Emergency Preparedness

The Bellarmine University Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (CEOP) was developed to address emergency preparedness through prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. The document outlines, authorizes and implements the University’s structure for coordination activities during all phases of an emergency within an all-hazards approach. The CEOP is organized according to national best practices and industry standards.

We encourage all members of the Bellarmine community to personally prepare for future emergencies and to become familiar with the information and resources available on this website.

RAVE

Bellarmine provides an emergency text-messaging system to all members of our community. The purpose of this system is to quickly alert you to emergency situations on campus as well as weather-related school announcements. The goal of this system is to provide meaningful alerts regarding urgent situations, so the Bellarmine strongly encourages participation in this system.

This system will send school-closing or emergency information to you in three ways: by text message to your cell phone; by e-mail to your Bellarmine account; and by posting a notification on the home page of www.bellarmine.edu.

If you encounter any issues or have any questions about the registration process, please contact the Technology Support Center at 502.272.8301 for assistance.

To receive BU alert emergency text messages, members of our campus community can register their mobile phone number on our BU ALERT signup page.

Emergency Planning

Tornado

  • Move to the designated Tornado Safe Area, which is located on the bottom floor of your building.
  • Stay away from windows.
  • Stay near the inside wall.
  • Move to a lower inner stairwell.
  • Sit on the floor.
  • Cover your head.
  • Do not use telephones.

Fire

If you smell something burning:

  • Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at 502.272.7777 immediately.
  • Activate the building fire alarm system.
  • Security will send an officer to investigate.
  • If you see smoke or fire, apply the RACE concept:
  • R – Rescue those in immediate danger.
  • A – Alarm-activate the fire pull station, then call 502.272.7777 and give exact location of fire (room number and building), your name and type of fire. LET THE OPERATOR HANG UP FIRST.
  • C – Contain the fire by closing all doors and windows.
  • E – Evacuate the building.
  • If time allows, close all doors behind as you leave.
  • Do not use elevators. Do not run.
  • Follow the evacuation routes and plans outlined in the unit-specific fire plan.

Bomb Threat

If you discover a bomb or suspicious package:

  • Call 911 and give a detailed report about the suspicious package and location. You may be asked to assist in a search because you are familiar with the area
  • Dial 502.272.7777 and provide the same information.
  • If so directed, evacuate your area.

Body Exposure

If an individual has an exposure to body fluid, either through skin, or eyes, mouth and nose:

  • Flush eyes with lots of water.
  • If an body part exposed is not the eyes, wash the exposed body surface with lots of soap and water.
  • Remove soiled clothing, wash skin, and change to clean clothing.
  • Call the Department of Public Safety at 502.272.7777.
  • Report as soon as possible to the closest emergency department.

Four Steps that Everyone Should Take in an Emergency:

  1. Be aware of your surroundings. Paying attention to what is happening around you can help you understand how information, events, and your own actions will impact your safety and your ability to protect yourself, both now and in the near future.  
  2. Protect yourself. Based upon your assessment of the situation, use your best judgment to protect yourself and, if possible, others.  
  3. Call for help. Public Safety can be reached by contacting Public Safety at 502.272.7777 or by using one of the many blue light emergency phones located throughout campus.  
  4. Help others. Once you are safely away from danger, warn others of the hazard and help if you can without putting yourself in harm’s way.