- If you can open a window, hang a blanket or sheet to alert rescuers to your location.
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If the door is not hot:
- Open the door cautiously--stand behind the door and be prepared to close it quickly if there is excessive smoke.
- If safe to leave, do so closing doors behind you and assemble outside at a safe location away from the building.
- Do not re-enter the building until notified.
- If your mobility is limited by wheelchair, crutches, etc., call Public Safety, and wait for responding agencies. Identify your location.
