Emergency Procedures

• Register or update your contact information in the YU UPDATE emergency notification system. 
• Know your surroundings: identify emergency exits in your building and familiarize yourself with emergency evacuation procedures.  
• Know your responsibilities: if you are responsible for communicating with staff, faculty or students in your department/area, understand how to do so quickly and prepare in advance key emergency response information. Administrative and academic department supervisors should pre-determine outside meeting spaces for your faculty and staff in the case of a fire/emergency evacuation of  your building. 
• Know the University’s emergency contact numbers: Wilf Campus: 212.960.5200; Israel Henry Beren Campus: 212.340.7796; Brookdale Center Campus (Cardozo Law): 212.790.0303; Rousso Building (Bronx): 646.592.4385; Van Etten Building (Bronx): 646.592.4398. 
• If you see something suspicious, report it immediately to Campus Security or call 911. 

Emergency Supply Kit

For your workplace, where you might be confined for several hours, or perhaps overnight, the following supplies are recommended.

Flashlight with extra batteries

Use the flashlight to find your way if the power is out. The use of candles or any other open flame for emergency lighting is prohibited.

Battery-powered radio

News about the emergency may change rapidly as events unfold. You also will be concerned about family and friends in the area. Radio reports will give information about the areas most affected. 

Food 

Enough non-perishable food to sustain you for at least one day (three meals), is suggested. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. The following items are suggested: 

• Ready-to-eat canned meals, meats, fruits, etc. 
• Canned juices. 
• High-energy foods (granola bars, energy bars, etc.).

Water

Keep bottle water available, One gallon of water or more if you are on medications that require water or that increase thirst. 

Medications

Include usual non-prescription medications that you take, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, etc. If you use prescription medications, keep at least a three-day supply of these medications at your workplace. Consult with your physician or pharmacist how these medications should be stored, and your employer about storage concerns.

Tools and Supplies

• Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils,  plastic garbage bags
• Personal hygiene items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, soap, contact lens supplies and feminine supplies. 
• Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear, including a long sleeved shirt and long pants, as well as closed-toed shoes or boots.

• For YU Security assistance:
  
  • Wilf Campus: 212.960.5200 (24 Hour) 
  • Israel Henry Beren Campus: 646-592-4385
  • Cardozo Law School: 646-592-6575
  • Rousso Building (Bronx): 646.592.4385
  • Van Etten Building (Bronx): 646.592.4398
  • 24 Hour Emergency Number: 212.960.5200
• Call 911 to report emergencies directly to the New York City Police, Fire and Emergency dial Services. If calling 911 while on campus, also call YU Security so we can expedite the emergency response.
• For smoke or fire, pull the Fire Alarm Pull Boxes, which are red in color, located adjacent to all fire exits. 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. 
• Emergency Call Stations (Blue Lights) located on our Wilf campus these Blue lights provide emergency communication for our campus streets, parking areas and other outside places of public assembly. By pressing the emergency button a Security Officer will be dispatched to your location and you can engage in hands free conversation with Security. Blue Light call stations are located at the following locations:
  
  • 24 Laurel HILL Terrace
  • Laurel Hill Terrace (vicinity of rear entrance to gym)
  • 185^th & Audubon (vicinity of Parking Lot B)
  • Amsterdam at 183^rd (vicinity of parking Lot D)
  • 565 185^th St. (Parking Lot H - opposite the Schottenstein Center)
  • 186^th Street between Amsterdam and Laurel Hill (Parking Lot C)
  • 186^th Street between Amsterdam and Audubon (Parking Lot A)
  •  497 West 182^nd Street (Corner of Amsterdam & Laurel Hill)

Local Numbers

• NYPD / FDNY / EMS-AMBULANCE / HAZMAT Emergency – 911
• NON-EMERGENCY – 311

On Campus Emergency Numbers

• Wilf Campus Security (24 Hour) | 212.960.5200
• Beren Campus Security 646-592-4385
• Cardozo Law School Security 646-592-6575
• Rousso Building (Bronx) | 646.592.4385
• Van Etten Building (Bronx) | 646.592.4398
• Director of Security | 646.592.4476
• Environmental Health & Safety | 212.568.3986
• Health Center (Wilf) | 646.685.0391

