Emergencies

Evacuate and raise the alarm

If it is safe to do so, ensure the immediate safety of anyone in the vicinity of the fire.

• Contain the fire by closing doors.
• If the alarm is not already activated, break the glass alarm panel (red) or shout 'fire, fire, fire' to raise the alarm.
• Dial 9850 9999 (9999 on MQ internal phones) and give your name, the building number and level you are in, your room number, and the type/extent of the fire/smoke.
• Evacuate the immediate area and inform your supervisor or Building Warden if it is safe to do so.

Fire fighting

Staff and students and not expected to fight a fire, unless:

• their exits are blocked by fire and their personal safety is compromised
• they are trained in the use of fire equipment and it is safe to extinguish the fire.

When NOT to use an extinguisher

Do NOT attempt to fight the fire if:

• you are not comfortable putting out the fire
• heavy smoke is filling the room or it is difficult to breathe
• your escape route could be blocked
• the fire is large or spreading rapidly
• the fire is partially hidden behind a wall of ceiling
• there are hazardous materials (such as flammable liquids) present.

If these conditions exist, close any doors and evacuate instead.

How to use a fire extinguisher

1. Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
2. Aim low, pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it is extinguished.

At all times during an emergency evacuation, stay calm and follow the instructions of the Building and Floor Wardens.

• On hearing the Alert tone (beep beep), collect your personal belongings and be prepared to evacuate. On the evacuation tone (whoop whoop) immediately leave the building via the nearest and safest exit route. Follow all instructions by wardens and emergency services at all times. All doors should be closed (but not locked) upon leaving the room/building.
• If a person with a disability requires assistance, ask them how you can help. In multi-storey buildings, assist them to the nearest fire-isolated stairwell. Notify the Building Warden or Campus Security of the location of this person so that they can inform Emergency Services.
• Do NOT use the lifts.
• Walk quickly and calmly to the designated assembly area of your building, or a safe place as advised by a Warden or by Emergency Services personnel.
• Remain at the assembly area until instructed to leave by a Warden or Emergency Services personnel.
• Do not re-enter the building until informed that it is safe to do so by a Warden or Emergency Services personnel.
• Do not enter a building when the alarm is sounding.

Bomb threats

If you receive a bomb threat:

• stay composed
• write down the phone number displayed if there is caller ID
• note any observations such as:
  - apparent gender
  - approximate age
  - any accent that is present
• get the attention of someone nearby and tell them to call 9850 9999 immediately (9999 on MQ internal phones)
• keep the caller on the phone by asking questions such as:
  - when is the bomb going to explode?
  - where is it right now?
  - what does it look like?
  - what kind of bomb is it?
  - what will cause it to explode?
  - did you place the bomb?
  - who are you?
• relay information to the first responders (usually security personnel) as soon as possible and follow their directions
• cooperate with the arriving emergency personnel while they evaluate the threat.

Suspicious packages

Recognition

Suspicious packages often have the following attributes:

• unusual postmarks from an unknown source
• labelled with restrictive markings, misspellings of common words, or poor handwriting/typing
• unusual size, shape, weight, feel or smell
• excessive tape or postage, discoloured, and sometimes with stains or powdery deposits.

What to do

• Do not touch, smell, taste or open the suspicious package.
• Isolate the immediate area, by moving people away.
• Call the Campus Emergency Number (9850 9999 or 9999 on MQ internal phones).
• Relay information to the first responders (usually security personnel) as soon as possible and follow their directions.

If you come across a leak or spill of a hazardous material that is indoors, undertake the following evacuation procedure:

• contain the spill, if it is safe to do so
• prevent air flow by closing all windows, air conditioning units and external doors
• secure the area by locking the doors and posting signs to keep others out
• activate the fire alarm and evacuate to the building assembly point
• call campus emergency on 9850 9999 (9999 on MQ internal phones) if the spill is highly hazardous and requires immediate action
• inform first responders and emergency personnel of the exact location of the spill, as well as the type and amount of materials, if known
• seek proper medical attention as soon as possible if you believe you may have been exposed to a hazardous chemical or you feel unusual
• remove any clothing that may have been contaminated and commence decontamination procedures.

Outdoors

If the leak or spill of hazardous material is outdoors, it is usually best to shelter in place unless directed otherwise.

Shelter in place by:

• moving inside a building immediately
• closing all windows and doors
• turning off ventilation systems (remember to look for window units)
• entering an interior room if possible, and sealing the doors, windows and vents with towels, plastic or tape for further protection
• monitoring campus alerts and digital signage for further instructions
• preparing to evacuate if directed by emergency personnel.

Gas leaks

If you discover a gas leak:

• do not enter any confined area where there is a risk of being overcome by gas
• notify security immediately on 9850 9999 (9999 on MQ internal phones)
• alert others in the area, advising them to move to a well-ventilated open space at least 400 metres from the leak site
• ensure there are no naked flames near the site of the gas leak.

