Safety Information

QR Code to download the U-M public safety app
Logo for DPSS

The University of Michigan’s Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) conducts all police and security operations on the University of Michigan campus. They are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

  • If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

For all non-emergencies, you can call the DPSS direct number at 734-763-1131, or you can report a crime on the DPSS website. We highly encourage our community to install the U-M Public Safety App as well.

Chances are you’ll never face an active attacker situation. However, if you do, you need to be prepared. The U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) has developed these recommendations:

Run

If there is an accessible escape path, use it.

  • If able, move away from the threat as quickly as possible.
  • Warn others of the danger.
  • Leave your belongings behind.

Hide

If evacuation is impossible, find a secure place to hide and barricade your space.

  • Lock and secure doors.
  • Create barriers to prevent or stop the threat from getting to you.
  • Remain out of sight and quiet/silence your phone.

Fight

As a last resort, and only if your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active attacker.

  • Incorporate a distraction or throw items and yell loudly.
  • Commit to your actions, be aggressive, and use improvised weapons.
  • Disarm the attacker and solicit help; there is strength in numbers.

Blue Light Phones 

They are located throughout campus. Once the button is pressed:

  • You will receive a call from the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS). Please answer, if possible, even if you can’t speak. Leaving the line open will help DPSS understand what is happening.
  • The camera associated with the phone will be activated to help DPSS monitor the area.  
  • DPSS will arrive at the location of the call to investigate.  

Duress Buttons

These silent alarms are located throughout the Michigan Ross Complex. If you are part of the Michigan Ross staff and your department has a duress button under its purview, please check in with your supervisor to make sure you are properly trained to use it. Everyone else is invited to reach out to a Michigan Ross staff member in an emergency.

Contacting DPSS

SEE Something? SAY Something. If you see anything suspicious or feel unsafe, call 911. The 911 dispatcher will include the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) whenever a call is a campus emergency. After calling 911, move to a safe place and observe. Do not confront or follow the suspect.

For any non-urgent safety issues, please reach out to DPSS in the following ways: 

DPSS non-emergency line 734-763-1131    Text 377911     Email dpss-safety-security@umich.edu
or
Download the DPSS app on your phone. https://www.dpss.umich.edu/content/services/dpss-app/

One of the most important safety measures you can take today is ensuring you are set up to receive U-M Emergency Alerts. Students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled to receive U-M Emergency Alerts via email and text message/SMS. Please visit alerts.umich.edu to verify or update the mobile number currently enrolled in the system. 

Events with 50 or More People

If you are hosting an event for 50 people or more, please complete the event registration here so the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) is aware. 

Have a Safety Plan

Make sure your team is aware of any potential safety issues (this includes weather and medical) and is familiar with the space and evacuation routes.

A fire alarm in the Ross Winter Garden

In Case of Fire

To better prepare for a future emergency, take the time to familiarize yourself with the locations of fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, egress stairways, and emergency exits in your building(s).

In case of fire, make sure to follow these steps:

  1. Activate the fire alarm system if you see smoke or fire.
  2. Evacuate the building immediately using the nearest marked exit.
  3. Use stairs; do not use elevators.
  4. Encourage those around you to evacuate as well.
  5. Assist those with disabilities or those who cannot safely evacuate the building by getting them to a safe rescue location and notifying emergency responders of their location as soon as possible.
  6. Keep building exits and fire lanes clear.
  7. Meet at designated assembly areas.
  8. Exercise social distancing when possible.
  9. Re-enter only when directed by authorities.

Once in a safe location, report all fire events on university property, regardless of magnitude, to the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS). All unintended or unwanted fires must be reported to DPSS, who will notify the local fire department.

A fire extinguisher

Evacuation Procedures

In case of emergency, all building occupants should immediately make their way toward the nearest exit and adhere to the following procedures:

  • Remain calm.
  • Move quickly and calmly to the nearest emergency exit.
  • Close doors and leave them unlocked, if possible.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Do not run, push, or shove when descending the emergency exit stairwell. Descend stairs two abreast with arms linked. Be sure to grasp the handrail with your free hand.
  • Keep conversation to a minimum to allow authorities and emergency first responders to communicate with you.
  • Use an established evacuation route and meet at the designated assembly area(s). Do not congregate at the building’s entrance.
  • Assign a staff member whose responsibility will be to account for all persons in their designated area.
  • Do not return to the building until an official all-clear is given.

Call 911 or once you are in a safe space.

An automated external defibrillator (AED)

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Following the definition provided by the FDA, AEDs are portable, life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. AEDs are located at the following locations in the Michigan Ross Complex:

  • Blau building, 5th floor, near elevators
  • Ross building, 1st floor, between Starbucks and Seigle Café
  • Ross building, lower level, Och Fitness Center
  • The welcome desk at the Executive Residence/Executive Learning and Conference Center
A first aid kit

First Aid Kits 

  • Staff Break Room 
  • Welcome Desk
  • HUB and Suite pantry areas
  • Dock Office
  • Faculty Lounge

First aid kits are located across the Michigan Ross Complex. Find them in the following locations:

To stay safe, especially at night or when you are walking to your vehicle alone, follow these tips to help mitigate risks:

  • Report suspicious activity. If you ever feel unsafe on campus, contact the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) at (734) 763-1131. If it is an emergency, dial 911.
  • Only park in well-lit lots or structures. If parking on the street, look for streets with ample lighting.
  • Get your keys out before you reach your vehicle to prevent standing in one place and searching your purse, bag, or pockets so you can immediately get into your car.
  • Lock your doors and turn on your headlights. These should be the first things you do after entering your vehicle.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 

When a severe thunderstorm with high winds, lightning, and/or hail has been detected or is expected soon, the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) will issue a UM Emergency alert (For more information, please visit the emergency preparedness section of the DPSS website ( https://dpss.umich.edu/content/emergency-preparedness/emergency-alerts/). When this warning is issued, take immediate shelter inside the closest building.

Tornado Warning

In the event of a tornado warning, the DPSS will issue a UM Emergency Alert. The outdoor warning sirens will also be activated.

Follow these steps.

  • Move to the lowest interior space of the building (hallway, basement, restroom) away from windows and glass.
  • Crouch near the floor or under heavy, well-supported objects and cover the back of the head.
  • If you are outdoors and there is no time to move into an interior space, lie flat in the nearest depression (ditch, ravine) and cover the back of your head.
  • Remain in the shelter area until the warning expires or emergency response personnel have issued an “All Clear” signal.

Building Policies for the Michigan Ross Complex

QR codes located outside the buildings at Michigan Ross. Scanning them provides information on building hours

All doors, excluding the entrance to the Executive Residence/Executive Learning and Conference Center (ELCC), will be unlocked during business hours. The entrance to the ELCC will remain locked during construction.

As shown in the picture, all doors feature QR codes that can be scanned to view building hours and other relevant information. You can also contact the Ross information desk between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM at 734-764-9948 for additional assistance or if a door is locked.

Sheryl Redding Humphrey

Read the full welcome letter here >>>