Hotline / Help-Line Numbers

• Hatzalah | 212.230.1000
• Poison Control | 800.222.1222 Child Abuse Reporting Center | 800.342.3720
• Crisis Intervention Hotline | 212.219.5599
• Domestic Violence Hotline | 800.621.4673
• 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

Wilf Campus – 34th Precinct Non-Emergency Numbers

• 34 Precinct | 212.927.9711
• Community Affairs | 212.927.0576
• Community Policing | 212.927.2640
• Crime Prevention | 212.927.9301
• Domestic Violence | 212.927.0821
• Youth Officer | 212.927.0701
• Auxiliary Coordinator | 212.927.0700                                                            

Beren Campus – 17th Precinct Non-Emergency Numbers

• 17 Precinct | 212.826.3211
• Community Affairs | 212.826.3228
• Community Policing | 212.826.3212
• Crime Prevention | 212.826.3224
• Domestic Violence | 212.826.3210
• Youth Officer | 212.826.3207
• Auxiliary Coordinator | 212.826.3216                                                                  

Brookdale Residence Hall – Midtown South - Non-Emergency Numbers

• MTS Precinct | 212.927.9711
• Community Affairs | 212.927.0576
• Community Policing | 212.927.2640
• Crime Prevention | 212.927.9301
• Domestic Violence | 212.927.0821
• Youth Officer | 212.927.0701
• Auxiliary Coordinator | 212.927.0700
• Detective Squad | 212.927.0823 

Cardozo Law – 6th Precinct Non-Emergency Numbers

• 6^th Precinct | 212.741.4811
• Community Affairs | 212.741.4826
• Community Policing | 212.741.4827
• Crime Prevention | 212.927.9301
• Domestic Violence | 212.741.4800
• Youth Officer | 212.741.4828
• Auxiliary Coordinator | 212.741.2032
• Detective Squad | 212.741.4841

• Bronx Campus – 49th Precinct Non-Emergency Numbers

• 34 Precinct | 718.918.2000
• Community Affairs | 718.918.2025
• Detective Squad 718.918.2034
• Crime Prevention | 718.918.2026  Tyrone Mederos E-mail: tyrone.mederos@nypd.org
• Domestic Violence | 718.918.2030 Email: 49pctyco@nypd.org
• Youth Officer | 718.918.2046 Email: 49pctyco@nypd.org

• New York City Police
• New York Fire Department 
• New York City Office of Emergency Management
• National Weather Service
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Department of Homeland Security 

An alcohol or drug overdose can be rapidly fatal. Call Yeshiva University Security to request an ambulance and/or Hatzalah 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

• 911 – EMS & NYPD Police Response
• Hatzalah - 212.230.1000
• Wilf Campus Security - 212.960.5200
• Beren Campus Security - 212.340.7460
• Cardozo Law School Security - 212.790.0303
• Rousso Building (Bronx) - 646. 592. 4385
• Van Etten Building (Bronx) - 646.592.4398

Program these important numbers into your cell phones in advance so they are readily available when needed.

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.

Make certain someone stays with individual. If the individual wishes to lie down, have lie on/her side to avoid asphyxiation. If the person is convulsing, do not attempt to put any object in the mouth and do not restrain.

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 Yeshiva University community members prepare for the potential threat of explosive-related violence.

These guidelines and a Bomb Threat Checklist should be kept next to every university telephone. (A copy of the Bomb Threat Checklist is located below)

A calm response to a bomb threat caller could result in obtaining additional information. This is especially true if the caller wishes to avoid injuries or deaths. If told that the building is occupied or cannot be evacuated in time, the bomber may be willing to give more specific information on the bomb's location, components, or method of initiation. When a bomb threat is called in:

• 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 immediately after the caller hangs up. Security will then implement its bomb threat response procedure.
• Remain available in the event that Security or other law enforcement personnel want to interview you.

While written threats are usually associated with generalized threats and extortion attempts, a written warning of a specific device may occasionally be received.

