Staying Safe on Campus

UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (UPD)

The University Police Department (UPD) is responsible for law enforcement, security, disaster planning and emergency response at FGCU. UPD works with the entire university community to provide a safe and secure environment that enables everyone to achieve their academic goals and enjoy the FGCU experience. In addition to promoting crime prevention, UPD ensures safety for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic and assists in coordinating special events.

CODE BLUE POLES

These emergency telephones are mounted on 9-foot steel columns, are wheelchair accessible, include instructions in Braille and have a highly visible push button on an illuminated telephone faceplate. A single touch on the push button summons campus officers, allows dispatchers to hear what is going on, pinpoints the exact location of the trouble, and triggers the bright blue strobe light on top of the column. Code Blue Poles are located in all parking lots, student housing and in the academic core areas. If you experience an emergency, this is a way to call for assistance. When activated, you are immediately connected with the UPD dispatcher, and an officer will arrive in a short time.

SIRENS

As part of the FGCU Alert System, the university has an outdoor warning siren for the main academic core of campus.

The siren is designed to be heard outdoors only. It is not intended to be heard within buildings. Although the primary alarm area is the academic core, it is possible the siren will be heard in North Lake Village and South Village.

In the event of an emergency that threatens the safety of those outdoors, the university may sound the siren. The alert tones are very loud and distinct and should be easily heard by anyone who is outdoors within the academic core. The siren will be activated when the best course of action is for community members to seek shelter.

Emergency Communication

FGCU Alert components include text messaging, e-mails, Axis TV, the FGCU.EDU homepage, and the RAVE Guardian App. FGCU Alerts are primarily communicated to the campus community through email notification. One of the most proactive things you can do to encourage your student’s safety is to ensure they download the RAVE Guardian app to which parents can be added as emergency contacts and receive emergency alerts from the university. All major campus alerts are also made public on the homepage of the FGCU website.

HOTLINES & HELPFUL RESOURCES

UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT In case of emergency always call 911. Non-Emergency line (239) 590-1900

Student Care Services

Parents and family members are often the first people a student calls when they are having difficulties in college. There are situations that arise throughout the academic year when parents or families need to get involved or seek help for their student. Student Care Services may work closely with parents and families to determine how best to support students and discuss available campus and community resources.

Email care@fgcu.edu or call (239) 590-7900 Submit a Student of Concern report.

Food Insecurity

FGCU Campus Food Pantry Location: Music Modular, Lot 7, Room 102 Email slloyd@fgcu.edu or call (239) 745-3663

QUICK CONTACT

} Campus Support Complex (North Side)

10501 FGCU Blvd. S.

Fort Myers, FL 33965

} Police Emergency: (239) 590-1900 } Fire/Medical Emergency: 911 } Non-Emergency: (239) 590-1900 } Fax: (239) 590-1910

To see the latest emergency alert, current operation status of the university, and weather alerts, we suggest bookmarking the Emergency Management page.

fgcu.edu/emergencymanagement

HURRICANES

Hurricanes are common in Florida, especially from August to October. It is important to be prepared and talk with your student about an evacuation plan before a storm comes.

Before the semester starts:

Decide on hurricane communication and evacuation options with your family. Remember that evacuating to inland areas that are closer to campus will be less costly and allow a faster return to campus.

Have a financial plan in place for your evacuation option. Flights, gas, food, and hotels can be costly.

Look over each course syllabus for emergency instructions. Unless stated otherwise by your professor, you may be responsible for turning in coursework outlined in your syllabus on time, even if the campus is closed.

First week of the semester:

Follow FGCU State of Florida’s Hurricane Guide to help prepare you for a storm.

Have a to-go bag ready in case you need to evacuate quickly. Make sure to include personal items and important documents.