Questions and Answers
What happens if the University of Puget Sound faces an on-campus crisis or natural disaster?
Puget Sound has a detailed on-campus crisis and natural disaster response plan. A disaster response committee, chaired by the President or his designee, forms to assess the situation and determine appropriate responses. The plan spells out responsibilities for each university department in the event of a disaster.
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What if a campus building or the entire campus needs to be evacuated?
The crisis and natural disaster response plans include procedures for vacating buildings. The university is prepared to operate without significant outside assistance for up to 72-hours, because outside resources might be available only on a limited, priority basis within the region and City for several days following a disaster.
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What happens if an International Programs student faces a direct threat, disaster, or other crisis?
International Programs students are informed of proper procedures through their Study Abroad Handbook and other resources available through the program. Each study abroad location maintains its own emergency procedures, and International Programs maintains close communication with all locations.
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What precautions should students take as they travel?
It's a good idea to:
- Let your family and close friends know your itinerary and how to reach you if possible, carry a cell phone that your family can use to reach you
- Keep your ID with you have with you telephone numbers of your family, and a 'back up' number of a relative or friend to call if you cannot reach your immediate family
- Check in with your family when you arrive at your destination
- In the event of a regional, national, or international crisis, let your parents know you are all right
- Consider signing up for travel insurance that includes coverage for medical transport
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What additional precautions should students take if they travel internationally?
- See the U.S. State Department guidelines for student travel
- Keep with you the number of the US Embassy
- Do not travel or congregate in large groups with other American students
- Avoid unsafe urban areas
- Respect the people with whom you interact
- Keep air, rail, and bus schedules with you
- In case of emergency, have cash available and easily accessible
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If a traveling student is in an area where an emergency arises, what should be done?
- Contact the US Embassy for direction, and prepare to leave as soon as possible
- Call your family/friends to assure them you are okay
- Call (or ask your family to call) Security Services at 253.879.3311 to let them know you are okay, in case your family or friends call the college wondering about you. The number is staffed around-the-clock every day of the year. Remember, when calling from outside the country, the U.S. country code is "1."
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Are there special concerns for international students?
International Programs maintains a great deal of information for international students, including a handbook with information on emergencies, finances, health, safety, and immigration.
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What may parents do to help ensure safety?
- Know the address and phone numbers where your son or daughter will be staying
- Agree on a schedule for check-in by phone while your child
is traveling
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If a crisis occurs where a parent lives or works, what should students do?
- Use media (newspaper, radio, television, Internet) to follow developments
- Have parents' home and work numbers and email addresses with you, and the number and email another close relative or family friend number, in case you cannot reach your parents.
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