Emergency Conditions

Policy Statement

It is the policy of Adelphi University to protect its human and physical assets and ensure continued operations during and after all manner of emergencies, whether natural or manmade, by implementing appropriate emergency management policies, plans, and procedures designed to ensure the University’s ability to effectively respond to and recover from emergencies.

Reason for Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for the closure of the University due to inclement weather and protocols set in place during emergencies.

Who Is Governed by this Policy

Faculty, Staff, and Students

Policy

Declaration of an Emergency Condition

The authority to declare that an EMERGENCY CONDITION exists rests with The University President or designee who includes: the Provost and Executive Vice President (or designee), Vice President of Administration (or designee), or the Executive Director of Public Safety and Security (or designee).

In an Emergency Condition, only registered students, faculty, staff and affiliates (i.e., persons required by employment) are authorized to be present on campus. Unauthorized persons remaining on campus may be subject to arrest in accordance with the New York State Penal Law.

No University department or individual is authorized to circumvent any emergency declarations that have been made without the approval of the President (or designee).

General Building Evacuation Tips

1. When a fire alarm sounds all occupants shall immediately evacuate the building.
2. Never use elevators during an emergency evacuation, unless absolutely necessary.
3. Be aware of the marked exits from your area and building.
4. Know the location of fire pull stations and fire extinguishers.
5. When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when you are directed to leave by a member of the Fire Department, the Police Department, building coordinator, or a member of the Department of Public Safety and Transportation, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
6. Once outside, proceed to a clear area at least 150 feet (half a football field) from the building. Keep walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
7. An Incident Command Post (ICP) will be established near the emergency site by the Fire Department. Keep clear of the ICP unless you have important information to report.
8. Do not return to the building until you are told to do so by a representative of the Fire Department, Police Department, the building coordinator or a member of the Department of Public Safety and Transportation. Report any suspicious person or emergency to Public Safety (dial 5 from campus phones or call 516 877-3511).

Paid Time Off During an Emergency Condition

For Non-Union Employees:

In the event of a scheduled vacation day, sick day, floating holiday, or personal day on a day which was subsequently designated by the University as an emergency closing, the employee will NOT be charged for the day as originally approved. The employee’s timesheet will reflect the emergency closing (e.g., a snow day, flood, etc.) for the day, or portion of the day (.5) in the event of a delayed opening or early closure.

For Union Employees:

In the event of an emergency closing, the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will supersede University policy. Union employees should refer to their CBA for further details on emergency closings.

Definitions

Emergency Condition: For the purpose of this procedure, an emergency condition is defined as a sudden, unexpected, or impending situation that may cause injury, loss of life, damage to property, and/or interference with the normal activities of the University and which, therefore, requires immediate attention and remedial action. Some examples of this are, but not limited to, fire or smoke related incidents requiring fire department response, criminal actions that may require police department response in addition to public safety, outbreak of health related issues such as influenza that may require the closing of the University, preparation and mitigation of serious weather conditions such as a hurricane, blizzard or tornado, building collapses, etc. Not all emergency conditions require the closing of the University. Emergencies may require single building evacuation and closures, temporary placement of personnel to alternate locations until the emergency is mitigated.

Procedures

• Public Safety
• Public Safety Emergency Operations

Forms

This policy does not have forms associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Related Information

Public Safety and Transportation

Public Safety Emergency Operations Plan

Document History

• Policy Origination Date: 2002
• Last Reviewed Date: July 23, 2024
• Policy Reviewed by: Policy Owner and Policy Experts
• Last Approval Date: July 23, 2024

Who Approved This Policy

John Siderakis, Vice President of Administration and Executive Leadership.