Emergency Procedures
Review the procedures below for emergencies on Alverno's Milwaukee campus.
This page contains general information on what to do in the event of an emergency, and is not intended to be a comprehensive emergency plan.
Full procedures can be found in the Annual Security, Fire and Safety report.
Emergency Contacts
Life-threatening emergency: 911
From a campus phone: 9-911
Campus Safety: 414-382-6911 or campus extension 6911
Campus address: 3400 South 43rd Street, Milwaukee
Printed Emergency Procedures
Emergency procedure handouts are available through the Campus Safety office in Founders (FO) 254. Copies are also located in campus classrooms, meeting rooms and offices.
Medical Emergency or Injury
Life-Threatening Emergency
- For a life-threatening emergency, call 911, or 9-911 from a campus phone.
- Stay on the line and give your name and location of the emergency.
Alverno College address: 3400 South 43rd Street, Milwaukee - Call Campus Safety at 414-382-6911 or extension 6911 from a campus phone.
- Stay with the person until help arrives.
Common Injury
Call Campus Safety at 414-382-6911 (extension 6911 from a campus phone) as the first responder. They are trained in CPR, First Aid and in using the AED.
Fire and Building Evacuation
If you discover a fire or another emergency such as a chemical spill, severe flooding, or gas leak that prompts an evacuation:
- Pull the fire alarm.
- Call 911 or 9-911 from a campus phone and provide the location, building name, room number and directions to the site.
- Call Campus Safety at 414-382-6911.
- Exit the building via the nearest exit.
If the fire alarm sounds:
- Close the doors.
- Use the nearest exit or an alternate safe route. Do not use elevators to exit.
- Proceed to your building's designated meeting area. Instructors identify class evacuation areas and account for students; supervisors identify department areas and account for employees. Other students and guests go to the nearest evacuation area.
- If you cannot exit the building, move to an enclosed stairwell and tell others to notify Campus Safety or the fire department of your location.
- Wait for the "all clear" before re-entering.
Report every fire: Even if a fire has already been extinguished, report it to Campus Safety as soon as possible.
In RC labs, place the red tag on the hallway door handle when evacuating because of a chemical spill. The tag is located inside the door.
Severe Weather
During weather events, please note that all classes, operations and activities will proceed as scheduled unless the College issues an official statement indicating otherwise.
Tornado watch: Conditions are right for a tornado to form. Be alert and watch for changing weather conditions.
Tornado warning: A tornado has been sighted and/or the Milwaukee siren is sounding. Seek shelter immediately. The Severe Weather Shelter Areas include the lowest levels of Alphonsa, Austin, Clare, Corona, Founders, Alexia and Christopher Halls. Remain in the shelter areas until the tornado warning has been canceled and the “all clear” is issued.
Winter weather conditions: If weather conditions are poor and classes are held, exercise discretion regarding your safety in traveling to campus and don’t take risks that may endanger yourself or others.
Alverno holds the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff as a top priority. We prioritize clear communication and proactive measures to ensure everyone's safety. Our commitment to providing a secure learning and working environment guides our decision-making process, and we encourage the Alverno community to stay informed through official channels in the event of severe weather, along with taking steps to ensure individual safety. Please remember to give yourself extra time for travel.
Notification Timelines
Early morning cancellation of classes and/or closing: Decisions will be made the day before, if possible, or by 5:30 a.m. for full-day cancellation and notifications will commence.
Mid-day cancellation of classes and/or closing: Decisions will be made by 3 p.m. and notifications will commence. Please note that mid-day class cancellation does not mean administrative offices are automatically closed. Departments will be advised via RAVE and/or broadcast email.
Notification Channels
The decision to cancel classes and/or close campus will be announced in the following ways:
- Campus-wide email, phone call or SMS text alerts via RAVE
- Local Milwaukee media stations, on air and via their website, including:
- WTMJ-4
- FOX-6
- WISN-12
- CBS-58
Tornado watch: Conditions are right for a tornado to form. Be alert and watch for changing weather conditions.
Tornado warning: A tornado has been sighted and/or the Milwaukee siren is sounding. Seek shelter immediately in ground or lower levels or inside the restroom on the lowest possible level. The Severe Weather Shelter Areas include the lowest levels of Alphonsa, Austin, Clare, Corona, Founders, Alexia and Christopher Halls. Remain in the shelter areas until the tornado warning has been canceled and the “all clear” is issued.
Winter Weather Advisory: Weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences but are not anticipated to be life-threatening. Situations include freezing rain, light snow or a combination of winter weather elements that may impact travel and daily activities.
Winter Storm Watch: Potential exists for a significant winter weather event, but the exact timing, intensity, and/or occurrence are still uncertain. A watch does not mean that the event will definitely occur, but it indicates that conditions are favorable for the development of a winter storm.
Winter Storm Warning: A significant and potentially hazardous winter weather event, including heavy snow, ice, sleet or a combination of these elements, is imminent or occurring. Take precautions and necessary actions to protect life and property.
Internal or External Threat
External threat in the neighborhood
Campus Safety will lock external building doors. Raise awareness of the situation and advise people not to go outside. Business and classes will continue to the extent possible. Building Coordinators or other staff will be posted at the main doors.
Internal threat causing or threatening harm
Notify 911 and Campus Safety as soon as possible and advise them of any injured persons.
- Run: Exit the building if safe to do so.
- Hide: Be invisible, lock yourself in a room, barricade the door, turn off lights, silence phones.
- Fight: Make a plan with others to overpower, overthrow or hit the person with objects to stop the threat.
Follow directions of responding police and Campus Safety officers. Have your hands in the air and move to a safe area as directed.
Disruptive Persons or Suspicious Activity
If you feel threatened by a disturbance, immediately call Campus Safety at 414-382-6911. If you see someone or something that seems suspicious, report it! Trust your instincts. If possible, tell Campus Safety:
- What is happening?
- Where is it occurring?
- Who is involved? How many people?
- What is the description?
- Are vehicles involved? What is their description (make, model, color, plate number)?
- What direction are they headed?
- Are there weapons involved?
- Has anyone been injured?
If you observe criminal activity, do not attempt to apprehend the person(s) involved. Call 911 and notify Campus Safety. Stay on the phone if possible.
Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
AEDs are located in the Austin Hall Lobby, Christopher Hall Lobby, Clare / Corona Lobby, Commons Hallway and Gym Corridor. The AED provides usage instructions when activated; an alarm sounds when the unit is opened.
Campus Safety and Housekeeping are trained to clean up and dispose of bodily fluids. Do not attempt to do this yourself.
