Emergency Response and Evacuation

An audio simulation of the siren warning and a sample emergency notification message can be heard online. 

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors who hear the siren should seek shelter by immediately going inside a nearby building unless directed otherwise via emergency public address message.  The system will be used to alert people to go indoors / shelter-in-place and seek additional information by doing the following:

• Listen to the voice message following the siren alert tone
• Carefully listen to and read all incoming messages via email, text message or telephone voice mail
• Check the Roger Williams University website home page for updates
• Limit non-emergency outgoing communications so as not to overburden the phone system

Once an emergency has been resolved the ESWS and other communication methods will be utilized to inform people that the emergency is over.
Examples of emergencies where the ESWS would likely be activated include:

• Hostile Intruder (Active Shooter)
• Large Chemical Release near Campus
• Natural Disasters (Tornado / Sudden Lightening Storm)

Additional Information

System tests will be advertised at this website and will be announced in advance.  When the system is activated for a test, no action is necessary and there is no need to seek shelter.  Sirens will be tested at least annually to ensure operational readiness. Test schedules will be announced in advance and posted on the ESWS webpage.

Although the sirens will be loudest within the limits of campus, close proximity neighbors will be able to hear the warning system.  For this reason, the University has corresponded with surrounding neighbors of the main campus to ensure that people are aware of the new warning system and have an opportunity to ask questions.

If you have any questions or comments regarding Roger Williams University’s ESWS  please visit our ESWS FAQ page or  Neighbors FAQ page or contact EHS at x3494. 

Roger Williams University has completed the installation of an outdoor Emergency Siren Warning System (ESWS) on its main campus. The system consists of four strategically placed sirens that will be used to warn the University community in the event of a potentially life-threatening emergency.

If a potentially life threatening emergency is identified where a campus-wide ESWS activation is deemed necessary, the Department of Public Safety will activate the system. The activation will consist of an alert tone generally followed by a voice message regarding the nature of the emergency. Additionally, the University will use the RWU website and Rave Alert notification system to provide further information via Internet, telephone, e-mail and text messaging.

Do other colleges and universities have outdoor mass notification systems?

Since the tragic shooting events at Virginia Tech University, countless colleges and universities have installed outdoor mass notification systems. Locally, Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design have installed such systems. Nationwide, schools such as the University of New Hampshire, Cornell University, Central Connecticut State University, James Madison University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Texas and the University of Southern California (just to name a few) have also installed similar outdoor warning systems.

Where can I learn more about the University’s ESWS system?

Click on the link to view the ESWS website

What do the sirens sound like?

Listen to an audio clip for a simulation of the siren sound.

When are the sirens tested?

Sirens will be tested at least annually to ensure operational readiness. Test schedules will be announced in advance.

What should I do during a system test?

You should continue your regular activities during a test. You do not need to take any special actions during a test.

What should I do if I hear the sirens during a non-test period?

Students, faculty, staff and visitors who hear the siren should seek shelter by immediately going inside a nearby building unless directed otherwise via emergency public address message. The system will be used to alert people to go indoors / shelter-in-place and seek additional information by doing the following:

• Listen to the voice message following the siren alert tone
• Carefully listen to and read all incoming messages via e-mail, text message or telephone voicemail
• Check the RWU website homepage for updates
• Limit non-emergency outgoing communications so as not to overburden the phone system

What type of emergencies do the sirens indicate?

Examples of emergencies where the ESWS would likely be activated include:

• Hostile Intruder (Active Shooter)
• Large Chemical Release near Campus
• Natural Disasters (Tornado)

Where can I hear the sirens?

Although the sirens will be loudest within the limits of campus, close proximity neighbors will be able to hear the warning system. For this reason, the University has corresponded with surrounding neighbors of the main campus to ensure that people are aware of the new warning system and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Will I hear the sirens and message indoors?

Depending upon where you are located within a particular University building, you may or may not be able to hear the siren and/or the broadcast announcement. You should remain indoors and await a communication on your cell phone via Rave Alert.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have any questions or comments regarding Roger Williams University’s ESWS, please contact the Department of Environmental Health & Safety at x3494. 

Roger Williams University has completed the installation of an outdoor Emergency Siren Warning System (ESWS) on its main campus. The system consists of five strategically placed sirens that will be used to warn the University community in the event of a potentially life-threatening emergency.

If a potentially life threatening emergency is identified where a campus-wide ESWS activation is deemed necessary, the Department of Public Safety will activate the system. The activation will consist of an alert tone generally followed by a voice message regarding the nature of the emergency. Additionally, the University will use the RWU website and Rave Alert notification system to provide further information via Internet, telephone, e-mail and text messaging.

Do other colleges and universities have outdoor mass notification systems?

Since the tragic shooting events at Virginia Tech University, countless colleges and universities have installed outdoor mass notification systems. Locally, Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design have installed such systems. Nationwide, schools such as the University of New Hampshire, Cornell University, Central Connecticut State University, James Madison University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Texas and the University of Southern California (just to name a few) have also installed similar outdoor warning systems.

Where can I learn more about the University’s ESWS system?

