Departments and Units

Mason Alert

Mason Alert is the system that is used to send emergency notifications and timely warnings to the university community via text, email, telephone call, and digital signage. All university 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 manage your alert preferences, log into your Mason Alert account here using your PatriotPass password. 

Emergency Preparedness Flip Book

EHS provides emergency preparedness flipbooks for faculty and staff. This pocket-sized resource contains emergency contact numbers and information on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies that may occur on campus, to include: building evacuation, severe weather, shelter-in-place procedures, on-campus violence, regional emergencies, and medical emergencies. EHS will deliver Emergency Preparedness Flip Books to university offices upon request. Please contact EHS to place a request. 

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): High-visibility Emergency Procedures posters provide quick easy to reference instructions on how to respond emergency scenarios. Posters are available in two sizes; 8.5 x 13 or 15.5 x 24 inches. If you would like to obtain posters for your work area, please contact EHS.
• 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 Patriot Center, Hylton Performing Arts Center, and the Johnson Center) have Automated External Defibrillators (AED). A list of buildings with AED and the location of AED is available here.

EHS-Emergency Management staff are available to assist departments and units with creating emergency response plans specific to your department or unit’s functions. For more information on emergency planning within your department please contact EHS.

George Mason University maintains a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), which provides a framework to minimize potential impact and allow for rapid recovery from an incident that disrupts operations. EHS is currently expanding COOP to include additional units and departments. To determine how your department or unit is or should be involved in COOP, contact EHS.

George Mason University participates in and conducts numerous drills throughout the year, including earthquake, tornado, and fire drills.

Annually, George Mason University conducts tabletop, function, and/or full scale emergency exercises with the Executive Council and university Emergency Operations Group. These exercises are designed to prepare university personnel to respond to various emergencies that may occur on campus, recover from emergencies as quickly as possible, and provide the appropriate support to students, employees, and university operations.

For more information on exercises and drills please click here. If you would like to schedule a drill or emergency exercise for your department or unit please contact EHS.