EVACUATION - GENERAL

In the event evacuation of certain campus buildings or areas becomes necessary, a state of emergency will be declared by the College President or appropriate administrative officer. The following procedures should be followed:

1. All personnel must evacuate the building(s) when the alarm sounds or upon notification from an Emergency Response Team Member.
2. Evacuation drawings and instructions are posted at the end of each hallway of every floor in campus buildings. They were designed and documented with assistance from the local fire officials. The documents are checked periodically to insure their presence in the assigned locations as well as for changes or revisions that become necessary.
3. Remember that elevators cannot be used in some emergencies (i.e., earthquake, fire).
4. All faculty and staff are asked to assist individuals with disabilities as needed.
5. Once outside, move at least 500 feet away from the affected building, keeping streets, fire lanes, fire hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
6. Students and staff should not return to the building until officials declare the area safe.
7. If shelter areas or alternative housing is needed, Campus Services personnel will unlock shelter areas as designated by the administration.
8. The Dean of Student Life will coordinate alternative housing and provide the Control Center with appropriate assignment and/or availability lists.
9. Communications and Marketing personnel should notify news media of the incident and the extent of damages, injuries, etc. Anxiety and confusion are generally reduced when family and friends receive accurate news instead of rumors. Additional administrators, Campus Services personnel and other support personnel will be called in for duty as needed to perform emergency duties.
10. Refer to the "Program Details" Section for a Chart of Pre-designated Safe Areas and Gathering Areas.

Evacuation of Wheelchair Students and Students on Crutches from Campus Buildings

Fire Drill Procedures

When possible, students in wheelchairs and crutches will be notified prior to a drill. This will allow them to proceed to the first floor BEFORE the alarm is pulled and the elevators become disabled.

Fire Drill - Wheelchair students and students on crutches will exit from the first floor area of the building and be assisted by college faculty whose class they are attending and staff located in the area. If they are on an upper floor and it is known to be drill, they may stay with a college official on the upper floor

Procedures for Actual Emergencies

1. Fire - Wheelchair students and students on crutches will exit from the building and be assisted by college faculty whose class they are attending and/or staff located in the area.
2. Earthquake - Wheelchair students and students on crutches will be assisted by the faculty whose class they are attending and staff located in the area. They will move under an interior doorframe facing an interior wall and protect their head with items within reach (backpack, jacket, books, etc.).
3. Tornado/Severe Weather - Wheelchair students and students on crutches will descend to the first floor of the facility and remain in an interior hallway away from windows and doors. Elevators should be functioning during a weather warning, but in case of a power failure and the elevators are disabled.

Special Instructions for Faculty/Staff

Faculty members in class should make themselves aware, each semester, where the nearest Fire Exit is located for each classroom in which they hold a class.

If a fire or smoke or other imminent emergency condition exists while a faculty member is conducting class, the faculty member should direct the students to the nearest Fire Exit, assuring that all students have evacuated before following.

In fire/smoke conditions, it is the responsibility of all faculty and staff members to assist in the evacuation of students by directing them to the nearest Fire Exit.