Remember: Your safety begins with you!

911 or Extension 3177? An Important Choice in an Emergency

911 may be the single most important Public Safety technology in our history. It has undoubtedly saved countless lives. We now have an entire generation of people who use 911 instinctively in the event of an emergency. However, until technology upgrades are completed, a call to 911 from either campus provides the call taker with a generic address only, either 140 New Scotland Avenue or 65 First Street. Responding emergency personnel may not be familiar with all of our buildings by name. Therefore, a call to Extension 3177 may result in a quicker response. Our internal phone system will identify for Public Safety the exact location of the caller and a Public Safety Officer, already on campus, will be dispatched immediately to your location.

But if your choice in an emergency is 911, please remember to call Public Safety at Extension 3177 immediately after your call to 911.

And remember, a cellular phone call to 911 may not connect you to local emergency services.

In the case of a medical emergency, follow these basic guidelines:

  • Call Public Safety at 3177.
  • Give your name and that of the victim.
  • Give your location, including building, floor and room.
  • Describe the nature and severity of the medical problem.
    • Is the victim conscious?
    • Is the victim breathing?
    • Is the victim bleeding?
    • You may be asked other questions which prepare emergency personnel prior to their arrival at your location. Do not hang up until released by the emergency operator.
  • If the victim is conscious and alert, they have the right to make health care decisions on their own. You may encourage them but not require them to seek treatment. Do not recommend a specific healthcare provider.
  • If the victim is unconscious or disoriented, it is appropriate for you to seek medical attention for them.
  • Keep the victim still and comfortable until help arrives. Do not move the victim unless necessary to prevent further injury.
  • Use First Aid measures only if you have been trained in them and are comfortable doing so.
    All offices should encourage employees to take basic “First Responder”, CPR, etc, courses available from a number of sources.
  • Persons with serious or unusual medical conditions are encouraged to notify their supervisors of the condition, its symptoms and standard emergency treatment related to the condition.

A mental health crisis exists when someone is threatening harm to himself/herself or to others, or is out of touch with reality. Do not expect reasoned behavior from the affected person. Be prepared for the unusual and sudden behavior. When a mental health crisis exists:

  • Get to a safe place.
  • Remain calm.
  • Call Public Safety at 244-3177. Provide the following information:
    • Your name.
    • Your exact location, including building, floor and room.
    • Behavior that you have observed.
    • Presence of a weapon or means of suicide.
      • Know the difference between a suicide threat and a suicide attempt. A suicide threat occurs when someone articulates a desire to commit suicide or verbally contemplates suicide. A suicide attempt occurs when someone engages in behavior intended to cause their death
    • Identity and description of the person involved.
  • Until assistance arrives, be pleasant but firm with the person in crisis.
  • Do not be confrontational or attempt to detain the person if they are combative or violent.
  • Do not introduce others into the situation until professional assistance arrives, even if the person in crisis requests/demands the presence of others.

In the case of a tornado, earthquake or other severe weather emergency, please follow these basic guidelines:

  • If you sight or experience a tornado, earthquake or other form of severe weather, contact Public Safety immediately at x3177.
  • Know the difference between a tornado/severe weather watch and a tornado/severe weather warning. A tornado/severe weather watch means tornadoes or severe weather are likely to develop. A tornado/severe weather warning means that a tornado or severe weather has been spotted in your area. Immediate action is required.
  • Move immediately to the lowest level and an interior hallway of the building.
  • Stay away from windows and areas with a large expanse of glass.
  • Stay away from shelving or items mounted on a wall.
  • Avoid gymnasiums, auditoriums and other large rooms with free-span roofs.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Assist the injured or disabled to a safe location.
  • Protect your head and face. If possible, get under a sturdy table, desk or other structure.

