Safety & Security
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911
POLICE, FIRE, MEDICAL
A safe living, learning, and working environment is our highest priority at Grand Valley.
Our commitment focuses on prevention, awareness, education, and response. A robust program of resources and personnel are maintained to support these efforts, as well as, strong partnerships with community agencies and organizations to offer extended and external support.
Local health clinic locations for urgent care, hospital, emergency, or pharmacy needs.
CAMPUS SAFETY & SECURITY
Community Policing Officers
Each residential living area has an assigned Community Policing Officer (CPO). This law enforcement official, along with the building staff, educates the Grand Valley community on how to stay safe on campus. Residentially, this includes, but is not limited to:
- Being aware of your surroundings
- Participating in the planned fire evacuation drills during the semester
- Not allowing others to enter into the building on the use of your access card
- Not using candles or smoking in your unit
- Locking your unit at all times, even for quick trips to the restroom or to visit a neighbor
- Safety procedures during severe weather alerts
All students are encouraged to keep a list of the serial numbers of all electronic equipment that they bring to campus. An important question to ask your parents is if their homeowners insurance covers your residence at GVSU. If it doesn't, consider purchasing some kind of insurance plan, as GVSU doesn't assume liability for the personal property of its students.
ALLENDALE CAMPUS 24/7:
The safety and security of the Allendale campus security is managed primarily by the Grand Valley State University Department of Public Safety (616) 331-3255 with support from the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office (616) 738-4000.
PEW CAMPUS 24/7:
The safety and security of the Downtown campus is managed by the Pew Campus Security (616) 331-3255 with support from the City of Grand Rapids Police Department (616) 456-3400
For crime statistics, or to review a printed copy of the Annual Fire Safety Report, contact the Grand Valley Police Department (GVPD).
FIRE EMERGENCY & EVACUATION
FIRE PROCEDURES:
Please review the Housing & Residence Life Community Living Standards for fire safety expectations and policy. |
DESIGNATED SAFETY AREAS: The safest area is the center of the building as close to the basement or ground floor as possible. Placards have been placed at main entrances to academic buildings alerting the designated shelter location. Placards are also placed at the designated shelter location. Recommended gathering areas in each building can also be located on the GVSU website. In the event the locations do not provide enough space, individuals should be directed to a lower-level room with interior walls and without windows. |
FIRE DRILLS:
GVSU abides by the State of Michigan Fire Prevention Code, PA 207 of 1941, Public Act 481 of 2014, MCL 29.19a. Section 19a(2)(a-c) and (3) which requires Michigan universities to annually conduct fire drills in dormitories and to annually certify they have trained all instructional staff in fire evacuation procedures. The law also calls for a postsecondary educational institution to conduct fire drills in each postsecondary educational institution dormitory as follows:
“Dormitory” under the statute is defined as not having individual cooking facilities for its residents. Those housing units with individual cooking facilities are considered apartments and are not included in the legislation. |
FIRE EMERGENCY:
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DESIGNATED FIRE LOCATIONS
NORTH CAMPUS FIRE MEETING LOCATIONS
Building |
Location |
---|---|
ALL NORTH CAMPUS LIVING CENTERS: COPELAND |
Parking Lots D1, D2, D3, & D4 |
SOUTH CAMPUS/DOWNTOWN FIRE MEETING LOCATIONS
Building |
Location |
---|---|
CALDER ART HOUSING |
Parking Lot M |
GRAND VALLEY APARTMENTS |
Grand Valley Apartments Community Center |
LAKER VILLAGE APARTMENTS |
Parking Lot J |
MURRAY |
Parking Lot P |
SECCHIA/WINTER |
Mount Vernon Lot |
SOUTH APARTMENTS D |
Parking lot R |
Residents are expected to participate in all fire drills and alarms. Failure to participate will result in disciplinary referral.
SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY
Winter Storm Watch: A forecast of hazardous winter weather due to various elements such as heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. A watch is a long-range prediction. Watches are generally issued by the National Weather Service at least 12 hours before hazardous weather is expected to begin. University operations continue as normal. |
Winter Storm Warning: Hazardous winter weather is imminent and there is a good possibility of heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. University operations may be suspended or delayed. Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A forecast of the possibility of severe thunderstorms (rain, hail, or high winds) developing in a large geographic area. University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden changes in weather conditions. If possible, monitor local radio stations or local internet weather sites. |
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thunderstorm (with rain, hail, or high winds) has been sighted and may be approaching the area. University operations continue as normal. Outdoor athletic and intramural events may be canceled. Remain inside the building and be alert for changes in weather conditions. |
Tornado Watch: A forecast of the possibility of tornadoes developing in a large geographic area. University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden severe changes in weather conditions. If possible, monitor local radio stations or local internet weather sites. |
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted and may be approaching the area. A warning is an emergency situation requiring persons in the affected area to seek immediate shelter. Sirens are activated. All university operations are
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DESIGNATED WEATHER LOCATIONS
NORTH CAMPUS DESIGNATED WEATHER MEETING LOCATIONS
BUILDING |
LOCATION |
---|---|
COPELAND |
First and second floor hallways or restrooms, away from windows |
DEVOS |
First floor bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways, away from windows |
HOLTON-HOOKER |
First floor classrooms or restrooms, away from windows |
MAPLE |
Lower level hallways or restrooms. |
NORTH CAMPUS DESIGNATED WEATHER MEETING LOCATIONS
BUILDING |
LOCATION |
---|---|
CALDER ART HOUSING |
Main level hallways or restrooms, away from windows |
GRAND VALLEY APARTMENTS |
Laundry rooms, lower level in hallways, away from windows |
LAKER VILLAGE APARTMENTS (TOWNHOUSE) |
Main level storage room, located beneath stairs |
LAKER VILLAGE APARTMENTS (EFFICIENCY) |
Main level hallways |
NIEMEYER EAST |
First floor apartment restrooms |