Residential Life Safety Protocols and Policies

Every reported bomb threat to the University is treated with the utmost seriousness.

In the event of a bomb threat:

• Immediately notify University police to report the emergency.
• Also, inform your service desk of the situation.

University police will promptly respond to your location and assess the threat. Subsequently, they will determine and implement the necessary actions. Only the University police have the authority to decide on the need for evacuation, its timing, and the method of notification. Evacuation alerts may be issued through the building fire alarm system or alternative methods, such as air horns, phone calls, or door-to-door notifications, based on the specific circumstances and assessment of the threat.

According to our 2023-2024 Pontchartrain Halls Resident Handbook: 

"When a residents’ family/friends report concerns about student welfare to Office of Residential Life staff, our staff will take steps to respond to the report that include attempting to contact the student and notifying the University of New Orleans University Police Department to assist with contacting the student.

Per federal law:

Residents have the right to confidentially register the name and contact information of an individual who they would like to have contacted (within 24 hours) if it is determined that they have been missing from the campus and your whereabouts unknown for a period of 24 hours or more. They can register the name and phone number of this contact person visiting the Office of Residential Life and updating your emergency contact card.

For all residents under the age of 18 (who are not emancipated individuals), the Office of Residential Life is required to notify their custodial parent or guardian (within 24 hours) if it is determined that they have been missing from the campus and their whereabouts are unknown for a period of 24 hours or more."

When concerns about a student's welfare are reported by their family or friends to Office of Residential Life staff, our team takes immediate action. This includes attempting to contact the student directly and notifying the University of New Orleans Police Department to assist in reaching the student. In accordance with federal law, students have the right to confidentially register the name and contact information of an individual whom they would like to have contacted if they are missing from campus for 24 hours or more. This information can be provided to the Area Coordinator and updated on the emergency contact card. For students under the age of 18 who are not emancipated, the Office of Residential Life is required to notify their custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours if the student has been missing from campus for 24 hours or more.

According to our 2023-2024 Pontchartrain Halls Resident Handbook: 

"Students tampering with the system, even accidentally, are liable for damage to University and private property and subject to administrative action...You must leave the building immediately when a fire alarm is sounding."

Additionally, the following activities are prohibited in the University of New Orleans Residence Halls:

"Setting or fueling a fire of any size, using any device that creates an open flame, has an exposed heating element or a torchiere lamp with a halogen bulb; using any substance/device which can smolder and/ or create smoke (including toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates or appliances which contain an open element, or careless activity which could create a fire emergency; Tampering with or removing fire equipment; False report of any emergency; damage or misuse of fire safety equipment; Interference with or obstruction of Residential Life or University officials in the performance of their duties; provision of false information to officials; failure to comply with directives from officials."

Safety! More specifically:

• Evacuating the building during a fire alarm is crucial for your personal safety, reducing the risk of injury or harm in the event of an actual fire. Also, avoiding prohibited items in the dorms contributes to fire safety by preventing potential hazards. (i.e. candles, air fryers, etc.)

• Following fire safety protocols and evacuating promptly allows emergency responders to address the situation effectively. Maintaining a dorm environment free of prohibited items enhances the efficacy of emergency response measures.

• Treating all alarms as genuine reinforces a proactive and safety-first mindset, reducing the risk of overlooking a potentially serious situation. Always cooperate with fire safety procedures as instructed officials. Not evacuating the building may disrupt fire service operations, willfully endangering the lives of emergency personnel. 

1. Ensure that you are not in possession of any prohibited items within Pontchartrain Halls.

2. Be aware of the closest routes of egress. Maps may be found on the inside of suite doors; areas of egress are as follows depending on where you may be at the time:

   1. South Hall - Human Performance Center (HPC) Parking Lot

   2. North Hall - Performing Arts Center (PAC) Grass Lot

3. Evacuate buildings promptly and in a collected manner. We encourage you to dress accordingly to the season/time of day as we cannot guarantee the time you will be allowed back in the building.  

