How to Respond in an Emergency

If an active shooter is in your vicinity, call University Police at (781) 891-3131 or call 9-1-1. 

Run

• Have an escape route and plan in mind 
• Leave your belongings behind 
• Help others escape if possible and discourage individuals from entering the area 
• Keep your hands visible to responding police officers 
• Wounded Individuals will be treated and/or moved by emergency personnel 

Hide

• Hide in a protected area out of the active shooter’s view 
• Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets/desk) REMAIN QUIET 
• Lock or barricade all doors, stay out of sight.  
• Remain in place until an “all clear” is given by authorities 
• Shut off all lights, turn off other sources of noise 
• Silence cell phones (do not turn off) 

Fight 

• As a last resort – and ONLY when your life is in imminent danger 
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter 
• Group actions may be more successful than an individual effort 
• Act with physical aggression.  
• Throw items at the shooter if possible 
• Yelling can be used as a manner of distraction 

When law enforcement arrives: 

• Remain calm and follow instructions  
• Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)  
• Raise hands and spread fingers  
• Keep hands visible at all times   
• Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety   
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling   
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating 

Remain calm. Use the checklist below to record information concerning the bomb threat. Have this list ready for the authorities when they arrive.

Anyone receiving or discovering a bomb threat or emergency should immediately Call University Police at (781) 891-3131. Keep talking to the caller as long as possible.

DO NOT EVACUATE THE BUILDINGS UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL

If a bomb threat is received by phone, ask:

1. Where is the bomb located?
2. When is the bomb going to explode?
3. What kind of bomb is it?
4. What does it look like?
5. Why did you place the bomb?
6. What is your name & address?

If a suspicious object is discovered, the employee should:

1. NOT attempt to touch or move the object.
2. Evacuate immediate area only. Call University Police (781) 891-3131.
3. Report any suspicious people in the area.
4. Follow instructions from first responders.
    

Write down the EXACT WORDING OF THE THREAT.

Write down notes about the Caller's Voice such as:

• Loud
• High
• Intoxicated
• Calm
• Fast
• Stutter
• Distinct
• Slurred
• Soft
• Deep
• Distinguished
• Angry
• Slow
• Nasal
• Accent Type
• Other
• Familiar? Who did it sound like?

Write down notes about the Background Sounds:

• Voices
• Airplanes
• Quiet
• Animals
• Music
• Trains
• Street Traffic
• Factory
• Office
• Machinery
• Other

Write down notes about the Threat Language:

• Foul
• Incoherent
• Taped
• Irrational
• Well-spoken/educated
• Message read
• Other

Write down any other notes.

All occupants are required to evacuate when a fire alarm sounds or when ordered by an authorized university official such as a Police Officer.

• DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
• If time permits, turn off stoves and ovens, and unplug or disable any device that could make a dangerous situation worse.
• Move to the closest exit and proceed down the EXIT stairwell in a safe and orderly manner. Take personal belongings with you.
• Remain at least three hundred (300) feet outside of the building and await further instructions. Keep roadways open and beware of approaching emergency vehicles. Notify emergency responders of anyone trapped, especially anyone with a physical disability who cannot evacuate.
• Do not go back into the building for any reason until informed of an “all clear” by emergency personnel.

Large-Scale Evacuation

• If part or all of the campus is required to evacuate, notifications will be made via the university’s emergency notification system.
• DO NOT re-enter any building until directed to do so, or given an “all clear” by authorized personnel.

For chemical spills that do not pose a threat:

• Attempt to confine the spill as much as possible if you have been trained to confine spills and are thoroughly familiar with the hazards of the spilled chemical. If you have contact with the spilled material, remove any contaminated clothing immediately and flush all areas of bodily contact with large amounts of water.
• Notify University Police at (781) 891-3131 and tell them:
  • Building name
  • Floor
  • Room number
  • Type of accident
  • Chemical(s) involved

For chemical spills that pose a threat:

• Evacuate the building
• Call University Police at (781) 891-3131 and tell them:
  • Building name
  • Floor
  • Room number
  • Type of accident
  • Chemical(s) involved
• Notify the responding emergency personnel

University Police Dispatchers will supply the proper response team. 

• Continue to rinse body contact areas with large amounts of water for fifteen (15) minutes.
• University Police will notify the Environmental Health and Safety Specialist.

If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire, EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY and call University Police at (781) 891-3131.

Treat all alarms as though they are real. Even if you don’t see anything, you never know if there is trouble elsewhere in the building. Activate the nearest fire alarm system pull station, and if you feel comfortable, use an extinguisher.

