Medical
- CALL 9-1-1 first, if a life-threatening emergency.
- Call Office of Safety and Security. All Security officers are trained in Basic First-Aid, Adult CPR, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s).
- Automated Exterior Defibrillator (AED) -- An AED is a machine that analyzes a victim’s heart rhythm and if needed, will provide an electric shock to allow the heart to return to a normal pumping rhythm. An AED is located in a public area of all campus buildings.
Fire
Fire or presence of smoke in a building:
- Pull building fire alarm to alert all building occupants
- Walk quickly to the nearest available exit that can be reached safely, alert others to do the same, and help persons requiring assistance (always ask how you can help before giving assistance)
- Elevators are not to be used during any evacuation related to a fire
- When safely away from the building, CALL 9-1-1
- Call Office of Safety and Security
- Notify responding emergency personnel of any persons remaining in the building
- Go to the nearest evacuation area. Evacuation Area Maps are posted in each building. (copies of maps are included at the end of this document)
- Do not re-enter a building unless directed by Fire/Rescue, a Security officer, or a clearly identified member of the Campus Response Team
Fire alarm sounds in a building:
- Walk quickly to the nearest available exit that can be reached safely, alert others to do the same, and help persons requiring assistance (always ask how you can help before giving assistance)
- Elevators are not to be used during any evacuation related to a fire
- Go to the nearest evacuation area (Evacuation Area Maps posted in each building)
- Do not re-enter a building unless directed by Fire/Rescue, a Security officer, or a clearly identified member of the Campus Response Team
Utility Outage and Building Equipment Failure
- Report outages and equipment failures (ex. elevators) to the Office of Safety and Security
- If an emergency exists, CALL 9-1-1
- Elevators will not be operational during an electrical outage. If trapped in an elevator, use the elevator’s emergency telephone to contact the Office of Safety and Security or activate the elevator’s emergency alarm button
- If evacuation of a building is necessary, use the stairs, walk quickly to the nearest available exit that can be reached safely, alert others to do the same, and help persons requiring assistance (always ask how you can help before giving assistance)
- After exiting the building, go to the nearest evacuation area (Evacuation Area Maps posted in each building) and remain in the evacuation area until notified the emergency has been resolved
Gas Leak
Natural gas is a non-toxic, colorless, odorless, and combustible. For safety and detection, Washington Gas adds an unpleasant odorant called mercaptan (smells like rotten eggs) to the natural gas traveling through most of the pipelines.
If you suspect a natural gas leak or other gas emergency situation:
- Evacuate the area immediately; warn others as you exit a building or leave the area, if possible
- Do nothing that could create an ignition source. Do not use any type of phone or battery-powered equipment. Do not turn electrical equipment or light switches on or off.
- From a safe location, contact the Office of Safety and Security
- Do not attempt to locate the source of the odor or re-enter the area
Hazardous Material Spill or Release
If a spill or release of hazardous materials should occur within a building:
- Contact the Office of Safety and Security and provide the name and quantity of the material, if known
- Evacuate all persons from the affected area and secure area to prevent further contamination
- Do not attempt to clean up the spill unless you have related training
- Anyone who is contaminated by a spill should wash off the contamination with water, remain in the vicinity, and provide their names to the Security officers
If a spill or release of hazardous materials should occur outside a building:
- Contact the Office of Safety and Security and provide the name and quantity of the material, if known
- Security officers or members of the Campus Response Team may request persons shelter-in-place
- If sheltering-in-place, select interior rooms with the fewest windows.
- Continue to shelter-in-place until receiving further instructions from a Security officer or a member of the Campus Response Team.
Swimming Pool
- Immediately upon notification of a building emergency or the closing of the College or campus due to an emergency, all pool activities including College classes will be suspended or cancelled; patrons will be asked to leave the pool area, to quickly dress appropriately for outdoor conditions, and to exit the building; the swimming pool area and locker rooms will be cleared and secured
- If a building emergency, patrons should go to a campus emergency evacuation area
- If the College or campus is closed, patrons will be asked to make arrangements to leave the campus. It is the responsibility of the coach or team representative to ensure all swim team members have left the campus before the coach or team representative departs
- The Pool information line will be updated with closing information and a sign posted on the Pool office door
- The Pool website will be updated (Germantown only), if possible
Early Morning Recreational Swim Sessions
- A decision to cancel early morning swim sessions may be made before, and separate from, a College decision to delay opening or close due to weather conditions
- Morning swim sessions will be cancelled if there is snow, sleet, or freezing rain during the night and roadways and walkways are covered. Although area roads may be drivable, campus roads, parking lots and walkways may not have been cleared
- The decision not to open for the early morning swim may only be made just prior to the beginning of the early morning swim time, and may only be available by calling the swimming pool information line
- During inclement weather, early morning swimmers are advised to delay their trip to the pool to allow sufficient time for a decision to be communicated, or swim during a later swim session if the College is open. If in doubt, please stay home.
