Emergency Plan

Emergency Contacts

If an emergency is serious or life threatening, call 911 immediately. Be prepared to provide information on the emergency and the exact location where emergency assistance is needed: street address, building name, floor, etc. If emergency medical or contact information is available, please provide to first responders, or 911.

After calling 911, call the Lesley University Public Safety Office at 617.349.8888. Public Safety officers are trained in medical assistance and emergency response and support procedures. Public Safety will provide support to 911 emergency responders.

• Doble Campus Office

  Located on the Quad across from the Doble Hall Fitness Center on 34 Mellen Street. Call ext. 8888 from an on-campus phone or 617.349.8888 from all other phones. The office is open 24/7.

• University Hall, 1815 Massachusetts Ave.

  Located on the first floor next to the south elevator. Call ext. 8390 from an on-campus phone or 617.349.8390 from all other phones. If a Public Safety officer is not available, call 617.349.8888.

• College of Art and Design

  The security desk in the lobby of 1801 Massachusetts Avenue can be reached by calling 617.349.8010. If a Public Safety officer is not available, call 617.349.8888.

• South Campus

  Located at 99-2 Brattle Street on the first floor of Burnham Hall (also at the entrance to Sherrill Hall during library hours). Call 617.868.3017. If a Public Safety officer is not available, call 617.349.8888.

Emergency Procedures    

Information and guidelines for both on-campus and off-campus community members in the event of an emergency:

• Be Prepared
  • Learn all of the exit locations so that you’ll know the safest and quickest way out of the building, including the locations of secondary exits.
  • Be aware of the emergency assembly areas for your building.
  • Familiarize yourself with the building layouts. Maps are located throughout the building.
• During an Emergency
  • Lesley Community members (students, staff, faculty, contractors, and vendors) should dial 911 in the event of an emergency (fire, medical, criminal) on campus.
  • Lesley Public Safety should then be called at 617.349.8888. Public Safety will meet local emergency response personnel and assist as needed.
  • It is essential to inform Public Safety of all emergencies.
• Building Evacuations

  Building evacuations may be necessary in the event of a natural disaster (hurricane or flood) or other catastrophe (chemical spill, explosion, bomb threat, or hostile intruder). This section provides information and guidelines to ensure safe and efficient evacuation of all or part of the Lesley campus in the event of such an emergency.

  • Building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds and/or upon notification by emergency personnel.
  • If necessary or if directed to do so by a designated emergency official, activate the building’s alarm.
  • When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by a designated emergency official, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
  • Use the nearest stairway to exit the building. Do not use elevators during an emergency evacuation. Emergency personnel may use an elevator for evacuation after a review of the circumstances.
  • Notify others of the emergency. Be aware of people with disabilities in your area who might require assistance in an emergency evacuation.
  • Be prepared to render assistance if necessary.
  • Close doors behind you if you are leaving an empty area, as this can help to slow the spread of fire, smoke, and water.
  • Evacuate as quickly as possible but in an orderly manner. Do not push or shove.

  
  Once outside, move clear of the building, allowing others to exit. Assemble in your designated assembly area (see bottom of page) and do not return to an evacuated building until advised by emergency personnel.

Emergency Guidelines

Instructions on what to do during specific emergency and safety situations:

• Bomb Threat

  It is the policy of the university that all bomb threats are to be taken seriously. Each threat will be thoroughly investigated and will be considered suspect until all avenues of investigation have been explored.

  Potential Bombs

  A suspicious looking box, package, object, or container in or near your work area may be a bomb, explosive, or hazardous material.

  • Do not handle or touch the object.
  • Move to a safe area (far from the object).
  • Call the Department of Public Safety immediately at 617.349.8888.
  • Do not operate any electronic devices, radios, or light (power) switches.

  
  Preventing an Incident

  Any facility or person could be the target of a bomb incident. As in any emergency, our most effective weapon against the bomber is a concise bomb threat plan.

