This are the 3 steps you were instructed to follow in your Application Post-Decision work, so hopefully you’ve already done these. In case you haven’t, here they are again. You would be wise to complete them before you go. There is also a printable worksheet attached here that you might choose to fill out and bring with you.

Step 1: Create Your Emergency Action Plan

An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) outlines a plan of action in the event of an emergency. It is important to create an Emergency Action Plan whenever you are in a new or unfamiliar location; doing so familiarizes you with local resources and prepares you to make wise decisions in the face of disaster – a time when there may be chaos and little time to think. This action plans outlines the 5 steps involved in responding to an emergency and the information you will need to make quick, but thoughtful decisions.

1. Seek Safe Shelter

In the event of an emergency, where would you go?

• List two options (your apartment, program’s office, friend’s home, host-family, etc.). 

• In the event of an emergency, your normal mode(s) of transportation might not be available. Research & record alternative transportation options to your safe spaces in the event of an emergency and detail them below (bus, metro, train, Uber, etc.). Record route numbers/names, bus/train numbers, Uber/Lyft/taxi options, plus any relevant phone numbers.

2. Triage

Once you are in a safe space, assess your physical and emotional needs and, if you are sheltering with others, their physical and emotional needs.

• Take a few moments to breathe deeply and clear your head.

• If possible, find your emergency kit and gather medications you take. 

• Treat any injuries you can manage yourself – small cuts and so on. 

3. Seek Medical Attention if Necessary

If you are wounded, seek medical care and transport

• If outside the U.S., list the country-specific number(s) for health, fire, and safety emergencies:

• List the location and number for the hospital(s) nearest your safe shelters: 

• List the location and number of the nearest Urgent Care facility nearest your safe shelters: 

• List the office location and number of your health care providers (doctor, dentist, optometrist, counselor, etc.). 

• List your health insurance information here and on your emergency card. Save a copy of proof of coverage in your phone and first aid kit. 

4. Communicate with Emergency Contacts

Although in an emergency your first reaction might be to call family or friends, you should wait to do so until you are in a safe location and have sought necessary medical attention.

• List at least two emergency contacts and all possible ways of contacting them: phone numbers, email addresses, WhatsApp, etc. You should consider both local and U.S.-based contacts.

• If studying with a program provider, list both your program’s on-site emergency contact information and your program’s U.S. based emergency contact number. 

• List your host university’s emergency contact information, if applicable. 

• If interning, list at least one contact at your place of work and all contact information. 

College of Wooster Emergency Numbers

Campus Security | 330-287-3333

Longbrake Student Wellness Center | 330-263-2319

When calling 911:

• Stay on the line with the dispatcher.
• Provide the address of the building involved and your exact location. This is especially critical if you are calling from a cell phone.
• Provide a thorough description of the incident to ensure that proper resources are dispatched.
• Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so. 
• List at least one contact at the College of Wooster, in addition to the general contacts above.

5. Determine a Plan of Action Specific to this Emergency

In an emergency it is important to gather information specific to your situation – especially any local, state, or national directives that have been issued. Everyone will have ideas of what you should do. To the extent possible, utilize real-time information to make data-driven decisions to keep you safe.

• Are there weather hazards or natural disasters to consider in your location (earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.? Do you know what to do if one occurs?

• Are there any other special conditions to consider that are unique to your situation (poor public transportation, poor phone service, lack of Internet)? How would you work around these conditions?

• If the situation did not allow you to follow your original emergency plan, what might be a back-up or contingency plan(s)?

Most students do not encounter emergencies while working or studying off-campus. Nonetheless, savvy travelers recognize the importance of planning for the unexpected.

“Confidence comes from being prepared.” — John Wooden, American basketball player and head coach at UCLA, winner of 10 NCAA Championships in 12 years

Step 2. Make an Emergency Card for Yourself & Your Emergency Contacts

The Emergency Card lists your most important contact numbers and personal information. Click here to open the card and its instructions. Print and complete the card according to the instructions.  Make several copies and leave a copy with your emergency contacts in the U.S as well as with your emergency contacts in your host country.  Keep one with you at all times. If you are lost or in danger having this information readily available could save your life!

Step 3: Assemble an Emergency / First Aid Kit

It makes good sense to assemble an emergency kit to keep in your place of residence – particularly if you are living alone or with other students. Below are suggestions of supplies to gather and store in a backpack that you could easily “grab and go” if needed. If you are flying, pack your kit in your checked luggage as some of the items would not be permitted in a carry-on bag. Cross reference with this additional guide.

“There’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you are prepared for the worst.” — Steven King, American author

Be sure to also review these steps for what to do in an emergency. If you printed the emergency card provided, they should be included (on the back, if printed double sided). You should also bookmark the link.