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Be Prepared

Individual emergency preparedness is the essential first step in fostering a resilient CWRU campus community. Therefore, all members of the CWRU community are encouraged to be CWRU Ready and to participate in basic emergency preparedness initiatives.

Simple actions—like developing a plan, assembling an emergency kit, and rehearsing response procedures—not only enhance your personal safety but also strengthen the overall resilience of our campus community.

Collectively, these preparedness efforts enable CWRU to uphold its mission of enhancing lives through research, education, and creative endeavors.

Make sure you are familiar with:

  • Your office, workspace and/or classrooms
    • Identify the location of the closest emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, AEDs, stop the bleed kits, etc.)
  • Your building's emergency action plan

Be prepared to act:

  • If you discover an emergency situation or observe something suspicious, call 216.368.3333
  • Depending on the situation, evacuate or shelter-in-place. Absent official instructions, use your best judgment
  • Protect yourself. Do not jeopardize yourself or others attempting to save property
  • Assist others, but do not exceed your training or knowledge rendering first aid

Training

Guides

Resources

Just like studying for that test, being prepared takes time. Emergencies can happen when you least expect them, whether you’re in a classroom, studying at the library, dining in the hall, or in your dorm or apartment. It’s your responsibility to be ready before, during, and after an emergency. Be CWRU Ready for whatever challenges come your way by following these six simple steps:

  1. Stay informed about what is happening on campus.
  2. Know how to report an emergency.
  3. Know what to do during an emergency.
  4. Make a plan.
  5. Build a kit.
  6. Download the Spartan Safe App.

Students, faculty, and staff should be ready for the unexpected by developing personal emergency plans. It’s wise to discuss with your parents and family members what actions to take in case of an emergency while at CWRU. Everyone should be prepared to implement their personal preparedness plans if the situation demands it.

Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

  • How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  • What is my shelter plan?
  • What is my evacuation route?
  • What is my family/household communication plan?
  • Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit? 

Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.

  • Different ages of members within your household
  • Responsibilities for assisting others
  • Locations frequented
  • Dietary needs
  • Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
  • Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
  • Languages spoken
  • Cultural and religious considerations
  • Pets or service animals
  • Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Create a Family Emergency Plan.

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household.

Visit Ready.gov/plan for more information on making a plan.

Assembling an emergency supply kit is a crucial part of being prepared. Your kit should include essential items that you might need during an emergency, whether you're on campus, at home, or out in the community. During and after an emergency, it's important to be self-sufficient, so your kit should contain enough supplies to sustain you for at least 72 hours.

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit & whistle to signal for help
  • Cell phone and computer chargers (inverter or solar charger are best)
  • Medications
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Extra cash (credit card and ATM networks might also be impacted by the emergency event)
  • Wrench or pliers
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps

Another incredibly important item to have on you is identification. Examples of ID include your CWRU ID, driver’s license, or passport.

Visit Ready.gov/kit for more information on building a kit.