• Save all materials including the envelope.
• Once the message is recognized as a threat, further unnecessary handling should be avoided in order to preserve evidence.
• Report the threat to Security. Security will then implement its bomb threat response procedure.
• Remain available in the event that Security or other law enforcement personnel want to interview you.

While the likelihood of receiving a bomb through the mail is remote, letter or package bombs represent an alternate delivery method if the motive of the attack is to inflict injury on a specific individual. Bombs can be constructed to look like almost anything and can be placed or delivered in a number of ways. Its appearance is limited only by the imagination of the sender. However, the following characteristics may help you in identifying a suspicious letter or package:

• FEEL & BALANCE - Letters feel rigid, appear uneven or lopsided or are bulkier or heavier than normal. Sponginess or undue pressure can be felt through the package. Contents of  the parcel may make a "sloshing" noise.
• PLACE OF ORIGIN - Check the delivery postmark to see if the place of origin is familiar. Check to see if letter shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address
• 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 Post Office did not weigh the object. 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.
• 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, you will be directed by security to completely evacuate your building. Follow instructions from security personnel to avoid areas of concern.

• 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, Security and NYPD personnel.
• Never use an elevator to evacuate unless directed to do so by Security.
• Once outside, move well away from the building, especially away from windows.

If you receive a telephone threat, remain calm and try to keep caller on the line. Use this checklist as a guide and to document the details of the threat. 

Immediately Notify and Submit Checklist to Security

• Wilf (24 hour): (212) 960-5200
• Beren: (212) 340-7460
• Cardozo Law: (212) 790-0303

Questions to Ask Caller

• When is the bomb going to explode?
• Where is the bomb right now?
• What does the bomb look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will cause the bomb to explode?
• Did you place the bomb? Why?
• Where are you?
• What is your name?
• What organization do you represent?

Circle all of the voice characteristics and background sounds that apply.

Additional Details

• Was the caller male or female?
• Approximate age?
• Was the caller’s voice familiar?
• Was the caller well spoken?
• Did caller read a prepared statement?
• Telephone # of caller
• Time call received
• Date call received
• Your name
• Your phone number(s) 

If you discover a utility failure, contact Security. Be prepared to give:

• Building name
• Floor
• Room number
• Nature of problem
• Person to contact and phone number

• If you are in an area where power has failed, call Security, providing the officer with your name, location and department. Describe the nature of the problem and any additional locations that are without power.
• If the power failure occurs during daylight hours, open blinds and doors to maximize available outside light.
• Yeshiva University is equipped with emergency lighting in many of our corridors, stairwells and emergency exits. If the lights are out, proceed cautiously when you evacuate.
• If you are trapped in an elevator, remain calm and use the emergency telephone or call button.
• Should an electrical or mechanical systems failure occur in the building, it might become necessary to evacuate the facility. Security will seek input from Facilities prior to making a decision.
• Security personnel will advise you when to evacuate the building. If requested, evacuate the building immediately. After evacuating from the building move away from the building's entrance.

• Stop all use of electric equipment.
• Call Security
• Call Facilities
• Evacuate the area if necessary.

• Cease all operations and notify Security
• Security will contact Facilities and other outside emergency response agencies if necessary.
• To avoid sparks, leave all electrical equipment, i.e. lights, computers, appliances, etc., as is. Electrical arcing can trigger an explosion.
• Exit the area immediately.

• Elevators have mechanical safety brakes that will operate even during power failures. Elevators will stop in place and not return to ground floor.
• If you get stuck on an elevator, push the alarm/help button for assistance. You may also call security on your personal cell phone.
• Yeshiva University has elevator technicians assigned to each campus and they will be called to assist you. If our elevator technician’s are not available then the FDNY will be called to assist you.

Yeshiva University has historically provided a very safe learning environment with a low incidence of serious crime occurring while on campus grounds. If you observe a crime in progress or are a victim of a crime please be guided by the following: 

• Do not attempt to apprehend or interfere with the criminal except in case of self-protection.  If possible, move to a safe location.
• In the event of a robbery, do not resist.
• If safe to do so, attempt to get a good description of the criminal. If the criminal is entering vehicle, note the license number, make, model, color and outstanding characteristics of the vehicle.

