Emergency Quick Reference Guide
Howard Community College has developed three basic protocols to respond to all emergencies and protect the life and well-being of the college community.
In case of an emergency call Public Safety 5555, or use emergency phones or if in immediate threat call 911
1. Evacuation: Fire – Smoke – Bomb Threat
- Notification will typically be via the fire alarm.
- Assist in alerting others in the vicinity, but do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of others.
- Leave buildings immediately using nearest exists/stairways; remain alert for emergency communications.
- If applicable, assist disabled on upper floors to designated Wheelchair Assembly Areas.
- In case of fire, do not use elevators; otherwise, elevators can be used to evacuate.
- Proceed directly to designated exterior assembly area (See map for Assembly Areas).
- Do not reenter buildings under any circumstance until informed that it is safe and All-Clear is given.
2. Shelter-in-Place: Tornado (weather events) – Environmental Hazards
- Notification will be via mobile alert, email, Alert beacons, public address system, public monitors and desktops, bluelight emergency phones, building monitors, and/or emergency personnel.
- Assist in alerting others in the vicinity, but do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of others.
- Close all doors and windows to the outside if possible.
- If in laboratories, cease operations, close fume hoods in case building ventilations systems are turned off.
- In case of Tornado, move to Tornado Safety Areas –basements, interior rooms and halls away from glass.
- If moving to safety or shelter areas, elevators can be used.
- Remain alert for emergency communications, further instructions, and remain in place until All-Clear is given.
3. Lockdown: Criminal or Violent Act – Shooter/Hostage
- Notification will be via mobile alert, email, Alert beacons, public address system, public monitors
and desktops, blue
light emergency phones, building monitors, and/or emergency personnel. - If in the midst of an incident, RUN to safety out of harms way, then call 911 and afterwards
call Public Safety x5555. - Otherwise, seek shelter and HIDE in a secure room with locking door if possible. Assist in
alerting others in the vicinity.
Close, lock and move away from doors and windows. Turn off lights, remain quiet, and silence cell
phones. - If imminent danger as a last resort, FIGHT to protect yourself. Prepare to defend yourself and
commit to your actions. - Remain alert for emergency communications with further instructions which may include staying in
place, moving to another location, or evacuating. - If moving to another location or evacuating, elevators can be used.
- Do not leave until instructed by emergency personnel and the All-Clear is given.
For more information, contact Public Safety or visit:
www.howardcc.edu/services-support/public-safety
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