Building Emergency Protocols
Students, faculty, staff, and guests of the College must immediately follow emergency protocols to the extent possible upon sounding of fire alarms and/or the campus siren and upon receipt of messages sent via Connect-ED or other means.
EVACUATION
Follow these building emergency protocols when you receive an emergency evacuation message and/or hear an evacuation alarm:
- In the event of a building evacuation, all individuals who can safely do so are required to exit the building immediately.
- When an alarm is activated, quickly, carefully, and calmly exit via the closest fire exit route and alert others to do likewise. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
- Take your keys and CC ID card with you. Take small personal items (your backpack, briefcase, purse, etc.), if you have time.
- Check each door for heat with the back of your hand prior to opening. If a door feels hot, do not open it and remain in the room.
- If the exit path is hazardous, leave the door closed and remain in the room.
- If there is a designated fire exit through your window, use it to exit the building.
- Contain smoke or fire by closing all windows and doors to rooms, stairwells, and corridors. This will help to confine the fire and deprive it of oxygen. DO NOT LOCK THE DOORS.
- If you cannot negotiate the exit, move laterally away from any obvious danger and to an enclosed stairwell, if available.
- Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.
- Assist others, including persons with disabilities, if you feel it is safe to do so.
- Report the status and location of anyone remaining in the building to campus responders (e.g., Campus Safety) and public officials (e.g., police officers, fire department personnel). Repeat this message often.
- Stay together at a safe distance (300 to 500 feet, upwind) from the building until Campus Safety or public officials give the “all clear” announcement and indicate that you can return to the building.
- Anyone who remains in the building, whether because of disability, injury, or the exit path is hazardous, must do the following to the extent possible:
- Close the room door(s) and leave unlocked.
- Put cloth at the bottom of the door.
- If a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for rescue crews.
- Call 911 (9-911 if calling from a campus phone), stay on the line, and indicate your location.
- Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location.
- DO NOT PANIC.
SHELTER-IN-PLACE
Follow these building emergency protocols when you receive an emergency shelter-in-place notification:
- Close windows and doors.
- Turn on lights.
- Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
- Move near walls or under sturdy locations (e.g., doorways or desks).
- Alert public safety personnel of your location and/or medical emergencies by calling 911 (9-911 if calling from a campus phone).
- Await public safety personnel instruction regarding building evacuation.
- Carefully, calmly exit via route designated by public safety personnel. Leave room door closed.
- Report any symptoms of chemical exposure (e.g., mucous membrane irritation) to public officials.