Safety & Security
Ross University Medical School of Medicine is committed to all our students’ safety and security. We provide 24/7 security and emergency medical services for Ross housing and campus areas, plus additional safety resources.
RUSM Safe App:
RUSM SAFE is the official safety app of Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM). It integrates with RUSM's security systems so that students, faculty and staff always feel safe on the RUSM campus. Features include important safety alerts and instant access to campus safety resources, as well as:
- Friend Walk: Send your location to a friend so they can watch you walk home in real-time
- Emergency Contacts: Contact the correct services for the RUSM area in case of an emergency (or non-emergency concerns)
- Safety notifications: Receive instant notifications and instructions from campus safety when on-campus emergencies occur
- Emergency Plans: Learn what to do in case of an emergency
- Campus safety resources: Access all important safety resources in one convenient location
Weather Precautions
Although hurricanes pose the greatest threat, tropical depressions and storms can also cause devastation through extreme flooding or landslides. Ross University School of Medicine has published information on what students should do in preparation for, during and after a major storm. Download a Hurricane Safety Guide here
Hurricane Preparedness
First, understand the different categories of tropical cyclones, which are divided by wind speed rather than rainfall:
- Tropical Depression - maximum winds of 38 mph
- Tropical Storm - winds of 39 to 73 mph
- Hurricane (Category 1 and 2) - winds of 74-110 mph
- Major Hurricane (Category 3, 4 and 5) - winds greater than 111 mph
To prepare, you should evaluate the “survivability” of your current housing and speak with your landlord about what may happen in the event of a storm — including how to turn off all gas and utilities. All students should have a “hurricane buddy” that knows where and how to reach you in the event of a storm.
It is also important to stock up on emergency supplies early in the storm season. We recommend including:
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day)
- First aid kit
- Water purification supplies
- Batteries
- Flashlights, candles and/or matches.
RUSM officials will communicate with students via email and in-class announcements if there is an approaching threat. In the event of an impending hurricane, be sure to fill all your water containers, fill your sink and bath tub with an extra supply of water for flushing and washing. You should also keep a radio or TV on for weather updates, and disconnect appliances and gas to reduce risk of damage. Gather important documents and extra cash in a waterproof bag.
During a storm, stay away from all doors and windows until authorities confirm the storm has passed. You should also prepare to evacuate if your home is damaged or you are asked to relocate by emergency personnel.
Following a storm, check in with your hurricane buddy, avoid downed power lines and seek medical attention if necessary. Do not drink or use water from your faucets until public safety officials confirm it is safe. If you have lost power, be careful about what foods you eat from your refrigerator.
Please visit the following websites for additional storm-related information and current weather conditions in the event of a tropical cyclone:
Shelter Management
The RUSM Shelter Management Plan incorporates safety measures around pandemic including social distancing and physical distancing, to ensure safety.
- Those seeking shelter (“shelter residents”) must register immediately upon entering the shelter and cooperate with directions given by the Shelter Manager and other ICT or CRT members operating the shelter
- Pets brought to campus to shelter must be registered and stored inside their kennel in the designated area
- No alcohol or recreational drugs are allowed in the shelter
- No firearms, weapons, or other safety hazards are permitted in the shelter
- No cooking devices or flammable liquids are allowed in the shelter
- Smoking is prohibited in the shelter
- Shelter residents should bring their own food, water, blankets, sheets, pillows, and toiletries for three days.
- Shelter residents should bring required medications with them to the shelter
- Shelter residents shall bring their own disposable diapers for babies, and are encouraged to bring small toys, games, and books for amusement of children
- Shelter residents are not to remove items (i.e., TV’s, furniture) from the shelter space
- Shelter residents shall be held accountable for the conduct of themselves and their families
- Shelter residents must respect the rights of other shelter occupants
- No loud music or noises are permitted
- Shelter residents should address questions or concerns to the Shelter Manager or other Shelter Volunteers
- Shelter floors should be kept clean of waste materials
- Restrooms shall be kept clean at all times
- Persons with medical needs must inform the shelter manager
- Shelter residents must “Check out” with the Shelter Manager when they depart
- To prepare, you should evaluate the “survivability” of your current housing and speak with your landlord about what may happen in the event of a storm — including how to turn off all gas and utilities. All students should have a “hurricane buddy” that knows where and how to reach you in the event of a storm.
- Tasks to complete prior to storm approaching:
- Fill all clean water containers.
- Gather five-day supply of food and water
- Tune to the radio or television for weather updates
- Secure any loose items around your home, which may cause damage.
- Cover windows and doors if possible.
- Fill sinks and tubs with an extra supply of water for washing.
- Disconnect appliances and gas to reduce risk of damage or fire
- It is also important to stock up on emergency supplies early in the storm season. Please view the hurricane preparedness pack list.
- Important documents (passport, visa, insurance cards, immunization records, credit cards) in a Ziploc bag or air/water tight container
- Five (5) days supply of non-perishable food ̈(peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, hard candy, cereals)
- Bottled water that can sustain you for five (5) days (1 gallon per person per day)
- Personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, toilet paper, bath towel etc.)
- First aid kit, water purifying supplies–chlorine
- Supply of personal medication for up to five (5) days
- Manual, non-electric can opener
- Pillow, blanket and/or sleeping bag
- Fully charged phone and charger
- Iodine tablets or unscented household bleach
- If you have a pet, please bring an appropriately sized crate as well as medications and food to last up to five (5) days
- Baby food, batteries, flashlights, battery operated radio
- Candles and matches, insect repellent/sunscreen
- Hammer and nails, clothing, boots, swimsuit, hat, glasses
- Plastic Garbage Bag
- Fully charged phone and charger
Include items that can help protect you and others from COVID-19, such as hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, bar or liquid soap, disinfectant wipes (if available) and multiple, clean masks for everyone age 2 or older
- Beware of the calm due to the eye of the storm passing over, winds can resume within minutes of its passing.
- Monitor the radio or television for weather conditions if possible.
- Do not drive.
- Do not make unnecessary phone calls.
- Expect the loss of electricity and other utilities.
- Prepare to evacuate to a neighbor’s home if your home is damaged or if you are instructed to leave by emergency personnel.
- Stay inside until all winds have died down and the official announcement says it is clear to leave where you are staying.
- Seek medical attention at the Coverley Medical Center, local clinic or hospital for any injuries you have received.
- Avoid downed power lines.
- Once the all clear is given, you should check in at the designated assembly area in Coverley.
Hurricanes can be unpredictable but planning and preparing for one is in your control. For pet owners, that means knowing how you are going to take care of your pet during a storm and having supplies and travel documents ready at a moment’s notice.
Building Your Pet Pack List
Before a storm develops, stock up on supplies that will keep you and your pet safe and comfortable for up to five days. We recommend packing a large bag that you can easily grab should you need to leave your home and shelter with RUSM.
- An appropriately sized crate or pet carrier to contain your pet(s)
- Enough pet food to last up to five days
- Food and water bowls
- Clean bedding
- Collar and leash
- Vaccination and other associated travel documents
- Any necessary medication and any other items unique to the pet with explicit instructions