Most fire extinguishers operate using the following P.A.S.S. technique:

1. PULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
2. AIM... Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
   NOTE: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage skin.
3. SQUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. SWEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2 - 4.

If there is smoke:

• Stay close to the floor.
• Hold your breath and close your eyes where possible.
• Test the door with the back of your hand. If it is hot, stay inside.

If you stay in the room:

• Use wet clothing or towels to seal up the crack under the door.
• Open your window or break it open and hang a shirt or bed sheet out the window to attract the attention of rescuers.
• Call University Police at (781) 891-3131 and let them know where you are.

In case of fire:

• DO NOT JUMP OUT THE WINDOW if you are on an upper level
• WAIT FOR RESCUERS to come and get you
• DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR
• Cover your face with a wet towel or piece of clothing and breathe through your nose
• Wet a blanket, sheet or other large item and drape it over your shoulders
• Crawl or crouch low to the floor
• If your clothing catches fire, remember to “stop, drop and roll”. Use a coat or blanket to smother flames
• Cool (not cold) water may be applied to minor burns

Call University Police at (781) 891-3131 and provide the following information: 

• Location of ill or injured person
• Type of injury, illness, or symptoms, and number of persons ill or injured
• Your name, telephone number and your Bentley ID#
• Do not hang up until directed to do so by the police dispatcher

DO NOT MOVE an injured person unless they are in a life-threatening situation.

COMMUNICATE with any person in your area who are trained in first aid and/ or CPR and are available for assistance.

Keep the injured as calm and comfortable as possible.

Remain with the victim until emergency personnel arrive at the scene.

All crimes should be reported to the University Police Department. Past incident should be reported by calling the police department’s business line at (781) 891-3131.

If you witness a crime or believe a crime is in progress, call University Police at (781) 891-3131 immediately.

Report as much information as possible including:

• What the person(s) is/are doing
• The location
• Physical and clothing description of those involved
• Weapons involved
• Vehicle description and license plate number, if appropriate
• Direction of travel when last seen, etc.

DO NOT APPROACH OR ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND THE PERSON(S) INVOLVED.

Sexual assault is having or attempting to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact with another individual without consent. This includes sexual intercourse or sexual contact achieved by the use of threat of force or coercion, where an individual does not consent to the sexual act, or where an individual is incapacitated.

Consent

Consent is often a critical issue in sexual assault cases. Each participant in a sexual encounter is expected to obtain and give consent to engage in all forms of sexual activity.

• Consent is an explicitly communicated, reversible mutual agreement in which al parties are capable of making a decision.
• Consent is informed, voluntary and actively given.
• Consent exists when all parties exchange mutually understandable affirmative words or behavior indicating their agreement to participate voluntarily in sexual activity.
• Consent may not be inferred from silence, passivity, lack of resistance or lack of an active response alone
• A person who does not physically resist or verbally refuse sexual activity is not necessarily giving consent
• An individual who is incapacitated from alcohol or other drug consumption (voluntarily or involuntarily), or is unconscious, unaware or otherwise physically impaired is considered unable to give consent.
• Being intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol is never an excuse for sexual assault, sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct and does not diminish one’s responsibility to obtain consent
• Just because someone has consented to sex in the past, doesn’t mean that they’re consenting now. 

What to do in the event of a sexual assault:

• Do not change your clothing.
• Do not shower or clean yourself in any way. Important physical evidence can be gathered up to 72 hours after an assault. You may also have physical injuries that need attention as well as concerns about pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases.
• Do not disturb anything in the area where the assault occurred.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible:
  • Contact the Health and Wellness Center at (781) 891-2222 or go to the Health and Wellness Center.
  • Medical attention at the local hospital is required to preserve evidence should you seek criminal prosecution.
  • If you suspect that you may have been given a predatory rape drug, please provide health care professionals this information. A urine sample can be collected within 72 hours of a sexual assault for predatory drug testing.
  • Seek free confidential counseling at the University Counseling Center.
  • Discuss your rights, resources and options and receive support from the University’s Title IX Coordinator’s Office at (781) 891-2329.
  • File a report with University Police at (781) 891-2201 and/or the police department where the incident took place.

For more information, visit our page on Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence and Stalking. There are a variety of resources both on- and off-campus to assist you.

