Emergency
What to do in an emergency
-
Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder
-
Assault/Sexual Assault
-
Automobile/Injury Accident
-
Bomb Threat
-
Calling 911
-
Fire Emergency
-
Medical Emergency
-
Psychological Emergency
-
Suspicious Letters and Packages
-
Utility Emergency
-
Weather Emergency
Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder
Quick Tip: Run, hide, or take action. Dial 911 when safe.
IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER/HOSTILE INTRUDER:
Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.
IF YOU DECIDE TO RUN:
- Have an escape route plan in mind.
- Leave your belongings.
- Keep your hands visible.
IF YOU DECIDE TO HIDE:
- Hide in an area out of the suspect’s view.
- Block entry to your hiding place and lock all doors.
IF YOU DECIDE TO FIGHT:
- This should be a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
- Attempt to incapacitate the suspect.
- Act with physical aggression and throw items at the suspect.
IN THE EVENT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER OR HOSTILE INTRUDER IS SEEN INSIDE A BUILDING:
- DO NOT pull a fire alarm. This could cause innocent people to be put in harm’s way. Only you can tell if it is safe to run from the building.
- If in doubt, do not run. Seek shelter where you are.
- Lock and barricade the doors to the room you are in.
- Turn off the lights.
- Close blinds.
- Silence cell phones and other electronic devices.
- Turn off radio and computer monitors.
- Stay out of sight of windows and doors and do not huddle together.
- Be quiet and stay calm.
- Stay in hiding until a police officer gives an “All Clear” notification.
IN THE EVENT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER OR HOSTILE INTRUDER IS SEEN OUTSIDE A BUILDING:
- Run away from the threat as fast as you can.
- Do not run in a straight line.
- Keep objects or buildings between you and the active shooter or hostile intruder.
- If you can, get away from the area of danger and warn others not to enter the area.
- If the active shooter or hostile intruder is near you and causing great harm, hide if at all possible.
DIAL 911 AND REPORT WHEN SAFE TO DO SO
- If not safe to speak, dial 911 and leave the line open so the police can listen to what is taking place. Remain calm and be prepared to provide the following information:
- Your location.
- Your name and contact information.
- Number of shooters/hostile intruders.
- Description of shooters/hostile intruders.
- Type of weapons involved (knife, handgun, long gun, etc.).
- Location of shooters/hostile intruders and direction of travel.
- Number of potential victims.
HOW TO RESPOND WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES:
- Be aware that emergency personnel may not know who the active shooter or hostile intruder is when arriving on scene.
- Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions.
- Immediately raise hands and spread fingers.
- Keep hands visible at all times.
- Avoid pointing and screaming and/or yelling.
- Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.
Assault/Sexual Assault
Quick Tip: For an emergency situation, Dial 911 and report incident immediately.
IN THE EVENT OF AN ASSAULT:
For non-emergency assistance, contact Campus Security at (231) 777-0545.
- Check if the area is safe to approach.
- Ask if the person is physically injured.
- Render assistance to the victim.
- Avoid touching the victim.
- Listen carefully.
- Do not question the person about the details of the attack.
- Protect the scene for evidence.
- Encourage the victim NOT to clean up, shower, or change clothing to prevent valuable evidence from being destroyed.
BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
- Location of incident.
- Any weapons involved.
- Type of injury.
- Description of suspect.
- Your name, location, and phone number.
To report a sexual assault online, click here.
Automobile/Injury Accident
Quick Tip: Dial 911 and report incident immediately.
IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING INJURED PASSENGER OR A PEDESTRIAN:
- Dial 911 and report incident immediately. Inform dispatch of the extent of injuries and number of people involved.
- Do not move injured person or vehicles.
- Request all persons and witnesses involved remain at the scene until police arrive.
- If driver of vehicle leaves the scene:
- Document license plate number and description of vehicle.
- Document the driver’s description.
IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING PERSONAL PROPERTY ONLY:
Dial 911. Report immediately when:
- One or more vehicle(s) is (are) blocking traffic.
- Driver of vehicle is leaving the scene.
- Document the license plate number and description of vehicle.
- Document the driver’s description.
- Downed utility wire.
- Other threats which may involve injury.
DIAL (231) 777-0545 FOR NON-EMERGENCY WHEN:
- Accident occurred within a parking lot.
- Minor accident on roadway. Vehicles are not blocking traffic or can be moved safely out of traffic.
Bomb Threat
Quick Tip: If you receive a bomb threat, get as much information as possible and dial 911.
IN THE EVENT OF A BOMB THREAT:
- Obtain and document as much information as possible on the Bomb Threat Sheet.
