Procedures

 All NYU buildings have either officers permanently posted or are patrolled by the University's Protection Services office. NYU Protection Services maintains its own dedicated communications system, and coordinates much of its emergency efforts with the City of New York.

As every emergency is different and may require its own set of circumstances, it is important to follow the instructions of Protection Services officers, emergency workers, as well as University officials during an emergency.

While emergencies are certainly difficult to predict, the most important thing is for you to remain calm. Your judgment will be your best asset in an urgent situation. Familiarizing yourself with these procedures will help you stay safe, and could save your life.

Power Outage

In addition to ConEd, some NYU buildings are powered by the University's own electrical plant. During a power outage, it is likely that some NYU buildings will still have power. In the event of a power outage:

• Remain calm.
• Do not use candles! Instead, use a flashlight.
• Unplug any electronics such as computers, televisions, and stereos.
• If you were cooking, be sure your oven and stove are turned off.
• Emergency lights and placards should illuminate. Move cautiously to a lighted area.
• Assist others if necessary.
• If you are concerned about your safety, you should proceed to a public place with power, such as Bobst Library.

Fire

Fires often start out small and spread very quickly. Do not assume that you can extinguish a fire on your own. In the event of a fire, or if you smell smoke:

• Activate the nearest fire alarm. These alarms are tied into the New York Fire Dept. and Protection Services. Upon activation, they will be notified immediately.
• Leave at once, shutting the door behind you, making sure you have your keys, identification, purse or wallet.
• If possible, alert others on your floor to evacuate.
• Be sure to use the stairs when evacuating and avoid elevators!

Evacuation

If an evacuation is necessary, it is important to try and remain calm to ensure your safety.

• If possible, check to make sure you have your keys, identification, and purse or wallet.
• If you are in a lab, secure any hazardous materials or equipment before you leave.
• Close the door behind you.
• Do not attempt to use an elevator.
• Proceed out of the building to a safe distance away. A Protection Services officer, or other authorized official, will help direct you to a secure location.
• If possible, assist other people who may need help.

Severe Weather

If severe weather occurs while you are on campus, a coordinated effort between Protection Services and appropriate officials will occur. New York City's climate is most subject to thunderstorms, bilzzards, and hurricanes.

• Listen carefully for instructions.
• If a power outage occurs, follow the procedures listed earlier on this site.
• If an evacuation is necessary, be sure to take your keys and identification, and follow the evacuation procedures on this site.
• Protection Services officers will alert you when danger is no longer present.  

Suspicious Person

If you see somebody acting suspiciously:

• Do not provide him/her access to any secure area.
• Call Protection Services at (212) 998-2222.
• Do not physically confront the person, but do take note of what the person is wearing and what he/she looks like.
• If the person attempts to flee the area via an exit, do not attempt to block the person from leaving. But, do try to note the direction the person fled.
• If you see any criminal activity, call 911 (or 9-911 from campus phones).

Suspicious Package or Object

If you receive mail, or see an object that you find suspicious:

• Do not touch or disturb the object. Leave it where it is.
• Notify your supervisor and/or Protection Services at (212) 998-2222 so that they may provide assistance in how to proceed.
• If you fear that you may have already been exposed to a hazardous material, remove yourself from the scene and await medical attention. Medical personnel will come to you.