Emergency Responses

We want all employees, students and visitors to be as ready as possible in case an emergency situation develops. To be prepared, take a moment to review the sections below. Listen to the alarm sounds associated with each emergency response.

Emergency Response Guide (PDF)

Emergency Response Guide (flipbook)

house being swallowed by tornadoSEVERE WEATHER
SEEK SHELTER:

  • Close all doors, including those in main corridors.
  • Move to lowest part of the building.
  • Stay away from windows and glass.
  • Crouch near floor or heavy, well supported objects and cover back of your head.
  • If outdoors and there is no time to move to an interior space, lie flat in the nearest depression and cover your head.

Listen to this emergency response alarm sound: “Severe weather conditions have developed. Go to designated Tornado Shelters.”

explosionEXPLOSION
EVACUATE:

  • Leave area and go to an exterior location where you can call 911 from a land line.
  • Do not operate any electrical devices, cellular phones, light switches, or any radio frequency producing devices.
  • Do not try to locate the source of the explosion.
  • Evacuate and move to designated assembly points.
  • Re-enter ONLY when directed by recognized authority.

Listen to this emergency response sound: “Leave the building immediately using exits and stairways. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.”

hazardous materials signHAZARDOUS MATERIALS
EVACUATE:

  • Alert people in the immediate area to evacuate.
  • Evacuate and assemble in an area uphill and upwind from the affected area.
  • Avoid direct contact and/or breathing in of vapors.
  • Unless properly trained, do not attempt to clean up the spill.
  • Do not operate any electrical devices,phones, appliances, light switches, or equipment with open flames within the affected area.

Listen to this emergency response sound: “Leave the building immediately using exits and stairways. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.”

lightning boltPOWER OUTAGE
EVACUATE:

  • Remain calm and move cautiously to a lighted area.
  • If the fire alarm sounds or upon notification by emergency personnel, evacuate and move to the designated assembly point.
  • Never attempt to pry open elevator doors.
  • In laboratories, secure all experiments and electrical equipment, fully close fume hoods and shut off any gases.
  • Re-enter ONLY when directed by recognized authority.

Listen to this emergency response sound: “Leave the building immediately using exits and stairways. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.”

fireFIRE
EVACUATE:

  • If unable to extinguish flame with fire extinguisher, activate nearest fire alarm or call 911, assist persons with disabilities, evacuate and move to the designated assembly point.
  • For individual accountability report to designated officials at assembly point.
  • Re-enter ONLY when directed by recognized authority.

Listen to this emergency response sound: “Leave the building immediately using exits and stairways. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.”

ALICESHOOTING INCIDENT
A.L.I.C.E.

  • A: Alert, get the word out by calling 911.
  • L: Lockdown, shut and lock the door, turn off the lights, sit in the corner.
  • I: Inform, continue communicating to provide real-time information.
  • C: Counter, take aggressive actions towards the threat.
  • E: Evacuate, if safe to do so, move away from the threat to a safe location.

Listen to this emergency response sound: “Intruder on campus. Lockdown immediately. Wait for further instructions.”

ambulanceMEDICAL EMERGENCY
STAY CLEAR:

  • If trained, administer CPR/first aid/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and call 911.
  • If not trained, stay clear of the area where the emergency has occurred.
  • Direct first responders to the location of the medical emergency.
  • Re-enter ONLY when directed by recognized authority.

envelopeSUSPICIOUS PACKAGES
STAY CLEAR:

  • Always report unusual or suspicious mail or packages to BHC Police.
  • Do not touch the item.
  • Do not operate any electrical devices, cellular phones, light switches, or any radio frequency producing devices.
  • Re-enter ONLY when directed by recognized authority.

ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE ALARM SOUNDS:

ALL CLEAR: The immediate danger has passed. Use caution and increase awareness until further notice.
Listen to the All Clear emergency response sound

TEST MESSAGE: This is a test of the Black Hawk Emergency Notification System.
Test the the Emergency Notification System

LOCK-DOWN ALERT: Go to secure location and deny entry. LOCK-DOWN!
Listen to the Lock Down Alert sound

SHELTER-IN-PLACE: Environmental emergency on campus. Close doors and windows and stay in place. SHELTER-IN-PLACE!

Responding to a “Shelter in Place” Alert (Locking down right where you are)

  • Assess your location for security potential.
  • Lock the door of the room you are in if you can.
  • Turn off the lights and any electronic equipment. Make the room look unoccupied.
  • Barricade the door with desks or office equipment if possible.
  • Do not open the door for someone else unless you are absolutely sure who it is.
  • Stay down and away from the door and any widows.
  • Remain where you are until you are located by the police.

If you encounter a police officer during a Shelter in Place emergency

  • Make sure your hands are empty and visible to the officer.
  • Do what you are told without hesitation.
  • Do not argue or ask questions.
  • Give direct answers to any questions the officer asks.
  • If you are told to leave do so quickly and with your hands empty.