Hostage Situation

Call 9-911 from an on-campus phone and 911 from a cell phone to report an emergency that needs immediate assistance from police and rescue personnel.

Hostage Situation in Progress:

• Call 401.865.2222, or press the emergency button on any Blue Light phone, to notify the Office of Safety and Security or call 911
• Security will ask you to provide helpful information that includes:

1. Location of incident?
2. Description of the subject(s)?
3. How many people being held hostage?
4. Types of weapons and threats used?

• If the hostage taker is unaware of your presence, do not intervene; stay hidden.

If Taken Hostage:

• Follow the instructions of the hostage taker.
• Try not to panic. Calm other persons present.
• Treat the hostage taker as normally as possible. Make self-controlled eye contact.
• Be respectful to the hostage taker.
• Ask for permission to speak. Do not argue or make suggestions.
• Do not take action against the hostage taker unless life-threatening circumstances present themselves.