An armed offender or active shooter on campus is one of the most dangerous situations that could arise at the University. Australia prides itself on an extremely tight gun control regime, making active shooter events rare — however they do still occur, as do incidents with other types of weapons.

These situations are highly unpredictable and can evolve very quickly. How you respond will be determined by the specific circumstances of the incident, but the following are effective practices to prepare for and cope with an incident of this nature.

Protect your own life

In the absence of any direction from the University, use your best judgement to remove yourself from danger. This may involve either sheltering in place within your building, or evacuating to a safer part of the campus.

Protect the lives of fellow students and staff

Alert others in your immediate area to the danger, and act together for the benefit of everyone. Try to identify the safest escape route.

Know your surroundings

Be aware of your exact location and try to identify the safest escape route and destination from where you are.

Call for help

• Campus Emergency Centre: 9850 9999 (9999 on MQ internal phones)
• Emergency Services: 000
• If you are near an Emergency Help Point on campus, active the blue call button.

Provide any clear details you can, such as:

• the offender’s location
• a description of the offender
• your location
• whether anyone is injured or requires medical assistance.

Armed offender in your immediate vicinity

• Attempt to evacuate the premises or the location you are in, IF there is an accessible safe escape path.
• Take your mobile phone with you, but leave all your other belongings behind.
• Help others, and try to move in small groups.
• Prevent other students or staff from entering the building/danger zone if possible.
• Call for help as soon as it is safe to do so.

Shelter in place

If you are unable to evacuate your building or location, find somewhere to shelter in place. Look for:

• a place where the offender cannot see you
• somewhere that provides you with some degree of protection if shots are fired in your direction
• a place that does not restrict your potential escape path, or your options for movement.

If you are in a hallway, identify a nearby room that you consider would give you the best place for concealment. If you cannot locate a room, move to a discreet space on an upper floor.

When taking shelter in a room:

• close and lock the door
• put barriers in front of the door, such as filing cabinets or heavy office desks
• spread out around the room, if there are people with you
• take cover behind large solid items
• silence your mobile phone, but do not turn it off as emergency messages will be transmitted to SMS services during an emergency
• close the blinds or curtains and turn off the lights in the room
• get down on the floor, making yourself as invisible as possible
• do not respond to anyone calling or yelling out to you, unless you are absolutely certain that they are Police or other Emergency Services Officers
• actively listen for noises or activity outside the room, as this may give you an indication of whether the offender has left or is leaving the immediate area
• remain quiet, and as calm as possible.

Encountering the offender

If you encounter the offender face to face, or they are in your direct view and have seen you, then immediate action may be required.

As a last resort if you feel that you are in imminent danger of losing your life, you may be able to disrupt or incapacitate the offender by:

• acting as aggressively towards them as possible
• screaming and yelling at them
• improvising a weapon to throw at them, such as a chair or a laptop.

This type of action requires you to be totally committed to your actions, as it is a fight for survival.

When the police arrive

Bear in mind that:

• it will take at least ten minutes for police to arrive on campus
• the first priority for police is to engage with the offender and helping injured people is a secondary consideration
• police may be in plain clothes or tactical equipment, as well as in uniform
• police may need to treat you as suspicious until your identity can be verified
• you may be an important witness in the overall investigation, so must not leave campus unless told to do so by police
• you should comply with all instructions give by police officers.

Complying with police instructions

If asked for information about the situation, clearly explain what you know. This may include observations such as:

• the number of offenders
• descriptions of offenders, including ethnicity, age, clothing and distinguishing marks
• any accents the offenders spoke with
• descriptions of any weapons you saw
• any injuries sustained to anyone involved.

When instructed to go to a safe location, move quickly and confidently. Once there, remain until you are given further instructions.

In circumstances such as these, Macquarie University will treat your wellbeing with the highest importance and provide all assistance possible.

Personal threat

If you encounter a violent or threatening person:

• remember that your personal safety is the priority
• do not argue or provoke the person
• do not attempt to physically restrain them
• back away from them, so as to try to defuse the situation
• avoid sudden moves, and do not surround the person
• make a note of their physical description, try to remember detailed information about clothes, descriptive marks etc
• note where they were last seen, if they have left the scene
• call the Security Control Centre on 7112 or 9850 7112 and request assistance. Provide brief details of the incident, along with a description of the suspect.

In Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology is the government organisation that issues severe storm warning alerts.

Lightning and thunderstorms

All thunderstorms should be considered dangerous due to the presence of lightning.

Minimise risk by:

• postponing or limiting your outdoor activities
• taking shelter by moving inside a building or even a motor vehicle (but remember that rubber shoes or tyres provide no protection from a lightning strike)
• unplugging any electrical devices near you to prevent damage from a lightning strike
• staying away from windows, doors and anywhere with glass
• monitoring local media channels for updates.