In the case of a fire, follow these basic guidelines:

  • Take appropriate precautions to assure your personal safety.
  • In case of fire, activate the nearest fire alarm.
  • Remember that our fire alarms are local alarms. You must also call either Public Safety or the local fire department.
  • Give your name and the exact location of the fire, including building, floor and room.
  • Indicate what is burning, the presence of flammable materials and the presence of people in the building.
  • If knowledgeable about fire extinguishers attempt to extinguish the fire, but only when you can do so safely.
  • If time and safety permit, close windows and doors, particularly fire doors.
  • Evacuate the building through the nearest uninvolved exit. Encourage and assist others to evacuate. Note the location of those who, due to injury or disability, are unable to leave the building. Communicate those locations to emergency personnel.
  • Do not use elevators. Do not panic.
  • Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet from the fire building. Do not block access or operations of emergency vehicles and personnel.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless authorized to do so by Public Safety or the Fire Department.

The Russell Sage College Snow Emergency Policies are intended to facilitate the removal of snow from our parking lots and maximize the number of parking spots available on the campus. It shall govern the plowing and removal of snow when a snow emergency is declared by The Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Director of Facilities Management and Planning or the Director of Public Safety. All students, faculty and staff are expected to familiarize themselves with this policy and act accordingly.

Albany Campus

Effective 11/22/05, the following shall be the snow emergency policy for the Albany campus.

  • A snow emergency means that it is necessary for the College to plow and/or remove snow, and that it is further necessary to move a significant number of vehicles from College parking lots to do so.
  • A snow emergency does not necessarily mean that classes are cancelled or the College is closed.
  • Whenever possible, snow emergencies will be declared during evening and early morning hours, when the fewest number of vehicles are on campus.
  • When a snow emergency is declared, an announcement of that fact will be posted to Campus Cruiser and a global voicemail will be sent to all Sage telephones. Those notices shall indicate that a snow emergency has been declared and shall provide specific information as to parking regulations and times for plowing.
  • When a snowfall is predicted, students, staff and faculty are responsible for checking Campus Cruiser and voicemail.
  • Residents of the University Heights Common Suites who have Sage parking permits will not receive the voicemails described above. They must refer to announcements posted on Campus Cruiser.
  • Students and staff shall not be required to move their vehicles unless a snow emergency has been declared.
  • When a snow emergency is declared, all parking regulations specific to resident, commuter or staff/faculty status shall be waived for the duration of the snow emergency. All other parking regulations shall remain in effect.
  • When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles will first be moved from the lot directly behind the Albany Campus Residence Hall. There should be no vehicles parked between the Residence Hall building and the CMS property line. They may be parked in any other Albany campus parking lot.
  • That lot will be plowed and/or snow removed.
  • All vehicles will then be moved to the lot behind the Albany Campus Residence Hall so that all other parking lots and roadways can be plowed.
  • Resident students who leave campus without their vehicles, or staff/ faculty who leave vehicles on campus while traveling, shall make arrangements prior to leaving campus for someone to move their vehicle according to this policy in the event of a snow emergency.
  • Vehicles not complying with these procedures will be moved or towed by a tow company contracted by Russell Sage College. Whenever possible, vehicles displaying a valid Sage College parking permit will be moved to another location in a Sage lot. Vehicles not displaying a valid Sage parking permit will be towed from our lots. Resident students having overnight guests should assure that those guests obtain temporary parking permits.
  • Fees assessed for the moving or towing of vehicles not complying with this policy shall be the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle and not the responsibility of Russell Sage College. Russell Sage College is not responsible for damages to vehicles towed from Sage lots during a snow emergency.
  • Persons moving their vehicles to City streets during a snow emergency shall obey all relevant City of Albany parking regulations and should be aware of City of Albany snow emergency plan.

Troy Campus

Effective 1/21/00, the following shall be the snow emergency policy for the Troy campus.

