Emergency Procedures
In the unlikely event of an emergency, being prepared is important. Below you will find information about potential emergency situations and how to react.
- If you become aware of any emergency or other life threatening situations in your building, on campus, or elsewhere call 911 (9-911 from campus phones).
- If the emergency occurs on or near campus, call Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE(7233).
- When you call, be prepared to:
- Give your name, location, and telephone number
- Describe the nature of the emergency
- Follow the dispatcher’s instructions
- If on campus, after contacting 911 and Campus Safety, notify a staff member, like your RA who can reach additional resources as necessary.
Fire Safety & Drills
A Shared Community Responsibility
Fire safety is a critical component of living in a residential community. The University maintains comprehensive fire safety protocols to protect residents, staff, and facilities, and all community members share responsibility for following these expectations. Adhering to fire safety regulations helps ensure that residence halls remain safe, accessible, and prepared in the event of an emergency.
Fire Drills and Evacuation Requirements
Once each semester, Residence Life conducts required fire drills in all residence halls, typically during the first two weeks of classes. These drills are coordinated with campus partners and local safety officials to ensure compliance with safety regulations and emergency preparedness standards.
The purpose of fire drills is to:
- Ensure residents are familiar with evacuation routes and procedures.
- Practice safe and timely evacuation of the building.
- Identify potential issues related to alarms, exits, or building systems.
- Meet local, state, and federal fire safety requirements.
Participation in fire drills is mandatory. Failure to evacuate during a drill or an active alarm may result in conduct action.
Evacuation Procedures and Rally Locations
When a fire alarm sounds, all residents must immediately evacuate the building using the nearest safe exit. Elevators may not be used during a fire alarm.
Once outside, residents are required to proceed to their designated rally location, which is a predetermined area a safe distance from the building. Rally locations allow staff and emergency personnel to:
- Account for residents.
- Keep evacuation paths and emergency access points clear.
- Provide instructions or updates as needed.
Rally locations are communicated by hall staff and posted within residence halls. Residents should familiarize themselves with their building’s rally location early in the semester, and can be found below:
| Building | Rally Point |
|---|---|
|
Baumhart Hall |
Corboy Law Center |
|
Bellarmine Hall |
Damen Student Center Atrium |
|
Canisius Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
de Nobili Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
Fairfield Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Fordham Hall |
Outside Damen Student Center, grass area |
|
Francis Hall |
Simpson MPR |
|
Georgetown Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
Le Moyne Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Marquette Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
Marquette South Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
Mertz Hall |
Between Norville and Alfie, by the field |
|
Messina Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Regis Hall |
Simpson MPR |
|
San Francisco Hall |
de Nobili Hall Front Entry Area |
|
Santa Clara Hall |
Damen Student Center Atrium |
|
Seattle Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Simpson Hall |
Regis MPR |
|
Spring Hill Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
St. Joseph's Hall |
Damen Student Center Atrium |
|
St. Louis Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Xavier Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
In drills, as in actual emergencies, students must comply with directions given by residence hall staff and emergency personnel. Students who refuse to follow evacuation procedures will be referred to OSSCR for disciplinary action.
Prohibited Fire Safety Items
Certain items are prohibited in residence halls due to their fire risk or interference with life safety systems. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
- Candles, incense, and wax warmers
- Hookahs and open-flame devices
- Hot plates, toaster ovens, and other unauthorized cooking appliances
- Space heaters and heating devices
- Extension cords not rated for approved use
- Items that obstruct exits, hallways, or doorways
- Decorations or coverings that block smoke detectors, sprinklers, or vents
This list is not exhaustive. Items that pose a fire hazard or interfere with safety systems may be confiscated, and violations may result in fines or conduct action.
A list of unapproved items can be found in the Community Standards.
Fire Safety Systems and Tampering
Residence halls are equipped with fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, and other life safety systems. Tampering with any fire safety equipment, including covering detectors or disabling alarms, is strictly prohibited.
Residents are expected to report any concerns related to fire safety equipment or building conditions immediately.
Accessibility, ESAs, & Emergency Evacuation Support
The University is committed to ensuring that all residents can safely participate in fire drills and evacuate during emergencies.
