Help!

In an Emergency, call 911

When the emergency dispatcher answers

  • Say “This is an EMERGENCY!”

  • Give your LOCATION

  • Give a brief DESCRIPTION of what type of help is needed

  • STAY on the line and give additional information as requested

Remember, 911 can be used for any emergency and can be dialed from any phone.

If you do not have a cell phone, the NMSU Police Department gives away free 911-only cell phones, batteries, and chargers to anyone who needs them. Just call 575-646-3311 for more information or to arrange a pickup. If you have an old cell phone you would like to donate to the Cell Phones for Safety project, drop-off boxes are located in several areas of campus, as well as at the NMSU Police Department building.

Be Prepared

There are a number of potential emergency situations that might occur. These include natural disasters (such as floods, tornados, earthquakes, extreme heat, lightning, disease outbreaks, etc.) and manmade incidents (including traffic crashes, hazardous chemical releases, downed electrical lines, collapsed bridges, criminal activity, terrorism, arson, etc.).

Because there is such variety in what might happen, it is impossible to provide guidance for all possible incidents. However, there are common factors in many incidents that may prove useful most of the time. These include:

  • 911 – Know how to get emergency help (usually by dialing 911)

  • Be prepared – Have supplies to get yourself through at least 72 hours of a major incident, including food, water and clothing. 

  • Assess danger – Avoid obviously dangerous activity like crossing flooded roadways, live electrical wires, the sounds of gunshots or explosions, etc.

  • Help yourself – If possible, evacuate to a safer location. If leaving is not possible, shelter in place in the safest location you can get to depending on the hazard.

  • Help others – If you can safely do so, warn others nearby of the danger. This may mean turning on hazard lights on your vehicle, placing flares or reflective markers in front of the hazard, talking with people approaching, etc.

  • Reassess – Be aware that situations can change for the worse. Continually monitor the situation and be prepared to move further away or take other action if the danger grows.

  • Plan for Reunion – Have a plan for getting in touch with family and friends during major disasters. Designate a person outside the area to serve as a check-in point.