Safety Q&A with NYIT Chief of Staff Peter Kinney

As part of an ongoing series on The Box, NYIT campus experts will share tips on how to prepare for and protect yourself in the event of any emergency. We'll also talk about the connection between mental illness and violent acts as well as how to find and use counseling and wellness services.

Next up: Peter Kinney, NYIT chief of staff and a retired U.S. Army infantry colonel, discusses campus safety and simple steps for dealing with emergencies.

The Box: A lot of readers may not be aware of all that's done to keep our campuses safe. For example, how does NYIT work with outside law enforcement?
Kinney: We're in close touch with local police departments about campus safety. On Nov. 29, NYIT held its first-ever joint exercise at the Old Westbury campus with the Nassau County, Old Brookville, and Old Westbury police departments. In the event of an emergency on this campus, these are the groups that would respond. On Dec. 7, the New York Police Department came to the Manhattan campus to give an active shooter presentation. This is an uncomfortable subject for many, but it's important to learn about. We also share up-to-date maps, campus floor plans, phone numbers, and keys to our gates with local law enforcement.

The Box: How do we ensure our campuses and communication systems remain current in terms of security?
Kinney: We make security improvements based on an annual New York state campus safety and security review that NYIT is required to do by law. For the review, we solicit input from faculty, staff members, and students. For example, based on their feedback, we've added more lighting on walkways and at bus stops on the Old Westbury campus. NYIT also has a great emergency communications system called NYIT Alerts that sends out text and voice messages to our community members. We use it to quickly notify them about campus closings and other important information. We'll be exercising this system on a more regular basis to make sure people are familiar with it and to share monthly safety tips. Speaking of safety tips, you can find many more at nyit.edu/alerts.

The Box: Let's move on to individuals: What's the first thing I should do in the event of an emergency?
Kinney: Establish awareness. Be clear on what's going on around you.

The Box: Once I'm aware of the situation, what next?
Kinney: Call 911 and then, if you are on any New York campus, call NYIT Security at ext. 7789. If your life is in danger, try to get away as fast as you can. Don't wait for someone to tell you what to do.

The Box: How can I prepare for an emergency?
Kinney: Plan ahead. Think about what you can do now to save time later. For example, what if your cell phone dies and you need to communicate with loved ones in an emergency situation? I keep important phone numbers written on a piece of paper saved in my wallet. Another example: if you need to leave campus fast, what's the best route to get home from your class or office? Who can you go with? Talk to your friends and colleagues. You may be able to plan together.

The Box: If I'm concerned about my safety on campus or notice something that's not quite right, who should I report it to?
Kinney: Call NYIT Security at ext. 7789, then talk to your professor or supervisor. When in doubt, call 911. Always take personal responsibility for your safety.

The Box: How have you used these tips to handle an emergency in your civilian life?
Kinney: On Aug. 14, 2003 at 4:10 p.m., I was in New York City when there was a massive blackout. You may recall the power outage lasted for several hours and affected much of the northeast United States. At the time, I was employed by a Fortune 500 company. I left work and walked to Grand Central Station only to find the doors closed to all the trains and subways. The first thing I did was to take stock of the situation and find a safe place to stay. I had my important phone numbers saved in my wallet and a place in mind ahead of time: the Soldiers', Sailors,' Marines,' Coast Guard, and Airmen's Club. As a retired officer, I always knew if I had to stay overnight in New York City, it would be there. Cell phone service was disrupted, so I planned to call my family from a landline once I reached my destination. I walked to the club nearby on Lexington Avenue, booked a room, and called my son from the club's phone for a ride home the following day. It all worked out because I had a backup plan.

Coming soon on The Box: Alice Heron-Burke, NYIT senior director for counseling and wellness, will discuss mental health and services offered by her office.