The Office of Housing and Residence Life has standard procedures for residents to abide by when living in the residence halls. This information will provide residents the emergency procedures such as fire safety, active shooter, natural disasters, and illness outbreaks.
If a resident is in an emergency situation, it is important that they contact Campus Safety at 276-944-6222. Additionally, the Office of Housing and Residence Life has someone on-call 24/7. Residents can call the Resident Advisor On-Call number posted within the residence halls and provided during their Hall Meetings.
We do recommend students to always keep an emergency kit in their rooms in case of power outage, ice storm, severe weather, or secure-in place situation. Items recommended are:
Can opener
Flashlight and batteries
Charged cell phone to quick-charge battery for your cell phone
A list of contact phone numbers (to use on a land-line phone if cell phone service is disrupted)
Any necessary prescription medication
Glasses (if needed)
A complete change of clothing
Cash or traveler’s check and change
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
A first-aid kit
Additionally, students are encouraged to sign-up for AlertAware Alerts to ensure they are prepared for any on-campus emergencies.
Activate the nearest fire alarm.
Students should evacuate the building immediately to the closest exit. Students should stand at the designated fire zones stated by the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
Call 911 when safe to do so unless instructed otherwise by a staff member
A watch (flash flood, severe thunderstorm, or tornado) does not mean that the severe weather is actually occurring; only that conditions have created a significant risk for it. If severe weather actually does occur, a warning (either severe thunderstorm or tornado) will be issued.
When flash flooding is occurring a flash flood warning is issued. If flash flood actually does occur, urgent action should be taken immediately. Avoid drainage and low lying areas.
Flooding may include storm water building infiltration, sewer backups, or plumbing sources. In all flooding situations, be aware of electrical equipment, appliances, cords, power strips, outlets, light/appliance switches, and other electrically connected items.
Initiating department calls Campus Police.
Campus Police notifies Chief of Police and Director of Facilities Management.
Do not touch or go near electrical objects in contact with water. If electrical circuits or items appear to be getting wet, leave the area immediately. Try to identify the source of water and turn it off if this can be done safely. Evacuate personnel to higher ground as needed, and attempt to protect property and records by removing items from floors or covering with water resistant coverings. If the flooding is caused by torrential rain, attempt to close doors and windows to prevent water from entering.
Seek shelter immediately; go to internal, lowest area of safety away from windows and glass.
Close all doors, including main corridors.
Crouch near the floor or under heavy, well-supported objects and cover head.
If outside, move inside a sturdy structure to lie down in a low area such as a ditch and cover you head.
Call 911 to report injuries, fires, gas leaks, debris, etc.
If inside, stay there. Shelter in place - drop, cover, and hold on.
If there is nothing to hide under, crouch near an interior wall and cover.
If outside, stay outside and move away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.
Only evacuate if additional hazards threaten your safety.
Call 911 to report injuries, fires, gas leaks, debris, etc
Residential facilities may be occupied for a longer duration than academic and administration buildings during a power outage because they have additional resources such as the Office of Housing and Residence Life staff.
In the event of a power outage, the Office of Housing and Residence Life, along with LiveSafe Alerts, will communicate instructions to residents via email/texts (as set-up for LiveSafe Alerts), floor/building social groups, and through the Office of Housing and Residence Life email. Over the course of the outage, the Office of Housing and Residence Life, along with Campus Safety staff members, will complete walk-throughs of the affected residential areas.
If there are cold temperatures, the McGlothlin Street Hall (MS) has a back-up generator in which students can relocate to until power is back. It is important to note that Emory & Henry College is second behind the hospital to having power restored in Washington County. Residents are encouraged to only use flashlights and no candles during a power outage.
Maintenance emergencies are defined as a facilities issue that impedes the ability of a resident to function safely in their room or may cause monetary damage to the facility. Examples are overflowing water source (toilet, shower, sink, etc.), faulty HVAC (specifically heating), power outages, and room doors not securing. All other non-urgent maintenance concerns should be submitted to housing@ehc.edu or directly to a student’s Resident Advisor.
In the event of a medical or mental health emergency, please contact Campus Safety at 276-944-6222. Be prepared to provide the office with your name, phone number, location, and nature of the emergency. Campus Safety will contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life, Powell Resource Center, or Emergency Services as necessary.
Although Emory, VA and Washington County are considered safe places to live, it is important for students to take responsibility for their own safety and well-being. Crime prevention is essentially being aware of your environment and avoiding those situations that could make you vulnerable to crime. Everyone should use their best judgement and take steps to ensure the safety/security of their belongings, themselves, and others. Some suggestions are:
Lock your door and carry your keys. Do not leave your keys or other valuables in your mailbox.
Do not sleep with your door open/unlocked.
Do not open your door to strangers, or let strangers onto your floor or in the building.
Do no prop doors open.
If you receive a prank call, hang up. Do not talk to the caller. Report the prank call to your Resident Advisor. If the call persist, keep a log of the date, time, and a description of what the caller said.
When going out, let your roommate, a friend, or your Resident Advisor know where you are going and when you expect to return.
At night, travel in well-lit areas. Do not take shortcuts through dark or deserted areas.
Avoid walking alone at night; there is safety in numbers.
Campus Safety (276-944-6222) is available to escort you across campus.
Do not keep large sums of money or valuable jewelry in your room.
Avoid advertising or speaking about your valuables.
Keep a record of serial numbers of your personal possessions.
Do not carry large amounts of cash.
Never lend your ID or keys to anyone.
Follow all fire safety regulations and be careful when using appliances in your room.
Do not attach your ID card to your keys. If someone steals or finds your keys with your ID attached, they will know whose keys they have, and will be able to track down your room or vehicle much easier.