Students

Mason Alert

Mason Alert is the system that is used to send emergency notifications and timely warnings to the university community via text message, email, telephone call, and digital signage.

All university students and employees are automatically enrolled in Mason Alert and are strongly advised to register cell phone number(s) and additional email addresses to ensure emergency messages are received in a timely manner.

To register your cell phone or other device, click on the green banner above or visit alert.gmu.edu.

Emergency Preparedness Mobile App

In Case of Crisis is an emergency preparedness and crime/tip reporting app developed by the Environmental Health and Safety Office. It contains most of the information captured in our Emergency Preparedness Guides as well as links and emergency phone numbers that can be accessed directly from the app. The app also allows for anonymous crime/tip reporting.

Follow these simple tips to download and install the app:

1. Download the In Case of Crisis – Education app to your iOS or Android device.
2. Open the app and review the setup instructions;
3. Click “+” and choose George Mason University;
4. Click on the various icons to see how you can be prepared.

Emergency Signage

In addition to lighted EXIT signs in every building at Mason, additional signage is posted that we recommend you become familiar with to be prepared for emergencies.

• Emergency Procedures Poster (PDF): Large green and gold Emergency Procedures posters are posted throughout campus in conspicuous locations. These posters provide basic guidance on how to respond to potential emergencies on campus.
• Evacuation Plans: Indicate primary and alternate exit routes, the location of fire extinguishers, location of AED, and provide the physical address of each building on campus.
• Severe Weather Shelter Area: Indicate publically accessible shelter locations where you may seek shelter during severe weather emergencies. Severe Weather Shelter Area signs are posted outside certain stairwells, interior hallways, and rooms.

Emergency Equipment

All buildings at Mason are equipped with fire extinguishers and fire alarm activation “pull” stations. All large public venues and performance areas (such as the EagleBank Arena, Hylton Performing Arts Center, and the Johnson Center) have Automated External Defibrillators (AED). For a list of buildings addresses, please click here. For a list of buildings with AED and their locations, please click here.

Personal Emergency Kits

During emergencies, resource availability may be limited and environmental conditions may change from established patterns.  Members of the Mason community should have an emergency kit at home, at work.  For instructions on how to build an emergency kit and suggestions for what items to include, visit ready.gov/kit.  For a list of additional items to keep in your car, as well as, a mechanic check list to prepare your vehicle for emergencies, visit ready.gov/car.

Communications

You will be notified of an emergency on campus via Mason Alert.  When notified of an emergency, it is important to remain calm and follow any instructions you receive from emergency responders or university officials. During emergencies, cell phone towers are frequently overwhelmed by large call volume which may prevent others from calling for help. If possible, use text messaging to communicate with friends and family during emergencies to leave phone lines open for those who need them most.

Emergency Services

Mason maintains its own full-time, sworn Police force.  University Police work closely with regional law enforcement, fire and rescue departments to protect our community and respond to emergencies on campus. To learn more about University Police, visit police.gmu.edu.

University Emergency Response

Mason maintains a comprehensive emergency management program. In an emergency, university officials convene and utilize emergency plans to coordinate response activities and provide support to first responders and those impacted by the emergency.  University plans are designed to protect students, employees, and visitors. For more information on Mason’s emergency management program click here.

George Mason University participates in and conducts numerous drills throughout the year, including earthquake, tornado, and fire drills. Participation in earthquake and tornado drills is optional. For more information on drills please click here. If you would like to schedule a drill for your student organization, please contact EHS.

George Mason University’s Resident Safety Program is focused on fire safety, life safety, and emergency preparedness for students living in campus residence halls. The Resident Safety Program is a collaboration between the Environmental Health and Safety Office  and The Office of Housing and Residence Life within University Life.

Click here to learn more about Mason’s Resident Safety Program.