If you observe a crime or are a victim, call Security and advise us of 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

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.

Meet with Security personnel when they arrive.

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 Yeshiva University
• Prevention of access to an office, building or other university facility.
• Threat of physical harm to persons or damage to university facilities.
• Disorderly conduct which disturbs the university or the outside community.

If any of these conditions exist, contact Security and report the location, nature and size of the disturbance.

Continue as much as possible with your normal routine. If the disturbance is outside, stay away from doors and windows.

Avoid provoking or obstructing demonstrators. Do not interfere with those persons creating the disturbance or law enforcement authorities on the scene.

Yeshiva University Security

• Wilf Campus - 212.960.5200
• Beren Campus - 212.340.7460
• Cardozo Law School - 212.790.0303
• Rousso Building (Bronx) - 646.592.4385
• Van Etten Building (Bronx) - 646.592.4398
• 911 – EMS & NYPD Police Response

Program these important numbers into your cell phones in advance so they are readily available when needed.

If you discover a fire you should pull the nearest fire alarm box on the floor; call 911 and Security. Be prepared to give the following information:

• Specific condition (smoke, fire, etc.)
• Specific location (building, floor, room)
• Your name and location
• Notify those in the immediate area of the danger.
• Assist in removing any disabled person from the immediate area.
• Follow the directions of Fire Wardens, Security Officers and Facilities.

Emergency Numbers

Yeshiva University Security

• Wilf Campus - 212.960.5200
• Beren Campus - 212.340.7460
• Cardozo Law School - 212.790.0303
• Bronx Campus - 646.592.4385

911 – EMS & NYPD Police Response

Program these important numbers into your cell phones in advance so they are readily available when needed.

It is a violation of New York State Law to fail to evacuate when the fire alarm is sounding. Always assume it is a real emergency and follow your evacuation procedures. It is unlawful for any person to prevent or order another person from evacuating or leaving the building when the alarm is sounding.

Know your Emergency Evacuation 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.

• Be aware that whenever the fire alarm sounds it may signal a very real emergency situation.
• Remain calm and proceed to evacuate the area in an orderly manner. Do not rush, push or panic. Rely on planning and knowledge.
• Assist disabled persons to evacuate the area. Be particularly aware of persons with sight or hearing disabilities.
• If there is smoke, stay low, it will be easier to breathe.
• Before opening any door, touch the door with the back of your hand. Do not open a door that is warm or hot.
• Close doors behind you to prevent fire spread, but make sure that you can reopen them if you need to retreat.

Listen for Instructions From:

• Fire Wardens
• Security Officers
• Facilities Personnel
• Other Faculty & Staff

Fire extinguishers are located on every floor inside each fire stair should be used to extinguish small fires only. Ensure that you have a clear escape route before using an extinguisher. An easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is to remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.

• PULL the pin. This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
• AIM at the base of the fire. If you aim at the flames, the extinguishing agent will fly right through. You want to hit the fuel.
• SQUEEZE the top handle lever. This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.
• SWEEP from side to side until the fire is completely out. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, and then move forward. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.

Fire Wardens are designated by the Security Department as the primary point of contact with occupants in a particular building. Some of the duties of the Wardens are:

• Assist in the orderly evacuation of the building. (Pursuant to NYFD Fire Code and NYS Education Law Section 807 ‑ Fire Drills).
• Assist in identifying hazards and communicating repair needs to the appropriate campus authority.
• Conduct building specific training and drills in conjunction with campus authorities.

The following is a listing of Yeshiva University buildings and emergency evacuation routes from various locations in each building.

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. Once you have evacuated you should proceed away from the building and listen for instructions from your Fire Wardens and Security Officers.



Below are the fire exits/stairs for the various buildings:

Wilf Campus

Complete evacuation is required for all buildings on the Wilf campus. When the emergency alarm sounds, stop whatever you are doing and exit your building as quickly and calmly as possible. Use the nearest fire exit and evacuate to the street. Max Stern Gym and Cafeteria will be used as an evacuation reassembly location during inclement weather unless otherwise directed by security.