UNIVERSITY POLICE
(781) 891-3131 (EMERGENCY)
(781) 891-2201

COUNSELING CENTER
(781) -891-2274

RESIDENTIAL CENTER
781) 891-2148

MIDDLESEX COUNTY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTY
(781) 897-8650

TITLE IX COORDINATOR
(781) 891-2329

HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
(781) 891-2222

WALTHAM POLICE
(781) 893-1212

BOSTON AREA RAPE CRISIS CENTER
800-841-8371

In the event the National Weather Service issues a severe weather watch, Bentley University will notify the university community either by email and or via the university’s emergency notification system. BentleyAlerts utilize email, text messagin, and telephone voice messaging to alert the university community. Emergency messages may also be posted on the university website. It is critical that everyone comply with instructions immediately, particularly in cases of immediate severe weather like a tornado or hurricane. After the initial alert message, additional information may be distributed by means of another alert message, email, or by web. Timing is critical in the safety of all students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

If severe weather or a campus-wide emergency occurs, it may be necessary to cancel classes and close offices. The official, most accurate cancellation information will be shared via:

• Campus Notification phone line: 781-891-2020
• The Bentley website 
• Email, text, and phone via the BentleyAlert notification system
• Bentley social media channels

Learn More about Inclement Weather

Some emergencies may require that students, faculty, staff, and visitors take shelter inside the building. Incidents such as severe weather, violent intruders, or a hazardous material release are examples where the safest, method to protect members of the campus community is to shelter in place.

In some incidents, occupants may be directed to shelter in place until further notice. Information concerning the event will be distributed through Bentley’s Emergency Notification System and posted on the University website.

The order to shelter in place will be given by the Crisis Management Team at which time the following actions should be taken:

• All students, faculty, staff, and visitors should move into the nearest building
• Close and move away from all windows and doors
• Lock doors if possible
• Turn off air-conditioning, ventilation and lighting if possible
• Remain quiet and in place until notified by emergency personnel for further instructions
• Silence cell phones
• Place signs in exterior windows to identify the location of injured people
• Do not call 911 for information. Keep telephone lines open for emergency responders.
• Depending on incident, barricade doors/windows and take adequate cover to protect yourself

If you are in contact with a student who appears to be an immediate threat to his/her own safety or that of others, Call University Police at (781) 891-3131.

Recognize Symptoms:

• Significant change in academic performance or classroom conduct
• Unusual behavior or appearance
• Traumatic event or change in relationships
• Reference to suicide, homicide, or death

Respond to the Student:

• Speak privately with student
• Directly and candidly discuss your observations and concerns
• Offer support and assistance

Refer to a Mental Health Professional at the Counseling Center:

• Be caring, firm, and straight-forward in your referral
• Consider calling from your room/office or escorting student to the Counseling Center

File a “C.A.R.E.” Report

The Bentley C.A.R.E. (Compassionate, Assessment, Referral, Evaluation) team consists of a small group of campus professionals from Residence Life, Student Affairs Dean’s office, Counseling Center, Health and Wellness, Academic Services and University Police who provide assistance, guidance, and/or feedback to students who may be in crises or are engaging in other behaviors of concern and that are perceived as harmful (either to the student individually or to others).

File a C.A.R.E. Report 

Referring Students to the Bentley C.A.R.E. Team

• Office of the Dean of Student Affairs - (781) 891-2161
• The Counseling Center - (781) 891-2274
• The Center for Health and Wellness - (781) 891-2222
• Academic Services - (781) 891-2989
• For immediate concerns/emergencies, contact University Police at (781) 891-3131.

1. Stop all work, if you find any suspect material or package that has been tampered with or contains a powder or foreign substance.

2. Do not handle, open or investigate any suspect package, letter or material that you deem out of the ordinary.

3. Keep a safe distance from area and do not create an airborne dust.

4. If skin contact has been made, wash affected skin with soap and hot water.

5. Contact your immediate manager and comprise them of the situation.

6. If your manager is not present, call Campus Police.

7. Cordon off the room or area. Lock doors and/or post signs to restrict public access to the area.

8. Do not sweep, brush or clean up the material in any way.

9. Do not open packages that do not contain a return address.

If you see a suspicious person on campus, call University Police at (781) 891-3131. Report as much information as possible including:

• What the person(s) is/are doing
• The location
• Physical and clothing description of those involved
• Vehicle description and license plate number, if appropriate
• Direction of travel when last seen, etc.