  • If you receive a bomb threat, remain calm, and try to obtain as much information as possible from the caller.
  • Never make a public announcement of the threat unless directed by the police.
  • Never discuss the bomb threat with non-emergency personnel.
  • Never use words such as bomb, bomb threat, or explosive where others can hear you.
  • Give information and instructions calmly.
• Campus Demonstrations

  Lesley University is an institution where expressive activity is essential to the intellectual development of faculty, staff, and students. Protests and demonstrations may be methods that members of the community use to express their individual beliefs. The following guidelines are presented so the demonstration and the educational environment can co-exist.

  Access to Buildings and Offices

  Demonstrators from the Lesley community may enter campus buildings for the purpose of conducting orderly and peaceful demonstrations. Exterior and interior doorways may not be blocked. Participants may sit in hallways but may not block them or any stairs. Participants may not enter or occupy any room without the permission of the faculty or administrative member in charge of that office. Participants cannot demonstrate in other spaces (such as retail or tenant spaces).

  Should any demonstration arise, contact the following individuals immediately:

  • Nicole O’Leary, Captain of Public Safety: 617.349.8901
  • Kevin Murphy, Director of Facilities and Operations: 617.349.8883

  
  Noise Level    

  Noise in the building should not disrupt the normal business activities or interfere with classes in progress.

  General Conduct

  Participants who are not affiliated with the university should conduct themselves appropriately or they will be asked to leave if university officials judge them to be disruptive. All Lesley demonstrators will conduct themselves in accordance with the student and employee code of conduct.

• Chemical Spill or Accident

  Whenever you spill a chemical or discover a spill or potentially hazardous material, tell your supervisor and coworkers in the area immediately. When a spill occurs, anyone in the area should move well away while determining the appropriate response. The appropriate response depends on whether the spill is an incidental spill, which you can clean up yourself, or a complex spill, which requires outside assistance.

  Incidental Spills

  Incidental spills do not spread rapidly, do not endanger people or property except by direct contact, and do not endanger the environment. The substance can be absorbed, neutralized, or controlled at the time of release by employees in the immediate release area. You can clean up an incidental spill yourself if you have the proper equipment and training and are comfortable doing so. The Department of Public Safety should be informed of an incidental spill at 617.349.8888.

  Complex Spills

  Complex spills are any spills that may spread rapidly, may endanger people or property, may endanger the environment, and require an emergency response from an outside organization. A complex spill should be immediately reported to the Department of Public Safety at 617.349.8888. Give location and chemical information, if known, and have someone stay on the line to give additional information while emergency units are en route. Obtain Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the Safety Coordinator for the spilled chemical, if known. The Captain of Public Safety and Director of Facilities will be contacted to coordinate the response.

  Anyone who may have been contaminated by the complex spill should, if necessary and prudent, immediately be put under an emergency shower and their contaminated clothes should be removed as the flow of water begins. The affected area of the skin should be washed for 15 minutes. EMS will be called and medical treatment will begin as soon as possible.

  If an emergency exists, call Public Safety at 617.349.8888 or ext. 8888, and then call 911.

  In the event of a chemical or biological emergency, listen to university officials for instructions on whether to remain inside or to evacuate. If you are instructed to remain inside, turn off all ventilation including furnaces, air conditioners, vents, and fans. Seek shelter in an internal room, preferably one without windows. Remain in areas where toxic vapors are reduced or eliminated.

  Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building(s) or report to your assigned assembly point. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a university official.

  A person affected by a chemical or biological agent requires immediate attention by professional medical personnel. Decontamination is needed within minutes of exposure to minimize health consequences. Public Safety may direct individuals to a decontamination area.

  Any chemical cloud that can affect community members in their offices would very likely affect them outside in the assembly area. If time is of prime importance, it may be necessary to evacuate several blocks from the building by foot. If this occurs, move crosswind or upwind to avoid fumes or vapors, never downwind.

  If you are in an unprotected area, get upwind of the contaminated area, attempt to find shelter as quickly as possible, and listen to university officials for instructions.