Below are the fire exits/stairs for the various buildings:

Beren Campus

Complete evacuation is required for all buildings on the Beren Campus. When the emergency alarm sounds, stop whatever you are doing and exit your building as quickly and calmly as possible. Use the nearest fire exit and evacuate to the street. All exits are clearly marked with letters. Either 215 Lexington Ave or 245 Lexington Ave can be used as an evacuation reassembly location during inclement weather or if directed by security.

Fire exits/stairs for the Beren Midtown Campus:

Cardozo Law

The Cardozo School of Law is located at 55 Fifth Ave. When the emergency alarm sounds, stop whatever you are doing and exit your building as quickly and calmly as possible. Use the nearest fire exit and evacuate to the street.

Fire exits/stairs for Cardozo Law:

In addition to use in student laboratories, Yeshiva University uses chemical and chemical products throughout the campuses for maintenance, housekeeping, and reprographic and other purposes.

A hazardous material has the ability to cause death or harm to human health, animals, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors and includes the following: infectious substances, corrosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases, explosives, radioactive materials, poisons.  

In the event of a chemical spill, the following response procedures shall be observed:

• Alert personnel in the surrounding area, no matter how small or insignificant it appears.
• Determine if the spill is major or minor. Prior to working with a chemical, become familiar with its hazards by referring to its Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

A major spill is an event that requires assistance from the Safety Department or cannot be handled with existing University resources. It also includes events where personal injury or contamination is involved.

A minor spill can safely be handled by laboratory personnel without outside assistance.



Major Spill Response Actions

• Immediately, notify personnel in the immediate area to evacuate.
• If possible, without risking personal exposure, close all doors to the location.
• Contact the Security Department and the Safety Department, and be prepared to provide the following information:
  
  • Your name
  • Your contact number 
  • Location of Spill 
  • Name of material spilled (spell the chemical name; some chemicals sound alike)
  • Physical state of the material 
  • Amount spilled 
  • If injuries have occurred 
  • Time of incident/Time observed
  • Other pertinent information
  • Stay on the phone for further instructions – DO NOT HANG UP.   

Laboratory personnel should cautiously proceed with spill clean-up, if the following conditions are met: 

• The identity of the substance is known.
• The hazards do not pose a significant threat to health and safety. Refer to the applicable Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this information.
• Clean-up equipment is available and accessible.
• Personnel handling the clean-up have received safety training and are confident that exposure to oneself and others will not occur. 
• If at any point an outside assistance is needed, the Security Department and the Safety Department should immediately be contacted. 

In the event of a biological material spill, alert personnel in the immediate area and follow the response procedures below:

For spills outside a biosafety cabinet and with potential for aerosolization:

• Evacuate the area and post warning signs (“Biohazard Spill – Do Not Enter”) on all entrances to the spill location.
• Allow aerosols to settle for 30 minutes before clean-up.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, face protection, etc.) 
• Cover the spilled material with a 10% bleach solution or other approved disinfectant .Avoid splashing. 
• Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the disinfectant to inactivate the biohazard. Always follow manufacturer’s directions.
• Use forceps, tongs or a broom and dustpan to pick-up any broken glass or sharps. Debris should be deposited in a biohazard sharps container. 
• Use paper towels or absorbent pads to wipe up spilled material, then dispose of in a biohazard container. 
• Wipe down all surfaces or items in contact with the material once more with absorbent material and disinfectant.
• Sterilize all re-usable items by autoclaving.
• Remove gloves; wash hands with soap and water after clean-up. 
• Inform personnel upon completion.

For spills inside a biosafety cabinet:

• Keep the biosafety cabinet blower on.
• While wearing PPE, wipe cabinet walls and work surfaces with disinfectant and avoid placing head in the cabinet.
• If necessary, flush the work surface as well as the drain pans and catch basins below the work surface with disinfectant and ensure the drain valve is closed.
• The drain pan should be emptied into a collection vessel containing disinfectant. 
• After clean-up, allow the cabinet to run for ten minutes before resuming work.

For spills outside the laboratory, personnel must contact the Security Department and the Safety Department for assistance.

