Emergency Preparedness

If you hear gunfire or receive a confirmed Rave Text Alert about an active shooter, take immediate action. Do not wait for additional confirmation.

Call for Help

When it is safe to do so, call University Police at 973-655-5222 or 911. Cell phone calls to 911 on campus are routed to University Police.

The University will communicate through Rave Alerts and other official communication channels. If you hear gunfire before receiving an alert, act immediately and report the situation to University Police. Do not rely on unofficial sources or social media for emergency information.

Respond: Run • Hide • Fight

Run

If there is a safe escape route:

• Evacuate immediately.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help others escape if it is safe to do so.
• Prevent others from entering the danger area.
• Keep your hands visible.
• Follow instructions from responding law enforcement.
• Do not attempt to move injured individuals.
• Once safe, call University Police or 911.

Hide

If evacuation is not possible:

• Find a room out of the shooter's view.
• Lock and barricade the door.
• Silence your phone and other electronic devices.
• Turn off lights.
• Hide behind large objects.
• Remain quiet until law enforcement gives the all-clear.

As a last resort, and only if your life is in immediate danger:

• Act aggressively.
• Use improvised objects as defensive weapons.
• Commit fully to your actions.
• Once an opportunity presents itself, run or hide if possible.

A lockdown is used when there is a threat outside or near a building and access must be restricted to protect those inside.

During a Lockdown

• Lock classroom, office or other securable doors immediately.
• If a room cannot be locked, move to one that can or barricade the entrance.
• Stay out of sight from doors and windows.
• Turn off lights if appropriate.
• Remain as quiet as possible.
• Stay inside until University Police or another authorized official announces the all-clear.

Stay Informed

Follow updates through:

• Rave Text Alerts
• University email
• University website
• Official University social media
• Instructions from University Police

Be Prepared

If possible:

• Gather essential emergency supplies.
• Contact your emergency contact to let them know you are safe.
• Only call 911 or University Police if you have new or urgent information that affects safety.

Lockdowns May Be Issued For

• Active shooter incidents
• Hostage situations
• Bomb threats
• Riots
• Dangerous animals
• Weapons reports
• Natural or national emergencies

Shelter in Place is used when it is safer to remain indoors than to evacuate, such as during certain weather events, environmental hazards or other external emergencies.

What To Do

• Stay inside the nearest safe building.
• Do not leave campus unless directed by emergency officials.
• Choose an interior room away from exterior windows whenever possible.
• Avoid lower levels during flooding or hazardous material incidents.
• Keep away from exterior doors and windows.

If Time Allows

Gather emergency supplies such as:

• Water
• Nonperishable food
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Cell phone charger
• First aid supplies

Have one person keep track of everyone in the room and, if appropriate, notify an emergency contact of your location.

Stay Informed

Continue monitoring:

• Rave Text Alerts
• University email
• University website
• Official University social media

Remain sheltered until instructed that it is safe to leave or directed to evacuate.

If instructed to evacuate, act immediately and follow directions from University Police or emergency personnel.

During an Evacuation

• Leave the area immediately using the designated evacuation route.
• Follow directions from emergency personnel.
• If you do not have transportation, buses or other transportation will be provided when necessary.
• Roads and traffic patterns may be modified to safely move people away from the area.

Stay Informed

Monitor official University communications for evacuation routes, shelter locations and additional instructions.

Before Leaving

If possible:

• Take essential personal items only.
• Contact your emergency contact once you are safely away from the area.

The University will coordinate evacuations to ensure they are completed as safely and efficiently as possible.

If you witness criminal activity, contact University Police immediately by calling 973-655-5222 or using an emergency phone.

When Reporting

Provide as much information as possible, including:

• Location
• Nature of the incident
• Number of individuals involved
• Whether weapons are involved
• Any injuries
• Description of the suspect(s)
• Direction of travel
• Description of any vehicles involved

Do Not

• Approach the suspect
• Attempt to intervene
• Chase or detain anyone involved

If Gunshots Are Heard

• Lock or barricade the room
• Turn off lights
• Stay quiet
• Remain inside until instructed by University Police

Do not activate a fire alarm or evacuate unless:

• You have firsthand knowledge of a fire, or
• University Police instruct you to evacuate.

University Police will determine when it is safe to leave or re-enter the area.

Whether responding to a fire alarm or an actual fire, your safety is the top priority. Evacuate immediately and follow instructions from University Police or emergency personnel.

If a Fire Alarm Sounds

• Leave the building immediately using the nearest stairwell.
• Do not use elevators.
• If you have a mobility impairment and are on an upper floor, proceed to the nearest stairwell landing and have someone notify emergency responders of your location.
• Do not re-enter the building until authorized by University Police or the local fire department.

If You Discover a Fire

• Assist anyone in immediate danger only if it can be done safely.
• Activate the building fire alarm.
• Call University Police at 973-655-5222 or use an emergency phone from a safe location.
• If the fire is small and you have been trained, use a fire extinguisher only if it is safe to do so.

Using a Fire Extinguisher (PASS)

• Pull the pin.
• Aim at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle.
• Sweep from side to side.

If the Fire Cannot Be Controlled

• Evacuate immediately.
• Close doors and windows behind you, if possible.
• Proceed to the designated assembly area at least 500 feet from the building.
• Remain there until emergency personnel provide further instructions.

Do not re-enter the building until authorized by University Police or the local fire department.