Public and Private School Swim Team Practices, Meets, and Other Activities
- Public and private schools using the College swimming pool may announce a delayed opening, an early dismissal, or the closing of their schools. Internal school emergency closing procedures will determine if an activity will be held
- Regardless of a decision by a public or private school, if the College or campus is closed, the pool will be closed
Reporting and Handling of Crimes
- In the event that you are the victim of a crime, observe a crime in progress, believe a crime may be in progress, or observe a suspicious person, CALL 9-1-1 or notify the Office of Safety and Security immediately (all calls are kept confidential)
- Provide your name, location, and a description of the incident
- If safe to do so, remain where you are until contacted by a Security officer and record a mental description of the suspect. Note height, weight, sex, color, approximate age, clothing, method and direction of travel, and the person's name, if known
- If the suspect is entering a vehicle, note the license number, make and model, color, and outstanding characteristics
- When in doubt, report it, but do not attempt to apprehend or interfere with the possible criminal, except in cases of self-protection
- Protect the crime scene – items may have been handled by the perpetrator and bear fingerprints. These should not be touched. Do not clean or disturb the area
- In case of a serious crime, the room or area where the crime occurred should be sealed off immediately. Do not allow anyone to enter the area until Security officers or the Police have secured and examined the area
Active Shooter
An active shooter is a person or persons who are engaged in killing or attempting to kill people.
If you are outside and observe an active shooter:
- Take cover immediately
- If possible, take cover in a building and follow the procedures listed below
If an active shooter is outside your building:
- Proceed to a room with doors that can be locked or barricaded
- Secure windows, close blinds, or cover windows
- Turn off all lights, computer monitors, radios, and cell phones
- Ensure no one is visible from the outside; have all persons lie on the floor
- One person should CALL 9-1-1 and provide their name, exact location, number of shooters, description of shooters including clothing, number of persons in the room, and any injuries
- Remain in room until an “All Clear” is given by Police. Do not respond unless you can verify it is the Police giving the command
If an active shooter is inside your building:
- If possible, exit the building
- Proceed to a safe location and CALL 9-1-1
- If you cannot exit the building, follow the procedures noted above
If an active shooter enters your classroom or office:
- If you cannot escape, take cover behind or under furniture
- If possible, CALL 9-1-1 and report location of shooter. If you cannot speak, keep line open so room can be monitored
by the 9-1-1 call taker
- If you cannot escape, you may attempt to negotiate with shooter
- Any attempt to overpower the shooter should be the last option
- If shooter leaves the area, CALL 9-1-1 and proceed to a safer location or wait for Police assistance
Hostage Situation
If you observe or become aware of a hostage situation:
- Move to a safe location
- CALL 9-1-1 or the Office of Safety and Security
- Provide the following information
Your name, location, and phone number
Specific location of event
Number and description of hostage takers
Number of possible hostages
Description of any weapons hostage takers may have
If you are taken hostage:
- Remain calm, respectful, passive, comply with requests, avoid sudden movements, and avoid debates
- Closely observe hostage takers in order to provide detailed description later
- Stay away from doors and windows, if possible
During a rescue:
- Assume rescuers will not know if you are a hostage taker or a hostage
- Remain in place and follow all instructions you are given
- Identification will occur once you are in a safe area
Weather
In addition to the Director of Emergency Planning, each Office of Safety and Security, as well as the three Directors of Facilities will monitor weather alert radios, Alert Montgomery, or media stations for National Weather Service (NWS) Watches or Warnings issued for Montgomery County. Montgomery College ALERT will be used along with all other current communication mechanisms to announce weather related collegewide and campus closings, delays, or emergencies.
Per the National Weather Service:
- A WATCH is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so”
- A WARNING is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property”
- A TORNADO EMERGENCY is issued when a large, violent tornado is expected to impact a populated area
If a High Wind or Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, continue to monitor weather forecasts and current conditions. If storm impacts a College location, seek shelter immediately
If a Tornado Warning or Tornado Emergency is issued and a College location is in the projected or actual track of the storm, seek shelter immediately in windowless hallways or rooms located on the lowest level of a building. Areas with wide-span roofs such as an auditorium, cafeteria, or large wide hallways should be avoided. Remain in the protected area until the danger has passed
If a Winter Storm Watch or Warning is issued, continue to monitor weather forecasts and current conditions. See Notification of Changes to College Operations for communication methods used by the College for notification of changes to campus or College operations.
