Welcome to George Mason University! Whether you are here to tour the campus, attend an event, or just to take a stroll, we hope that you will review this page in advance of your visit and take advantage of the many resources EHS has made available to promote safety and emergency preparedness in the Mason community. If after reviewing this page you still have questions or concerns about your safety while visiting the university, please contact EHS.
Not a visitor to Mason? 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.
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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. Visitors may register for Mason Alert by creating a guest account at 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:
- 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): 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 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.
Emergency Response Information
Communications
Visitors may be notified of an emergency on campus via public address system, University Police officers, public televisions, or 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. Click here for more information about the EHS-Emergency Management program.