The Griffon News

Since the Virginia Tech massacre, Missouri Western’s staff has come up with ways to improve its Emergency Response Guide.

Dean of Student Services, Judith Grimes said that there has always been an emergency response in place, but dealing with the changing times and technological advances, there was and will continue to be room for improvement. The residence halls have public address systems that permit staff to alert students in the halls on any occasion that may present itself.

“Because Missouri Western is a compact campus, it’s more manageable, and the planning for emergencies are not as complex,” Grimes said.

Even though planning emergency guides may be less complex for smaller universities such as this, Missouri Western has its own committee “researching” ways to inform students both on campus and off campus of emergencies that may take place,” Grimes said. “Currently the committee is looking at automated software that would possibly send text messages and or call students and tell of any threat on campus.”

The alert system which is now in effect is the phone tree. This system is a series of phone calls that begins from staff and works down through students. The phone tree system “has been used successfully in several drills on campus documenting that it will accurately supply information to the majority of the campus in a 12 to 18 minute period of time,” the Director of Public Safety, Jonathan Kelley said.

In the event of “an emergency of any type dial 911 or 4438,” Kelley said. “On campus will notify appropriate authorities depending on the nature of the emergency.” When notifying public safety or St. Joseph police department “provide as much information about the emergency as you can. Do not hang up first. Do not hang up on the emergency operator. There may be further information you may be able to supply after questions are asked. The exceptions to this are if you need to hang up to care for another or if staying where you are is not safe,” Kelley said.

Although there is no chain of command in making notification of an emergency, students should report to staff when it is necessary to evacuate. Both Grimes and Kelley said that there are designated areas for each building that would be shown to students by staff members if hazardous circumstances occur.

While those in charge of emergency planning are continuing to search for new technology, a pamphlet with the current guidelines has been distributed to students and staff through e-mails and or mailing addresses. Students and staff members should refer to the pamphlet if they have any concerns or questions about the emergency planning.