Fire
No matter how small the fire, or even if it is extinguished, residents should always report these incidents to ResLife Staff, whether in person or via the on-call phone. ResLife Staff will then notify the proper emergency authorities, including on- campus and local response teams. In the event the fire alarm sounds, residents shall leave the building immediately via the nearest stairway exit and meet in their hallway groups in Lot KK. Never, under any circumstances, should any person use the elevator in the event of a fire or fire alarm. Residents shall not return to the building until instructed to do so by emergency personnel or Residential Life staff. Residents who may require assistance leaving the building quickly should notify their RA at the start of the semester.
Smoke Detectors: In compliance with Missouri statutes, each student room is furnished with a smoke detector. These smoke detectors are designed to protect student life. Smoke detectors must remain plugged into the wall outlet with the battery in place. Any perceived malfunctions of these units should be immediately reported to staff via a maintenance request.
Tornado Watch
When issued, this indicates conditions are favorable for a tornado to form in the area, but there is no immediate danger. At this time, residents should:
- Be prepared and ready to act quickly if a warning is issued.
- Review your emergency plans and notify any emergency contacts if desired.
- Pay close attention to local sources of weather information
When a watch has been issued for St. Louis County, the UMSL Police and Residential Life Staff will monitor the situation for additional information. Students should stay alert by listening to the radio, television or a weather radio for the latest weather information.
Tornado Warning
When issued, this indicates a tornado has been spotted in the area or Doppler Radar has indicated an area of rotation. When a warning has been issued for St. Louis County, residents shall take shelter immediately. Residents who are in Oak Hall at the time of the warning or sirens, shall shelter in the basement, an interior hallway, a restroom, or anywhere on the lowest level floor possible, away from doors and windows. Students and Staff shall not use the elevators when evacuating.
During severe weather, the Front Desk and Residential Life staff will be notified on severe weather watches and warnings. The Desk Assistant will notify the Resident Advisor On-Call. Staff will then immediately recommend, but not force, that residents seek shelter. Staff will provide suggestions on where to go and when it is expected to pass. After notifying residents, staff will seek shelter themselves, but will remain in close contact with the Police Department and local weather stations on the status of the Warning. Please note, sirens often end before the area is completely free of danger. For this reason, residents and staff should stay in their safe areas until instructed otherwise.
Medical
If any student, staff, or visitor requires medical help, the person(s) who become(s) aware of such should, to the best of their ability:
- Assess the situation by obtaining the person’s full name and the nature of their problem.
- Call UMSL Police at (314)516-5155 and/or 911 with as much information as possible.
Criminal Activity
If any resident should notice a crime being committed, they should:
- Not intervene!
- Remove themselves from the situation as calmly and quietly as possible.
- Call UMSL Police and/or 911.
- Be attentive to the details of the incident and report that information to the authorities, i.e. the four W’s: who, what, where and when.