- Do not use radio, walkie-talkie, cell phones, or beepers. Transmission could set off a bomb.
- Do not speak to anyone about the incident until released to do so.
- Dial 911 and report incident immediately.
EVACUATION:
- If the building is to be evacuated, follow the building evacuation guidelines and stay alert to your surroundings.
- Immediately dial 911 and report any suspicious persons or objects.
- Extend the distance to stay away from the affected building from 350 feet to 500 feet.
Calling 911
The easiest and fastest way to get a police, fire, or medical response is to dial 911. It is faster than emailing, tweets, or texting. Always call 911 for any urgent situations.
HOW TO CALL 911
It is not necessary to dial a 9 first. You may dial 911 or 9-911, they will both work the same.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL 911
- Location verification. It is very important that responders are going to the right location, building, and room. The 911 operator will discuss who you are and where you are at. They MUST verify where you are. Click for a list of campus addresses.
- If you reach a recording, listen to what it says. If the recording says your call cannot be completed, hang up and try again. If the recording says all call-takers are busy, wait! Dispatchers are often very busy. A dispatcher will speak to you when available.
- Wait for the dispatcher to ask questions. Answer all questions clearly and calmly. If you are in danger of assault, the dispatcher will still need you to answer. You may need to answer quietly. If so, the dispatcher will ask mostly “yes” and “no” questions.
- Let the dispatcher guide the conversation. The dispatcher needs to type information into a computer. This may seem to take a long time. The dispatcher is typing information to emergency responders that are already being sent while you are waiting on the line.
- Follow all directions. In some cases, the dispatcher will give you directions. Listen carefully and follow each step exactly. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand.
- Keep your eyes open. You may be asked to describe victims, suspects, vehicles, or other events at the scene.
- Do not hang up the call. Wait until you are directed to do so by the dispatcher.
WHAT IF I CALL 911 ACCIDENTALLY?
Do not hang up. Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that everything is alright. If you don’t, the dispatcher will think that something is wrong and send a police officer to check.
Fire Emergency
Quick Tip: Go to a safe place and dial 911.
IF YOU HEAR A FIRE ALARM:
When the fire alarm sounds, you must leave the building immediately. Faculty/staff should be prepared to account for their students.
- Follow emergency evacuation route procedure.
- Do not use elevators during a fire alarm. Use the nearest stairway.
- Remain calm and walk. Do not run.
- Go to the designated meeting place. Once outside the building, keep at least 25 feet away from the building and any emergency vehicles.
- Notify emergency personnel (dial 911) of any persons with disabilities requiring assistance. Persons with disabilities should go to the nearest stairwell and wait for emergency rescue personnel.
- Do not enter the building until police or fire personnel have given an “All Clear.”
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FIRE IN PROGRESS:
- Extinguish small fires if you can.
- Locate and activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
- Leave the area of fire immediately.
- Once you have reached an area of safety, dial 911 and report what you observed.
- USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER:
It may be possible to put out a small fire using a portable fire extinguisher. - Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
- Do not take unnecessary risks or put yourself in danger.
- Stay at least six to eight feet away from the fire.
- Use the PASS procedure to deploy the fire extinguisher:
-
- Pull the pin.
-
- Aim at the base of the flame.
-
- Squeeze the lever.
-
- Sweep the extinguisher slowly back and forth.
- If the fire is not put out by the fire extinguisher, leave the area immediately.
Medical Emergency
IN THE EVENT OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Dial 911 for assistance. If safe to do so, stay with the victim until medical help arrives on scene. Do NOT attempt to move the person. Other than the individuals rendering immediate aid to the person, all others should stay clear of the immediate area.
BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- Location of incident.
- Nature of injury or illness.
- The gender and approximate age of the person.
- How incident occurred.
- Your name, location, and phone number where you can be reached in case additional information is needed.
Psychological Emergency
Quick Tip: Dial 911 for violent, threatening, or health related danger.
IN THE EVENT OF A PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISIS:
Contact the police by dialing 911 if you encounter violent and/or threatening behavior, or if a person’s health appears to be in danger. For non-emergencies, dial MCC Campus Security at (231) 777-0545.
OBJECTIVE:
Your main objective is to get the person referred to professional care. Do not risk the safety of yourself or others. If safe to do so, wait until emergency personnel are on scene.
A PERSON IN PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISIS MAY EXHIBIT SOME OF THESE INDICATIONS:
- Crying
- Suicidal tendencies
- Extreme withdrawal
- Agitated or aggressive behavior
- Unusual outbursts or disorientated statements
- Behavior or emotions inconsistent with his/her normal behavior
SAFETY GUIDELINES:
- Check that the area is safe to approach.
