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It could be an accident, a natural disaster. It could be violence.
If there's an emergency we all need to know what to do.
At South Puget Sound Community College we're all responsible for safety.
By knowing what to do, by practicing and preparing for emergencies,
you can help make this a safer place to learn and work.
Members of the college behavioral intervention team
work with faculty and staff to identify behaviors of concern
and plan appropriate intervention. If someone's behavior makes you uncomfortable
there's usually a reason for it. So if you sense something,
say something. Speak with your instructor or a staff member.
Every building in SPSCC has an emergency evacuation coordinator.
Some have more than one. During a drill, or in an actual emergency
these volunteers guide us. They remind us what to do.
They can also answer your questions about how to respond in an emergency.
In an emergency, or during a practice drill,
you may hear a tone and message alert on the classroom or office phone. [tone]
"This is an emergency lockdown. Lock down now."
You may also see a text on your mobile phone, receive an e-mail,
see message on the camps digital signage, or see a pop-up
on your college computer. You can also monitor local radio and television news
for school closure reports.
What is expected of you? Depending on the type of incident
there are three things you may be asked to do. Evacuate,
stay in place, drop cover and hold. If there's a fire alarm
or if you're ordered to evacuate, do it quickly but carefully.
Walk to the closest exit. If you are able, help others who need help.
Do not use the elevators. Only take your belongings if it is safe to do so.
You'll find a map with the nearest assembly area near the door of your classroom.
Once you've left the building,
go to the nearest assembly area. Wait for the all-clear message.
[tone] "This is an emergency lockdown. Lock down now."
If you can do it safely, gather those immediately
outside the door. Lock and close the doors. Close the blinds,
lock the windows and go to a safe area and take cover.
Stay out of sight. Silence computers and mobile phones.
If you were locked down for an active shooter and you can't get out
or hideout and you are faced with a choice of being shot or taking action
do whatever is necessary to take out the shooter.
Sometimes, instead of hearing a lockdown message, you may be asked to shelter in place.
This could happen if there are hazardous materials in the air.
The goal is to limit the air movement. Close the doors and windows.
If there are fumes, cover your mouth and nose with clothing. Facilities may shut down
the ventilation
during the emergency. Stay in place until you get the all-clear message.
If there is an earthquake there won't be any warning. There won't be an alert.
You must know what to do and act fast. Drop down,
get under a table or another sturdy piece of furniture to protect your head.
Stay away from windows and heavy objects that could fall on you.
Do not leave the building while its still shaking. As soon as the shaking stops,
walk to the closest exit. Don't use the elevators.
Leave the building. If you can, help others who need help.
Don't take personal items unless it is safe to do so. Go to the designated
assembly area and remember, there could be aftershocks.
If someone has mobility issues, ask if you can assist them.
If someone has a vision disability, ask if they want to hold your arm
especially if there's a crowd or debris. If someone is deaf or hard-of-hearing
get their attention by eye contact, waving, or gently touching their shoulder or arm.
Use gestures, pointing, or a brief written note to let them know what is happening.
If a person with a disability
isn't able to evacuate the building, escort them safely to the closest
designated area of rescue.
Those are usually at the top of stairways. Then evacuate the building
and immediately report the location that person to evacuation coordinators
who can help them.
We can't prevent every emergency,
but we can prepare for them. By practicing our procedures and working together,
you can help make SPSCC a safer place to learn and work.