  • A snow emergency means that it is necessary for the College to plow and/or remove snow, and that it is further necessary to move a significant number of vehicles from College parking lots to do so.
  • A snow emergency does not necessarily mean that classes are cancelled or the College is closed.
  • Whenever possible, snow emergencies will be declared during evening and early morning hours, when the fewest number of vehicles are on campus.
  • When a snow emergency is declared, an announcement of that fact will be posted to Campus Cruiser and a global voicemail will be sent to all Sage telephones. Those notices shall indicate that a snow emergency has been declared and shall provide specific information as to parking regulations and times for plowing.
  • When a snowfall is predicted, students, staff and faculty are responsible for checking Campus Cruiser and voicemail.
  • Students and staff shall not be required to move their vehicles unless a snow emergency has been declared.
  • When a snow emergency is declared, all parking regulations specific to resident, commuter or staff/faculty status shall be waived for the duration of the snow emergency. All other parking regulations shall remain in effect.
  • When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles will first be moved from all parking lots except Lot 6, which is the “Big Lot” located on 1st Street between Division Street and Liberty Street. Vehicles moved may be parked either in Lot 6 or on the street.
  • The vacated lots will be plowed and/or snow removed.
  • All vehicles will be removed from Lot 6. They may be parked in any other Sage lot, which will have been plowed. They may also be parked on the street.
  • Lot 6 shall be plowed and/or snow removed.
  • At the completion of the plowing of lot 6, all resident student vehicles must be returned to Lot 6, no later than 7:00 a.m. on a day the College is open for business.
  • Resident students who leave campus without their vehicles, or staff/ faculty who leave vehicles on campus while traveling, shall make arrangements prior to leaving campus for someone to move their vehicle according to this policy in the event of a snow emergency.
  • Vehicles not complying with these procedures will be moved or towed by a tow company contracted by Russell Sage College. Whenever possible, vehicles displaying a valid Russell Sage College parking permit will be moved to another location in a Sage lot. Vehicles not displaying a valid Sage parking permit will be towed from our lots. Resident students having overnight guests should assure that those guests obtain temporary parking permits.
  • Fees assessed for the moving or towing of vehicles not complying with this policy shall be the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle and not the responsibility of Russell Sage College. Russell Sage College is not responsible for damages to vehicles towed from Sage lots during a snow emergency.
  • Persons moving their vehicles to City streets during a snow emergency shall obey all relevant City of Troy parking regulations.

In the case of a power outage, follow these basic guidelines:

  • Determine the extent of the outage.
    • Is it just your building?
    • Does it involve several buildings?
    • Is it campus wide?
    • Does it extend beyond the campus?
  • Call Public Safety at x3177.
  • Do not call National Grid. They already know about it. The Public Safety dispatcher will be the liaison with National Grid.
  • Know the location of emergency lights, which will assist you to exit the building if necessary. Know that they only work for a short period of time.
  • Know the location of “Power Failure” stations and how to use the telephones there.
  • Unplug electric appliances and electronic equipment to avoid a surge when power is restored.

In the case of a gas leak, follow these basic guidelines:

  • For safety reasons, many dangerous gases have been treated to smell when present in the air.
  • If you smell a gas and suspect a leak, cease all operations.
  • Call Public Safety at 3177.
  • Do not switch on lights or electrical equipment, and do not activate a fire alarm. Resulting sparks may cause an explosion.
  • Evacuate the building by the closest exit, and notify other building occupants to do so.
  • DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. DO NOT PANIC.
  • Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet from the fire building. Do not block access or operations of emergency vehicles and personnel.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless authorized to do so by Public Safety.

A Hazardous Material (Haz-Mat) incident may be defined as a spill or airborne release of a chemical or industrial product that is hazardous to the health of a person. Spills and releases may:

  • be visible or invisible;
  • may produce an odor or not;
  • may be spread by heating and ventilation systems;
  • may react to other chemicals or processes used to clean them;
  • may quickly produce irreversible danger for persons exposed.

Additionally, haz-mat incidents may occur indoors, where the primary strategy becomes evacuating persons from the affected building, or they may occur outdoors, where the strategy becomes “closing down” a building to protect those inside.

  • Immediately notify Public Safety at 3177.
  • When reporting, provide the following information:
    • Your name
    • Name of material spilled.
    • Estimated amount.
    • Exact location of the spill.
    • Report injuries.
    • Describe actions you have taken to remediate the incident.