Hail and torrential rain/flooding

Take note of Severe Weather Warnings on local media channels or online, and postpone your outdoor activities.

Hail

To keep yourself as safe as possible during a hail event:

• seek shelter in a building as vehicles do not provide the best protection from hail
• stay away from windows or other glass areas within the building.

Rain and flooding

In NSW, the State Emergency Service (SES) provides assistance should your house or accommodation be flooded or severely damaged by floodwater or fallen trees.

• Torrential rain can cause flash flooding so do not drive your car through flooded areas.
• Always assume any bodies of water you encounter are deep and should be avoided.

Heat waves

Heat waves can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke or sunstroke — all of which should be treated as serious medical conditions.

The effects of extreme heat conditions can be more prevalent in elderly people and young children.

To prevent the severe effects of a heatwave:

• stay hydrated
• monitor local media for warnings and updates
• dress appropriately for the conditions
• stay indoors wherever possible, and avoid long periods of exposure to the sun.

Although they are very uncommon, earthquakes of moderate magnitudes can occur in Sydney. Observe any instructions given by the Campus Emergency Warning systems, such as Alerts of Building Evacuation Systems in the event of an earthquake.

The greatest risk during an earthquake is falling debris, which can cause fatal injuries. As well as structural collapse, earthquakes can result in gas leaks, power disruption or fire so stay alert to these possibilities.

What to do

If you are inside a building:

• stay inside, as you expose yourself to greater risk of injury by falling materials when you exit the building
• move away from windows and glass
• hide under something sturdy, such as a large desk
• protect yourself with physical barriers. If a desk is not available, move into a hallway or stand against an inside wall.

If you are outside:

• stay away from buildings
• avoid utility lines, trees and other structures that could fall unexpectedly.

Major injury/illness

If someone is seriously injured, assist them while ensuring your own safety.

• Determine whether the area is safe for you to be in. Consider any hazardous substances, electrical or equipment hazards.
• If it is safe to do so, care for the injured person and call for assistance.
• Send someone to phone Security on 9999 (or from a mobile 9850 9999) and locate a First Aid Officer.
• Ensure the area is clear for emergency personnel.
• Inform your supervisor.
• Complete an Online Incident/Hazard Report.

Information to give security and/or emergency services:

• your name
• location (building, level, room number)
• whether the injured person is conscious
• whether there are on any possible hazards in the area
• the age and gender of the injured person
• the names of the injured person, if known
• any other relevant information, such as whether they are breathing, having chest pains or bleeding.

Cases of assault

If a person has been assaulted, you can help them through the following procedure:

• Dial 9999 (or 9850 9999 from a mobile) and provide details of the assault as soon as possible.
• Do not wash, shower, change clothes, or clean up in any way until after obtaining medical assistance and talking to the Police — this could destroy vital evidence.
• Do not drink alcohol, take tranquilisers or other drugs as you will have to give a clear account of what has happened. Try to remember everything you can about the attacker.
• Remember police officers know that a person who has been assaulted is likely to be suffering from shock. They should do all they can to make things as easy as possible for you.
• Seek support from Campus Wellbeing on 9850 7497.

Minor injury/illness

If someone has suffered a minor injury:

• contact the nearest First Aid Officer within the building
• if required, contact the Security Control Centre on 9999 (or from a mobile 9850 9999) to arrange an escort to the Medical Centre
• inform your relevant supervisor
• complete an Online Incident/Hazard Report.

In the event of a medical emergency, your priority is to ensure your own safety as well as that of the injured person. You should immediately contact the Campus Emergency Number on 9999 (or 9850 9999 from a mobile phone) and advise the nature of the injury or illness, as well as the location (building number, floor/room number or other location information).

If the patient’s condition is uncertain or life threatening then disclose this information when speaking with Security.

Do not move the injured person unless there is a high risk of further injury or even death. Keep calm and do not leave the injured person unattended.

First aid facilities are located at convenient locations across campus in the event of an injury or illness occurring. First aid is a valuable personal skill that can be used anywhere.

Finding a First Aider

There are more than 90 First Aiders on campus. All Security staff are trained in first aid and can respond in an emergency.

Finding a First Aid kit

First Aid kits are located in all areas of the campus in accessible locations. To find a first aid kit you should look for the symbols below.

There are two dedicated first aid rooms on Campus, located at 4 Link Road (Security Control Centre) and 10 Hadenfeld Ave.

Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)

There are a number of AEDs located in key areas on our campus including:

• 10 Hadenfeld Ave
• the Medical Centre
• the Sports and Aquatic Centre
• two mobile kits located with Security.

These locations ensure that an AED is able to be deployed anywhere on campus within five minutes. All AEDs are operated by staff trained in Advanced Resuscitation.