  NOTE: Do not attempt to clean up a hazardous chemical spill. Clean up coordination will be by Facilities and performed by The Cambridge Fire Department or Triumvirate Environmental - Telephone 800.966.8050.

  Lesley’s Science Department has a Chemical Hygiene Plan that addresses lab spills.

• Criminal Emergency

  Lesley University is committed to providing support and/or assistance (i.e., counseling, police assistance, protection, etc.) to any member of the Lesley community who has become a victim of a crime on Lesley property. Some examples of crimes are sex crimes (other than sexual harassment), aggravated assault, robbery, larceny, hate crimes, vandalism, threatening/harassing, stalking, hostile intrusion, etc.

  If you see suspicious activity or need to report an intruder, first call the police department. If you are able, help others to evacuate the affected area and wait for emergency response personnel. In the case of gunfire or discharged explosives, take cover immediately using all available concealment. After the disturbance, seek emergency first aid if necessary.

  Any victim of a crime is encouraged to promptly report the incident to the local police department. Lesley community members that have become a victim of or become aware of a crime should report the incident to Public Safety at 617.349.8888. Give your name, the nature of the incident, location of the incident, and descriptions of person(s) and property involved. If the risk to you or others is immediate, first call 911.

  Once alerted, the Public Safety Department will:

  • Contact the RA on duty if a resident student is a victim of an offense
  • Conduct a brief interview with the victim to obtain the following information:
    • Victim’s full name and association with the university
    • Where the crime occurred
    • Is the criminal known or was the crime committed by a stranger
    • If the criminal is known, their full name
    • Brief account of the incident
  • Assure that we are sensitive to the victim’s needs
  • Call the Cambridge Police who will assume total control upon arrival at the scene
  • Write a detailed report
  • Not discuss the incident with anyone, as it is still under investigation
  • Direct all questions from news venues to the Lesley Director of Public Affairs
  • Direct all questions by police agencies to the Captain of Public Safety
  • Assist public safety officers or police when they arrive by providing any information already gathered

  
  The Captain of Public Safety will:

  • Inform the Lesley Community regarding any imminent dangers
  • Develop a comprehensive personal safety plan for the victim
  • Encourage the victim to report the crime to the local police
  • Suggest the victim contact a victim witness advocate at 617.679.6631, or The Rape Crisis Center at 617.442.6300 if it was a forced sex crime
• Explosion

  In the unlikely event of an explosion, please use the following guidelines. If you are outside of a building and near an explosion, please alert Public Safety and move to a safe distance.

  • Immediately take cover under tables, desks, and other objects that can give protection from falling glass or debris.
  • Do not light matches.
  • After the effects of the explosion have subsided, notify the Department of Public Safety.
  • Give Public Safety your name, location and the nature of the emergency.
  • If necessary, or when directed to do so, activate the building fire alarm.
  • If the building fire alarm is sounded, or when told to leave by university officials, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
  • If possible and prudent, assist disabled persons in exiting the building.
  • Use the nearest stairway to exit the building.
  • Do not use elevators in case of fire.
  • Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet from the affected building.
  • Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
  • Follow the instructions of emergency personnel at the scene.
  • If requested, assist emergency personnel as necessary.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a university official.
• Extreme Weather

  During extreme weather or natural disasters, people may be prevented from entering or leaving campus. Notice of a decision to close or delay openings will be communicated as quickly as possible by email, phone tree, and local media (WBZ Channel 4 and Radio 1030 AM, Channel 5, WRUO Channel 7, and Radio 680 AM and Radio 90.9 FM), as well as the Lesley website and the switchboard at 617.349.9600.

  Storm

  In the case of fast developing storms (hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes):

  • Unplug unnecessary electrical equipment.
  • Store all equipment in safe areas away from windows. Keep window coverings closed.
  • If you’re outside during a hurricane or thunderstorm, find a low spot away from trees and poles.
  • If you’re in a wooded area, take shelter under the shortest trees.
  • If a tornado warning is given and you see a funnel cloud:
    • Immediately seek a shelter, or lie flat in a ditch or low spot.
    • If you’re in a building, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection.
    • Do not use elevators.

