Campus-Wide Evacuation

If you are directed to evacuate the entire campus, you should leave the main campus area and do not return until directed to do so. It is important to evacuate by foot, bicycle, and/or vehicle as soon as possible based on your individual circumstance. There will be traffic congestion and it is important to avoid major intersections and leave the outlying areas of the University community. The Division of Public Safety has a traffic evacuation plan that involves area law enforcement agencies; however, remember that the University would be the 17th largest city in the state if it were classified as a city. The mass evacuation of the campus will adversely impact traffic in the Lafayette area.

You should decide on your own the appropriate method for leaving the campus depending on your location and your circumstances. Simply walking on foot may be the best option if traffic congestion is a concern. You can expect limited cell phone coverage during this type of incident.

The University will continue to use its Emergency Notification System, social media, and the 482-2222 emergency line to disseminate information concerning the incident and the evacuation. In addition, when practical, local media coverage will also be used to assist in the dissemination of information. 

Residence hall students should stay tuned to the information sources for direction should a campus-wide evacuation or partial evacuation of residence halls takes place. The Office of University Housing will be involved in relocation housing in the event of a protracted incident. 

Faculty and staff essential personnel will be directed by the Division of Public Safety to assist in the evacuation process and/or management of the incident where appropriate. There will typically be a designated staging area, to be determined and communicated, for essential personnel to be briefed on the situation and incident objectives.