Students

Mason Alert

Mason Alert is George Mason University’s emergency notification system that is used to send emergency notifications and timely warnings to the university community.

Visit alert.gmu.edu today to add your cell phone to receive text message notifications from Mason Alert.

Emergency Preparedness App

Rave Guardian is a campus safety mobile application that enhances preparedness and safety on-campus using interactive features and allowing students to create a virtual network of friends, family and campus safety personnel. The application also includes anonymous, two-way crime reporting through text and picture messaging. The application is available to all students with a university email address for free through the iTunes store and the Google Play store.

Emergency Signage

In addition to lighted EXIT signs in every building at Mason, additional signage is posted that we recommend you become familiar with to be prepared for emergencies.

• Emergency Procedures Posters: Large green and gold Emergency Procedures posters (PDF) are posted throughout campus in conspicuous locations. These posters provide basic guidance on how to respond to potential emergencies on campus.
• Evacuation Plans: Indicate primary and alternate exit routes, the location of fire extinguishers, location of AED, and provide the physical address of each building on campus.
• Severe Weather Shelter Area: Indicate publicly accessible shelter locations where you may seek shelter during severe weather emergencies. Severe Weather Shelter Area signs are posted outside certain stairwells, interior hallways, and rooms.
  

Emergency Equipment

All buildings at Mason are equipped with fire extinguishers and fire alarm activation “pull” stations. All large public venues and performance areas (such as the EagleBank Arena, Hylton Performing Arts Center, and the Johnson Center) have Automated External Defibrillators (AED). For a list of buildings addresses, please click here. For a list of buildings with AED and their locations, please click here.

Personal Emergency Kits

During emergencies, resource availability may be limited and environmental conditions may change from established patterns. Members of the Mason community should have an emergency kit at home, at work, and in their personal vehicle. For instructions on how to build an emergency kit and suggestions for what items to include, visit ready.gov/kit.  For a list of additional items to keep in your car, as well as, a mechanic check list to prepare your vehicle for emergencies, visit ready.gov/car.

Notification

You will be notified of an emergency on campus via Mason Alert. When notified of an emergency, it is important to remain calm and follow any instructions you receive from emergency responders or university officials. During emergencies, cell phone towers are frequently overwhelmed by large call volume which may prevent others from calling for help. If possible, use text messaging to communicate with friends and family during emergencies to leave phone lines open for those who need them most.

Emergency Management

George Mason maintains a comprehensive Emergency Management program. In an emergency, university officials convene and utilize emergency plans to coordinate response activities and provide support to first responders and those impacted by the emergency. University plans are designed to protect students, employees, and visitors. Click here for more information on Mason’s Emergency Management program.

Police

George Mason maintains its own full-time, sworn Police force. The Department of Police and Public Safety works closely with regional law enforcement, fire and rescue departments to protect our community and respond to emergencies on campus. To learn more about The Department of Police and Public Safety, visit police.gmu.edu.

Public Safety

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is a combined report that includes, but is not limited to; campus safety and security policies, statistics for Clery Act crimes on university property, adjacent property, and non-university property owned or controlled by the university for the previous three years; and fire statistics for on-campus student housing facilities for the previous three years.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Title IX of the Education Amendments of the 1972, prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender under any education program or activity receiving federal funding. Sexual assault and sexual harassment are forms of sex discrimination prohibited under Title IX. More information related specifically to Title IX compliance, bystander intervention, etc. can be found on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website here.

Earthquake Drill

Annually, each September, George Mason University participates in the Great Southeast Shakeout Earthquake Drill. This drill is designed to promote awareness of earthquake response procedures. This earthquake drill is announced via Mason Alert. Participation is voluntary but all are encouraged to participate. Information on how to prepare for and respond to an earthquake is available in the Earthquake Preparation and Response Guide.

Tornado Drill

Annually, each March, George Mason University participates in a statewide Tornado Drill. This drill is designed to promote awareness of tornado and severe weather response procedures. This drill is announced via Mason Alert. Participation is voluntary but all are encouraged to participate. Information on how to prepare for and respond to tornadoes and severe weather is available in the Tornado and Severe Weather Guide.

Fire Drills

Fire Drills are conducted on campus in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Drills are held in all university buildings and are unannounced. For more information on fire drills please reference the University Fire Safety Plan.