Emergency Communication Procedures

Communications to the University Community

The University will provide accurate and timely information to the campus community during emergencies through a variety of methods, including announcements in the news media, e-mail, voice mail, text messaging to mobile phones, web pages, emergency hotlines, and meetings in affected buildings.

In the case of a severe weather emergency, episode of campus violence or other sudden emergency, Rice may utilize emergency notification technology. Each student, faculty and staff member should report, and update as necessary, current local and home emergency contact number or address, where Rice can most effectively provide the person time-sensitive emergency information; usually this will be a mobile phone or other hand held electronic device. Rice will limit use of this emergency contact information for only the most urgent campus emergencies. 

In the event of a severe, time-sensitive emergency, persons on campus may hear a loud siren, horn or other audible warning, depending on their location. Persons should, at the first safe opportunity, check for an emergency notification message sent to their primary emergency contact point, and possibly to other contact points.

Rice urges community members to take seriously any emergency notifications received via their primary emergency contact point and to respond accordingly.

Police, Fire and EMS Calls

Anyone on campus requiring emergency police, fire or medical services may dial extension 6000 from any Rice phone to reach the Rice University Police Department (or use the blue light emergency phones located around campus). You may also dial 9-1-1 to reach the Harris County 9-1-1 Service. A direct call to RUPD at extension 6000 (713-348-6000 from a non-Rice phone) may facilitate response times to campus emergency calls, especially calls for police and emergency medical services. For non-emergency situations, you may also dial extension 6000 to reach the RUPD.

Emergency Notification

If an emergency should occur, Rice University will use an automated system to notify students, faculty and staff of the nature of the emergency and of any steps the recipient should take to safeguard his or her personal welfare. To ensure that you receive this critical information in the event of an emergency, please be sure maintain updated contact information in ESTHER..

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