Emergency Reference Guide

If faced with an active shooter incident, there are THREE things you can do that make a difference: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.

RUN - when an active shooter is in your vicinity:

• If there is a way out, and you can get out, GET OUT! This is your first and best option.
• Get out whether others agree to or not.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help prevent others from entering the danger zone.
• Call Police at 911.

HIDE - If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide:

• Lock and/or barricade the door.
• Shut off lights.
• Close all window blinds/treatments.
• Silence your cell phone, including the vibrate feature.
• Hide behind large objects if possible.
• Remain very quiet and do not leave until directed by law enforcement officers.
• Your hiding place should:
  • Be out of the shooter’s view.
  • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
  • Do not trap or restrict your options for movement.

FIGHT - As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger:

• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with physical aggression.
• Search your immediate area for anything that can be used as a weapon (improvise).
• Do not hesitate to defend yourself (commit to your actions).
• Once the shooter is incapacitated, call 911.

POLICE RESPONSE - When law enforcement officers arrive:

• Keep your EMPTY hands raised and visible, with your fingers spread apart.
• Get on the floor, do not raise up until told to by Law Enforcement.
• Remain calm and follow instructions.
• Avoid pointing or yelling.
• The first police officers or campus security officers to arrive will not respond to or aid those who are They will go directly to the shooter.
• Know that help for the injured is on its Rescue team officers and emergency personnel will care for the injured as soon as possible.
• The area is a crime scene. Police officers may secure all witnesses until identified and questioned.

 Security Patrol Vehicles are also equiped with 1 LifePak CR2 device.

Anytime a bomb threat is received by phone or email it should be considered REAL and Legitimate. 

The person receiving the call should alert someone within the office or their immediate area to listen in on the call if possible.

Here are some basic things to remember if you receive a bomb threat or report:

• WHERE is the bomb and what does it look like?
• Try to find out WHEN the bomb is going to explode.
• Exact wording of the threat (write it down)
• If the threat is received by phone note the caller’s voice: Calm, angry, excited? Is the voice familiar?
• Threat Language: Well Spoken? Foul? Irrational? Incoherent?
• Background sounds: Street noises, machinery, animal noises, music, office equipment?

Bomb Threat/Explosion

The person receiving the call or report should call the Department of Safety and Security at (641)683-5300 and 911 immediately upon ending the phone call with all details of the call.

The Director of Campus Safety and Security, or their designee and local emergency responders, will make a determination as to whether the building, area, or facility should be evacuated and appropriate notifications be made to college personnel.

Immediately cease all two-way radio and cell phone use!

Explosion

• Immediately take cover under tables, desk and other objects which will give protection against falling glass or debris.
• After the effects of the explosion have subsided, notify Police by dialing 911. Give your name and describe the location and nature of the emergency. The Department of Safety and Security should also be notified at (641) 683-5300.
• If necessary, or when directed to do so, activate the building alarm.
• When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to do so by College officials, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.

Everyone is asked to help make IHCC a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations or persons and by reporting them to the Department of Safety and Security at (641) 683-5300 as soon as possible. If you are a victim, witness, or responsible for the safety of students or others, DO NOT TAKE ANY UNNECESSARY CHANCES.

• Avoid physical confrontation with the perpetrator by any reasonable means available. 
• Do not try to apprehend or interfere with the criminal except to defend yourself.
• Without putting yourself in harms way, get a description of the individual(s); height, weight, sex, color, age, clothing, method and direction of travel. If the criminal enters a vehicle, get the license number, make, model, color and outstanding characteristics.  
• Do not touch or move what may be evidence or appear dangerous.
• If possible, go to a safe place.
• Call the Department of Safety and Security at (641) 683-5300 or 911.  Give your name, location and department. Advise of the situation and stay in place until contacted by an officer.
• Do not interfere with those creating the disturbance, Campus Security, or other law enforcement authorities.

Heat and toxic smoke from fire build up with surprising speed, quickly blocking escape paths. Always evacuate immediately when you hear the fire alarm.

If a fire starts in the room you’re in:

• Leave the room and close the door behind you to keep smoke and flames out of the hall.
• Sound the fire alarm by activating the nearest pull station.
• Leave the building by the closest exit.
• Report the fire to the Department of Campus Safety and Security at (641) 683-5300. Provide the building name, floor, room number, and type of emergency. Then call 911.

