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

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.

FIRES

  • 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.

 SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES

  • 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.

GAS LEAKS, FUMES, VAPORS

  • 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.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILLS 

  • 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.

ACTIVE SHOOTER

  • 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.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

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

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.

BOMB THREATS

  • Remain calm and get as much information as possible from the threatening caller.
  • Call 911.
  • Follow instructions from emergency personnel.