Q: How will I know about breaking news on campus?

A: The GW Campus Advisories homepage (campusadvisories.gwu.edu) is the primary source for incident-related information. If you are unable to access the internet, the GW Information Line (202-994-5050) provides recorded voice updates. Local radio station WTOP (103.5FM) may also have late-breaking information. Signing up for Alert DC and GW Alert can help you to know when to check Campus Advisories.

Q: What can I do to prepare myself in a campus building (office, residence hall, etc.)?

A: Having access to information is the best way to be prepared, so be sure to check GW Campus Advisories often, and register for Alert DC and GW Alert. Everyone is also encouraged to keep certain key items on hand, such as bottled water and a flashlight, and maintain an emergency preparedness kit. For office managers, it is also important to keep up-to-date employee contact lists available. Refer to Incident Manual (see especially “On a Personal Level”) for suggested items. Other available resources on how to build a preparedness kit can be found at Ready America or American Red Cross.

Q: What is the difference between GW Alert and Alert DC?

A: GW Alert and Alert DC are emergency communication tools utilized by the University and the District.

• GW Alert is a desktop application that you can download to your computer. In case of an incident, an alert will sound and a red scroll with up-to-date information will appear on your screen.
• Alert DC is a text messaging and email alert system that is made available through the District of Columbia. The George Washington University has the capability to send alerts to those registered for the service under the University’s “neighborhood.” You must sign up for this service. Detailed instruction on how to register can be found here

A: Follow the directions given to you by your residence hall staff, a University Police officer, or other University personnel. It is always a good idea to keep a flashlight or chemical light stick (glow stick) handy in the event that the lights go out. Please do NOT use candles. Above all, stay calm and sit tight. You may call the GW Information Line at 4-5050, or check your cell phone for Alert DC updates (if you’ve registered!) for more information. Those with mobile internet devices may also check the GW Campus Advisories Web site for updates.

Q: What phone number should I call if I need emergency help?

A: If you are on the Foggy Bottom or Mount Vernon campuses, call UPD at 4-6111 from a University phone or 202-994-6111 from Foggy Bottom. For the Mount Vernon Camps call (202) 242-6111. If you are elsewhere in the city or on Virginia campus and need emergency help, call 911.

Q: If the DC metro area is affected by a large-scale incident, is there a city-wide emergency evacuation plan in place?

A: Routes for evacuation have been identified, but for most incidents, we believe the GW community is safer to remain where they are unless they are in immediate danger (e.g. fire). In the extremely unusual event that the city would be evacuated, local authorities would be responsible for sharing this information. It is very important to stay calm and stay informed via Alert DC, GW Alert and GW Campus Advisories.

Q: What about 4-RIDE, RAD, computer etching, bicycle registration, etc?

A: Please refer to the University Police Department’s (UPD’s) Web site for information on these and other programs sponsored by UPD. They are not under the purview of the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management.

Q: How can I volunteer to help in the aftermath of an incident?

A: OPSEM does not currently have volunteer opportunities. However, if you are a student and a trained EMT, there may be opportunities to help with EMeRG. You may also volunteer with the community organizations, such as the American Red Cross.

In the wake of a major incident, Campus Advisories would carry information about how to register to help.

Q: How safe is DC?

A: Information on crime statistics and tips for staying safe in the city can be found at University Police Department’s Web site.

Q: What does Shelter-in-Place mean?

A: Shelter-in-Place may be better thought of as “Stay-in-Place,” as this is often the safest course of action during an incident. If something happens, you will most likely be told to Shelter or Stay-in-Place, or in other words, to take shelter wherever you happen to be unless your building is affected. If you are outside, you should go to the nearest indoor GW location. This keeps you out of the elements, usually with resources such as water and electricity near by, and away from any outdoor threats. While sheltering in place, you should tune in your radio or TV to a local news source, check Campus Advisories and look out for Alert DC notifications as you are able.

Q: What is an “incident”?

