Nuclear Emergency in Westchester County

NUCLEAR EMERGENCY in
WESTCHESTER COUNTY

THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS), If you hear a 3 to 5-minute siren, you are being notified of an emergency in your area. All members of the Pace Westchester community must comply with the following instructions as they apply to their respective campuses. Assembly areas have been designated where the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be broadcasted announcing the most timely and accurate instructions concerning the emergency.

THE BRIARCLIFF CAMPUS COMMUNITY, If the siren sounds, all faculty, staff and any students who are attending class on the Briarcliff campus are advised to assemble in the Briarcliff cafeteria and Commons.  The Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be broadcasted at these locations. Briarcliff resident students are advised to stay in their resident halls and follow the instructions listed below.

THE PLEASANTVILLE CAMPUS COMMUNITY, If the siren sounds or you are alerted of a Nuclear Emergency by campus security, all faculty, staff, commuter students and Briarcliff resident students who are on the Pleasantville campus are advised to assemble in the Kessel Campus Center or the Willcox gym. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be broadcasted at these locations. Pleasantville resident student are instructed to return to or remain in their resident halls and to follow the emergency instructions listed below.

THE WHITE PLAINS LAW SCHOOL COMMUNITY, If you are alerted of a Nuclear Emergency by campus security, all faculty, staff and commuter students are advised to assemble in the cafeteria or student lounge.The Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be broadcasted at these locations. Law School resident students are instructed to return to or remain in their resident hall and to follow the emergency instructions listed below.

THE WHITE PLAINS GRADUATE CENTER, If you are alerted of a Nuclear Emergency by campus security, all faculty, staff and students are advised to assemble in 2nd floor lecture hall and adjacent meeting rooms. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be broadcasted at that location.

If you remain in your workplace or resident hall, turn on your radio (or TV if available) the following Emergency Alert System (EAS)station will have the most timely and accurate instructions concerning the emergency. You are instructed to follow the emergency instructions listed below.

THE EAS STATIONS IN THIS AREA INCLUDE:

PLEASE NOTE: Emergency Alert System messages may also be carried on other radio and TV stations.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

1. If told by an EAS message to stay indoors, please do so.
   • Close all doors and windows.
   • Turn off air conditioners and other ventilation systems.
   •   Stay off the roads, unless told to leave the area.  Follow the recommended evacuation routes.  Shortcuts may be blocked! 
   • Do not use the telephone, so lines will not be overloaded.
2. If you are told by an EAS message to leave the area:
   • Remain calm; you will have ample time to leave.
   • Ignore all rumors. Stay tuned to an Emergency Alert Station for official instructions.
   • If you are a resident student, gather the items you would need for a 3-day visit, including:
     • Blankets or sleeping bags.
     • Prescription medications, if needed.
     • Changes of clothing for three days.
     • Personal items, shaving kits, soaps and cosmetics.
     • Checkbook, credit cards and important papers.
     • A portable radio and batteries.
   • Offer a ride to a neighbor, friend or co-worker who may not have a car.
   • Close the windows and air vents of your car, and do not operate the air conditioner until you have left the emergency area.
   • Leave by the route designated in the “Community Emergency Planning for Indian Point: A Guide for you and your Family - 2006" if EAS announcements advise that these routes should be used.
   • If you do not have a ride, and EAS announcements advise that the emergency buses serving your area are operating, walk to the nearest emergency bus pick-up point listed on the map in the booklet “Emergency Planning for Indian Point”. (see below)
   • If you are advised to leave the emergency planning area, please follow the instructions given on EAS broadcasts.  You might be advised to go directly to the home of a friend or relative, or you might be advised to stop first at a public reception center.  There you will be assigned to a nearby temporary shelter operated by the American Red Cross, if you cannot stay at the home of a friend or relative.  The relocation shelters will be professionally staffed and will offer food, medical care, and communications facilities.  NO firearms or alcoholic beverages will be allowed.

Do not enter areas in which people have been told to stay indoors- or evacuate- until you have heard an EAS message that states all is clear and emergency workers have removed roadblocks. 

PLEASE NOTE:  Residents of the Briarcliff campus are officially designated Emergency Response Planning Area #51.   

Bus stops at the following locations:

All buses take residents to General Population Reception Center  “F” located at Harrison High School at Union Ave. Harrison.

The Pleasantville and White Plains campuses are not in the Emergency Planning Zone (EMZ).  Residents of the Pleasantville and White Plains campuses should not evacuate unless ordered to do so by Westchester County or University Officials.

The University will do its best to keep everyone informed of the emergency. Information concerning the status of campus closings or cancellation of classes can be obtained by referring to the Pace web page or calling the Pace Emergency Closing Information telephone. For Pleasantville/Briarcliff and White Plains Campuses 914) 773-3398.

For further information and to view the “Emergency Planning at Indian Point” booklet online, please visit the Westchester Government website. Westchestergov.com (Safety/911)