Student walking to class on campus
Ross Vet campus

SAFETY & SECURITY IS OUR PRIORITY


On Campus and Off

SAFETY & SECURITY

Every Rossie—students, faculty, staff, and other members of our community—thrives in a safe and inclusive environment. 

When you choose a university, you’re choosing more than a place to study. You’re choosing a home. We’re here to help you feel welcome, safe, and supported both in and out of the classroom while you’re on campus and off. 

Ross Vet’s Safety & Security Department is staffed with 24-hour coverage by a team of dedicated officers. The Ross Vet security team provides services both on and off campus. Access to the campus is restricted to those with a university-issued identification badge. Visitors traveling with students or colleagues are able to obtain a visitor's pass at the Office of Safety & Security.

RUSVM Safe App

RUSVM Safe App (Android) | RUSVM Safe App (Apple®)

RUSVM SAFE is the official safety app for Ross Vet. It integrates with our security systems so that students, faculty, and staff always feel safe on the Ross Vet campus. Features include important safety alerts and instant access to campus safety resources, as well as: 

  • Emergency contacts: reach the correct services for the RUSVM area in case of an emergency (or non-emergency concerns) 
  • Safety notifications: receive instant notifications and instructions from campus safety when on-campus emergencies occur 
  • Emergency plans: learn what to do in case of an emergency 
  • Campus safety resources: access all important safety resources in one convenient location 

On-Campus Services

The Ross Vet on-campus security team ensures the safety of the campus community. Officers respond to campus security and safety incidents and manage the adherence to safety policies and procedures. Officers are available for campus escort services to campus buildings and parking areas.

Off-Campus Services

The Ross Vet off-campus security team provides mobile patrol in concentrated areas where students, faculty, and staff reside. The Ross Vet mobile patrol does not have local police jurisdiction and serves only as a liaison to the St. Kitts police force. The team is able to offer support and provide quick response when members of the Ross Vet community report an incident. Students, faculty, and staff are required to maintain current residence information with the university to help ensure their security in St. Kitts.

LoJack®

A LoJack device installed by Ross Vet IT may help police recover your computer if lost or stolen.

After-Hours Campus Shuttle Bus

For your safety, Ross Vet operates a complimentary after-hours shuttle bus service from campus to stops near your home. See PDF for days and times [HB1] .

Campus Parking

All vehicles parked on campus must be registered with the Department of Safety & Security. After you have registered your vehicle, you will not need to do so again unless there is a change in ownership. To register your vehicle, complete the Vehicle Registration Form (PDF) and return it to the Security Services Center.

When on campus, you must display your parking permit hang tag and park in your assigned zone. Zone parking is enforced Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

STAY INFORMED

SIREN Emergency Alert System: SIREN is our official emergency messaging system for relaying information on such emergencies as serious weather incidents or public safety alerts.

To ensure you receive such notices, please review and/or update your contact information using the instructions below: 

My Ross Vet community 

Faculty and staff instructions for SIREN notifications:

You can verify and update your SIREN contact information through your Staff Portal. Choose Siren-Member Portal.

Single sign-on application hub

Annual Statistics Report: (PDF) Ross Vet publishes information about security and safety practices and campus crime statistics annually. Statistics are available for the preceding year, not the current year, and are updated annually. Ross Vet has the authority to report on-campus statistics only.

Update your Information: Continue to keep your residence information up-to-date with Safety & Security. Students should email housing@rossvet.edu.kn with any changes, and regularly update your local cell phone and residence information in myRoss. Colleagues should send residence updates to the Department of Safety & Security at security@rossvet.edu.kn. Please make this a priority any time you move.

Stay Informed: Incidents reported to Campus Security are summarized in the online Incident Report System. You may wish to visit the site regularly.

Embassy Registration: Ross Vet encourages all members of the Ross Vet community to enroll with their home embassy.

U.S. Embassy STEP Enrollment

Canadian Citizens Enrollment

GET THE HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season begins every year from June 1 through November 30. In the Caribbean, storm activity is busiest between the months of August and October.

Ross Vet’s Hurricane Response Plan

In the event of an approaching storm, Ross Vet’s incident command team will work closely with the administration and local emergency officials to activate the university's Hurricane Response Plan.

Taking into consideration the storm’s strength and projected path, Ross Vet will decide whether to cancel classes and open the university as a shelter. Our goal is to make this decision in a timely manner so that students and community members have the time they need to prepare for a storm.

