Emergency Preparedness

Know What to Do, Who to Call, and How to Prepare

  • General Protocol: In any emergency, call Campus Security at (808) 544-1400.
  • Life-Threatening Situations: Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Stay Informed: HPU Alert Systems

Effective communication is the backbone of campus safety.

  • RAVE Alert System: Ensure you are signed up for HPU’s RAVE system to receive urgent text and email notifications.

  • HNL Info Alerts: Sign up for local Honolulu County alerts to monitor off-campus weather and traffic.

  • Current Status: 

Seasonal and Regional Focus

Hawaii-specific hazards require unique preparations.

  • Tsunami Awareness: If a warning is issued, move inland or perform vertical evacuation to the 4th floor or higher in reinforced concrete buildings.

  • Hurricane Season: Maintain a 14-day disaster supply kit and be prepared to secure all loose outdoor items.

  • Extreme Heat: Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during midday.

  • Earthquakes: If indoors, Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy desk or table.

Reporting an Emergency

Before diving into specific protocols, every user needs to know the standard reporting sequence.

1. Assess the situation: Life-threatening vs. Urgent

If the situation is life-threatening, call 9-1-1 immediately. For all other campus emergencies, call Campus Security at (808) 544-1400.

2. Provide vital details: Location is key

State your name, your exact location (building name and room number), and the nature of the emergency.

3. Stay on the line: Follow dispatcher instructions 

Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you it is safe to do so. If you are reporting a crime or suspicious person, include a description of the individual and any weapons involved .

 

Emergency Action Protocols

  • Run: If there is an accessible escape path, evacuate the premises immediately. Do not run in a straight line; use buildings, trees, or cars as cover.
  • Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a room that can be locked. Barricade doors, turn off lights, silence cell phones, and stay low.
  • Fight: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the intruder.
  • Alert: Call 9-1-1 or Campus Security at (808) 544-1400 (Hawaii) when safe. If you cannot speak, leave the line open for the dispatcher.

  • Run: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises immediately. Do not run in a straight line; use buildings or cars as cover.
  • Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the intruder is less likely to find you. Lock and barricade doors, turn off lights, and silence your cell phone .
  • Fight: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the intruder .
  • Alert: Call 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so. If you cannot speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen .

  • Evacuate Downtown: If a tsunami alert is issued, depart downtown Honolulu campuses immediately and seek higher ground.
  • Waterfront Housing: Students in waterfront areas will be evacuated to Pickles on Fort Street Mall.
  • Vertical Evacuation: If higher ground is unreachable, move to the 4th floor or higher in a reinforced concrete building.
  • Water Safety: Do not walk or drive through moving water; six inches of water can cause a fall.

  • Stay Indoors: Avoid travel during heavy downpours.
  • Flash Flood Safety: Never drive or walk into flooded streets; "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
  • Reporting: Report any building leaks or flooding to Facilities.

  • Call: For life-threatening injuries, call 9-1-1 first.
  • Notify Security: Call (808) 544-1400 after calling 9-1-1.
  • Details: Provide the victim’s exact location and the nature of the illness or injury.
  • Stay: Remain with the victim until Campus Security or EMS arrives.

  • Outside Incident: Move upwind and away from the spill area; return to a building and close all exterior windows, doors, and vents .
  • Inside Incident: Avoid direct or indirect contact with the material. Open windows only if it is safe to do so.
  • Report: Contact Security at (808) 544-1400 or call 9-1-1.

  • Hawaii - Hurricanes: Monitor NOAA reports. Secure loose outdoor items and be prepared to turn off utilities if directed.
  • Las Vegas - Extreme Heat: Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak sun hours.
  • Las Vegas - Wildfire Smoke: Limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed when air quality advisories are in effect.
  • Earthquakes (All): Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy desk or table. Stay away from glass and heavy equipment.

Emergency Preparedness Statement

Emergency preparedness is essential to our University's and the surrounding community's safety and well-being. It involves planning, organizing, and practicing ways to handle unexpected events, which can save lives and reduce the impact of disasters.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services: 9-1-1

HPU Security: (808) 544-1400

EHS: (808) 356-5213