P&HCC Alert Management

Active Shooter / Dangerous Person

An active shooter or dangerous person is identified as posing an immediate threat to the PHCC campus. If you encounter or learn that such a person is on campus take the following immediate action:

Do Not Attempt to Engage the Person.

• If you are certain you can you can escape unharmed, do so quickly and quietly.
  • If attempting to escape, do not carry phones or other objects in your hands. As you move through open/secure areas keep your hands elevated with palms visible in case you encounter law enforcement personnel. Follow any and all instructions from law enforcement personnel.
• If you cannot exit safely, seek secure shelter.
  • Close and lock window, lower blinds, remain out of sight, turn off lights, take cover behind concrete walls, thick desks and filing cabinets that are away from windows and doors.
  • Remain quiet, turn off cell phone ringers.
• If safe to do so, one person (if you are not alone) should call 911 and tell them where you are, where the dangerous person is (if you know), and the condition of the others with you. Follow all instructions from the 911 dispatcher.
• Do not respond to any unfamiliar voice commands until you can be sure they are coming from law enforcement personnel.

What to do if taken Hostage:

• Be patient. Time is on your side. Avoid drastic action.
• The initial 45 minutes are the most dangerous. Follow instructions and be alert. Don’t make mistakes which could endanger your well-being.
• Don’t speak unless spoken to and then only when necessary. Don’t talk down to the captor who may be in an agitated state. Avoid appearing hostile. Maintain eye contact with the captor at all times if possible, but do not stare. Treat the captor like royalty.
• Remain calm. Avoid speculating. Comply with instructions best as you can. Avoid arguments. Expect the unexpected.
• Be observant. You may be released or escape. The personal safety of others may depend on your memory.
• Be prepared to answer the police on the phone. Be patient and wait. Attempt to establish rapport with the captor. If medications, first aid, or restroom privileges are needed by anyone, say so. The captors in all probability do not want to harm the persons held by them as such direct action further implicates the captor in additional offenses.

If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus, DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT! Clear the area and immediately call Security at extension 0221 or (276)732-2406.

If a bomb threat is received by telephone, note the precise time of the call and the line on which the call was received. If you have “caller ID” on the phone, write down the telephone number. Try to obtain the following information from the caller:

• Where has the bomb been placed?
• What time is the bomb set to explode?
• What type of bomb has been placed?
• How was the bomb delivered to the college?

Try to note the characteristics of the caller, including the caller’s age, sex, sound of voice and any background noises that you can determine. This information may be helpful in the identification of the caller.

Contact campus security 276-656-0221 (from a campus telephone, ext. 0221) or 276 – 732-2406, so that an investigation may commence. The responding police officer will make a determination to evacuate the building(s), campus-wide or to take other action.

If a bomb threat is received by letter or note, do not handle the document, its envelope or enclosures. These items may contain fingerprints that can be used as a means of identifying the person responsible for the act. Contact campus security (listed above).

1. The Security Personnel, in conjunction with others, will conduct a detailed bomb search. Employees are requested to make a cursory inspection of their area for suspicious objects and to report the location to Security. DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT!! Do not open drawers, cabinets, or turn lights on or off.
2. Upon notification, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
3. Assistants are designated to assist disabled individuals during an emergency. If an assistant is not available, Others MUST assist persons with disabilities in exiting the building! Do not use elevators in case of fire. Do not panic! Use stairways.
4. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected buildings(s). Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
5. f requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.

This policy concerns the operation of PHCC campus in Martinsville, Virginia during the hurricane season, normally defined as June 1 through November 30.

Coordination

The campus security will monitor the National Weather Service for current weather conditions and potential threats. Upon announcement from the National Weather Service that the Martinsville area will be affected by a hurricane of any category strength, the campus security will convene the College’s Emergency Management Team (EMT). The EMT is comprised of several college officials, including, but not limited to Vice President of Academic & Student Services, Dean of Student Development Services, Director of Communications and Public Relations and campus Security. The EMT will notify the college’s President of the potential hurricane strike, update him on areas of concern and provide an effective plan that will address them. Likewise, the EMT will notify the President when conditions on the campus are safe for the students, faculty and staff to return. All instructions to evacuate will be given by the President or his designee.