A: An incident is anything that may disrupt what is “normal.” At GW, this means a fire in a University building, a car accident near campus that affects shuttle routes, a severe winter storm that causes classes to be cancelled, a report of a suspicious package near the Metro, or a national event that affects the entire city.

Q: How can parents stay informed?

A: Parents can check GW Campus Advisories for any advisories that may affect campus life. They are also able to download GW Alert to their home computers and/or register for Alert DC text and email alerts. WTOP can be accessed from anywhere on the planet through the Campus Advisories Web page.

Q: How do I know if classes are cancelled or delayed because of severe weather?

A: CampusAdvisories.gwu.edu homepage will post a note in the Advisories and News section in the event that severe weather affects classes.

Q: If I notice another student acting in an unusual or threatening manner, what do I do?

A: Contact UPD if you feel there is an immediate risk to your own or someone else’s safety. You may also contact the GW Counseling Center if you think this person needs help.

Q: What is the difference between a Contingency Plan and a Continuity of Operations Plan? Do I really need both?

A: The University requires each office or department to be covered by these plans. It may be helpful to think of Contingency and Continuity as two elements of one emergency plan.

• A Contingency Plan protects life safety in the event of an incident and is geographically based, meaning that your office’s plan should be specific to its location. In other words, what will you do in case of an immediate emergency- where will you go, what should go with you, how will you account for everyone, etc.
• A Continuity of Operations Plan critical functions. That is, it protects the job that you do, and should outline how you will continue do essential tasks in the event of an incident that may affect operations. For example, how will you do your job if you can’t use your office space for a week? More specific information can be found in the plan writing guidance (install link here) or the Incident Manual.

A: Once you have looked over the plan guidance available on the “Planning Guidance” tab, Emergency Management Associates are available to help you complete your plans. Email OPSEM@gwu.edu to make an appointment, or attend a “SafeTea” plan writing session. Emergencies can be scary; preparing for them shouldn’t be.

Q: Can’t you just write the plan for me?

A: While OPSEM can provide helpful, one-on-one guidance and explanations about University policies, only you and those you work with can write an effective plan. Only those in your element know the people the contingency plan should cover and the critical functions that are important for your continuity of operations. Each element should have ownership over their emergency plans, update it when personnel or equipment changes, and share that plan with everyone who needs to know.

Q: Why do we have to have indoor rendezvous locations?

A: It is University policy to shelter-in-place. Therefore, if you must evacuate from the building you are currently in, you must seek shelter in another building. Being indoors protects people from weather as well as any other threats they may be exposed to outdoors. It also clears the way for first responders attempting to access the incident. Remember: do not leave your building unless you must.

Q: Do I really have to leave the building when the fire alarm goes off?

A: Yes. Fire alarms should never be ignored.

Q: I was invited to an “exercise” with OPSEM. What does this mean?

A: OPSEM creates exercises to help the University test its plans. If you are invited, you should receive detailed instructions on what to expect, as well as where you should be. If you have questions about expectations, you may email OPSEM@gwu.edu. However, OPSEM will not share materials or scenarios before the exercise, so that it can be as effective as possible in exercising plans and responses.

Q: What is a SafeTea?

A: A SafeTea is an informal workshop during which an Emergency Management Associate will walk you through the process of writing a plan. He or she will address the basics of OPSEM’s purpose, common emergency management questions, and be able to answer questions specific to your office. This is a great time to bring an existing plan that might need to be updated, or begin the process of writing a new plan. They are usually scheduled about once a month, and should last about an hour. Email invitations will be sent to offices and departments that may need new plans, and you can find SafeTea dates here. If you cannot find a date that works for you, feel free to email OPSEM@gwu.edu to set up another time to review your plan or get assistance in writing one.

Q: How does the University respond to an incident?

A: The University has comprehensive plans which are continuously updated, personnel are trained, and routine exercises (emergency drills/scenarios) are held with campus first responders, University leaders (University Incident Teams) and departments. OPSEM works to foster and sustain partnerships with local, federal, and regional authorities, private and non-profit organizations, business and government neighbors, and counterparts throughout the Consortium of Universities.