Dept. of Homeland Security
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Please check out the following links so you can be more informed and better prepared for emergencies during these unusual times.
Understand the Homeland Security Warning System
Please take a minute to learn more about this national warning system.
What You Can Do
Stay Informed
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To stay informed about threats and emergencies, consider monitoring news media reports and subscribing to news Web sites offering free e- mail news subscriptions. You can check for any important changes to campus conditions at this campus site http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/SpecialConditions/. Battery- powered radios are another information source, particularly if there is a power outage.
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Familiarize yourself with your Department/Unit Emergency Plan.
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Government tips on surviving a terrorist attack can be found at this site: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0203/021203nj1.htm
Stay Alert
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Watch for strangers or anyone who seems to be acting suspiciously.
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If you see anything raising your concern - including unattended bags, backpacks, packages, cars or vehicles - call Cornell Police by dialing 911 or 255-1111.
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Secure your laboratories, studios, darkrooms, and other areas which unattended visitors should not enter.
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Be sure to keep building doors and windows locked when the building is closed and not open for business.
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If you see something that should be secured but is not, let Cornell Police know by dialing 911 or 255-1111.
Plan Ahead
So far, there has not been specific information suggesting that any individual or group has targeted Cornell University, and we hope it stays that way. Nonetheless, all members of our campus community are encouraged to become more informed and take proactive steps to plan ahead in the event of an act of terrorism or national emergency.
Here is a list of suggested preparatory steps and actions for your consideration :
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Continue normal activities but be aware of your surroundings and belongings. Do not leave belongings unattended. Stay informed. Stay alert. Exercise caution when traveling.
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Be alert to suspicious activity and objects. Report suspicious activity and objects to the appropriate law enforcement agency. On campus, contact Cornell University Police at 255-1111. In the event of an emergency call 911 immediately.
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Be prepared to contact parents and other family members to obtain their assistance or to reassure them if necessary. Create an emergency communications and disaster plan to contact them. Make an emergency contact list of family members and keep it in a readily accessible location. This list should contain names, addresses, telephone numbers (home, office, cell), e-mail addresses and pager numbers.
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Keep a copy of your contact list with you wherever you go, in case you need to make contact when away from your residence. Share your plan with your roommates and/or close friends.
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Carry your Cornell University ID with you wherever you go. You may need it to enter certain areas.
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If living off-campus, prepare a disaster supplies kit to sustain you for three to seven days. Your kit should contain a supply of water, food, flashlight, and batteries, a battery-powered radio, first-aid kit and medicines, a change of clothing, an extra set of keys, and important documents. For more specific preparatory and planning information, go to this Web site: http://www.ready.gov/.
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Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on that could be disrupted (e.g., electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps and Internet transactions).
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In the event of a terrorist attack in your immediate area, be prepared to respond to official instructions. Check the Special Conditions Web site at http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/SpecialConditions/ as it will contain detailed information regarding the status of our campus.
Additional Information Sources:
Federal Government
New York State
Cornell University Links
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Today we face a new set of challenges associated with potential terrorist threats and pro/antiwar impacts that could affect the security of our communities, workplaces, and physical well-being. I write in anticipation of questions you may have regarding Cornells ability to respond to and manage unforeseen security threats or emergencies that potentially could arise on our campus.
The Cornell community already benefits from a number of existing campus services. For example, EH&S has staff trained to respond to hazardous material emergencies involving chemical, biological, and radiological materials. Other departments and units on campus have very specific emergency plans addressing their unique needs (e.g., Campus Life, Facilities, etc.).
During the past few years Cornell has been able to develop a dynamic emergency response system involving a formal management structure, emergency operations center, and response teams. The university Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be partially or fully activated whenever a significant emergency warrants its activation. The EOC allows for centralized management and coordination of emergency response services. A combination of internal and external agencies may be involved. Emergency response practice drills do take place periodically, and have recently been expanded to involve City and County agencies with the goal of further enhancing response.
Please be assured that Cornell is well informed and constantly receives the latest up-to-date information available on potential risks and threats. Therefore, we can initiate appropriate response actions . Communication during an emergency situation is of extreme importance. Should an emergency occur, please stay informed by going to the special condition web page, watch TV, listen to the radio, and be aware of what is happening in your surrounding environment. The Special Conditions website at: http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/SpecialConditions/ contains detailed information during an emergency. Another useful site for Cornell emergency information is: http://web.cornell.edu/emergency/
Any necessary special communications will be e-mailed to the campus community so check your e-mail during emergency situations.
There are several important links on this EH&S web page containing related information that you should be aware of. Please take a few minutes to browse so you can prepare for potential terrorist risks by understanding what to look for, and what you can do for yourself and others.
