Safety & Security

Campus Security

Trained Conference Staff members conduct periodic security checks in and around the residence halls to secure all doors and make sure all buildings are safe. The Conference Staff reside on campus and are on-call all night. They will respond to any emergency along with the University Police Department (UPD).

All calls to the Conference Desk during closed hours are referred to UPD. UPD will contact the Conference Staff if their assistance is needed.

UPD is located in the Student and Business Services building, Room 101. They can be reached any time by calling (707) 826-5555. The professionally trained police officers at Humboldt State University are responsible for the protection of life and property in our campus community. Some of the services provided by UPD that would be of interest to participants include:

• Safety escorts - Call (707) 826-5555 to request an escort on campus.
• Motorist assistance
• Law enforcement

All residence hall exterior doors are locked for security purposes. Each conference participant is issued a building entrance key card for entrance at any time. We ask that participants do not prop any doors. This undermines all security. We ask that participants report any suspicious persons to the Conference Staff or UPD immediately.

Participant Safety Responsibilities

Though many University Departments, including Housing and Residence Life and the University Police Department have instituted safety and security policies and services, your personal safety and security is largely up to you. When you fail to take precautions, you put yourself at risk. An awareness of the environment and your surroundings is the best place to start.

You may have valuable possessions in your room such as jewelry or a computer. You must ensure that these things are not vulnerable to theft or damage. These crime prevention tips will assist you in doing just that.

• Always lock your door
• Store valuables out of sight
• Never prop any doors open
• Report lost key cards immediately to the Conference Desk

Card Access System

All residence halls have a key card access system for building security. Participants should always carry their key card, as their card will allow them to gain access to the building in which they live as well as access to the cafeteria. Participants who lose their key card must go to the Conference Desk to receive a replacement key card. Please report a lost card immediately!

Emergency Information Card

Located on the back of the room door is an Emergency Information Card. It includes important safety and evacuation information. Encourage participants to familiarize themselves with this emergency information and learn where all exits are located.

Right of Entry

We respect the participant's right to privacy; however, we reserve the right to enter the participant's room at any time for health, safety, welfare, law enforcement, or maintenance purposes. It is expressly understood that the Conference and University Staff may perform such inspection and maintenance in or outside of the participant's room without prior notice. The conference agrees to cooperate fully with the Conference and University Staff and understands that such inspection or maintenance may entail noise and inconvenience.

Fire Alarm Procedures

If an alarm sounds, you are to assume there is an emergency and evacuate the building.

Remember:

• Feel the door for temperature (use the back of your hand). If it is hot, do not open it.
• Close the windows.
• If you cannot leave the room, stay calm.
• Call 911 to notify authorities of your location
• Stuff wet sheets or clothing under the doors
• Hang a sheet out the window or shout to attract attention
• If you leave the room, close the door behind you.
• Stay low to the ground if smoke is present
• Move quickly, but do not run
• Take a towel to avoid smoke inhalation
• Do not re-enter the building until permitted to do so by a staff member.
• Tampering with or disabling any part of the fire alarm system, discharging an extinguisher, or registering a false alarm, or setting fire can endanger life and property and will be grounds for removal from the residence halls.
• Smoke and heat detectors installed in rooms and common areas must be kept in working order. It is essential to report any malfunctions to the Conference Desk immediately.

Earthquake Procedures

During an Earthquake:

• Sit or stand against an inside wall or doorway, or take cover under a desk or table (DUCK, COVER, HOLD).
• Stay away from all glass areas such as windows or mirrors.
• Leave the building when the shaking stops and remain outside.
• Do not stand under overhangs on the outside of buildings. Move into the open and stay away from power lines.
• Follow the instructions given by staff.

After an Earthquake:

• Check for injuries. Seek first aid if needed.
• DO NOT use matches, candles or open flames because there may be gas leaks.
• DO NOT operate electrical switches or appliances.
• Check for safety hazards: fire, gas leaks, water supply, etc.
• Do not use telephones or roadways unless necessary. Keep them open for emergency use.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• Cooperate. Stay informed. Remain calm.

Local Medical Services

In an emergency, dial 911 from any campus phone or the University Police at (707) 826-5555.

Area Hospitals:

Mad River Community Hospital

St. Joseph Hospital

Urgent Care Facilities:

Express Services

Mad River Community Hospital

Redwood Urgent Care