III.  Emergency Procedures

Public Safety personnel will respond and determine the need for additional assistance.

The following are recommended guidelines for handling several types of emergencies:

• Medical Emergencies
• Fire Emergencies
• Chemical Exposure
• Power Outage

Medical Emergencies

If a serious injury occurs, immediately call Public Safety at 911 from any campus phone or 258-3333 from a cell phone.  First aid and/or CPR should only be administered by trained individuals. Public Safety can arrange for medical transport to University Health Services or the University Medical Center at Princeton as appropriate.

Students shoudl obtain non-emergency medical treatment from University Health Services at McCosh Health Center.

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In the event of a fire emergency*, Public Safety should be notified immediately at 911 and the following actions are recommended:

1. Activate the fire alarm.

2. Only trained individuals may use a fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish a small, incipient stage (no larger than a waste paper basket) fire.

3. If the fire is large or spreading, leave the fire area and prevent the fire's spread by closing the doors behind you.

4. Evacuate the building and await the arrival of Public Safety.  Try to account for everyone inside the building.  Do not leave the area until you have been accounted for.

5. Do not re-enter the building until you are told to do so by Public Safety or the municipal fire official.

*A fire emergency is defined as (1) an uncontrolled fire or imminent fire hazard, (2) the presence of smoke or the odor of burning, (3) the uncontrolled release of a flammable or combustible substance, or (4) a fire alarm sounding.

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1. If you spill a chemical such as paint thinners or fabric dyes on your skin:
• Immediately rinse the area with water for at least 15 minutes.
• Remove any soiled clothing and jewelry while you are rinsing. Discard leather belts or shoes as they cannot be decontaminated.
• Check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to determine if delayed effects should be expected.
2. If you get a chemical in your eyes:
• Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, rinsing from the nose outward to avoid contaminating the unaffected eye.
• Remove contact lenses while rinsing – don't wait to remove them before you rinse.
3. If you inhale a chemical or are overcome by fumes:
• Leave the room and move to fresh air
• Keep door of room open to vent
• Do not re-enter a contaminated area
4. If you accidentally ingest a chemical:
• Immediately contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for instructions
• Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a health care provider.

For all types of chemical exposure, seek medical attention from Princeton University Health Services at McCosh Health Center or Princeton Medical Center.

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Power Outage

• Remain calm and stay where you are unless there is an imminent threat to your safety (e.g. a fire).  Since most power outages last less than 5 minutes, it may be best to remain in place, rather than attempt to evacuate the building
• If during a performance, front of house personnel should instruct the audience to remain in place and await the restoration of power.
• Contact Facilities – Customer Service at 258-8000 to report an outage in your building. 
• Do not call 911 or contact Public Safety to report the outage or to find out more information.
• If you are in an unlit area, proceed with caution to an area that has emergency lighting.  The backlighting on your cell telephone may function as a source of light to help you navigate.
• Persons with disabilities should call Public Safety at 911 for mobility assistance.
• Turn off all computers, light switches and appliances to avoid a surge when the power is restored.

For more information on power outages, see the Emergency Guidelines for the Campus Community.

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