Pandemic Influenza
A local or regional outbreak of a pandemic influenza will be closely monitored by College staff. Information and directions provided by county, state, and federal agencies will determine the College’s response to the outbreak. Informational updates will be provided to the College community through Inside MC Online, My MC, and e-mail.
If the College, in consultation with the county's health department, determines operational changes need to be made, they will be communicated to the College community through the same communication channels that are used in the case of weather emergencies, which include MC Urgent e-mails, a Web site message, notification of the local media, and Montgomery College ALERT text or e-mail messages
General Influenza Information
- Influenza virus is contagious and is spread from human to human through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touching mouth or nose.
- Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, is effective in treating the symptoms. It will not prevent or cure the flu.
- Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick.
- The county’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regularly monitors hospitals, pharmacies, and other agencies for trends.
- According to CDC guidelines, persons with flu-like symptoms or an illness should stay home for at least seven days or longer if symptoms continue to persist.
Tips for Preventing the Flu
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 15 seconds), especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective, but only if they are at least 60% alcohol. Rub hand cleaner into hands until hands are dry. Apply more hand cleaner if hands dry in less than 15 seconds.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- If you get flu-like illness symptoms, stay home from work or school, except to seek medical care, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Bomb Threat
Bomb threats are delivered in a variety of ways. The majority of threats are called directly in to the target. Occasionally these calls are through a third party, communicated in writing, or by a recording.
Any College employee who receives a bomb threat call should try to:
- Document the exact wording of the threat
- On a multi-line phone equipped with caller-ID or a cell phone, record the caller’s phone number
- Obtain as much information as possible including
When is bomb going to explode?
Where is the bomb right now?
What does the bomb look like?
What kind of bomb is it?
What will cause the bomb to explode?
Did you place the bomb? Why?
Where are you now?
What is your name and address?
- Male or Female?
- Voice characteristics? If voice is familiar, who did it sound like?
- Background sounds?
- After the call has ended, IMMEDIATELY call the Office of Safety and Security. To avoid unnecessary panic, do not discuss the contents of the bomb threat with anyone else
Campus Demonstrations
Demonstrators are not required to obtain permission to hold a demonstration on any of the campuses or elsewhere on College-owned property, nor to reserve space or notify the College in advance, unless they choose to do so. Demonstrations may continue so long as they are in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and College policies, rules and regulations. Improper actions in violation of this policy and procedures include but are not limited to:
- Demonstrations inside buildings
- Blocking stairways, walkways, entrances, and exits from buildings or roadways or otherwise restrict free movement on any of the campuses
- Disruption of, or interference with instructional activities, other College business and/or campus events
- Actual or threats of physical violence, or other forms of harassment, or destruction/defacement of property
- Interference with free entry to or exit from College facilities and free movement by individuals; and
- Interference with the rights of other members of the College community to freedom of speech or assembly or other rights
Suspicious Letter or Package
These guidelines have been obtained from various federal agencies.
Characteristics of a suspicious letter or package:
- Discoloration, oily stains, or an unusual odor
- Crystals, powder, or powder-like residue on the surface
- Suspicious or threatening language on the outside of package or letter
- Excessive tape or string
- Rigid, uneven, irregular, or lopsided package
- Package with soft spots, bulges, or excessive weight
- Handwritten, block-printed or poorly typed addresses
- Excessive postage
- Title but no name or incorrect title
- Misspelled common words, addressee’s name, title, or location
- Addressee unknown or no longer with organization
- Protruding wires or aluminum foil
- Ticking sound
- Unexpected mail from a foreign country
If you suspect the package may contain an explosive device:
- Do not handle the package
- Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering
- Contact the Office of Safety and Security and notify department supervisor
If you receive or discover a suspicious letter or package:
- Do not open, shake, or otherwise disturb its contents
- Place package on table or floor
- Contact the Office of Safety and Security
- Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering
- Wash hands well with soap and water
- Notify department supervisor
If you open a letter or package containing a threatening message related to a hazardous substance or an unknown powder is observed:
- Place package on table or floor
- Do not touch or try to clean up the substance
- Contact the Office of Safety and Security
- Notify department supervisor
- Do not remove any items from area
- Alert others nearby
- Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering
- Move to a safe location and remain in place to prevent spread of the substance
- Wash hands with soap and water to prevent facial contamination
- Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in plastic bag
- If contaminated, shower as soon as possible