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Isothermal Community College

Emergency Response Guidelines

The guidelines and procedures for various types of emergencies are suggested best practices. However, no one set of responses can cover every possible scenario. Accordingly, use your best judgement based on the situation at hand and be sure to follow two general guidelines:

  1. Stay calm.
  2. Call 911.
  • Emergency Contacts

    Isothermal Community College (ICC) Campus Resource Officers are the primary contact for all campus emergencies.

    ICC Campus Resource Officers will route calls for service to appropriate college officials and/or local emergency responders as required by the emergency.

    Rutherford Campus

    Emergency: 911
    Non-Emergency: 828-289-5850

     

    Polk Campus

    Emergency: dial 911
    Non-Emergency: Columbus Police Department 828-894-5464

  • Emergency Notifications

    During an emergency incident, ICC officials will seek to alert the campus community through at least one of the following methods, depending on the severity of the incident:

    • ICC Alert: Important emergency alerts, notifications, and updates are sent to all registered devices. Mobile users including students, employees, and community members may opt into the ICC Alert System by texting “isothermal” to the number 888777. A reply message will be generated from Nixle confirming your registration.
    • College Email: Broadcast emails are sent to ICC students, faculty and staff.
    • Social Media Websites: Critical information is posted on social media, such as Facebook, and may be viewed both internally (students, faculty and staff) and externally (parents, alumni and other constituents). The college will provide updates to the community as they become available.
    • Telephone: Broadcast intercom messages are sent through the VOIP phone system throughout the campus.
    • Campus Siren System: Broadcast messages are sent through the outdoor notification system.
    • Desktop Alert System: Broadcast messages are sent through isothermal computers.
    • Hallway Speakers: Broadcast intercom messages are sent through hallway speakers throughout the campus.

  • Reporting Crime

    If you are aware of campus crime, emergency, threat, or issue of concern, you are personally responsible for reporting information to the proper authorities.

    All crimes should be reported to Isothermal Campus Resource Officers at (828) 289-5850. Campus Resource Officers will respond and will additional emergency responders if necessary.

    If you witness a crime in progress, call 911 or (828) 289-5850 immediately. Give your name, location, and phone number. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so. Remain at the location until an officer contacts you, unless it is not safe to do so.

    Information may be reported anonymously by submitting an electronic form on the Report A Campus Concern page of the website.

    Although the College accepts anonymous reports, please provide your name and contact information, so that College personnel can follow-up should additional information be needed.

  • College Closing

    Inclement Weather Procedures


    This campus follows the procedures below for announcing operational changes during periods of inclement weather:

    By policy, the College will issue one of the following three announcements:

    1. The campus is open and operating on a regular schedule.
    2. The campus is closed or will close.
    3. The campus will delay opening until a specific time.

     

    Closings and delays are announced through the following methods:

    • ICC Alert (Text Communication System for Registered Users) – see “Emergency Notifications” for instructions on how to register
    • College website: www.isothermal.edu
    • College student and employee emails
    • Social media platforms
  • Special Considerations for Individuals with Specific Needs

    Ask others who are leaving the building to notify emergency responders that a person with a disability requires assistance evacuating. Provide the specific location of the individual.

    For Persons Using a Wheelchair or with Mobility Impairments:

    • Always ask if assistance is needed first. If on the ground floor, no assistance may be necessary.
    • Utilize the stair evacuation chair if necessary. (Located on upper floors near stairwell).

    Visually Impaired Persons:

    • Announce the type of emergency.
    • Offer your arm for guidance.
    • Tell the person where you are going and any obstacles you encounter as you walk.
    • If the individual has a guide dog, let them direct you on how to assist.

    Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

    • Turn lights on/off to gain their attention. Follow with hand gestures to show them the direction to evacuate.
    • Write a note and hand it to them or write a note on the classroom board, e.g. “Fire alarm, please go”.

    Stair Evacuation Chairs Are In The Hallways Of The Following Buildings Near The Stairwell:

    • Administration Building.
    • Engineering Technology and Workforce Development Building.
    • Foundation Building/Performing Arts and Conference Center.
    • Lifelong Learning Center.
    • Bobby England Health and Sciences Building.