For incidents occurring indoors:

  • Know the location of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for chemicals used or stored in your work area. Be aware that the Public Safety Office has a master set of MSDS. Consult them for useful information.
  • Vacate the affected area immediately and if possible, seal off the area by closing doors and windows to prevent further contamination.
  • If a building emergency exists, use the fire alarm to evacuate others. Direct people to exits most distant from the exposure.
  • DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. DO NOT PANIC.
  • Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet from the fire building. Do not block access or operations of emergency vehicles and personnel.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless authorized to do so by Public Safety.

For incidents occurring outdoors:

  • If the source of the chemical is visible to you, look for the hazardous material placard that must be displayed on trucks, tanks, rail cars, etc. It is diamond shaped and brightly colored. Note the color and number on the placard, and report it to Public Safety at 3177.
  • Close all exterior doors and close and lock all windows.
  • Turn off air-conditioners, fume hoods, range hoods, air handlers and any other devices intended to circulate outside air through the building. Switch inlets to “closed” positions. Seal any caps around window type air conditioners.
  • If gases start to bother you, hold a cold wet cloth over your nose and mouth.
  • DO NOT EVACUATE your building unless told to do so by Public Safety or emergency officials.

The right to publicly protest or demonstrate is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. It must be balanced with the right of the institution to conduct normal business, and with the rights of those persons not participating in the protest or demonstration. Demonstrations may be peaceful and lawful or they may be disruptive and unlawful. In either case:

  • Call Public Safety immediately at x3177.
  • Note the location of the protest/demonstration, the approximate number of protestors and the direction of travel if the group is mobile.
  • Note the purpose or theme of the protest if possible.
  • Do not confront or become argumentative with the protesters.
  • If the group appears to be violent or destructive, lock exterior building doors and interior doors to rooms where persons or information sought by the protesters may be located.

Russell Sage College is committed to the safest possible environment on campus. Toward that end, everyone has a responsibility to each other: to practice common sense crime prevention techniques at all times, and to notify Public Safety at 3177 immediately when you observe suspicious persons or activities.

If you are the victim of a crime, or observe criminal behavior, or discover the occurrence of a crime:

  • Get to a safe place.
  • Be observant.
  • Do not panic.
  • Call Public Safety at 3177. Tell them:
    • Your name.
    • Your location, including building, floor and room.
    • Nature and severity of injuries.
    • Date, time, and location the incident occurred.
    • Description of the suspect, if known.
      • Suspect descriptions are extremely important, particularly when a crime has just occurred and the suspect may still be in the area. Practice with your co-workers describing suspects. First note transient details that may be quickly changed, like clothing. Develop a system such as “top-down”, which describes hat shirt pants shoes, etc. Then note physical characteristics in a manner that eliminates the most suspects quickest, such as gender race height weight hair complexion, etc. Finally, note the direction of travel when the suspect leaves the area.
    • Description of property involved, such as stolen property, vehicle, weapon, etc.
  • Await the arrival of Public Safety and /or the police and assist them as they require.
  • Remember that the location where a serious crime occurs may be considered a “crime scene”. It is the single most important source of evidence for the police, and once it has been contaminated, all of the valuable evidence – most of which is not apparent to you – is lost forever.
    • Do not enter a crime scene.
    • Prevent others from entering.
    • Do not touch items there.
    • Do not remove items.
    • Do not leave anything there.

Basic Procedure

  • If you observe a suspicious object or potential explosive device, do not touch the object.
  • Clear the area where the object is located.
  • If indoors, activate the fire alarm to evacuate the building.
  • Do not use elevators. Do not panic.
  • Once outside, move at least 500 feet from the building
  • Call 3177 to notify Public Safety.

Phone Threat

If you receive a bomb threat by phone, try to keep the caller on line as long as possible in order to obtain – and record in writing – the information below. After the call ends, immediately notify Public Safety.

  • date and time of the call
  • location of the device
  • time or method of detonation
  • statements made by the caller
  • characteristics of the caller’s voice
  • background noises on the call

Definition: A Missing Person is defined as a person who has disappeared without explanation.