- Look for potential weapons on or within reach of the person.
- Keep a safe distance away from the person. The person may be a threat to you and to others.
- Take all threats seriously.
- Introduce yourself and let the person know you want to help.
- Ask if the person is physically injured.
- Listen for anger, depression, or uncertainty.
- Remain calm and rational; do not overreact.
- Avoid physical techniques; physical intervention can escalate the situation.
- Keep non-verbal cues non-threatening; body language, movement, and tone of voice send more messages than what you say.
Suspicious Letters and Packages
Quick Tip: Do not move, open, smell, or taste. Evacuate and dial 911.
IN THE EVENT OF A SUSPICIOUS LETTER OR PACKAGE:
- Do not move or handle.
- Do not open, smell, or taste.
- Evacuate immediate area.
- Dial 911 to report incident.
IF A PARCEL IS OPEN AND/OR A THREAT IS IDENTIFIED:
- For a bomb: Evacuate immediately.
- For radiological: Limit exposure and do not handle. Evacuate immediately. Shield yourself from the object.
- For biological or chemical: Limit exposure and do not handle. If exposed, isolate yourself from others to prevent spreading the agent. Flush exposed skin with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes.
A SUSPICIOUS LETTER OR PACKAGE MAY HAVE SOME OF THESE INDICATIONS:
- No return address
- Restrictive markings (“Personal”)
- Postmark city different from return address
- Fictitious, unfamiliar, or no return address
- Address to title only (President), or an incorrect title
- Wrong title with name
- Ticking sounds
- Excessive postage
- Misspelled words
- Badly typed or poorly written information
- Protruding wires
- Rigid or bulky appearance
- Strange odor
- Oily stains, discolorations, or crystallization on wrapper
- Excessive tape or string
Utility Emergency
Quick Tip: Dial 911 and report incident immediately.
IN THE EVENT OF A UTILITY EMERGENCY:
Dial 911 for assistance with critical emergencies. Any emergency involving a utility (for example: electrical wires, water mains or pipes, steam pipes, natural gas pipes) needs to be reported immediately.
For non-emergency assistance contact MCC Campus Security at (231) 777-0545.
TYPES OF UTILITY EMERGENCIES
- Power failure — Power failures are usually of short duration so it is advisable to remain in the building. If it appears that the outage will be lengthy you will be notified if university operations are suspended.
- Downed electrical power lines — Always treat downed electrical power lines as if they were charged with electricity. Do not go near downed electrical power lines.
- Water main break — Avoid the area as the water may have weakened the soil underground, which could cause the ground to collapse.
STEAM AND NATURAL GAS PIPE LEAKS
- Do not go near a leak. Evacuate the area immediately.
- Steam or vapor in the air, or excessively high temperature conditions could be indications of a steam leak. Do not go near or touch steam escaping from a pipe, as steam under pressure can cause serious burns.
- Natural gas leaks may be noticed by the distinctive odor associated with natural gas. Do not turn on or off any lights or other electrical or electronic devices in the area where the smell is present. Leave the area as quickly as possible. Doors and windows should be left open to help ventilate the area.
Weather Emergency
Quick Tip: Register for RAVE for the most up-to-date campus closing information sent directly to your phone and/or email.
WINTER STORM WARNING/CAMPUS CLOSING
Hazardous winter weather is imminent and there is a good possibility of heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. MCC operations may be suspended or delayed. For the most up-to-date campus closure information:
Check for RAVE alerts on your cellphone or email (click here to sign up). Updates will also appear on the MCC website homepage, the MyMCC homepage, and on the MCC Facebook page.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
A severe thunderstorm (with rain, hail, or high winds) has been sighted and may be approaching the area. MCC operations continue as normal. Outdoor athletic and other events may be cancelled. Remain inside the building and be alert for changes in weather conditions.
TORNADO WARNING
A tornado has been sighted and may be approaching the area. A warning is an emergency situation requiring persons in the affected area to seek immediate shelter. Sirens are activated. All MCC operations are suspended until the event has passed.
IN THE EVENT A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED:
- Close doors and windows.
- Move away from all windows or glass-enclosed areas.
- Go to the nearest emergency shelter area.
- Remain calm and walk – do not run.
- Faculty/staff should be prepared to account for their students. Notify MCC Campus Security (231) 777-0545 of any persons with disabilities requiring assistance.
- Stay in the shelter until an “All Clear” is given.
DESIGNATED SHELTER AREAS
The safest area is the center of the building.