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 
Embassy Information

As an added safety measure, we recommend registering with your country’s local embassy for the duration of your stay in Barbados. U.S Embassy (Barbados) - 246.277.4000 

  • U.S. Embassy (Barbados) - 246.277.4000 
  • Canadian Embassy (Barbados) - 246.629.3550 
  • Other Worldwide Embassies - www.embassyworld.com 
Important Numbers for Safety Resources
  • Emergency / RUSM Security 246.627.8001 (LESC) 
  • 246.627.8011 (Coverley Village)  
  • RUSM Ambulance Call Security Coverley Medical Center 246.627.8011 
  • Mental Health Emergency between the hours of 9 am-5pm EST call 246-245-1622
  • After Hours Mental Health Emergency 246-266-3342
  • Local Ambulance 511 
  • Police 211 
  • Fire Service 311 

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: