Please adhere to response procedures below for responding to an Active Shooter in your building. If you can evacuate the area, please do so in as safe a manner as possible.

Secure your immediate area:

• Lock and/or barricade doors with any available object(s) (chairs, tables, desks, etc.)
• Turn off lights
• Close blinds
• Block windows
• Turn off computer monitors
• Keep occupants calm, quiet, and out of sight by laying low to the ground
• Keep yourself out of sight and take adequate cover/protection (i.e. concrete walls, desks, chairs, tables, filing cabinets, etc.). Such cover may protect you from injury
• Silence cell phones
• Place signs in exterior windows to identify the location of injured persons

Contacting Authorities:

• Dial 911 or 9-9-1-1 from any campus telephone. Be aware that the 911 system will likely be overwhelmed.

What to Report:

• Your specific location- building name and office/room number
• Number of people at your specific location
• Injuries- number injured, types of injuries
• Assailant(s)- location, number of suspects, race/gender, clothing description, physical features, type of weapon(s) (long gun or hand gun), backpack, shooter’s identity if known, separate explosions from gunfire, etc.

What to do if a Bomb Threat is Received

Obtain as much information as possible using the Bomb Threat Checklist.

Record

• Exact time of the call
• Exact words of the caller

Questions to Ask

• When is the bomb going to explode?
• Where is the bomb?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will cause it to explode?
• Did you place the bomb?
• Why?
• Where are you calling from?
• What is your address?
• What is your name?
• CALLER'S VOICE IS:
  (Choose one)
  Calm Slow Crying Slurred
  Stutter Deep Loud Broken
  Giggling Accent Angry Rapid
  Stressed Nasal Lisp Excited
  Disguised Sincere Normal Squeaky
• If voice is familiar, whom did it sound like
• Were there any background noises?
• Remarks
• Person receiving call
• Telephone number call received
• Date

Contact Campus Safety immediately at

• On-campus extension: 5050
• Security Office Direct: 507-280-5050

Evacuation Procedure

In Advance, Each Staff Member Should:

• Understand the evacuation plan.
• Know at least two ways out of the building from your regular workspace.

When You Hear the Evacuation Alarm Or Are Verbally Told To Begin Evacuating The Building

• Remain calm and do not use your cellular phone.
• Leave quickly.
• Try to make sure that all members of your department hear the alarm and evacuate the area.
• As you exit, quickly check nearby restrooms, copier rooms, storage rooms, etc.
• If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.
• Take with you: essential personal items ONLY. Do not attempt to take large or heavy objects.
• Shut all doors behind you as you go. Closed doors can slow the spread of fire, smoke and water.
• Proceed as quickly as possible but in an orderly manner. Do not push or shove. Hold handrails when you are using stairs.
• Once out of the building, proceed to the Code Blue security poles in the parking lot.

Procedure for Dealing with a Chemical Spill

If toxic chemicals come in contact with your skin, immediately flush the affected area with clear water.

• If you need medical attention contact 911, or Campus Safety at on-campus extension: 5050 or directly at 507-280-5050
• If there is any possible danger, evacuate your area.

If a Chemical Fire Occurs

• Remain calm.
• Call 911 by using an emergency phone or by dialing 9-911 from a campus telephone
• Call Campus Safety at on-campus extension: 5050 or directly at 507-280-5050
• If the fire is small and you have received training, attempt to put it out with a fire extinguisher or other available means. Do not jeopardize your personal safety.
• Never allow the fire to come between you and an exit.
• Evacuate your area if you are unable to put out the fire. Close doors and windows behind you to confine the fire. Proceed to an exit.
• Do not break windows. Oxygen feeds a fire.
• Do not attempt to save possessions at the risk of personal injury.
• Do not return to the emergency area until instructed to do so by Campus Safety, Police or Fire Department officials.

Procedure for Earthquake Safety

Even in a severe earthquake, there is much you can do to prevent or minimize injuries or damage to property.

During An Earthquake

If you are inside:

• Stay inside.
• Crawl under a table or desk, or stand in a doorway and watch for falling objects.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, overhead fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases, and electrical equipment.

If you are outside:

• Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
• If forced to stand near a building, watch for falling objects.

If you are in an automobile:

• Stop your vehicle in the nearest open area.
• Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

After An Earthquake

• Remain calm and be prepared for aftershocks.
• Be guided by emergency personnel. If evacuation is ordered, proceed to the nearest clear exit.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in obvious immediate danger (of fire, building collapse, etc.)
• Open doors carefully and watch for falling objects.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not use matches or lighters.
• Avoid using telephones.

Be Prepared

• Understand the evacuation plan.
• Know at least two ways out of the building from your regular workspace.

When You Hear the Evacuation Alarm Or Are Verbally Told To Begin Evacuating The Building

• Remain calm.
• Leave quickly.
• Try to make sure that everyone in your immediate vicinity hears the alarm and evacuates the area.
• As you exit, quickly check nearby restrooms, copier rooms, storage rooms, elevators, etc.
• If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.
• Take with you: essential personal items ONLY. Do not attempt to take large or heavy objects.
• Shut all doors behind you as you go. Closed doors can slow the spread of fire, smoke and water.
• Proceed as quickly as possible but in an orderly manner. Do not push or shove. Hold handrails when you are using stairs.

Explosion Safety Procedure

• Remain calm.
• Be prepared for possible further explosions.
• Crawl under a table or desk.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, overhead fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases, and electrical equipment.
• Be guided by Campus Safety, Police, or Fire Department personnel. If evacuation is ordered, proceed to one of the designated exits.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in obvious immediate danger (of fire, building, collapse, etc.).
• Open doors carefully. Watch for falling objects.
• Do not use elevators.
• If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.
• Do not use matches or lighters.
• Avoid using telephones.

How To Report A Fire

• Report any fires on campus to Campus Safety at the on-campus extension: 5050 or directly at 507-280-5050.
• Use an emergency phone to contact 9-1-1 or dial 9-9-1-1 from a campus telephone.
• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
• If you can help control the fire without personal danger, take action with available firefighting equipment. If not, leave the area.
• A local alarm station will cause the alarm sirens to sound. It does not automatically notify the fire department.
• Never allow the fire to come between you and an exit.
• Remove all persons from the danger area.
• Close doors behind you to confine the fire.

Response to Audible Fire Alarm

• If the audible horn alarm sounds, evacuate the building/area immediately.
• Do not use the elevators.
• If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.
• Take essential items with you only.
• Return to the building only when instructed to do so by Campus Safety, Police or Fire Department officials.

In the event that classes are cancelled, the following notification methods will provide timely information regarding campus status:

• RCTC Emergency Alerts (text message emergency alert service for students and staff)
• TV Broadcast Channels
• Radio Broadcast
• College’s homepage: www.rctc.edu
• Student Email

When emergency situations – severe weather, power failure, fire, loss of water, or other serious event – force the closing of RCTC or the cancellation of day, evening, or weekend classes, local radio and television stations will be notified and announcements broadcast at frequent intervals. The decision to suspend operations and/or cancel classroom instruction and activities is made as early in the day as possible.

Snow/Storm Closings

Weather reports are monitored 24/7 by College officials. The decision to cancel classes is made after an assessment involving the following criteria:

• Severity of the weather conditions
• Expected duration of the storm
• Vehicular travel conditions throughout the service area
• Ability to render campus and outreach center roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots safely usable

If a decision is made to suspend morning classes, notifications will be sent prior to 6am or as soon thereafter as possible. A decision regarding evening classes may be made by 3pm or as soon thereafter as possible.

When inclement weather strikes the area, students are advised to first consider the conditions in their immediate area relative to traveling safely. Conditions may vary significantly within the service area of the College and its outreach centers. Decisions regarding College operations are made on the general status of the overall service area.

Students are ultimately responsible for their own safety and travel decisions. Coursework is also the continuing responsibility of students. A decision to be absent from a class for any reason does not exonerate students from their full responsibility to complete all prescribed coursework. If you decide not to attend class, students should their instructor(s).

