Emergency Procedures
In an emergency, call 911.
In the event of an emergency, call 911. If you need to reach public safety, the non-emergency number is 843.953.5609. Facilities Management can be reached at 843.953.5550. Visit emergency.cofc.edu for additional information.
Here, you'll find information about
- building and evacuation procedures.
- fires.
- suspicious packages.
- suspicious behavior/persons of concern.
- gas leaks, fumes, vapors.
- hazardous material spills.
- active shooters.
- medical emergencies.
- flooding.
- bomb threats.
What to do...
BUILDING EVACUATION PROCEDURES
- When the fire alarm is activated, evacuation is mandatory. Follow instructions from emergency personnel.
- Do not use elevators.
- Take personal belongings (ID, keys, purses, wallets, phones) and dress appropriately for
the weather. - Close doors as you exit.
- Move all personnel to a safe area and away from the building in danger. Do not leave the area of congregation/refuge until authorized to do so by emergency personnel.
- Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
- Call 911.
- Notify occupants and help those needing assistance in the immediate area.
- Confine the fire by closing doors as you exit.
- Evacuate the building at the nearest exit.
- Do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so by emergency personnel.
- Do not touch or disturb the object or package.
- Evacuate the immediate area.
- Call 911.
- Notify your building administrator, residence hall director or RA.
SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR/PERSONS OF CONCERN
- Do not physically confront the person exhibiting the behavior.
- Do not let anyone into a locked room/building.
- Do not block a person’s access to an exit.
- Call 911.
- Do not pull fire alarms.
- Do not touch light switches or electrical equipment.
- Call 911.
- Clear the area immediately if instructed to do so by the emergency dispatcher.
- Provide your location, the location of the odor and as many details as possible to the dispatcher.
- If the incident is indoors, close all doors in order to isolate the area if it is safe to do so.
- From a safe area, call 911.
- Be prepared to provide the following information:
- name of the material
- quantity of material
- time of the incident
- location of the incident
- if anyone is injured or exposed to material
- if a fire or explosive is involved
- your name, phone number and location
- Follow instructions provided by the emergency responders.
- Evacuate, if necessary.
- If possible, exit the building immediately and call 911.
- If you cannot exit, clear the hallway immediately and/or remain behind closed doors in a locked or barricaded room, if possible. Stay away from windows. Remain calm and quietly call 911.
- Evacuate the room only when authorities have arrived and instructed you to do so.
- Do not leave or unlock the door to see “what is happening.”
- Do not attempt to confront or apprehend the shooter, unless as a last resort.
- Do not assume someone else has called police or emergency personnel.
Cardiac Arrest/Heart Attack
- Assess the scene for danger.
- Check the victim.
- Call or instruct someone to call 911.
- Locate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if one is available.
- Perform CPR.
Burns
- Remove the cause of the burn.
- Do not apply a dressing or creams or lotions.
- Call 911.
Bleeding
- Apply firm but gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or tissue.
- Immobilize the body part.
- Keep person lying down.
- Call 911.
Flooding can occur due to major rainstorms, water main breaks or loss of power to sump pumps. In case of imminent or actual flooding:
- If you can do so safely:
- Secure vital equipment, records and hazardous materials.
- Shut off non-essential electrical equipment.
- Wait for instructions from Public Safety or Facilities Management.
- Move all personnel to a safe area, away from the building in danger.
- Call 911.
- Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by Public Safety or Facilities Management.
- Call Facilities Management for assistance with flood clean-up at 843.953.5550.
- Remain calm and get as much information as possible from the threatening caller.
- Call 911.
- Follow instructions from emergency personnel.