DO NOT APPROACH THE SUSPICIOUS PERSON

THREATENING PERSON

If you are confronted by a Threatening Person:

• Call University Police at (781) 891-3131.
• Leave the area and get out of harm's way

If unable to leave the area:

• Try to stay at a safe distance
• Try to calm the threatening individual
• Try to get the attention of a co-worker or student so they can call University Police
• Listen to the individual and let them do most of the talking
• Use delaying techniques to give the individual the opportunity to calm down
• Acknowledge the person's feelings
• Be respectful and empowering
• Be reassuring and point out choices

Do Not:

• Upset the individual with communication that generates hostility
• Reject all the person's demands from the start
• Use body language or speech that challenges the individual
• Make sudden movements
• Belittle, criticize, or agitate the person
• Make false statements or promises

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The security of the Bentley University campus depends greatly on staff, faculty and student involvement. No law enforcement agency can effectively protect life and property without the support and cooperation of the residents of the community they serve. The Bentley University Police Department needs your help in countering terrorism. Much like our Crime Prevention program, we ask you to be our eyes and ears. Reporting of suspicious activity can help disrupt the terrorist planning cycle. Terrorists are trained to “blend in” and assimilate to their surroundings. Most terrorist acts are well organized and well planned. Terrorists will conduct training, surveillance and “dry runs” prior to commission of a terrorist act. They like to strike at government and civilian targets in an effort to instill fear. Although it is the intent of the terrorist to instill fear in you, it is your vigilance that the terrorist fears most.

Reports can be made any time by dialing 781-891-3131 from any  campus phone or 9-1-1 from off campus.

WE NEED YOU TO

• Remain alert and be aware of everyday activities in your neighborhood. Take notice of unusual behavior. Report any unattended backpacks, suitcases or packages left in inappropriate locations.
• Encourage the involvement of faculty, staff, friends and neighbors.
• Take precautions when traveling. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended.
• Learn where emergency exits and stairways are located. Think about how to evacuate a building or congested public area in a hurry.
• Be aware of what is going on around you at home and while you are away.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

In the event you become aware of suspicious activity:

• Do not take direct action
• Do not confront the individual; and
• Do not reveal your suspicions.
• Do record as many details as possible; and
• Do notify the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.

ESSENTIAL DETAILS

When recording the essential details utilize the following guide:

• Who did I observe?
• What specifically did I see?
• Where did I observe the specific behavior?
• When did I observe the specific behavior?
• Why do I think the behavior is suspicious?

TIPS ON GIVING A DESCRIPTION

For a person:

• Build (medium, heavyset, thin, etc.)
• Hair (color, length, include facial hair)
• Complexion (light, dark, ruddy, olive. etc.)
• Eyes (color, glasses)
• Peculiarities (scars, tattoos, missing limbs)   
• Clothing (from head to toe, style, defects)
• Weapons (if any)
• Camera equipment (if any)
• Method of escape (direction, vehicle, etc.)

For a Vehicle:

• Year, make and model
• Body type (2 door, 4 door, van, SUV, etc.)
• Passengers (number of people in vehicle)
• License Plate (most important)
• Damage or anything unusual (logos, etc.)
• Color

MORE TERRORISM LINKS

• Shelter in Place from the American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 312-421-6700 (www.FBI.gov)

Utility Failures

Immediately report utility failures during regular business hours to the Work Order Control Office at Facilities Management by calling x-2208.

The Work Order Control Office is staffed Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the academic year and from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the summer.

When the Work Order Control Office is closed, call University Police at (781) 891-2201.

IT and Phone Failures

Contact the Faculty/Staff Help Desk at (781) 891-2854 or the Student Help Desk at (781) 891-3122. Be prepared to provide:

• Building name
• Floor
• Room number(s)
• Nature of problem
• Person to contact and telephone number

In the event of a campus wide electrical power failure, some phones may not work until power is restored. During power failures, areas that do not have sufficient natural light to clearly see should be evacuated while emergency lights are still on. Entry to the building should be allowed until power is restored. Emergency lighting is temporary and is not provided to continue building operations.

If a Power Outage Occurs in Your Building:

• Remain calm
• Assist others in your immediate area who may be unfamiliar with the building/workspace
• Turn off equipment such as computers and monitors to avoid potential serious damage/power surges once the power is restored
• If you are in a dark area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights
• If you are in an elevator, stay calm. Use the emergency button or telephone to summon assistance
• In most instances power will be restored in a short matter of time. However, if you are instructed to evacuate the building, proceed cautiously to the nearest exit.

NOTE: Individuals with disabilities may need assistance. Exit signs are on emergency power and should remain lit during an outage.