View More on the Fire Safety Website

If you witness or experience a medical emergency, contact emergency responders immediately and provide assistance only if it is safe and you are trained to do so.

What To Do

• Protect the injured person from further harm, if possible.
• Call University Police at 973-655-5222 or use an emergency phone.
• If you are off campus, call 911.
• Provide the location, nature and severity of the emergency.
• If trained, provide first aid or CPR until emergency responders arrive.
• Do not move the injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
• If possible, have someone meet emergency responders and direct them to the scene.

CPR & First Aid Training

Montclair State University Emergency Medical Services (EMS) offers CPR and First Aid training throughout the year.

If lightning is occurring or expected:

• Remain inside a building.
• Stay away from windows.
• Avoid water fixtures, landline telephones and electrical equipment.
• Turn off computers and electronic devices (do not unplug them during active lightning).
• Remain indoors until the storm has passed.

If a tornado is imminent:

• Move to the lowest interior area of a sturdy building.
• Stay away from windows and large open spaces such as gymnasiums and auditoriums.
• Take cover beneath a sturdy object if available.
• Protect your head, neck and face.
• Remain sheltered until emergency officials indicate it is safe to leave.

If an earthquake occurs:

Indoors

• Drop, cover and protect your head and neck beneath a sturdy object.
• Stay away from windows and objects that could fall.
• Do not attempt to evacuate during the shaking.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.

Outdoors

• Move away from buildings, trees and power lines.
• If driving, safely pull over away from bridges, overpasses and large structures.

Hazardous material incidents may involve chemical spills, suspicious substances or airborne hazards. If you encounter a hazardous material, protect yourself and notify University Police immediately.

If You Discover a Hazardous Substance

• Move to a safe location.
• Call University Police at 973-655-5222.
• Provide as much information as possible, including:
  • Description of the substance
  • Color or texture
  • Odor, smoke or other noticeable characteristics
• If exposed, isolate yourself until emergency responders provide instructions.

If You Receive a Hazardous Materials Threat

If you receive a phone call or other information regarding hazardous materials:

• Record as much information as possible, including:
  • Time and length of the call
  • Characteristics of the caller's voice
  • Possible location of the hazard
  • Do not hang up the phone if possible.
  • Notify University Police immediately.

If Evacuation Is Ordered

• Leave personal belongings behind if directed.
• Faculty and staff should help ensure classrooms and work areas are safely evacuated.
• Proceed to the designated assembly location and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

Outdoor Hazardous Material Release

If hazardous materials are released outside and may affect campus:

• University Police may issue a Shelter in Place or Lockdown order.
• Building ventilation systems may be shut down to help prevent contaminated air from entering buildings.
• Remain indoors and monitor official University communications until further instructions are provided.

These procedures are intended to help protect the campus community until emergency responders determine the area is safe.

All bomb threats should be taken seriously. If you receive a bomb threat or discover a suspicious package that may pose a threat, notify University Police immediately and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

If You Receive a Bomb Threat

• Remain calm.
• Record as much information as possible, including:
  • Time and length of the call
  • Exact wording of the threat
  • Characteristics of the caller's voice (gender, age, accent, etc.)
  • Any information about the location of the device
  • If possible, do not hang up the phone after the call ends.
  • Immediately notify University Police at 973-655-5222.

If an Evacuation Is Ordered

• Follow instructions from University Police and emergency responders.
• Move at least 500 feet away from the affected building.
• Do not re-enter the building until it has been declared safe.

Only trained emergency personnel should search for or handle suspicious devices.

If you receive or discover a suspicious letter or package, do not attempt to handle or investigate it yourself.

A Suspicious Package May Include

• Excessive postage
• Misspelled words
• Excessive weight or a rigid envelope
• Foreign mail or special delivery markings
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
• Restrictive markings such as "Confidential" or "Personal"
• Excessive tape, string or other securing materials
• No return address
• Oily stains or discoloration
• Protruding wires or foil
• Lopsided or uneven packaging

What To Do

• Place the item down carefully if you are holding it.
• Do not shake, open or move the package.
• Isolate the area and keep others away.
• Close doors and windows.
• If possible, shut down ventilation systems.
• Leave the room and remain in a safe location.
• Call University Police immediately at 973-655-5222 or use an emergency phone.

If the package has already been opened and contains an unknown substance, follow the same steps and avoid disturbing the material.

Remain calm. Most reports involving suspicious packages are ultimately determined not to be hazardous, but every report should be treated seriously until emergency personnel have assessed the situation.

Montclair State University supports the rights of members of the campus community to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Demonstrations must be conducted in accordance with University policies and may not interfere with the rights of others or the normal operations of the University.

If you believe a demonstration presents an immediate safety concern, contact University Police at 973-655-5222.

View Expressive Activity Policy

If you have experienced sexual assault, know that you are not alone. Montclair State University offers confidential support, medical care, advocacy and reporting options to help you make the decisions that are right for you.

Victims have the right to accept or decline any available service.

Available Resources

You may choose to:

• Receive medical care and treatment for injuries.
• Receive preventive care for sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.
• Receive a forensic medical examination for evidence collection.
• File a criminal report or a University disciplinary complaint.
• Receive services from off-campus sexual assault resources.

Get More Information on How To Report

Additional community safety notifications may be issued when required to protect the campus community.

If an immigration agency or another outside law enforcement entity is present on campus, contact University Police immediately.

University Police will verify the legal authority and documentation presented before any enforcement action occurs on campus.

Federal Immigration Enforcement: Guidance & FAQs