  
  Flood

  A member of the Lesley community who discovers a flood (either inside or outside buildings) should:

  • Clear the immediate area or building if necessary.
  • Call the Lesley Public Safety Office at 617.349.8888.
  • Give the location and nature of the problem, if possible.

  
  Earthquake

  • Try to avoid glass and falling objects. Move away from windows where there are large panes of glass, shelves, and cabinets where objects could fall, and out from under heavy suspended light fixtures. Notify Public Safety at 617.349.8888 if damage occurs.
  • When the earthquake is over, evacuate the building to the predetermined assembly point or alternate assembly point.
  • It may be necessary to inspect the area during the evacuation and reroute community members to the alternate assembly point because of fire, damage, or other threats to safety.
  • Special consideration should be given to exit routes. Do not use routes that have extensive damage or blockage. Avoid fires.
  • Avoid touching electrical wires that may be on the ground.
• Fire

  If a fire occurs, please us the following guidelines:

  Fire Emergency

  • Do not hesitate to activate a fire alarm if you discover smoke or fire.
  • If a minor fire appears controllable, first contact the Department of Public Safety at 617.349.8888. Then promptly direct the discharge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
  • In the case of large fires that do not appear controllable, immediately activate the building’s fire alarm system.
  • DO NOT LOCK DOORS.
  • Evacuate the building.
  • Immediately notify the Department of Public Safety at 617.349.8888 or by activating the building’s pull station. Report street address and other information as requested by emergency response personnel.
  • Never endanger your personal safety or the safety of another.

  
  Important Fire Emergency Issues

  • Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and pull boxes in your building. (Training and information are available through the Department of Public Safety).
  • When the building evacuation alarm is sounded, always assume an emergency exists. Walk quickly to the nearest exit and alert others to do the same.
  • Outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet from the affected building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by an authorized university official.
  • Never silence the fire alarm panel.
  • Do not use elevators during a fire alarm.
  • Use caution when entering a fire scene (feel doors for heat prior to opening).

  
  If You Can’t Exit a Building

  • Remember, smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where the air is less toxic. Stay below the smoke at all times.
  • Cover nose/mouth with a wet cloth.
  • If a door is hot, do not open it; seek an alternate escape route.

  
  Fire Prevention

  Many fires are caused by carelessness, electrical equipment near volatile material, electrical equipment tampering, or improper disposal of smoking material. Some substances ignite spontaneously. Substances prone to spontaneous combustion are dust, oily rags, and waste. Good housekeeping can prevent many fires, eliminate most causes of fire, and prevent fire from spreading.

  Members of the Lesley community should always note and report safety concerns such as:

  • Obstructed or damaged fire extinguishers, emergency exits or lighting
  • Accumulation of rags, trash, or other combustible materials
  • Improperly stored combustible materials, such as paint
  • Inoperable or disabled fire detection equipment
  • Inoperable fire extinguishers
• Hostile Intruder

  When an intruder in a campus building is actively causing deadly harm or the threat of an imminent incident with risk of deadly harm to people, immediately seek cover and call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at 617.349.8888.

  Please follow these guidelines if you discover an intruder:

  • Give as many details as possible about location, number of assailants, means of aggression, and other pertinent information.
  • Do not sound the fire alarm to evacuate the building. People may be placed in harm’s way when attempting to evacuate the building.
  • Be aware of alternate exits if it becomes necessary to flee.
  • Persons should lock themselves in classrooms, dorm rooms, and offices as a means of protection.
  • Persons should stay low, away from windows and barricade their door(s) if possible, and use furniture or desks as cover.
  • If possible, cover any windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into the hallway.
  • Students and staff should not attempt to leave the building until told to do so by Public Safety or police personnel

  
  The only exception to the former guideline is when, given the specific circumstances, a person is certain beyond any doubt that they are in more danger staying in the building than in attempting an escape.