Click on the link to view the ESWS website

What do the sirens sound like?

Listen to an audio clip for a simulation of the siren sound.

As a neighbor, will I hear the siren and/or the voice message?

While the University has designed the system to minimize the impact on the surrounding neighborhoods, the siren may be audible from your home depending upon your proximity to the campus and weather conditions. In addition, while you may hear the siren, you may not hear the corresponding broadcast announcement.

What should I do if I hear the sirens?

Typically your response, should you hear the siren, would be to take shelter indoors.

Will the Bristol Police & Fire Departments know if the ESWS is activated?

Yes, the University will have systems in place to notify local police and fire officials when the system is being activated, making them aware of the emergency and giving them the information they will need to respond appropriately.

If I do hear the siren, how can I obtain information on why it was activated?

Neighbors can sign up for Rave Alert, the University’s existing emergency notification system that sends messages via phone, e-mail and/or text message when activated by the University. Should you choose this option, you will be registered under a special “neighbors group,” which would only send you those messages that may impact you. In addition to the Rave Alert system, you will also be able to obtain information when the siren is activated by accessing the University’s website (www.rwu.edu).

How do I sign up for Rave Alert?

Please fill out and return the form attached to these FAQ’s.

When are the sirens tested?

Sirens will be tested at least annually to ensure operational readiness. Test schedules will be announced in advance.

What should I do during a system test?

You should continue your regular activities during a test. You do not need to take any special actions during a test.

What type of emergencies do the sirens indicate?

Examples of emergencies where the ESWS would likely be activated include:

• Hostile Intruder (Active Shooter)
• Large Chemical Release near Campus
• Natural Disasters (Tornado)

How often will the ESWS be used?

Although we cannot anticipate the frequency of the siren’s usage, we anticipate that it will be activated on rare occasions.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have any questions or comments regarding Roger Williams University’s ESWS, please contact the Office of University Outreach & Engagement at 254-3410.  

All RWU community members should confirm and update their personal contact information (phone number, e-mail, and home/mailing address) and emergency contact information (persons to contact in the event of an emergency) on the RWU “Roger Central” portal on a routine basis. 

NOTE: To update your home/mailing address, you must contact RWU Human Resources directly at human_resources@rwu.edu) 

To access your personal contact information in Roger Central: 

• Open an internet browser window and navigate to Roger Central at MyRWU
• Login with your University e-mail address and password 
• Find the “User Option” tab on the lefthand menu and click to expand the menu 
• Click on the “User Profile” sub-tab 

To review and update your personal contact information in Roger Central: 

• Use the pencil icon button to edit a phone number or e-mail address 
• Use the X-circle icon button to delete a phone number or e-mail address 
• Use the “Add a New (Item)” button to add a phone number or e-mail address 
• When you are finished reviewing or editing, click the “Confirm” button in each section (address, e-mail, and phone) to update the information accuracy and currency statement to today’s date 

To access your emergency contact information in Roger Central: 

• Open an internet browser window and navigate to Roger Central at MyRWU (https://my.rwu.edu)
• Login with your University e-mail address and password
• Find the “User Option” tab on the lefthand menu and click to expand the menu
• Click on the “Emergency Information” sub-tab 

To review and update your emergency contact information in Roger Central: 

• Use the pencil icon button to edit a contact 
• Use the X-circle icon button to delete a contact 
• Use the “Add a New Contact” button to add a new contact 
• When you are finished reviewing or editing, click the “Confirm” button at the top of the page to update the information accuracy and currency statement to today’s date

If you suspect there may be a natural gas leak in your area:

Use Your Senses - Are One or More Of These Signs Present?

• Smell: Natural gas is colorless and odorless, so a distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you will recognize it quickly. However, not all transmission lines are odorized!
• Sight: You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, or bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.
• Sound: You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing or whistling.

If you Suspect a Leak:

• Move: To a safe environment.
• Call: Public Safety at x3333, or 401-254-3333. Provide the exact location of the suspected leak. 
• Do Not: Assume someone else will report the condition.

Unplanned power loss in academic laboratories, workshops, and art studios can potentially cause many kinds of damage, including damage to equipment, environmental contamination due to inoperative air emissions control equipment such as fume hoods or dust collection units, illness or injury to invertebrates/vertebrates, and/or the loss of student, staff, and faculty research and projects.

Planning response actions in advance and executing them safely during a power loss even can help prevent these kinds of damages from occurring.

