Procedures

Bomb Threat Procedures

In the event of a bomb threat, the West Plains Police and Fire Departments will be called immediately. The University will prosecute to the fullest extent possible under law any persons placing any threat to students, faculty, staff, and campus facilities.

If a bomb threat is received:

  • Be calm. Do not panic.
  • Note the exact time.
  • Write down as accurately as possible the statements made.
  • Listen to the voice to determine the sex, age, accents, lisps, etc. (Note any distinguishing features.)
  • Listen for background noises.
  • Attempt to question the caller.
  • Employees should immediately notify a supervisor. Students should immediately notify the office of the chancellor, the office of student services or the office of academic affairs.
  • Complete a Bomb Threat Form (Appendix One) available from the office of the chancellor, the office of student services or the office of academic affairs.

Earthquake Procedures

Drop, cover, and hold on! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place (e.g., under a sturdy table or desk). Most injured persons in earthquakes move more than five feet during the shaking. It is very dangerous to try to leave a building during an earthquake because objects can fall on you. Many fatalities occur when people run outside of buildings, only to be injured by falling debris from collapsing walls. In U.S. buildings, you are safer to stay where you are. After the shaking has stopped, if you go outside, move quickly away from the building to prevent injury from falling debris.

Additional information regarding safety procedures in the event of an earthquake may be found at the following websites:

Federal Emergency Management Agency

http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/

Evacuations

Should it become necessary to evacuate a building, the decision to evacuate will be made by the following individuals in the priority indicated:

Academic Buildings

  1. Director of business and support services
  2. Dean of academic affairs
  3. Officials of West Plains Police or Fire Departments

Residence Hall

  1. Coordinator of student life and development
  2. Dean of student services
  3. Officials of West Plains Police or Fire Departments

Putnam Student Center

  1. Coordinator of student life and development
  2. Dean of student services or director of business and support services
  3. Officials of West Plains Police or Fire Departments

During evening hours, the decision to evacuate will be made by University officials who may be in the buildings or officials of the West Plains Police or Fire Departments.

Fire Procedures

Students, faculty, and staff are urged to give special consideration to possible exit routes in case of a fire. When a fire occurs or a fire drill is held, utilize the closest exit and do not use elevators. In the event of a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm, if available, and call 911 for emergency response. Consult the Emergency Procedures posted in each campus facility for specific instructions.

Incidents and Accidents

Members of the University community needing to report an incident or accident on campus can do so by contacting the director of business and support services. Persons reporting incidents and accidents will be asked to file a University Incident Report.

Mail Procedures

The Campus Safety & Parking Committee has compiled a set of recommended mail procedures from recommendations of the United States Postal Service and the Missouri Highway Patrol. These procedures are located on the web at: Mail Procedures (Appendix Two).

Medical Emergencies

If a medical emergency should arise on campus, contact a member of the faculty or staff immediately. The University employee will assess the situation and take the appropriate action. If warranted, an ambulance and a trained paramedic will be summoned to provide on-site care and/or transport the individual to the appropriate medical facility.

Sexual Offenses Procedures

A person who is the survivor of a sexual offense at Missouri State-West Plains and lives on campus, should contact the dean of student services. It is not required to reveal the name of the assailant and the victim's name will not be released to the police or the press. The dean will provide information about counseling, medical assistance, reporting to the police and University discipline procedures. The dean will also be able to answer your questions and provide assistance.

Victims who live off campus should call the West Plains Police Department (417) 256-2244 or 911. It is not required to reveal either your name or the name of the assailant and the victim's name should not be released to the press. The victim will receive information about counseling and medical assistance.

All sexual offenses should be reported to the coordinator of student life and development, whether the victim lives on campus or off campus.

For more information about what constitutes a sexual offense or sexual harassment, what definitions are used in describing sexual offense and harassment, and the minimum sanctions that could be leveled against one who commits a sexual offense or harassment, see the Student Right-to-Know information found at the following Internet address: https://wp.missouristate.edu/studentlife/

Tornado Procedures

When outdoor tornado sirens are sounded, persons who are outdoors should proceed to the nearest sturdy building and take shelter. Persons who are indoors should heed the specific procedures posted in each room in each campus facility. (Warning to the buildings will be coming from either a weather radio or a University employee who is aware of the weather situation.) If possible, persons should tune to the emergency alert system broadcast on radio or television and follow the directions provided. The Campus Safety & Parking Committee, in consultation with the West Plains Director of Emergency Management Services, has compiled tornado warning emergency procedures (Appendix Three) for the entire campus.