4. Follow procedures for announced/planned fire drills. Treat each evacuation as if it were real.  

• Utilize designated kitchen spaces exclusively for cooking activities, ensuring stove, oven, or microwave are never left unattended during use.
• Employ power strips with either 14- or 12-gauge wire, featuring built-in surge protectors and circuit breakers.
• Exercise caution by limiting the number of appliances in operation simultaneously.
• Avoid open heating elements within your room.
• Refrain from using frayed or worn extension cords.
• Prohibit possession or use of fireworks, lighted candles, flammable fuels, space heaters, halogen lamps/bulbs, or firearms.
• Maintain smoke-free environments by abstaining from smoking or allowing others to smoke inside residence halls.
• Preserve the integrity of room safety measures by refraining from covering or tampering with smoke detectors.
• Ensure safety by avoiding draping clothes or combustible materials over lamps, smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, or pipes.
• Utilize grills only in approved outdoor areas for cooking purposes.
• Prohibit the use, possession, charging, and/or storage of electronic skateboards, including self-balancing hoverboards/scooters, and similar equipment within all university residence halls.

In the event of a fire alarm:

• Exit the building immediately. If safe, close windows and doors, then evacuate using stairs, avoiding elevators.
• Treat every alarm as an emergency and never assume it's a false alarm.
• If a doorknob is warm, do not open the door; stay inside, call 911 or University police, and crawl along the floor where the air is fresher.

If you detect smoke or fire:

• Activate the nearest building alarm and close your room door.
• Exit the building safely and promptly.
• Contact University police at (504) 280-6666, providing precise details of the fire or smoke location.
• Refrain from attempting to extinguish the fire.

If trapped by fire or smoke:

• Inform University police of your situation and keep doors closed.
• Signal your location by hanging an object out the window.
• Familiarize yourself with exit stairwells and alternate exit routes.

Note: All residence halls are equipped with automatic sprinklers. Any tampering with the sprinkler system, even accidental, may result in liability for damage and administrative action.

According to our 2023-2024 Pontchartrain Halls Resident Handbook: 

"University officials regularly monitor weather conditions. During hurricane season (July- November), university officials monitor and track hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions for potential to impact our university community. As per university hurricane protocol, students are notified of university preparations for a storm which may potentially impact our community via the following means: University of New Orleans Email, Text Alerts and the university website. Safety protocols during a hurricane or tropical storm may vary depending on the strength and path of the storm. Use the guides below to prepare as appropriate.

IN THE EVENT OF A CAMPUS EVACUATION:

Update your evacuation plan with the Office of Residential Life.

If your plan is to evacuate with the university:

• Begin to gather your items and communicate with friends and family about your plans and intended departure timeline.

If evacuating with friends/ family:

• Consider your evacuation route (state contraflow protocols may impact your route).
• Fill your vehicle with gas and get cash in case ATMs and gas stations are inaccessible.
• Students with approved Emotional Support Animals are encouraged to review their ESA Guidelines to assist with their Evacuation plans.

Students Evacuating with UNO are encouraged to pack:

• 2-3 changes of clothing and shoes
• Pillow/ Blanket/ Sleeping Pad as sleeping accommodations will likely be a gym floor or cot. Toiletries
• Needed medications/ medical supplies
• Student ID, Driver’s License/ Identification, Insurance Card, Health Insurance Information Charged Cell Phone, Charger and Portable battery pack if possible
• Snacks (granola, power bars, peanut butter, etc). Food service will be provided at shelter location, however students may want to have their own snack options available.
• Radio/ Book/ Entertainment for the ride and shelter.

BEFORE EVACUATION:
Remove All items from your window and floor area. Ensure your window is locked and blinds are lowered. Store your valuables out of view and in your locked bedroom. Unplug any items not in use and power down electronics. Throw away any food which will spoil in 2-4 days. Ensure your bike is locked to a bicycle rack and your vehicle is properly parked and locked. Ensure you have your keys and ID with you and all doors lock behind you.

IN THE EVENT OF A SHELTER IN PLACE SITUATION:

Gather Any Needed Items and prepare your room for your "shelter in place" plans. Remove All items from your window and floor area. Ensure your window is locked and blinds are lowered.