Reminder: Notify Public Safety of all emergency situations at 401-254-3333

Immediate Response to Unplanned Power Loss

• First: Address immediate potential hazards
  • Immediately halt all experiments/projects/processes in progress
  • Shut off any radios, TVs, or other listening/watching devices
  • Shut off all open flames and fuel sources, including natural gas valves, Bunsen burners, cylinders, and butane canisters for biosafety cabinet usage
  • Shut off all thermal, laser, magnetic, and UV devices in use, including hot plates, microwaves, UV gel readers, lasers, NMR, CNC Mill, close liquid nitrogen dewars, etc.
  • Shut off and/or put down any hand, power, or tabletop tools
  • Close, cover and secure all chemical containers, cylinders, biological containers, specimens, agar/growth plates in correct storage areas (do not put in fume hood or biological safety cabinet if the units are showing low or no flow)
  • Place any broken glass or sharps into their designated waste collection containers
  • Place any live invertebrates or vertebrates back into their tank or container and secure lid/door in usual manner
  • Close fume hood sashes
• Second: Address items which can be hazardous upon start-up
  • Shut down and unplug any active items which may create a hazard by starting up unexpectedly or unattended (dust collection systems, UV gel reader, centrifuge, rotovap, 3-D printers, etc.)
• Third: Address items which can be damaged by starting up unexpectedly
  • Shut down (and unplug as needed) any electronic equipment which could be damaged upon restart (computers, microscopes, table tools, etc.)

Short-Term Response to Unplanned Power Loss

• Students (including work studies, research students, assistants, etc.) must leave the building unless otherwise approved
• Lock all labs, shops, and studios which have been safely “closed out” using the above procedures and do not allow use/access until further notice
• Notify EHS of any special storage or waste needs
• Only work directly supporting emergency management/power restoration is permitted in the labs, shops, and studios until the issue has been resolved, or unless otherwise approved

Additional Short-Term Response Actions Specific to MNS:

• Have designated representatives from each department/lab/etc. check all chemical storage areas, biological storage areas, refrigerators, and freezers. Determine which units do not have power and what are the necessary timeframes for relocating stored items to prevent loss or damage (e.g., -80 freezer items OK for 3 hours, refrigerator items OK for 2 hours)
• Activate initial steps of IACUC Emergency Animal Care Plan
  • Designated representative check on status of vertebrates, seawater pumps, oxygen in tanks, etc. Correct immediate needs, and determine needs for next few hours, as well as for 24 hours out, 48 hours out, etc.
  • Activate call chain
  • Determine which RWU faculty/staff (non-student) are available to meet animal care needs for next few hours, 24 hours out, 48 hours out, etc. - keep to a minimum while still safely meeting staffing needs
• Dry ice and liquid nitrogen can only be used as specified by manufacturer to keep items cool - do not allow these chemicals to openly off-gas into closed room or closed freezer, refrigerator, or walk-in - this practice can create serious potential inhalation hazards for employees
• Place “OUT OF ORDER” signs on any fume hoods or biosafety cabinets which are not working. Close any chemical/biological containers needing fume/organism control in air-tight container and move to separate safe, designated storage area.

Long-Term Response to Unplanned Power Loss

• Refer to the University’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP) (see link below)
• MNS: Continue to follow IACUC emergency procedures and protocols in addition to ERP

The Departments of Environmental Health and Safety and Public Safety co-present the University's training on hostile intruder and emergency evacuation procedures.

RWU Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan (SPCC)
RWU Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan (blank copy; to be completed and posted next to the phone in the areas storing hazardous waste)

If an evacuation from your building is required due to an emergency such as a fire alarm, gas leak, natural disaster or any other reason, occupants should always remember to stay calm, do not rush, and do not panic. It is very important to always leave the building immediately when directed by alarm activation, RWU Alert message or other notification. Notify other employees as you are exiting the building.

The following procedures should be followed in the event of an evacuation.

• Safely stop all work in your area.
• Gather your personal belongings if safe to do so - necessities only, in the event you cannot return to your building such as keys, wallet/purse, cellphones and medications, and remember only if it is safe to do so.
• Proceed to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevator.
• Proceed to the designated Emergency Assemble Area (see below) and account for the employees that were working in your area.
• If you have information to offer in regards to the emergency, call Public Safety at 254-3333 once you are in a safe location.
• Wait for instructions from Emergency Personnel.
• Never re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to by Emergency Personnel.

It is recommended that each department/business unit in a building identify a few department members who will act as evacuation coordinators. These evacuation coordinators should:

• Assist other department members, including those needing assistance, in evacuating the building, including – if safe to do so – checking restrooms as they are exiting; and
• Be able to do a “head-count” of evacuated personnel and identify to Emergency Personnel any individuals who do not appear to be present at the evacuation assembly area.

In addition, it is important that all employees be aware of the locations of alternate exits and keep exit routes free and clear of obstructions.  The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is currently updating egress maps for all buildings on campus.  Please check this link for egress maps for your particular building and floor. For Dormitories, please refer to the egress maps located within your Housing Unit.

Two designated assembly areas – that are at least 500 feet away from the building - should be identified where employees and others should assemble upon evacuation.  Each department should discuss both a “Main Assembly Area” and an “Alternate Assembly Area”, in the event the Main Area cannot be used.  Also designated on some egress maps are Areas of Refuge. This is usually a stairwell that is as a fire rated location where rescue personnel will check for individual who may have had difficulty getting down the stairs or out of the building.

Remember that in the event of an emergency contact Public Safety at extension 3333 (or 254-3333 from a non-campus phone).  Public Safety officers are available 24/7 throughout campus.

Roger Williams University will act in accordance with RI Department of Health (RIDOH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) protocols and guidance. 

Information on RWU Covid Protocols