Is your classroom Mason Ready? This page contains information and resources to help you prepare your students, and yourself, for an emergency at George Mason University. If you have any questions about emergency preparedness, please contact EHS.
Not a Faculty member? Don’t worry, we’ve prepared resources for everyone in the George Mason University community! Use the links to the left or visit our main programs page here for more information.
Collapse All
Be Prepared
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 using your PatriotPass password.
Emergency Preparedness Flip Book
EHS provides emergency preparedness flipbooks for faculty and staff. This pocket-sized resource contains 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, medical emergencies, and emergency contact numbers. 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:
- Download the In Case of Crisis – Education app to your iOS or Android device.
- Open the app and review the setup instructions;
- Click “+” and choose George Mason University;
- 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 send a request to EHS. You may also request that posters be installed in your classroom.
- 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 public 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. For more information, please refer to the Tornado and Severe Weather Guide (PDF).
Emergency Equipment
All buildings at George Mason University 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.
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, and in their personal vehicle. For instructions on how to build an emergency kit and suggestions for what items to include, visit ReadyVirginia.gov
Classroom Resources
Syllabus Insert
Including emergency information in your course syllabus is an easy way to share important information with your students. EHS has created a template that Faculty can copy and paste into existing syllabi. Faculty can fill in the blanks for their students before class, or they can discuss it in person on the first day and have the students identify and record the details as a group. For those interested in having a discussion with their students, talking points are also included in the same document. For questions, contact EHS.
On Campus Violence
Although violence cannot be prevented entirely, there certain actions that can help keep the university safe. Report all suspicious, threatening, or violent behavior by calling 911 or University Police at (703) 993-2810. Avoid working or walking alone if you feel unsafe. In addition to reviewing the EHS Workplace and On Campus Violence Response guide, the University Police also provide resources related to the subject and how everyone can be involved in keeping Mason a safe place to work and study.
Emergency Response Information
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
George Mason University maintains its own full-time, sworn police force. University Police work closely with regional law enforcement and 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
George Mason University 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.
Exercises and Drills
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 drills please click here. If you would like to schedule a drill or emergency exercise for your department or unit please contact EHS.