• Loss of Utilities

  A member of the Lesley community who discovers a gas leak, electrical power loss, waterline break, or loss of climate control should call 617.349.8888. Give the location and issue to Public Safety and remain on the line until information is completely conveyed. Ask for evacuation advice. Clear the immediate area or evacuate the building, if necessary. If there is a gas smell in the building do not use phones or turn on lights. Exit the building and use a cell phone from outside, where the smell is not present.

  Power Failure

  The following actions are to be taken by members of the community in the event of a power failure:

  • Report any power failure immediately to the Department of Public Safety at 617.349.8888.
  • Remain where you are until the extent of the problem is determined.
  • Public Safety officers will go from room to room informing occupants to remain where they are, unless notified otherwise.
  • Keep a flashlight available in your office or dorm room at all times. Never use candles during a power failure.
  • During daytime hours you can attempt to add as much natural light as possible by raising blinds and opening draperies.
  • Faculty with classes should remain where they are until notified otherwise.
  • During a power failure or possible power failure, never use an elevator.
  • If you become trapped in an elevator during a power outage, use a cell phone or the emergency phone in the elevator to contact the Department of Public Safety.

  
  Once power is restored, security officers will go from room to room and notify the occupants.

  Gas Leak (Odor)

  Cease all operations. Don’t switch on the lights or any electrical equipment. Remember, electrical arcing can trigger an explosion. Immediately notify the Department of Public Safety at 617.349.8888. Exit the building.

• Medical Emergency

  All medical emergencies should be reported immediately to the Department of Public Safety at 617.349.8888. Likewise, when an individual demonstrates or reports a risk for self-destructive or suicidal behavior, immediate assistance is needed.

  Life-Threatening Medical Emergency

  If the medical emergency is life threatening (example: apparent heart attack, serious bleeding), call 911 first. After calling 911, Public Safety should be called immediately to assist and direct emergency responders to the correct location.

  When making the calls, give your name, describe the nature and severity of the medical problem and provide the campus location of the victim.

  Try to answer all of the questions the operator asks you and let them hang-up the phone first. Don’t move the victim, but ask for assistance of others as needed to secure the scene. If you or others are certified in CPR and First Aid and able to help, then try to assist the victim until help arrives. Look for emergency medical ID such as bracelets on injured persons and try to keep the victim as comfortable as possible until emergency personnel arrive.

  Non-Life-Threatening Medical Emergency

  If a medical problem is non-life threatening (example: small cut requiring First Aid), call the Department of Public Safety and wait until they arrive. Public Safety will dispatch an officer to the scene and determine what other resources are needed.

  Psychological Crisis

  If the situation poses an imminent physical danger, call Department of Public Safety.

  If imminent physical danger is not posed, then call the Counseling Center at 617.349.8545. If the Counseling Center is closed, then call Public Safety at 617.349.8888.

• Pandemic Planning

  Pandemic planning is in process at the local, state, and federal level, and most anticipate that the spread of pandemic-level illnesses can tracked to some extent. As the “plume” of infection spreads geographically, local, state, and federal plans will go into effect. Lesley will work in coordination with local, state, and federal public health planning agencies as part of its emergency preparedness plan.

  Lesley has developed a community response plan to assist public agencies in order to:

  • Attempt maximum mitigation within the Lesley community for the benefit of the public health.
  • Protect to the largest extent possible, the health and safety of the Lesley community.
  • Protect the operation of the university and ensure recovery after an extended cessation of operations.
     

  In the event of a large scale pandemic, Lesley University and other institutions will receive information and recommendations from public health agencies that could include:

  • Full campus closure
  • Cancellation of classes and/or events (athletics, etc.)
• Terrorism

  Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property for the purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public. Acts of terrorism may include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, bomb scares and bombings, cyber attacks, and use of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.