    Alert and Evacuate Area:

    • Notify 911 immediately.
    • Close doors to affected areas. Do not attempt to clean up the spill.
    • Barricade the area and move away, informing others as you go.
    • Warn others not to enter the contaminated area.
    • Isolate anyone who has come into contact with the hazardous material to await emergency personnel.
    • Do not pull the fire alarm unless there is an actual fire. If the material is combustible or flammable, inform emergency personnel and turn off ignition sources as you evacuate.
    • Provide first responders with information about the spill, the chemical involved, and the location.
    • Evacuate the building only if directed by first responders.
    • Re-enter the building only when an "all clear" is given by emergency personnel.
  • Hazardous Material

    Alert and Evacuate Area:

    • Call 911 immediately.
    • Close doors and affected area(s). Do not attempt to clean up the spill.
    • Barricade the area. Move away from the release area, informing others as you go.
    • Leave the area and warn others not to enter the area.
    • Isolate anyone who has had contact with the hazardous material to await treatment by emergency personnel.
    • Do not pull the fire alarm unless there is a fire. If spilled material is combustible or flammable, provide information to emergency personnel and turn off ignition sources as you leave.
    • Provide first responders with information about the spill, chemical, and the spill area.
    • Evacuate the building if first responders issue an evacuation order.
    • Re-enter the building only when an “all clear” is provided by first responders.
  • Suspicious Package

    Do Not Touch, Move, or Disturb a Suspicious Item.

    • If you have opened it, remain calm.
    • Notify emergency responders at 911 and Campus Resource Officers at 828-289- 5850 immediately.
    • Be sure to include the location and description of the device.

    Alert and Evacuate Area:

    • Calmly notify others.
    • Keep others out of the area, and if possible, close off the area.
    • Limit the use of two-way radios and cell phones near the suspicious item.

    If You Have Been Contaminated:

    • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, mouth, or any part of your face.
    • Avoid contact with others. Do not touch others or let others touch you.
    • Wash your hands and arms with soap and hot water.
    • Do not attempt to clean or cover anything that might have spilled from a package.
    • Follow all instructions given by emergency responders.
  • Evacuation And Evacuation Maps

    All building occupants are required to evacuate:

    • When the fire alarm is activated.
    • Upon the order of an authorized college official, such as a Campus Resource Officer or Administration.
    • Upon the notification of evacuation via ICC Alert.

    Remember:

    • Turn off flammable devices like stoves or welding torches, stabilize lab procedures, and unplug or disable any device that could make a dangerous situation even worse.
    • Do NOT use elevators. Use the closest exit and proceed down the EXIT stairwell in a safe and orderly manner.
    • Evacuate to evacuation assembly areas and remain at least three hundred (300) feet from the building and await further instructions. Avoid roadways and be aware of approaching emergency vehicles.
    • Notify emergency responders of anyone trapped or any special conditions in the building.
    • Do NOT re-enter the building for any reason until an authorized college official deems it safe.

    Large-Scale Evacuation (Evacuation of Part or All of Campus):

    • Monitor ICC Alert, social media, college email, and college website for additional information.
    • If a large-scale evacuation is deemed necessary, directions and meeting areas to await transport to an off-campus site will be disseminated by college personnel and/or emergency responders.
    Rutherford Campus Polk Campus
  • Shelter-In-Place

    Shelter-in-place is implemented when dangerous environmental conditions warrant that you stay safe indoors. It may be used when there is a warning of extreme weather conditions or a hazardous materials release.

    If a shelter-in-place is ordered:

    • Do not leave the building. Find a safe place within the building to stay and wait for further information.
    • Follow procedures to protect yourself from the specific hazard.
    • If a tornado warning has been issued - report to an interior room on the lowest floor possible away from doors and windows and do not leave the building.
    • If outside, seek shelter in the nearest building, preferably in an interior room with few windows.
    • If a hazardous materials spill has occurred – close all doors and windows.

    Keep in mind, you may:

    • Allow others into the building without jeopardizing your safety. Shelter-in-place is for dangerous environmental conditions but NOT called if there is any known threat of volent behavior.
    • Close all exterior doors, windows and any other openings to the outside.
    • Select several rooms to avoid overcrowding if necessary.
    • Monitor social media, text message, email and the college website for further instructions.
    • Report immediately any information about the hazard that can aid emergency responders by calling 911.
    • Remain in the building until an “all clear” has been given by emergency officials.
  • Severe Weather

    Tornado/Hurricane Watch:

    A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in the area.