Please visit the following websites for additional storm-related information and current weather conditions in the event of a tropical storm: 

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS RECOMMENDATIONS

Preparing Your Home & Shelter Safety Tips

Do not shelter alone! If you live in a low-lying area, consider staying with someone on higher ground for the duration of the storm.

  • Secure all outside items indoors.
  • Close storm shutters and windows.
  • Fill bathtub with water for flushing toilets.
  • If you have freezer space, freeze containers of purified water and pack in freezer.
  • Stock up on nonperishable food and plenty of water. Items should be foods ready to eat without heating or refrigeration and enough for three days.
  • Fill cars with gas and park away from trees on high ground.
  • Top off the phone and keep fully charged while electricity remains available.
  • Assure flashlights and lanterns have fresh batteries and do not use candles.
  • Have a battery-operated radio available to monitor local radio news.
  • Take photos of important documents (i.e. passport, visa, driver’s license, Ross ID) and store in your phone.
  • Pack a bag with a change of clothing, toiletries, and documents: passport, visa, insurance cards, and credit cards. Store papers in a zip lock bag.
  • Monitor phone and email for SIREN alerts and updates as long as possible.
  • DO NOT GO OUTSIDE DURING STORM. Monitor storm reports and stay inside until advised that it is safe to leave your home. The eye of the storm gives a perception that the storm has passed, but it has not and will begin again. When it is safe to leave, do not walk through flooded waters. They contain bacteria and may conceal live electric power lines downed in the storm.
  • DO NOT USE ALCOHOL. With any emergency, you need to be clear-headed and able to maintain your safety at all times.
  • Stay away from windows and doors during the storm. Stay on a floor that has a cement ceiling if possible.
  • If your home or apartment floods, seek higher floors and notify Ross Security. Do not attempt to leave unless advised to do so.
  • After the storm, do not drive until safe to do so. Do not drive through flooded areas.
Campus Shelter Guidelines

All occupants must register with the Shelter Manager upon arrival. Remember some key points:

  • No weapons or other potential safety hazards
  • No smoking in the shelter
  • No alcohol or other recreational drugs
  • No loud noises or music
  • Respect the rights of other shelter occupants
  • Pets must be secured on a leash, cornered off, or in cages, and excreta be cleaned immediately
  • Address all questions or concerns to the Shelter Manager or Shelter volunteers
  • Bring non-perishable food supply (enough to last at least 5 days)
  • Bring water supply (enough to last at least 5 days)
  • Shelter floors shall be kept clean of all waste materials
  • Restrooms shall be kept clean at all times
  • Waste containers shall be disposed of as soon as they are filled
  • A daily shelter roll call will be done for all
  • All persons with medical needs must inform the shelter manager
  • Occupants shall not leave the shelter until they are advised to do so by Ross Security
  • Occupants need to check out with Shelter Manager when advised it is safe to do so, and inform the Manager of your next location
Campus Shelter Checklist

If you are coming to campus to stay during the hurricane, bring ONLY the following:

  • Pillow, blanket, and/or sleeping bag
  • Rain gear including closed-toed shoes or boots
  • A change of clothing for two days
  • Personal hygiene toiletries including soap and bath towel
  • Flashlight (no candles)
  • Fully charged and topped off phone with charger
  • Non-electronic entertainment such as playing cards or books
  • Documents: passport, visa, insurance cards, or credit cards; store papers in a plastic bag
Staying In Contact With Your Family

During or after a severe storm, there may be a loss of power or communications, and opportunities to contact family members or loved ones may be limited. We recommend that you establish a family communication plan with a single point of contact identified for each person in your family.
 
The role of the single point of contact is to be the person you communicate with before, during, or after a storm. That person is responsible for relaying information on your safety and status to the rest of your family and friends. Having a single point of contact established as part of a family communication plan will help make communications more efficient, better equip your family and friends to stay updated on your status, and maximize communication resources during times of emergency.

Pet Safety Tips

Pet owners must consider their pets when preparing for a hurricane. All owners should have in their possession and have easy access to:

  • A sturdy, working crate or comparable container for their pet, appropriate for their size
  • Bring food supply (enough to last at least 5 days)
  • Food and water bowls
  • Clean bedding
  • Collar and leash
  • Vaccination and other associated travel documentation
  • Medication and any other items unique to the pet with explicit instructions
CONTACT US

24-Hour Safety & Security
P.O. Box 334 Basseterre, St. Kitts,
West Indies

Phone:+1 869-465-6161 Ext. 401-1113

security@rossvet.edu.kn