Emergency Guidebook

INTRODUCTION

This Emergency Guidebook was designed to give members of the Westfield State University community a reference for how to respond in case of an emergency situation on or near the campus. All of us play a critical role in keeping students, faculty, staff and visitors safe on campus. Here’s how you can do your part:

• Plan ahead. The time to think about what you would do in an emergency is before you are involved in one. There are significant differences among potential threats which will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Take the time to read through these procedures and consider how you would respond.
• If you see something, say something. When you report crimes, suspicious behaviors, and safety concerns to University Police, you help to keep us all safe. Program (413) 572-5262 into your cell phone and don’t hesitate to make a report.
• Always carry your Campus ID Card. In an emergency, you may find yourself locked out of your building. You may also need to identify yourself to emergency responders.
• Subscribe to the Emergency Notification System (ENS). The ENS is the best and quickest way to get information in an emergency. Emergency situations develop and change very quickly. The ENS keeps you informed as things change. Students and employees should register and keep information up to date.

For a PDF copy of the guidebook, Click here.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION

One or more of the following methods may be used to notify the campus community of various emergency events that may impact students, staff, faculty, and visitors on the campus.

• Emergency Notification System (ENS):  Important emergency alerts, notifications, and updates are sent to all registered devices, including cell phone and email accounts when there is an immediate threat to the safety of the University community. Students and employees should opt into the Emergency Notification System. Go to the home page of the Westfield State University website at westfield.ma.edu to sign up for the alert. It’s that simple!
• Opt-in Text Messaging: Available for parents, community members and other interested parties who wish to subscribe to receive text alerts. Instructions on subscribing can be found at westfield.ma.edu/emergency. You must re-subscribe each August to receive text alerts.
• Website Home Page: When needed, critical information is posted on University home page at westfield.ma.edu.
• Campus Siren and Public Address System: This system may also be utilized during an emergency. When you hear the siren:
  - listen carefully for the subsequent instructions
  - follow up by checking your e-mail and/or text messages 

Incident Types and Definitions

• Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • Emergency Guidebook
  • Incident Types and Definitions
  • SDS Locator and Chemical Library