• For personal contamination:
• Remove contaminated clothing and other protective equipment and place in a biohazard bag.
• Wash affected body parts thoroughly with soap and water. 
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Report the incident to the Safety Department, the Security Department and the Principal Investigator responsible for the laboratory.

In the event of an abnormal, obvious condition where several people in an area experience feeling of discomfort or illness, contact the Safety Department and the Security Department immediately.

“Feelings of discomfort or illness” include sudden headache; irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; dizziness; fatigue and nausea etc. These symptoms may not appear suddenly; they may occur gradually over hours or days or weeks.

An “abnormal obvious condition” is generally noticed by some or all occupants in an area, rather than sensitivity by one person to a specific thing. It could be any of the following:

• Odor of gas, chemical, electrical, or other.
• Haze in the air.
• Visible dust clouds or fumes.
• Vibration. 

A hostage situation is said to exist when a person(s) is held or confined against his or her will by one or more individuals. This can occur with or without force or the threat of force and with or without a weapon. Usually, certain demands are made in return for the release of the hostage(s). Hostage takers can be terrorists, fleeing felons, emotionally disturbed persons, past or present disgruntled employees or a violent family member. It should be noted that Yeshiva University will require the assistance of the NYPD in all hostage situations.

• Remove yourself from any danger by leaving the immediate area
• Call 911
• Notify Yeshiva University Security at 212 960-5200
• Be prepared to give Police the following information:
  
  • Location and room number of the incident
  • Number of possible hostage takers
  • Physical description and names of hostage takers, if possible
  • Number of possible hostages
  • Any weapons the hostage takers may have
  • Your name
  • Your location and phone number

• Remain calm, be polite and cooperate with your captors.
• DO NOT attempt escape unless there is an extremely good chance of survival. It is safer to be submissive and obey your captors.
• Speak normally. DO NOT complain, avoid being belligerent, and comply with all orders and instructions.
• DO NOT draw attention to yourself with sudden body movements, statements, comments, or hostile looks.
• Observe the captors and try to memorize their physical traits, voice patterns, clothing, or other details that can help provide a description later.
• Avoid getting into political or ideological discussions with your captors.
• Try to establish a relationship with your captors and get to know them. Captors are less likely to harm you if they respect you.
• If forced to present terrorist demands to authorities, either in writing or on tape, state clearly that the demands are from your captors. Avoid making a plea on your own behalf.
• Try to stay low to the ground or behind cover from windows or doors, if possible.

• DO NOT RUN. Drop to the floor and remain still. It that is not possible, cross your arms, bow your head, and stand still. Make no sudden moves that a tense rescuer may interpret as hostile or threatening.
• Wait for instructions and obey all instructions you are given.
• Do not be upset, resist, or argue if a rescuer isn’t sure whether you are a terrorist or a hostage.
• Even if you are handcuffed and searched, DO NOT resist. Just wait for the confusion to clear.

The campuses of Yeshiva University consist of numerous buildings spread throughout the city. If a major criminal incident is occurring on or in the immediate vicinity of the university, a campus wide Lockdown or Lockout might be implemented. Lockdown procedures are designed to protect our students, staff and faculty from the impact a criminal incident or other dangerous condition until law enforcement can respond to the scene and contain the situation. If you observe a major criminal incident which is occurring in the vicinity of one of our buildings, notify 911 and Security, and provide us with the following information:

• Location of incident
• Description and number of persons involved (clothing and physical features)
• Injuries that have occurred
• Description of any weapons involved
• The suspect's direction of travel and vehicle description (if applicable)
• Make sure that 911 and Security understand that the incident is in progress and in the vicinity of the campus.

Depending upon the severity of the incident, Security will advise you of specific instructions in one of the following ways:

• Text message on the YU Update system
• Email via YU Announce
• Intercom announcements or
• Portable loudspeaker announcements.