Students with an approved accommodation through the Student Accessibility Center, as well as those with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), will be notified of the date and time of upcoming drills by their Resident Directors to assist in preparation and planning.
Severe Weather & Tornadoes
During Severe Weather the following procedures should be followed:
- Listen to a local weather or radio station for updates on area weather
- Know the following watch and warning levels:
- TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
- TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, if a tornado warning is issued for your area, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
- SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
- SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are occurring.
- If a warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches:
- In a building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
- If underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
- Stay away from windows.
In the unlikely event of an emergency, being prepared is important. Below you will find information about potential emergency situations and how to react.
- If you become aware of any emergency or other life threatening situations in your building, on campus, or elsewhere call 911 (9-911 from campus phones).
- If the emergency occurs on or near campus, call Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE(7233).
- When you call, be prepared to:
- Give your name, location, and telephone number
- Describe the nature of the emergency
- Follow the dispatcher’s instructions
- If on campus, after contacting 911 and Campus Safety, notify a staff member, like your RA who can reach additional resources as necessary.
Fire Safety & Drills
A Shared Community Responsibility
Fire safety is a critical component of living in a residential community. The University maintains comprehensive fire safety protocols to protect residents, staff, and facilities, and all community members share responsibility for following these expectations. Adhering to fire safety regulations helps ensure that residence halls remain safe, accessible, and prepared in the event of an emergency.
Fire Drills and Evacuation Requirements
Once each semester, Residence Life conducts required fire drills in all residence halls, typically during the first two weeks of classes. These drills are coordinated with campus partners and local safety officials to ensure compliance with safety regulations and emergency preparedness standards.
The purpose of fire drills is to:
- Ensure residents are familiar with evacuation routes and procedures.
- Practice safe and timely evacuation of the building.
- Identify potential issues related to alarms, exits, or building systems.
- Meet local, state, and federal fire safety requirements.
Participation in fire drills is mandatory. Failure to evacuate during a drill or an active alarm may result in conduct action.
Evacuation Procedures and Rally Locations
When a fire alarm sounds, all residents must immediately evacuate the building using the nearest safe exit. Elevators may not be used during a fire alarm.
Once outside, residents are required to proceed to their designated rally location, which is a predetermined area a safe distance from the building. Rally locations allow staff and emergency personnel to:
- Account for residents.
- Keep evacuation paths and emergency access points clear.
- Provide instructions or updates as needed.
Rally locations are communicated by hall staff and posted within residence halls. Residents should familiarize themselves with their building’s rally location early in the semester, and can be found below:
| Building | Rally Point |
|---|---|
|
Baumhart Hall |
Corboy Law Center |
|
Bellarmine Hall |
Damen Student Center Atrium |
|
Canisius Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
de Nobili Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
Fairfield Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Fordham Hall |
Outside Damen Student Center, grass area |
|
Francis Hall |
Simpson MPR |
|
Georgetown Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
Le Moyne Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Marquette Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
Marquette South Hall |
San Francisco/IES First Floor Lounge |
|
Mertz Hall |
Between Norville and Alfie, by the field |
|
Messina Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Regis Hall |
Simpson MPR |
|
San Francisco Hall |
de Nobili Hall Front Entry Area |
|
Santa Clara Hall |
Damen Student Center Atrium |
|
Seattle Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Simpson Hall |
Regis MPR |
|
Spring Hill Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
St. Joseph's Hall |
Damen Student Center Atrium |
|
St. Louis Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
|
Xavier Hall |
Francis Hall Front Entry |
In drills, as in actual emergencies, students must comply with directions given by residence hall staff and emergency personnel. Students who refuse to follow evacuation procedures will be referred to OSSCR for disciplinary action.
Severe Weather & Tornadoes
During Severe Weather the following procedures should be followed:
- Listen to a local weather or radio station for updates on area weather
- Know the following watch and warning levels:
- TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
- TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, if a tornado warning is issued for your area, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
- SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
- SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are occurring.
- If a warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches:
- In a building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
- If underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
- Stay away from windows.