Emergency preparedness and response

Proper planning for emergencies is essential to minimize the impact on college operations and facilities. CVCC Emergency Management establishes policies, procedures and responsibilities that are necessary to effectively respond to emergencies. Please review the following scenarios and be reminded of the following tips to help you stay safe, should you find yourself in one of these situations. Become and remain more familiar with your surroundings. This is especially important as you move about campus after daylight hours. Know the location of emergency equipment such as automatic defibrillators, code blue devices and fire extinguishers. If you see or hear anything that seems out of place, alarming, concerning or that your gut tells you “it just isn’t right”, do not hesitate to call Campus Police at 434-832-7700 or 911. We need your help in keeping our campus safe!

• Contact Campus Police using one of the following options dial 434-832-7700, use an emergency call device, or dial 911, 9-911 if using a campus phone, and take appropriate lockdown actions.
• Run/Evacuate if you can. This may be your best chance of survival. Have an escape route in mind. Leave valuables behind and keep hands visible.
• Hide/Lockdown in an area outside of the shooter's view. Block entry to your hiding place and lock doors. Turn off lights and silence electronic devices.
• Fight/Attack as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Act with physical aggression.

• DO NOT use cellular phones or two-way radios in the vicinity of the suspicious object.
• DO NOT activate the fire alarm system to evacuate.
• Shelter in place or evacuate the building as directed.
• DO NOT re-enter buildings until instructed to do so by first responders.
• If you receive the threat via phone, get as much detail as possible from the person making the threat.
• If the threat is on paper, handle the note minimally as possible.
• Call 911 or Campus Police at X-7700 from a campus phone or dial 434.832.7700 once you are away from the object.

• If you are indoors, DROP to the floor. Stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
• COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture.
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Don’t use a doorway except if you know that it’s a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it’s close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and don’t offer protection.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use elevators.
• If you are outdoors, stay there. Move away from buildings, overhangs, trees and power lines to a clear area such as a large open public area or field.
• If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings or trees.

          Once the shaking stops:

• Exit the building when safety permits and move to the designated assembly area.
• Use emergency exit route information posted throughout the building to determine the quickest route out.
• Expect aftershocks.
• Only use the telephone for emergency calls.
• Be aware that utilities such as gas, power and water lines may be damaged. If you know of damaged utilities, report the issue.
• Wait for instructions from college officials and police.

• Determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life and call 911, 9-911 from a campus phone or CVCC Police 434-832-7700 when it is safe to do so.
• Activate the fire alarm. If there are no fire alarms nearby, knock on doors and yell “FIRE” as you exit the building.
• Call 911 if possible.
• Know where the nearest exit is to your location.
• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening. DO NOT open if doors are hot.
• DO NOT use elevators.
• If time, conditions and safety permit, take your personal belongings, except liquids with you.
• Evacuate the building.
• If clothing catches fire, STOP...DROP...ROLL.
• Once outside, move away from the building to a safe location.
• DO NOT re-enter buildings until instructed to do so by Law Enforcement Officers or other first responders.
• Shut down lab equipment if time allows.
• Close door as you exit.

• Move away from the site of the hazard to a safe location (up wind if possible).
• Call 911.
• Follow instructions of Emergency Personnel.
• Alert others to stay clear of the area.
• Notify Emergency Personnel if you have been exposed to the hazard or have information about its release.

• Call or have someone else call 911 or 9-911 from a campus phone right away and report the emergency.
• Provide first aid and medical assistance as necessary, if trained.
• Follow instructions of the Emergency Dispatcher. DO NOT hang up until the Dispatcher ends the call.
• DO NOT move the victim, unless they are in immediate danger.
• If the victim is conscious, try to comfort him/her and obtain medical information (ex. medical problems, medications, etc.). Any medical information will assist medical personnel if the victim loses consciousness.
• Have someone meet the ambulance at the building entrance or at a safe location, and direct emergency personnel to the victim.
• Contact CVCC Police at 434-832-7700 to advise them of the situation.
• On some occasions you may be unsure if someone is having an actual medical emergency, the best action is to CALL when in doubt.

• Remain Calm, Notify Campus Police 434-832-7700, or X-7700
• Move cautiously to a lighted area. Exits may be indicated by lighted signs if the emergency power is operating.
• If no emergency lighting is in the immediate vicinity remain in the class or office until first responders arrive with lighting and/or other assistance.
• Provide assistance to others, if needed.
• Evacuate the building only if directed to do so by officials.
• Exit calmly and carefully.
• DO NOT re-enter building until authorized.

If the area is under a Severe Weather or Tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately.

• An appropriate area that will provide protection -- closets, interior rooms, interior hallways, areas free of windows or glass.
• Stay away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
• Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck. Protect your body from flying debris with any available furniture or sturdy equipment.
• If you are outside, consider these options:
• Immediately go to the closest sturdy shelter. If you are unable to get to a sturdy shelter, get in your car and put the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion, if possible.
• If you are outside and unable to get to a car or a building for protection, move away from the tornado’s path at a right angle. If there is no time to escape, lie flat in the nearest depression (ex. ditch or ravine). Cover your head with your arms.

• DO NOT physically confront the person.
• DO NOT let anyone into a locked building/office.
• DO NOT block the person's access to an exit.
• Call 911 or CVCC Police 434-832-7700. Provide as much information as possible about the person and his or her direction of travel.

• DO NOT handle or touch the suspicious item/package.
• DO NOT use a cell phone, radio or other transmitter.
• Persons should be evacuated from around the item.
• Retreat to a safe location and call Campus Police at 434-832-7700, or 911, 9-911 from a campus phone.
• Be prepared to evacuate and take your personal belongings with you.
• It is important that employees and students are always cognizant and do not leave brief cases, backpacks, handbags, etc. unattended. These items could be construed as suspicious and cause undue time, energy and expense to determine that the item is “safe”. They may be destroyed by officials during the evaluation process.