When an announcement is made to initiate a full lockdown, the Yeshiva University campus community may be advised in the following manner:

• Proceed to an area that can be secured or locked.
• All doors into the area should be locked.
• If it is not possible to lock the doors, place furniture and equipment in front of the doors in order to barricade them. Some doors open out into the corridor. In this situation, use whatever means possible to try to restrict entry to the room, including placing furniture and equipment in front of the door, or using a belt or other item to tie the door handle to something stable.
• Move to the point in the room that is most distant from a door entering the room from the outside or from a corridor/hallway. Do not huddle but spread out.
• Close blinds and drapes for concealment.
• Turn off lights. Put cell phones on vibrate, and silence other devices.
• If communication is needed, use text messaging only.
• Remain quiet and secure until the ALL CLEAR is given by Security or the Police.
• Entrance doors to buildings may be locked by Security in order to keep the threat outside. If you are outside during a lockdown, you may not be able to enter a building. Get as far from the campus as you can and find a safe location. Wait for the ALL CLEAR before returning to campus.

Immediately call the Yeshiva University Security Department for all emergency medical services. 

• Wilf Campus Security (24 Hour) | 212.960.5200
• Beren Campus Security | 212.340.7460
• Cardozo Law School Security | 212.790.0303
• Rousso Building (Bronx) | 646.592.4385
• Van Etten Building (Bronx) | 646.592.4398

Yeshiva University security officers are first responders and are trained in first aid. Security will simultaneously call for Hatzolah ambulance services or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) thru 911 and immediately dispatch officers to the scene to assist until medical assistance arrives on the scene.

• FDNY Emergency Medical Services (EMS) | 911
• Hatzolah | 212.230.1000 or 212.387.1750

If you call either 911 or Hatzolah yourself, please place another call to YU Security so we can expedite the emergency response to your location on campus.

The instructions that follow are intended as guidelines for untrained individuals who witness or are personally involved in a medical emergency.

• Remain calm.
• Call the Yeshiva University's Security Department and briefly describe the incident, nature of the injuries and location of the injured person.
• DANGER: Do not put yourself at risk to help someone else. Assess the scene first. Do not help the victim or attempt a rescue unless you are ABSOLUTELY certain that the environment in which the victim is located is safe and does not represent a life-threatening situation for you.
• If you observe what appears to be a medical emergency and a potentially hazardous situation through a closed door's vision panel, do not open the door until Public Safety officers arrive on the scene. Opening a door can be very risky (e.g., a smoldering fire can flare up and/or you can suddenly be surrounded by a hazardous atmosphere).
• Do not move an injured person unless s/he is in further danger (e.g., advancing fire).

A psychological crisis exists when an individual is threatening harm to himself/herself or to others or is out of touch with reality due to a severe drug reaction or a psychotic break. Hallucinations, uncontrollable behavior, or complete withdrawal may manifest a psychotic break.

To report a psychological crisis, call Security and tell the officer the following:

• Your name
• Your location
• The nature and location of the incident
• Clearly state that you need immediate assistance
• If it is safe to do so, stay on the line until an officer arrives.
• Never try to deal with a potentially dangerous situation by yourself
• Report any suicide attempt to Security

Hurricanes, Nor’easters, Blizzards and other destructive storms have extreme conditions that can create many safety and security concerns. A storm's driving winds, extreme temperatures, snow, ice and torrential rains can cause power and plumbing failures, dangerous travel conditions, and flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.

• When a Weather Emergency is announced, the City of New York would activate its Emergency Operations Center on a 24-hour basis at the Office of Emergency Management.
• Log onto the NYC Office of Emergency Management website
• Listen to local media (television and radio) for instructions.
• Log onto the YU University home page for campus storm information.

• Remain indoors until danger presented by the event has passed; watch for weather, safety, transportation and housing updates (via email, YU Alert, postings at building security desks, etc.) from the Safety & Security and Campus Housing offices
• Take immediate shelter in interior rooms (bathrooms, stairwells, etc.), preferably on the lowest floor of the building, unless doing so brings you closer to danger (example: flooding)
• Stay clear of windows and areas with glass
• Stay clear of doorways and entrances
• Stay clear of areas that house chemicals and areas with heavy, unsecured items that could move or be upended easily by the severe weather elements
• If a severe weather event is impacting campus you should contact your immediate supervisor. Do not come to campus during a severe weather event unless your presence is essential.