Emergency Procedures

Run away from the threat if you can, as fast as you can.

• If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate.
• Evacuate if others agree to or not.
• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Leave your personal belongings behind.
• Help others escape if possible.
• Keep your hands visible.

If you are not able to evacuate safely, hide out.

• Stay out of view.
• Block access to your room.
•  Lock doors if possible.
• Hide behind large objects.
• Be out of the shooters view.
• Silence cell phone.
• Turn off lights.
• Remain silent.

Take action as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.

• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter/threat.
• Act with physical aggression.
• Improvise weapons: Use any object within reach which can be used as a weapon.

Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so, be prepared to provide the following information:

• The location of the shooter/threat (be specific).
• The number of shooters, if more than one.
• Types of weapons being used.
• The number of victims and their location(s).
• Description of the shooter: gender, race, clothing distinguishing feature, identity if known

• Remain calm – avoid yelling and screaming.
• Immediately raise your hands and keep your hands free of objects, such as cell phones.
• Avoid quick movements toward officers.
• Be prepared to be:
  • Detained until situation is under control
  • Searched
  • Identified
  • Interviewed

“Evacuate” is the term used when it is necessary to vacate a specific building(s) and/or area of the campus.  Occupants in the affected area will be required to leave the building and/or area as quickly and calmly as possible.

Reasons for an Evacuation:

The reasons the College may order an evacuation include, but are not limited to:

• Fires and/or fire alarms
• Severe weather events
• Hazardous material spills

Notification

The campus community will be notified of the need to evacuate via all appropriate and available methods of communication based on the nature of the emergency.  Examples include:

• Fire Alarm
• Emergency texting via the Heights Alert emergency notification system
• Public Address System
• Campus email

Required Action

Evacuation may be required due to hazardous materials spills/releases that do not involve a campus facility such as a transportation accident.  An assessment by on-scene personnel will determine the appropriate area and populations to be considered for evacuation.  Follow the instructions of responding emergency personnel.

Residence hall and academic building evacuation processes are listed in the Campus Security Preparedness Guide.

When the “All Clear” signal is given, that indicates that the emergency has been resolved. Classes, if in session and affected, will resume at the nearest class time period. If someone is in need of assistance and you are able, please help in any way you can.

The College has the ability to communicate Lock-down/Shelter in Place Orders and to secure buildings in the event of an emergency.  Such orders can be communicated in a variety of ways, but will always be communicated via the Heights Alert emergency notification system.

In case of a Lock-down, buildings may be secured remotely via the College’s access control system, and/or manually.  Residence halls are secure 24/7.  In the event of a Lock-down/Shelter in Place order, do not leave the building you are in until an “All Clear” announcement has been given by College authorities or local law enforcement.

Get more tips from Homeland Security.