Assistance for Illness or Injuries

• Call Campus Safety at the on-campus extension: 5050 or directly at 507-280-5050. If an ambulance is required, dial 9-9-1-1 from a campus telephone.
• Campus Security will provide the required services.
• Unless trained, do not attempt to render any first aid before trained assistance arrives.
• Do not attempt to move a person who has fallen and appears to be in pain.
• Limit your communication with ill or injured persons to quiet reassurances.
• After the person's immediate needs have been taken care of, remain to assist the investigating officer with pertinent information about the incident.
• Planning for such emergencies includes being trained in emergency first aid procedures and CPR.

Procedure for Power Outage

• Remain calm.
• Provide assistance to others in your immediate area that may be unfamiliar with the space.
• If you are in an unlighted area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.
• If you are in an elevator, stay calm. Use the emergency button or telephone to alert Campus Safety.
• If instructed to evacuate, proceed cautiously to the nearest clear exit.
• Planning for such situations includes having a flashlight available.
• Call Campus Safety at the on-campus extension: 5050 or directly at 507-280-5050

Procedure for Elevator Malfunction

If an elevator malfunction and a person is confined in the stalled elevator, contact Campus Safety immediately. Dial the on-campus extension: 5050 or directly at 507-280-5050. A Campus Safety Officer will be dispatched to the scene to help.

Reporting Disruptive or Violent Behavior

Contact Campus Safety immediately by calling the on-campus extension: 5050 or directly at 507-280-5050.

Share any pertinent information:

• Location
• Nature of incident
• Description/identity of those involved
• Whereabouts of perpetrators
• Whereabouts of victims
• Description of what transpired
• Any related information

When reporting an incident of crime on campus, all information will be treated with appropriate confidentiality. Please identify yourself to Campus Safety. Your identity will be afforded all due confidentiality. We encourage members of our campus community to report any criminal activity promptly. Safety and security on campus is a cooperative effort.

Upon receipt of notification of a crime occurring on campus, Campus Safety Officers will respond to the scene immediately. The Rochester Police Department will be contacted and Campus Security Officers will secure the area. The Rochester Police will take charge of the investigative process. Campus Safety staff shall assist the Rochester Police Department as directed.

Procedure for Severe Weather

• Stay indoors and be alert to falling objects.
• Proceed to the designated shelter.
• Classrooms will have a diagram posted showing where the designated shelters are located.
• If you are outside, lie flat on the ground in a depression and cover the back of your head and neck with your hands.
• Do not seek cover in an automobile or under a tree.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, glass, and unsecured objects such as filing cabinets or bookcases.
• Do not use elevators.
• If requested, assist persons with disabilities to the safest area on the same floor.
• Remain in the safe area until the “all clear” has been given.

Planning includes identifying the appropriate place in your building to seek shelter should a tornado occur.

Click the link below to view the designated shelter locations.

RCTC Main Campus Basement

RCTC Main Campus First Floor

RCTC Heintz Center

RCTC Regional Sports Center

Power Failure – Utility Interruption

Remain in your classroom, lab, etc., and await the restoration of services. In most instances disruptions of electrical service are of short duration and power is restored quickly. In the event utility service is interrupted for a prolonged period of time, Campus Safety and Facilities personnel will be in contact with utility service representatives to determine when services will be restored. In such instances, college departments and divisions will be kept informed so appropriate action can be taken.

Contact the Campus Security office the on-campus extension: 5050 or directly at 507-280-5050 or report the accident directly to any Campus Safety Officer. If emergency services are required, dial 911 for immediate help, or 507-285-8580 for non-emergency assistance.

Stay at the scene until Campus Safety arrives. Provide a statement describing how the accident happened and other data including make/model/year of vehicle, names of witnesses, license, registration, and insurance information, etc.

Campus Safety will prepare a report of the accident and you may obtain a copy at the Campus Security Office within 72 hours after the accident.

Procedure for a Water Leak

• Remain calm.
• Notify Campus Safety at
• Call Campus Safety at the on-campus extension: 5050 or directly at 507-280-5050 immediately. Report the exact location and severity of the leak.
• If there are electrical appliances or outlets near the leak, use extreme caution. If there is any possible danger, evacuate the area.
• If you know the source of the water and are confident of your ability to stop it (i.e., unclog the drain, turn off the water, etc.), do so.

Be prepared to assist as directed in protecting objects that are in jeopardy. Take only essential steps to avoid or reduce immediate water damage, such as covering objects with plastic sheeting, or moving small or light objects out of danger.