The Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the Homeland Security Council, has declared the national threat level listed above. The U.S. Intelligence Community believes that Al Qaida has entered an operational period worldwide, and this may include attacks in the United States.
It is prudent to reiterate the state of preparedness of this campus and the continued commitment of the University administration to mitigate the potential impact this action could have on the Oregon State University community.
Any change in the threat level pursuant to military actions or threats of terrorism will be closely monitored, as will any specific threats to the safety of the OSU community. Information concerning the safety and security of this campus will be disseminated to the community through all available avenues of campus communication, and if applicable, any recommended campus actions will be detailed.
Oregon State University and the Department of Public Safety/Oregon State Police automatically implements response protocols based upon the current threat level at the national and local level to mitigate risk at this institution. These response protocols activate different levels of operational activities undertaken by the DPS/OSP to provide enhanced services to the community and to engage the community in a collaborative state of vigilance against threatening activities.
The Department of Public Safety/Oregon State Police wants to make you aware of the impact that a heightened state of alert has to the campus community by providing general information about the institutional response the campus can expect and what is expected of community members during these uncertain times.
Oregon State University has established the infrastructure necessary to implement the following steps to improve the state of preparedness during critical incidents that occur on campus:
For the duration of any heightened threat condition, The Department of Public Safety/Oregon State Police will engage in the following activities on a daily basis to augment normal safety and security activities:
Providing information about all disaster scenarios is impossible given the variety of potential threats that might occur. Please refer to the Informational Links provided on this page. These are uncertain times. The continuing provision of information to keep you informed and helping you to reduce risks is part of the institution’s commitment to providing the safest community possible. Maintaining the safety of the campus is a collective effort by all members of the Oregon State University community.
We are calling upon you as a member of the community to be vigilant in immediately reporting suspicious activity that you observe on campus. Your intimate knowledge of personal space and areas you frequent on campus enable you to best judge persons or conditions that are out of place or suspicious. When you observe anything that seems out of the ordinary, we encourage you to immediately call the DPS/OSP at 7-7000. Your assistance in alerting us to suspicious conditions, events, or persons is a critical component of maintaining a safe and secure campus and the DPS/OSP is dependant on a collaborative campus community to successfully maintain safety at this institution.
Each person is encouraged to keep available items such as a flashlight, spare batteries, a portable radio, medicine, and other necessary personal supplies. In the event of a campus emergency, there will be utilization of all available county, state, and federal disaster relief agencies to provide food and water should an emergency arise.
Some specific suggestions for citizens from The Department of Public Safety/Oregon State Police and the Homeland Security Terrorist Threat Warning System are found below for reference to help in determining appropriate actions to be taken.
Take note that much or most of this information applies to areas off campus and your travels beyond our local community. Please note that this announcement was issued nationwide and is not unique to the Willamette Valley.
Some of the points found below only apply to faculty and staff but we have sent this advisory to better inform all members of the university community as directed by Homeland Security.
Closely monitor news reports and Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio/TV stations.
Report suspicious activity, call 7-7000 for immediate response on campus, 9-1-1 off campus. Examples are persons taking photographs of critical facilities, asking detailed questions about physical security or dressed inappropriately for weather conditions (suicide bomber). Report these incidents immediately to law enforcement.
Expect delays, searches of purses and bags, and restricted access to public buildings.
Expect traffic delays and restrictions.
Take personal security precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime or terrorist attack.
Avoid crowded public areas and gatherings.
Do not travel into areas affected by the attack or is an expected terrorist target.
Keep emergency supplies accessible and automobile fuel tank full.
Be prepared to evacuate your home (or shelter in place) on order of local authorities.
Develop and review family emergency plans.
Be prepared for disasters and family emergencies.
Increase family emergency preparedness by purchasing supplies, food, and storing water.
Assist neighbors who may need help.
Avoid passing unsubstantiated information and rumors.
Continue normal activities but be watchful for suspicious activities. Report criminal and suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Continue to enjoy individual freedom. Participate freely in travel, work, and recreational activities.
Take a first aid or CERT class.
Become active in your local Neighborhood Crime Watch program.
Network with your family, neighbors, and community for mutual support during a disaster or terrorist attack.
Learn what critical facilities are located in your community and report suspicious activities at or near these sites.
Contact local officials to learn about specific hazards in your community.
Increase individual or family emergency preparedness through training, maintaining good physical fitness and health, and storing food, water, and emergency supplies.
Be familiar with local natural and technological (man made) hazards in your community and what measures you can take to protect your family.
Keep recommended immunizations up-to-date.
Know how to turn off your power, gas, and water service to your house.
Know what hazardous materials are stored in your home and how to properly dispose of unneeded chemicals.
Support the efforts of your local emergency responders (fire fighters, law enforcement and emergency medical service).
Volunteer to assist and support the community emergency response agencies.