Purpose:  To provide an effective and efficient process for investigating the disappearance of a student or employee from campus, or of a resident student from a college owned residence hall;  to provide an effective and efficient process for assisting law enforcement agencies who are investigating a student or employee who has been reported missing from an off-campus location.

Russell Sage College will:

  • Inform each resident student that such student has the option to identify an individual to be contacted by the institution not later than 24 hours after the time a student is determined missing.
  • Provide each such student a means to register confidential contact information in the event that the student is determined to be missing for a period of more than 24 hours.
  • Advise each such student who is under 18 years of age, and not an emancipated individual, that the institution is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian not later than 24 hours after the time the student is determined to be missing.
  • Inform each such student that the institution will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency not later than 24 hours after the time that the student is reported missing.
  • Establish official notification procedures for a missing person who resides in on-campus housing that:
    • includes procedures for official notification of appropriate individuals at the institution that such student has been missing for more than 24 hours
    • requires any official missing person report relating to such student be referred immediately to the institution’s police or campus security department
    • and if, on investigation of the official report, such department determines that the missing student has been missing for more than 24 hours, requires such department to contact the individual identified by such student
    • if such student is under 18 years of age, and not an emancipated individual, the institution to immediately contact the custodial parent or legal guardian of such student.

Procedures

When a member of the college community is first reported as a Missing Person:

 1. Identify and describe the missing person as completely as possible. First, determine: 

  • Name
  • Address (campus and local)
  • DOB
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Hair color/length
  • Clothing
  • Distinctive physical attributes
  • Status on campus

     As soon as possible, determine:

  • SSN
  • College ID
  • Academic schedule
  • Work schedule
  • Places frequented
  • Vehicle ownership/usage
  • Obtain photograph

2. Contact persons who may have information, including:

  • Parents, family
  • Romantic interests
  • Friends/Acquaintances
  • Roommates/Suitemates
  • Classmates
  • Instructors
  • Co-workers/Supervisors
  • Residence Life staff
  • Student services staff

 3. Determine where the person was last seen.

  • The place where a person is last scene is usually used to determine where a missing person should be reported.

4. Determine circumstances around disappearance.

  • Is there a witness to a potential crime?
  • Has the missing person displayed concern about his/her safety?
  • Has the missing person been involved in a dispute with another person?
  • Is the missing person mentally healthy?
  • Is the missing person experiencing academic, personal or financial problems?
  • Does the missing person have an alcohol or drug dependency?
  • Has the missing person disappeared before?
  • Has the missing person left behind a communication to anyone?
  • Have others been reported missing in the area or under similar circumstances?

5. Search appropriate areas.

  • A quick but thorough search of the entire campus, focusing on areas frequented by the missing person, should be conducted.
  • Attempt to locate a vehicle on campus registered to or used by the missing person.
  • Prepare to assist a law enforcement agency conduct a more thorough search.
  • Do not contaminate any potential crime scene.
  • Do not contaminate any source of a scent for a K9 search.

6. Notify appropriate authorities.

  • Notify the appropriate campus officials.
  • Notify a parent, guardian or other person pre-designated by the missing person as the appropriate contact under these circumstances.  The notification should be made by an appropriate official from the institution involved and must be made no more than 24 hours from the time when a person is first known to be missing.
  • Notify the police department immediately when the disappearance and all of its circumstances create an articulable concern for the safety of the missing person.

7. Cooperate with a law enforcement investigation.

  • Make persons available as requested.
  • Make information available as requested.
  • Provide access to campus facilities as requested.
  • Provide access to CCTV, building access systems, email, social networking sites and computer networks as requested.

8. Depending on the circumstances of the disappearance and the results of the investigation, prepare:

  • Media statements and responses
  • Hospitality services for victim’s family
  • Counseling services for affected persons

9. When a person reported missing returns to campus or is otherwise located:

  • Verify the health and welfare of the person.
  • Notify appropriate campus officials.
  • Notify investigating law enforcement agencies.
  • Notify the parent, guardian or other person pre-designated who was notified of the disappearance.

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