Emergency Guidelines
Personal Safety Tips and Campus Blue Light Phones
Blue Lights
Know the location of emergency phones throughout campus. To use: push the RED emergency button - Blue Light will flash and phone will automatically dial Public Safety.
Public Broadcast System and Blue Lights
The campus is equipped with outdoor emergency broadcast towers found in strategic locations that also double as blue light phones. Emergency notifications are delivered via the broadcast towers when situations warrant. When activated, the broadcast system will sound an alert accompanied by a siren and blinking blue light. A message will follow informing the campus community of the reason for the alert and with appropriate instructions.
WAC Alerts
WAC Alerts is the College's self-service, web-based, emergency notification system that sends instant alerts to registered users. The College will use WAC Alerts to send emergency communications to the campus community.
All Washington College students, faculty and staff can self-manage their accounts to register or deactivate the service, update phone numbers, email addresses, etc. To sign up click the action icon on this page or go to the Washington College home page, then the Log In page and click on the WAC Alert link.
ICE - In Case of Emergency
Program your cell phone with an "In Case of Emergency" contact number and name using the acronym ICE. This will help emergency personnel assist you when you need it most.
Personal Safety
- Walk in groups or call Public Safety (410-778-7810); do not walk alone after dark
- Keep identification on your person at all times
- Park and walk in well-lit areas
- Know the location of emergency call boxes with Blue Lights
- Stay Alert! Avoid talking on your cell or using electronic devices when walking alone
- Secure personal property and avoid displaying valuables
- Alert someone you know and trust if you plan to leave campus or if your daily schedule will be different from the "norm"
- Report all suspicious activity to Public Safety (410-778-7810)
Residence Hall Safety
- Lock doors at all times, especially when you go to sleep
- Report lost keys immediately; do not loan your key card or keys to anyone
- Secure valuables and medications at all times
- Know the location of fire alarms and extinguishers, and be familiar with exits and evacuation procedures
- Escort your guests at all times and do not let strangers into residence halls
- Report all suspicious activity to your RA or Public Safety (410-778-7810)
If you live off-campus, know your neighbors, leave on outside lights, keep your front and back doors locked and close your curtains.
Web Safety
- Review the security setting on a website before using that site
- Avoid posting personal information on any website; do not post social security number, phone number, address, or screen name
- Secure your laptop and computer when not in use so that other people will not have access to your information
- Do not add people you do not know to your IM or contact lists
- Inform Public Safety (410-778-7810) IMMEDIATELY if you receive threatening or suspicious e-mail, or have concerns about suspicious activity on any of your familiar websites