  Preparing for Terrorism 

  As a member of the Lesley community, you’re in a position to deter and detect terrorist acts by observing suspicious persons and odd behavior. The following are general guidelines:

  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Be aware of suspicious or unusual behavior:
    • Someone taking pictures of a building
    • Unattended bags/briefcases
    • Someone asking specific questions about buildings or security procedures with no apparent need for that information
    • People wearing clothing not consistent with weather conditions
    • Deliveries without a clear specific destination
  • Changes in routine that might be cause for suspicion. Examples: a delivery company dropped off twice in a day (once with a new driver), when they usually drop off only once; delivery persons who circumvent routine procedures, etc.
  • Be aware of all emergency exits for each building you enter.
  • Trust your instincts; leave if something doesn't feel right.
  • Report all suspicious activity immediately to Public Safety.
  • Report any unusual or suspicious persons or packages to Public Safety.
  • Persons who ask questions about security procedures should be referred to Public Safety. Obtain a concise description of the person(s) including name, if possible, and the information requested, and notify Public Safety.
  • Do not prop open building/residence hall doors.

  
  During a Terrorist Attack

  See process of explosion or fire procedures above.

  After a Terrorist Attack

  • If you’re trapped in debris, use a flashlight (if available).
  • Cover your mouth with a cloth, and tap a pipe/wall or whistle so that rescuers can determine your location.
  • Shout as a last resort, as it may result in inhalation of dangerous amounts of dust.
  • Listen to emergency broadcasts, if possible, for details and specific instructions.

  
  Chemical/Biological Attack

  • Stay inside your dorm room, classroom, or office building.
  • Listen to emergency broadcast for details and specific instructions.

Assembly Areas

In the event of an emergency evacuation, the following areas have been designated as assembly locations. Immediately reporting to the assigned area will help to quickly and accurately account for community members during an emergency.

• South Campus

  Parking Lot O: 5 Phillips Place

  • 89 Brattle Street - Sherrill Hall Library
  • 10 Phillips Place - Washburn Hall Commons

  
  Parking Lot P: 101 Brattle Street

  • 99-4 Brattle Street - Lawrence Hall
  • 2-4 St John's Road - Kidder House
  • 6 St John's Road - Rousmaniere House
  • 1-7 St John's Road - Winthrop Hall

  
  Parking Lot Q: 101 Brattle Street

  • 101 Brattle Street
  • 2 Hasting Avenue - Buildings & Grounds
  • 3 Phillips Place - Pierce Hall
  • 5 Phillips Place - Parker Hall
• Doble Campus

  Parking Lot B: 30 Mellen Street

  • 23 Mellen Street - Schwartz Hall
  • 24 Mellen Street - Mellen House
  • 27 Mellen Street - Faculty Offices
  • 29 Mellen Street - Lesley College Dean's Offices
  • 31 Mellen Street - Jenckes House
  • 33 Mellen Street - Faculty offices
  • 33.5 Mellen Street - Facilities
  • 35 Mellen Street - Dorm
  • 37 Mellen Street - Glennon Hall
  • 28 R Wendell Street - Everett House
  • 34 Wendell Street - Buoma Hall
  • 61 Oxford Street - Kirkland House
  • 63 Oxford Street - Wendell House
  • 29 Everett Street - Office of the President/ Provost

  
  Parking Lot C: 61 Oxford Street

  • 14 Wendell Street - Dorm
  • 16-18 Wendell Street - Wilson House
  • 31 Everett Street - Stebbins Hall
  • 33 Everett Street - White Hall
  • 30 Mellen Street - Doble Hall/ Doble House
  • 34 Mellen Street - Wolfard Hall
  • 36 Mellen Street - Mackenzie Hall
  • 38 Mellen Street - Malloch Hall
  • 68 Oxford Street - Kris House

  
  Parking Lot F: 28 Wendell Street

  • 1 Wendell Street - Dorm
  • 3 Wendell Street – Dorm

  Threshold Buildings (78, 80, and 82 Oxford St.)

  The assembly area for Wilbur House (78 Oxford St.), Hitz Alumni Center (80 Oxford St.) and MacCormack Hall (82 Oxford St.) is across Oxford St. in front of Wendell House (63 Oxford St).

• Porter Campus

  The assembly area for Porter Campus is the parking lot behind University Hall, to the rear of the lot near 49 Roseland Street.