Message to students and staff:
From: The Campus Emergency Team

Outbreaks of illness are not unexpected in the United States. PHCC recognizes the potential and is prepared in the case of a serious outbreak. For persons with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, common infectious diseases can be more serious. Pregnant women are also at risk for more serious illness.

Virginia Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remly has advised Virginians to prepare for the possibility of increased flu activity as students interact in their classes. With that in mind, here is additional important information for PHCC students & parents:

• A college-wide committee has been working diligently to prepare for potential outbreaks.
• For persons with an infectious disease, the current Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation is to stay home from work and school until at least 24 hours after free of fever (100 F/37.8 C) without the use of fever-reducing medication. This means staying home for 3 to 5 days in most cases. This is very important for preventing the spread of disease to others.

Additionally, here are general guidelines to help prevent the spread of influenza:

• Stay home from work and school and limit contact with others to keep from spreading the virus if you have flu-like symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue and body aches.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. The use of alcohol-based hand cleaners also is effective.
• Limit close contact with sick people.
• Prevent the spread of germs by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Call your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

We are monitoring the development of the Novel H1N1 flu vaccine and have ongoing communication with the West Piedmont Health District of the Virginia Department of Health. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends that all people age 6 months -24 years receive the novel H1N1 flu vaccine as part of their voluntary vaccination effort.

For additional information and resources, visit the following web sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

Always observe the steps below when the following emergencies arise:

ELECTRICAL/LIGHT FAILURE – Depending upon the severity of the emergency, building lighting may not provide sufficient illumination in corridors and stairs for safe exiting. It is, therefore, advisable to have a flashlight and portable radios available for emergencies.

ELEVATOR FAILURE – If you become trapped in an elevator, use the emergency phone to notify Security. When the receiver is picked up, it will automatically dial the Security Department.

PLUMBING FAILURE/FLOODING – Cease all operations. DO NOT switch on lights or any electrical equipment: This could cause an explosion.

STEAM LINE FAILURE – Vacate the area immediately.

VENTILATION PROBLEM – If smoke is present, cease all operations and vacate the area.

Steps to Follow:

In the event of a major utility failure occurring during regular working hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday), immediately notify Facilities at Ext. 0215 or call 276-732-2406.

1. If the utility failure occurs after hours, weekends, or holidays, notify the office of Security at extension 0221 or 732-2801.
2. When instructed to evacuate the building, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
3. Individuals are designated to assist disabled individuals during an emergency. If the designated individual is not available, others MUST assist persons with disabilities in exiting the building! Do not use elevators in case of fire. Do not panic! Use stairways.
4. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building(s). Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
5. If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
6. A Command Post may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.
7. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a CERT Official.

For all students, faculty and staff:

• Notify college security at 276-656-0221 (from a campus telephone, ext. 0221) or (276)732-2406.
• Give exact location where police officer should respond. College security will contact an ambulance for prompt and accurate response.
• Perform necessary first aid, if qualified.

Know the difference
Tornado Watch: Issued to alert persons of the possibility of a tornado development in a specified area for a specific period of time.
Tornado Warning: Issued when a tornado has actually been sighted in the area or indicated by radar.

Procedures for Seeking Shelter in each Building – Do Not Use Elevators! Crouch down and move away from windows and doors! Utilize restrooms and hallways!

IF YOU HAVE TIME TO MOVE TO A SAFER PLACE WITHIN CAMPUS: evacuate persons to a safe area prior to a tornado, persons should seek shelter in the basement of the building or on the first floor along an interior wall to avoid windows and sky lights.

IF YOU HAVE NO TIME TO MOVE FROM CURRENT ROOM/OFFICE: persons should seek shelter under heavy furniture, desks, or in a closet to avoid injury from debris (look around your area and select your shelter area after reading this policy).