If you hear a fire alarm:

• Leave your belongings. Walk quickly towards exit; do not run.
• Exit via stairways. Never use the elevator, as you may be trapped or let out into a dangerous area.
• Before opening any door, touch it near the top with the back of your hand to see if it’s hot.
• If smoke blocks your path, there is often cleaner, cooler air nearer the floor level. Don’t stand. Smoke and deadly gases rise.
• If you see anyone struggling to exit, alert emergency personnel with their exact location and condition.
• Follow instructions of first responders.
• Once outside, move to a clear area, if possible, at least 500 feet away from the affected area, or building(s). Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
• Wait for instructions, and do not re-enter the building until allowed to do so from College officials or emergency personnel.
• Fight a fire only if you believe you can put it out without risking your safety.

Evaluate the following before attempting to fight a fire on your own:

• If the fire is small enough for you to manage.
• If an extinguisher is readily available.
• If you are familiar with the operation of the extinguisher.
• If it appears safe to do so (you can fight the fire without blocking your exit path).

• Unless properly trained, do not attempt to clean up the hazardous spill. Call Maintenance at (641) 683-5139 (M-Th 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or Safety and Security (641) 683-5300 (afterhours) or 911.
• If known, provide the identity, amount, and location of the material.
• If the release does not represent a hazard beyond its immediate location:
  • Ask the occupants to leave the area
  • If unsure about the hazard, pull the fire alarm and proceed with evacuation, directing people around the area of concern.
• If the material is unknown or if it poses a hazard beyond its immediate location (e.g. large quantity, highly volatile, or toxic compound), evacuate.
  • Confine the fumes by shutting the door to the room.
  • Sound the building fire alarm. Begin evacuation procedures.
  • Call the Department of Campus Safety and Security at (641) 683-5300. Give your name, department, location and specific information about the nature of the material involved.
  • Leave the building and move to the designated location for the building.  Do not obstruct emergency personnel or vehicles.
• Suspected gas leaks or suspicious odors should be reported to the Department of Campus Safety and Security at (641) 683-5300.Eye or skin contact: Flush the affected area immediately with running If a corrosive material comes in contact with the eyes, seconds count — use any available water source to wash away the contaminant. Have someone call the Department of Safety and Security at (641) 683-5300. Then call 911. Continue rinsing the skin or eyes until help arrives.

When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is Announced: 

• Stay inside
• Move to the lowest floor away from windows and doors.
• Stay away from mechanical rooms and laboratories.
• Stay indoors until instructed otherwise.
• Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
• Turn off air conditioners and other electrical equipment.

When a Tornado Warning is Announced, Occupants will:

• Proceed to the nearest designated shelter area by the quickest route.
• Move quickly but in an orderly manner so that all may arrive safely.
• Take a seat in the shelter area (if seats are not available, calmly remain standing).

Remain in the shelter until the tornado warning is over! Wait for the "All Clear" signal to be given.

Tornado Shelter

If you are in the open:

• Move at right angles to the tornado.
• Attempt to reach shelter, such as a building with a basement.
• If there is no time to escape or find shelter, lie flat in a ditch or depression, avoiding areas subject to rapid water accumulation or flooding in heavy rains.

Trouble areas/places to avoid:

• All outside walls, elevators and windows of buildings.
• Any low-lying area that could flood.
• Vehicles — do not use for shelter.
• Building areas with a large roof span.

When a Flash Flood Warning is Announced:

If you are indoors:

• Move to the highest floor possible.
• Follow the flash flood procedures for the building you are in.
• Remain in the shelter until the flash flood warning is over; wait for the "All Clear" signal to be given.

If you are outdoors:

• If you are outdoors and near a creek or stream when a warning is issued, climb to higher ground on foot immediately. Avoid drains, ditches, ravines, and culverts.
• Do not attempt to outrun a flood in a vehicle — cars will float in as little as one foot of Over half of all flash flood fatalities occur in vehicles.
• If your vehicle stalls or is surrounded by water, abandon it and move to higher ground on foot.

Other helpful information:

• Use caution after a flash flood as risk of electrocution, dangerous debris, and other hazards may exist.
• Use special caution at night because flood danger is more difficult to recognize.

Lockout 
A Lockout prohibits unauthorized personnel into a building. All exterior doors are locked. This procedure allows the occupants of a building to continue as normal, but curtails outside activity. A Lockout is most commonly used when an incident is occurring outside of campus.

• Continue with daily activity
• Be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the Department of Safety and Security (641) 683-5300 or Police 911.
• Do not, under any circumstances, enter the building until authorized to do so by emergency Do not attempt to leave the building until given ALL CLEAR by emergency personnel or College Administrator.

Lockdown

A Lockdown is a procedure used when there is an immediate threat to the campus occupants. In the event of a Lockdown, students, faculty and staff would be instructed to secure themselves in the room they are in and not   to leave until the situation has been curtailed. This allows emergency responders to secure the students and staff in place, address the immediate threat and remove any innocent bystanders from immediate danger to an area of safe refuge.

