05/12/2026
This is a test of the COLUMBUS campus Buckeye Alert system. For more information on campus safety, go to http://emergency.osu.edu.
Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety will post official information and updates during campus emergencies at emergency.osu.edu. All are encouraged to bookmark this page. Registration for family members is also available for Buckeye Alerts. Visit dps.osu.edu/alert-notices for information.
We suggest that you follow these social media accounts for public safety information and updates:
– X (Twitter) updates during campus emergencies
- X (Twitter) and Instagram safety resources
- X (Twitter) CABS, roadway impacts
- X (Twitter) Latest news and information from OSU
- X (Twitter) National Weather Service updates for the Columbus area
- X (Twitter) Franklin County Emergency Management
- X (Twitter) State of Ohio Emergency Management
- X (Twitter) State of Ohio Fire Marshal's Office
https://franklin-oh.weatherstem.com/ohiostate - For the current weather and radar on the Columbus campus
Stay Safe, Buckeyes
Off-Campus Community Crime Map: The map consists of statistics from the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) and shows off-campus crime reports. Register for email alerts within a one-mile radius of the Columbus campus from the most recent 7-day period – or enter your home address to receive customized alerts. The default crime categories are predetermined by Lexis Nexis. Stay informed of crime reports in your neighborhood by visiting the Community Crime Map. More: go.osu.edu/crimemap
Surviving an Active Aggressor: Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety has a “Surviving an Active Aggressor” video to educate the campus community. The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority, and we encourage all Buckeyes to watch. WATCH: go.osu.edu/active-aggressor
Stay Safe Buckeyes Online Class: An online safety class to help students enhance their own safety on and off-campus. The one-hour, video-based module is available in BuckeyeLearn and covers topics such as crime prevention, crime reporting, responding to people on the street who aggressively ask for money and more. More: https://dps.osu.edu/safety-class
Rave Guardian Safety App: Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety offers a safety app called Rave Guardian for students, faculty, and staff. The app allows users to select friends or family to follow them via GPS tracking as they travel on and around campus. The virtual guardian is shown a timer based on your destination. Download “Rave Guardian” today. More: dps.osu.edu/rave-guardian
Lyft Ride Smart at Ohio State: Lyft Ride Smart at Ohio State offers eligible students discounted rides from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. inside the designated service area. Students must-opt in to qualify for program discounts. More: https://ttm.osu.edu/ride-smart
Free Safety Devices for Students: The Office of Student Life's Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement offers students free window and door alarms as well as personal safety devices. Deterrence tools can play a big role in helping to prevent crimes. Students can stop by the Ohio Union to pick up the devices. More: https://offcampus.osu.edu/resources/safety/
CABS On-Demand: The free CABS On-Demand provides daytime transportation between areas west of Olentangy River and select campus bus stops: RPAC, Stillman Hall, Doan Hall, University Square and Gateway. There is no service from University Square and Gateway to Stillman and RPAC. After 9 p.m., regular service provides transportation between campus buildings. Students, faculty and staff can download the “TripShot” app for scheduling and real-time tracking. More: https://ttm.osu.edu/on-demand
Safety Resources: Ohio State offers many safety resources. Please browse our safety resources website for a comprehensive view of available resources.
Fire Safety
Remember RACE
Rescue – Rescue yourself; followed by others permitting it is safe to do so, by exiting the building where you are safe outside. Stay low to the ground…smoke is more deadly than fire!
Alert others by activating the fire alarm on the way out.
Close – Close the door on the way out.
Evacuate – Extinguish the fire only if it is safe to do so and you know how – otherwise evacuate, close the door, and sound the alarm on the way out.
If the fire is small and you have received training, attempt to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher or other available means. Do not jeopardize your personal safety.
Never allow fire to come between you and an exit.
Building Emergency Action Plans (BEAP’s)
Most buildings on campus have a specific emergency plan that contains information on fire safety, evacuation, severe weather, an active aggressor situation and other hazards. These plans can be found at go.osu.edu/beap. You will need to login with your Ohio State name. # and password to view the plans. If you do not see a BEAP for a specific building on the site, contact your building coordinator or email us at [email protected]
Severe Weather Preparedness
Whether at home or on campus, know what to do during a tornado warning. Where will you “shelter-in-place”? If the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for campus, we will send out a text message via the Buckeye Alert system. Outdoor warning sirens (which are controlled by the County) will also sound. If you are at home, take cover in the lowest possible level of your building. If that is not an option, an interior stairwell, a closet or a bathroom without windows are also options. If you are on campus, take cover in an interior stairwell or on the lowest possible level of the building. Interior restrooms or hallways on a lower level are also options. Please remember to avoid large auditoriums or other spaces with large expansion roofs, outside walls and areas with high concentrations of windows or glass. During a tornado warning, CABS suspends all routes, with service resuming once the tornado warning has expired.
Make a Plan - http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Build a Kit - http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit (don’t forget to include supplies for your pets!)
Be informed - http://www.ready.gov/be-informed - Have a weather radio at your home. Install weather warning apps on your phone. Bookmark on your phone or computer reliable weather sites such as the National Weather Service http://www.weather.gov/iln/
