Preparedness Information for Parents

While much of the recent focus on campus emergency preparedness has been on active shooter situations, the more likely dangers are the ones that have always been there. The university continues to prepare for fires, severe weather, natural disasters, utility disruptions, and continues to consider the possibility of reemergence of pandemic influenza. We also promote individual preparedness, encouraging all members of the Tufts community to take the following preparedness steps:

1. Take responsibility for your personal safety and always practice Personal Safety recommendations.
2. Program the phone numbers for the University Police into your cellphone. Use the emergency number to summon help, or report suspicious persons.
3. Be informed in the event disaster strikes: opt-in to receive emergency notifications by texting  Tuftsalert to 67283. This is a text only feature (you will not receive emails or phone calls)
4. Make a Family Emergency Plan to know how you’ll get in touch with loved ones in the event of a major disaster.

Public Safety Services

You can learn about the full spectrum of safety programs at Tufts in our annual publication, Public Safety, published in October of each year.

Personal Safety and Security

Tufts’ campuses in Massachusetts are patrolled by the more than 40 sworn officers of the Tufts University Police Department, which is one of only fifteen accredited campus law enforcement agencies in the state. Learn more at here.

Fire Safety

Tufts has shown leadership in fire safety, in 2003 being among the first in Massachusetts to equip every university residence building with sprinkler systems and updated fire alarm systems. Fire evacuation drills are conducted twice a year. Learn more here.

Emergency Medical Care

Augmenting the services of Tufts University Health Service and Counseling & Mental Health Service, the volunteer EMTs of state-licensed Tufts Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) are prepared to respond to medical emergencies 24/7 while school is in session (on the Medford/Somerville campus).

Safety Awareness Education

Operation Awareness

All incoming students attend an orientation session titled “Operation Awareness”, during which the University Police present important information about keeping one’s self and belongings safe from crime, fires and other emergencies. Similar information is also presented to all new employees.

Emergency Response Guide

A guide detailing steps to take in an emergency is available. Print copies are also available. Members of the Tufts community are encouraged to review the material ahead of time, and keep the guide book or web site address handy for reference in an emergency.