Suggested Items Needed Include:

• Snacks (Limited dining services will be provided during the weather event, typically through your hall's lobby or market, however, some students may prefer their own snacks).
• Flashlight (Never use candles or flame light in the Residence Halls).
• Drinking Water for at least 1-2 days. Needed medicine/ medical supplies.
• Fully Charged Cell Phone/ back-up portable battery.

IN THE EVENT OF A CAMPUS EVACUATION:

Update your evacuation plan with the Office of Residential Life.

If your plan is to evacuate with the university:

• Ensure important numbers are programmed in your phone (Your Hall front desk and UNOPD).

Remember all Office of Residential Life policies remain in effect in your halls including alcohol, noise and illegal substance policies. Students are encouraged to remain in doors during heavy rain and wind.
Report all accidents, injuries, broken windows, or excessive water to the Office of Residential Life staff. Staff will be conducting rounds of the halls and staffing front desks."

According to our 2023-2024 Pontchartrain Halls Resident Handbook: 

"Emerging Inclement weather conditions are monitored by University Safety Personnel. Students are encouraged to plan ahead for their evacuation plans in the event of a hurricane nearing New Orleans. While limited spaces are available within the University evacuation protocols, students who do have available resources to evacuate with family and friends are encouraged to do so. Campus evacuations and closures will be communicated through the university email and text alert services.

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

The campus Early Warning System is designed to provide instant notification to students, faculty, and staff of imminent dangerous conditions.

In an emergency, sirens around campus will sound continuously for at least three minutes.

• If you ever hear the Early Warning siren:
• If in your residence hall or apartment, stay inside/in your room, and seek information from university alerts.
• If outdoors, seek shelter inside the closest building. When danger has passed, a single 30-second siren blast will sound.

TEXT & EMAIL ALERTS

Another means of notification is available to those who subscribe at uno2.uno.edu/ucc/E2Campus/e2Campus.htm to an alert system that sends text messages, in an emergency, to your email, mobile phone, pager, or other text-enabled device."

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

The campus Early Warning System is designed to provide instant notification to students, faculty, and staff of imminent dangerous conditions.

In an emergency, sirens around campus will sound continuously for at least three minutes.

If you ever hear the Early Warning siren:

• If in your residence hall or apartment, stay inside/in your room, and seek information from university alerts.
• If outdoors, seek shelter inside the closest building.
• When danger has passed, a single 30-second siren blast will sound.

TEXT & EMAIL ALERTS

An additional notification method is accessible for those who subscribe to an alert system, which sends emergency text messages to your email, mobile phone, pager, or other text-enabled device. Use the link below to register your device and stay informed during emergencies.

Access Control: Locked Hall Entrance Doors

• Programmed ID cards are needed to open entrance doors and suite doors.
• Keys are needed to open bedroom and suite doors.

Surveillance: Security Cameras

• Security cameras located around the buildings and common areas ensure enhanced monitoring.

Staff Assistance: 24-Hour Front Desk Support

• 24-hour residence hall desk staff provide immediate help from a staff member.

Maintenance and Repair Services

• Repairs/replacements of doors, keys, and locks are promptly addressed.

Safety Patrols: Nightly Rounds

• Resident Assistant(s) conduct nightly rounds to ensure safety and security.

Routine Inspections: Periodic Safety Walk-Throughs

• Periodic safety walk-throughs include checks on interior lighting, exit signs, fire doors, stairwells, etc.

• A 24-hour full-service police department responds promptly to emergency calls, including police, fire, rescue, and ambulance services.
• Uniformed police officers offer security escorts around the clock for added safety.
• Outdoor emergency phones are available to call for escorts or summon police assistance.
• Surveillance cameras actively monitor selected on-campus areas for enhanced security.
• Receive emergency notifications via Text and Alerts; register your device today for added safety.
• Engage in crime prevention programs aimed at maintaining a secure environment.
• Annual reporting of crime statistics ensures compliance with federal regulations.