The Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) is the lead agency within the University for all emergency situations, to include fires, hazardous materials spills, severe weather events, facility or utility failures, etc. All emergencies can be called into DPSS by phone at “9-1-1”. More information is available at the DPSS web site (U-M Division of Public Safety & Security (DPSS) Emergency Management office). The default obligation for every University employee during any emergency situation is to sound the alarm, and get themselves to safety. Non-emergencies can be reported to DPSS at (734) 763-1131 or EHS at (734) 647-1143.
The University depends on the Ann Arbor Fire Department (AAFD) to respond to any unwanted fires on University property. The best way to summon a response from the AAFD is to contact DPSS by phone (i.e., 911) or by setting off the local fire alarm in the building where the fire is occurring. Subsequent to any unwanted fire event, a report of the event must be made to EHS Fire Safety.
Medical emergencies should be called into DPSS (e.g., 911) immediately, so they can signal a response from the local emergency medical provider (e.g., and ambulance).
Hazardous materials spills (e.g., chemical, biological, radiological materials) in public areas, or when then the department responsible for the spill is not capable for containing and cleaning up the hazardous materials independently, must be called into EHS for response. The best way to promptly contact EHS for a hazardous material spill cleanup is to contact DPSS (e.g., 911). DPSS is the default incident commander (IC) for all hazardous materials releases that fall under the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Active Attacker situations must be called into DPSS (e.g., 911) immediately. Anybody on University property when an Active Attacker alert is issued should react based on the “run, hide, fight” guidance. Immediately “run” to a safe and secure location as far from the location of the attack as possible. If unable to get far enough away from the location of the attack, immediately “hide” in the most secure location possible and lock and/or barricade the entrance until the all clear is given. If confronted with an attack that you cannot get away from, “fight” the attacker with any improvised weapons available. Additional training and guidance on how to respond in active attacker situations are available from DPSS.
DPSS offers an Emergency Alert System to U-M students, faculty and staff that will notify them via text message, voicemail, or emails when they have determined there is an active emergency situation. These situations may include active shooters, hazardous weather, or hazardous chemical spills. For more information see the U-M Emergency Alert website.
Building Evacuation and Shelter Locations #
In the event that evacuation from a building is necessary, follow routes identified in the posted building evacuation floor plans. Building evacuation plans are posted in each building per University policy. These plans should be reviewed upon starting work in any U-M building.
Emergencies related to extreme weather situations (e.g., tornados, thunderstorms, hail storms, floods, blizzards, etc.) should be called into both DPSS and FSC. Building shelter locations (e.g., tornados) are posted on the same floor plans as evacuation routes.
Failures of facility or utility systems (e.g., electrical power outages, heating failures, plumbing floods, sewage backups, etc.) should be called into the Facilities Service Center (FSC), at 734/647-2059, as soon as possible. In extreme situations, these calls can initially be to DPSS.
