Safety and Security

Community Policing Officers

Each residential living area has an assigned Community Policing Officer (CPO). This law enforcement official, along with the building staff, educates the Grand Valley community on how to stay safe on campus. Residentially, this includes, but is not limited to:

• Being aware of your surroundings
• Participating in the planned fire evacuation drills during the semester
• Not allowing others to enter the building on the use of your access card
• Not using candles or smoking in your unit
• Locking your unit at all times, even for quick trips to the restroom or to visit a neighbor
• Safety procedures during severe weather alerts

All students are encouraged to keep a list of the serial numbers of all electronic equipment that they bring to campus. An important question to ask your parents is if their homeowner's insurance covers your residence at GVSU. If it doesn't, consider purchasing some kind of insurance plan, as GVSU doesn't assume liability for the personal property of its students.

ALLENDALE CAMPUS 24/7:

The safety and security of the Allendale campus security is managed primarily by the Grand Valley State University Department of Public Safety (616) 331-3255 with support from the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office (616) 738-4000. 

PEW CAMPUS 24/7:

The safety and security of the Downtown campus is managed by the Pew Campus Security (616) 331-3255 with support from the City of Grand Rapids Police Department (616) 456-3400

For crime statistics, or to review a printed copy of the Annual Fire Safety Report, contact the Grand Valley Police Department (GVPD).

FIRE PROCEDURES:

1. Always exit the building when a fire alarm sounds. 
2. If you come across a fire, dial 911 immediately and follow their instructions. 
3. Before leaving the room, feel the room door. If the door is hot, do not open it. Open the window and signal for help instead. If the door is cool, leave the building by the closest exit. 
4. Once outside, proceed to the designated assembly area (away from the building and leave room for emergency vehicles) then wait for further instructions. 
5. Students may not re-enter their building until notice is given from the Allendale Campus Police or Pew Campus Security. 
6. Fire drills occur once a semester in order to prepare residents for what to do in the event of an actual fire. Residents are expected to follow procedures and evacuate. Failing to do so may result in a sanction.

Please review the Housing & Residence Life Community Living Standards for fire safety expectations and policy.

DESIGNATED SAFETY AREAS:

The safest area is the center of the building as close to the basement or ground floor as possible. Placards have been placed at main entrances to academic buildings alerting the designated shelter location. Placards are also placed at the designated shelter location. Recommended gathering areas in each building can also be located on the GVSU website. In the event the locations do not provide enough space, individuals should be directed to a lower-level room with interior walls and without windows.

FIRE DRILLS:

• Housing will conduct drills in compliance with the new law. Fall semester within the first 21 days and during hours between sunrise and sunset.  Winter semester drills will be conducted during hours between sunset and sunrise (evening). Summer semester drills will be conducted only in those dormitories occupied by students during that semester.

GVSU abides by the State of Michigan Fire Prevention Code, PA 207 of 1941, Public Act 481 of 2014, MCL 29.19a. Section 19a(2)(a-c) and (3) which requires Michigan universities to annually conduct fire drills in dormitories and to annually certify they have trained all instructional staff in fire evacuation procedures. 

The law also calls for a postsecondary educational institution to conduct fire drills in each postsecondary educational institution dormitory as follows:

• One fire drill in the fall semester, held within 21 days after the start of classes in that semester.
• One fire drill in the spring semester.
• At least one of the fire drills described above must be conducted while school is in session and between sunset and sunrise. 
• One fire drill in the summer semester, if the dormitory is occupied by students during that semester.

“Dormitory” under the statute is defined as not having individual cooking facilities for its residents.  Those housing units with individual cooking facilities are considered apartments and are not included in the legislation.

FIRE EMERGENCY:

• Close all windows and doors. Shut off lights.
• Follow emergency evacuation route procedure.
• Do not use elevators during a fire alarm, use the nearest stairway.
• Remain calm and walk. Do not run.
• Go to the designated meeting place. Once outside the building, keep at least 100 feet away from the building and any emergency vehicles.
• Notify emergency personnel (dial 911) of any persons with disabilities requiring assistance. Persons with disabilities should go to the nearest stairwell and wait for emergency personnel.
• Do not enter the building until police or fire personnel have given an "All Clear."

Winter Storm Watch: A forecast of hazardous winter weather due to various elements such as heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. A watch is a long-range prediction. Watches are generally issued by the National Weather Service at least 12 hours before hazardous weather is expected to begin. University operations continue as normal.

Winter Storm Warning: Hazardous winter weather is imminent and there is a good possibility of heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. University operations may be suspended or delayed. Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A forecast of the possibility of severe thunderstorms (rain, hail, or high winds) developing in a large geographic area. University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden changes in weather conditions. If possible, monitor local radio stations or local internet weather sites.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thunderstorm (with rain, hail, or high winds) has been sighted and may be approaching the area. University operations continue as normal. Outdoor athletic and intramural events may be canceled. Remain inside the building and be alert for changes in weather conditions.

Tornado Watch: A forecast of the possibility of tornadoes developing in a large geographic area. University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden severe changes in weather conditions. If possible, monitor local radio stations or local internet weather sites.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted and may be approaching the area. A warning is an emergency situation requiring persons in the affected area to seek immediate shelter. Sirens are activated. All university operations are
suspended until the event has passed. In the event of a tornado warning issued:

• Close doors and windows
• Move away from all windows or glass-enclosed areas
• Go to the nearest emergency shelter area
• Remain calm and walk – do not run
• Faculty/staff should be prepared to account for their students.
• Notify GVSU police of any persons with disabilities requiring assistance.
• Stay in the shelter until an “all clear” is given.