Overall Procedures:

• Clear all hallways
• Assist those needing additional assistance
• Close all window blinds/treatments and close, lock and barricade classroom/office door
• Turn off lights. Turn off radios and computer monitors and cell phones.
• Keep calm and Stay out of sight and take adequate cover/protection.
• Get on the floor if gunshots or explosions are heard.
• Wait for further direction from emergency personnel.
• Do not attempt to leave a safe area until given ALL CLEAR by emergency personnel or College Administrator.

A mental health emergency exists when an individual is in distress and cannot appropriately manage them or themselves. This includes threatening harm to self or others, exhibiting a sudden loss of contact with reality, or other disturbing behavior. If you are concerned that someone is at risk or harming themselves or others:

• Do not try to handle the situation yourself.
• Notify Campus Security
• Report the following
  • Your name
  • Your location
  • The location of the person involved, if different than your own
  • If you believe your safety is threatened for any reason, distance yourself from the person and wait for officials to arrive
  • The nature of the situation
  • If the person has sustained injury, provide medical care if it is safe for you to do so

A mental health emergency or psychological crisis may include:

• Suicidal behaviors
• An individual threatening to harm themselves or others
• Sudden loss of contract with reality or other bizarre behavior
• An unusual or prolonged reaction to traumatic event(s)
• Any behavior that is unreasonably disturbing

Response:

• Do not try to handle the situation yourself
• Contact Campus Security (641) 683-5300
• Report the following:   
• Location
• Name of the individual
• Nature of the situations
• Any injuries or weapons
• If safe to do so, stay with the person until intervention arrives. Do not leave an individual experiencing a mental health crisis alone unless you are in danger.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING FEELINGS OF SELF-HARM OR HARMING OTHERS:

• Visit or contact Counseling and Prevention Resource Center (CPRC) at 641-683-5152 during business hours or contact Campus Security 641-683-5300.
• Call 988 from any phone for immediate, free, 24x7 confidential support.

IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING FEELINGS OF SELF-HARM OR HARMING OTHERS:

• CONTACT THE CPRC AT 641-683-5152, IHCC staff will work with appropriate resources to aid individuals in need.
• AFTER HOURS: Contact Campus Security.

QUICK REFERENCE FOR ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS HAVING DIFFICULTIES:

• Recognize Symptoms
  • A significant change in academic performance or classroom conduct
  • Unusual behavior or appearance
  • Traumatic events or changes in relationships.
  • Reference to suicide, self-harm, homicide, or death
• Respond to the Individual
  • Speak privately with the individual in need.
  • Directly and candidly discuss your observations and concerns.
  • Offer support and assistance.
• Walk with them to Counseling Services during business hours.

 Security Patrol Vehicles are also equiped with 2 Spray Devices (8mg each).

• For emergency call 911.
• Non - emergency outages call Facilities at (641) 683-5139 or the Department of Safety and Security at (641) 683-5300.
• If there is a major gas leak, do not activate the building fire alarms.
• Leave the building and move to the designated location for the building (at least 500 feet away from the building). Do not obstruct emergency personnel or vehicles.
• If you see anyone struggling to exit, alert emergency personnel with their exact location and In case of electrical failure, do not use the elevator. If stuck in the elevator, use the emergency phone to call for help.
• Turn off appliances, tools, and computer equipment to prevent damage by voltage spikes or surges when power is restored, and to prevent accidents from unexpected restarting of equipment.
• Candles, lighters, and other open flame devices should not be used. Keep flashlights on hand for power outages.

 

Some letter and parcel recognition points of suspicious packages.

• Excessive weight; excessive postage or no postage.
• Incorrect titles or titles but no names.
• Handwritten or poorly typed; misspelling of common words.
• Oily stains or discolorations; protruding wires or foil.
• Excessive securing materials such as masking tape, string, etc.
• No return address; restrictive markings such as confidential, personal, etc.
• Rigid, lopsided, or uneven envelope.
• Visual distractions; foreign mail, air mail, or special delivery.
• Strange odor.

Do not open the suspicious item. If you have opened it, remain calm.

• Call 911 immediately, and notify the Department of Safety and Security at (641) 683-5300. 
• Follow all instructions given by the Department of Safety and Security or emergency personnel.
• Do not move the letter or package or examine it further.
• Keep others out of the area. Close off the area if possible.
• Do not use two - way radios and cell phones near the suspicious item.
• If the package is leaking a substance or powder and you came into contact with the substance, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, mouth, or any part of your face.
• Do not touch others or let others touch you.
• Wash your hands and arms from the elbow down with soap and hot water.
• Do not attempt to clean or cover anything that might have spilled from a package.