Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications and Planning

The safety and security of the SUNY Morrisville community is the college's highest priority. To ensure this goal is met, the college takes a proactive approach to emergency planning so that it is prepared to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

The college has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan. For security reasons, the plan is not made public. 

The Emergency Response Team meets frequently throughout the year to review safety and security issues, update the college's Emergency Response Plan, and participate in tabletop exercises. The Emergency Response Team is ready to be activated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The purpose of this webpage is to provide practical, helpful information and resources to students, employees and parents.

Emergency Communications

In the event of an emergency, the SUNY Morrisville campus community will be notified via text message, email, phone call and voicemail through the Emergency Alert System. As a member of the SUNY Morrisville community, your contact information has automatically been entered into the system and will be used for emergency notification purposes only.

What emergencies will prompt a message?

• Bomb Threat - based on intelligence that indicates the threat is credible.
• Civil Disturbance - large group disrupting normal campus activities.
• Fire - large-scale fire to building(s), wildfires, local community or industry that endangers campus.
• Hazardous Material - dangerous chemical, biological or nuclear materials spreading from a contained area.
• Major Road Closing/Incident - unanticipated event that would disrupt safe passage to and from campus.
• Personal Safety - situations that include use of weapons, violence, perpetrator(s) at large, active shooter, hostage situation or missing persons. Any situation, on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Chief of Police or designee, constitutes an on-going or continuing threat to person or property.
• Severe Medical Emergency - pandemic or an event with mass casualties.
• Suspicious Package - reasonable belief that a package may contain a chemical, biological or nuclear substance that would cause harm to persons or property.
• Utility Failure - a major disruption or damage to utilities including gas, electrical or water.
• Weather - severe weather conditions including snow, ice/cold, flooding, thunderstorm, wind, tornado or hurricane.

Announcements and What You Should Do

The following are safety measures that may be announced by University Police during an emergency through the Emergency Alert System, as well as what you should do in those situations:

Lockdown: 

A lockdown is a security measure taken during a Personal Safety situation. The goal is for people to remain properly secured and out of the line of vision until they are told the area is secure. A lockdown is different from a lockout, which is a response to a threat outside of the building.

What you should do: 

During lockdown, no person may enter or exit another area until the “all clear” is announced by University Police. Movement is only allowed if it is required to escape from a dangerous place or situation.

Additionally, look for additional information and/or directions regarding the specific emergency via the Emergency Alert System.

Lockout: 

A lockout is used when there is a threat outside of the building, such as police activity. A lockout is different from a lockdown, which is a response to a threat inside the building.

What you should do: 

During a lockout, people can move around inside the building, but no one can enter or leave. If you are not in the building, entry to the building on lockout may be gained only on a one-on-one basis, and only through the main entrance. This applies to all students, faculty, staff and community members. Please note that, upon the directive of the Chief of Police, the exterior doors may not open to anyone who is not already inside the building.

A lockout continues until the “all clear” is provided by University Police. Additionally, look for additional information and/or directions regarding the specific emergency via the Emergency Alert System.

Shelter in Place: 

Shelter in Place is a public safety directive invoked during an emergency, instructing people to find a place of shelter in their present location and stay until instructed otherwise.

What you should do: 

All college personnel and students are to remain secured in the rooms they are currently in, and no one is allowed to leave until the situation has been resolved and the “all clear” is announced by University Police. This will allow University Police time to address the building emergency/threat and reduce the risk of contact with any innocent bystanders in the immediate area.

Do not open doors for anyone unless their identity has been verified. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Anyone outside during a situation which requires sheltering in place should go to the closest building unless otherwise directed.

Additionally, look for additional information and/or directions regarding the specific emergency via the Emergency Alert System.

Evacuate: 

Leave a building at the direction of law enforcement, fire and/or emergency personnel for safety reasons.

What you should do: 

Proceed immediately to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion. Do not use elevators. Keep low or as close to the floor as possible if smoke is present at or near your eye level.

After leaving the building, move well away from it, taking care not to block entry and exit to the building. Do not re-enter the building until a law enforcement or University Police officer has given an "all clear."

Additionally, look for additional information and/or directions regarding the specific emergency via the Emergency Alert System.

Reporting an Emergency

If an unexpected, time-sensitive emergency occurs, it should be reported immediately to University Police (315.684.6410) or by calling 911. University Police officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year. Be prepared to state your name, the nature of the emergency and your location.

Planning Ahead

Emergencies, disasters or accidents - natural and man-made - can happen at any time or without warning. SUNY Morrisville students and employees should familiarize themselves with college buildings and the following guidelines:

• Know at least two building exits other than the elevators.
• Know the location of building fire alarm systems.
• Know emergency phone numbers and keep them posted.
• Participate in all fire drills and take them seriously.
• Evacuate at the first sign of smoke, fire alarm, or an evacuation notice.
• Assist with the evacuation of disabled individuals.

Emergency Phone Numbers