Be Prepared.

Being prepared is critical, especially when an emergency or disaster arises. Staying well informed about potential situations is an important part of making sure that you are safe and supported in emergencies. The following resources offer information on the most relevant kinds of hazards that may occur near our campus, as well as how you can prepare for them.

Stay Informed.

Know what disasters could affect your area, resulting in evacuation or shelter-in-place orders.

Emergency Notifications

All students are automatically signed up to receive email, voicemail, and text message alerts through the College's emergency notification service. Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to opt in to help them receive critical notifications. Make sure that your notification contact information is up to date by going to the Mills Resource Portal, selecting the myMills Resources folder, and clicking on myMills Menu. Choose the Emergency Notification Services link.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) App

Download the FEMA app to:

Receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
Learn emergency safety tips for over 20 types of disasters, including earthquakes, fires, and more.
Locate open emergency shelters in your area and find disaster recovery centers.
Share alerts via text, email, and social media.

Make a Plan.

While the College has a comprehensive plan for campus emergencies, every student and their families should have a personal plan. You and your loved ones may not be together when a disaster strikes, so it is important to put a plan in place ahead of time.

Making a Plan While on Campus

Pay close attention to campus drills and know the Emergency Evacuation Assembly Areas.
If evacuation is not possible, identify a safe place in your room or residence hall and practice getting there.
Establish an out-of-area contact (at least 100 miles away), like a friend or relative.
Be prepared to assist people in basic medical and first aid by taking a CPR and first-aid course.

Building Your Emergency Supply Kit

Individuals and families should be prepared to be self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours; seven days is even better. While we will provide access to basic necessities, having your own items means you can be sure to have the things you need close by in an emergency.

Water: At least one gallon per day per person for three to seven days
Food: At least enough for three to seven days. Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking utensils, fuel, paper plates, and plastic utensils
Blankets and pillows
Clothing including safe, sturdy, non-slip shoes
Basic medical supplies like a first-aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs, and extra glasses
Travel-size toiletry items
Extra medication in a waterproof bag or container
A flashlight and batteries
A little bit of cash, if possible
Copies of insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, social security card, and other important documents, in a waterproof container

If you have an animal, be sure to plan for their needs as well. Include proper identification, immunization records, an ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, medications, muzzle and leash, and any other essential care items.

For additional information on building your supply kit, please visit the following websites:

Emergency supply checklist (PDF) produced by Ready.gov
Emergency checklist (PDF) produced by Take Winter by Storm
Build a Kit on a Shoestring Budget produced by Make it Through

For information about making a personal plan with your family, visit ready.gov/campus and the Red Cross Make a Plan web page.

What to Do After a Disaster

Following a disaster, it is important to let your family and friends know that you are okay. The American Red Cross has established a Contact and Locate website that we will use if a significant emergency or disaster impacts our campus. Everyone will be encouraged to go to the website to report their status. The information you can post includes:

Your name
Whether you are safe
Your location
Contact information
A custom message

Family and friends will be directed to the Safe and Well website and will be able to search for you based on the information you provide. Please note that phone lines may be busy or unavailable after a significant event, and our resources will be directed toward response and recovery efforts. As such, we will not be able to provide individual status updates.