    Tornado/Hurricane Warning:

    • A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar in the area.
    • Monitor local tv stations, weather websites, social media, text message, email and the college website for severe weather updates.
    • If possible, move to the lowest level of your building and/or to an interior hallway if a tornado warning is issued.
    • DO NOT pull the fire alarm to alert others of a tornado warning.
    • Stay indoors and away from windows and exterior doors.
    • If a tornado seems imminent, get on the floor in a crouched position and cover your head with your hands.
    • Wait for an “all clear” notification prior to returning to your work area or classroom.
    • If outdoors, lie in a ditch, low-lying area, or crouch near a building if shelter is not available or if there is no time to get indoors.

    Earthquake:

    • Stay indoors.
    • Do not use an open frame, elevator, electrical equipment, or telephone.
    • Crawl under a table, desk, or brace yourself by standing in an interior doorway.
    • Be prepared for aftershocks.
  • Bomb Threat

    If anyone receives information about a bomb or bomb threat, immediately contact 911.

    Bomb threats typically come by telephone. If you receive such a call, remain calm and record as much information as possible from the caller. 

    • When will the bomb explode?
    • What kind of bomb is it?
    • What will cause it to explode?
    • Where is it at now?
    • What does it look like?
    • Did you place the bomb?
    • Who placed the bomb?
    • Why did they place the bomb?
    • What is your address?
    • What is your name?

    All Threats Must Be Considered Real:

    • Notify Law Enforcement by calling 911 immediately to give the information you have obtained. Describe the callers voice, any background noises you heard, and the exact wording of the message.
    • Inform ICC Campus Resource Officers at (828) 289-5850 of any suspicious packages, items, or people in the area.
    • Notify your supervisor.
    • Do not touch the suspicious package(s).
    • Turn off cell phones and do not activate fire alarms.
    • Follow instructions from authorized ICC personnel and first responders regarding evacuation assembly areas.
  • Psychological Distress

    If you are in contact with individuals who appear to be an immediate threat to their own safety or that of others, call 911 and Campus Resource Officers at 828-289-5850.

    A psychological crisis may occur as a result of emergencies, disasters, or other critical incidents such as suicide, sexual assault, violence, deaths, serious accidents, fires, explosions, bomb threats, threats to public welfare, or other traumatic or tragic events affecting the campus community.

    For an unusual or potentially dangerous situation:

    • Ask for help - Never try to handle a dangerous situation alone, if possible.
    • Call Campus Resource Officers at 828-289-5850, identify your location, and they may also notify a counselor.

    Helping Students with Nonlife-threatening Difficulties:

    Notice Unusual Behaviors:
    • Significant changes in academic performance or classroom conduct, unusual behavior or appearance, traumatic event or change in relationships, and any reference to suicide, homicide, or death.
    Respond to the Student:
    • Speak privately with student.
    • Directly and openly discuss your observations and concerns.
    • Offer support and assistance.
    Refer to a Counselor:
    • Be caring, firm, and straightforward in your referral.
    • Call 828-395-1436 and ask to speak with a counselor and offer to walk them to the Patriot Hub.

    After Hours Emergency Contact for Students in Crisis – Call Mobile Crisisor call/text 988 or 888-573-1006 

    Consult the Patriot Hub for help with on-campus and community resources and to discuss your concerns about a student.

  • Fire

    Alert:

    • Activate the alarm system by using the nearest red fire box and leave the building quickly and in an orderly fashion notifying others as you exit. Utilize the exit route posted in the hallway of each building.
    • Immediately notify emergency responders by dialing 911 from a safe location.
    • If time permits, stabilize lab procedures, turn off stoves and ovens, and unplug or disable any device that could make a dangerous situation even worse.
    • If you have been trained and it would not endanger your own safety, use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire.

     Evacuate:

    • Evacuate as quickly and safely as possible via the nearest exit warning others as you leave. Direct students and visitors out of the building as you exit.
    • Close doors and windows, if time permits, to delay the spread of fire and smoke.
    • Use stairs to evacuate. Do not use elevators.
    • Feel closed doors for heat before opening. Do not open them if the door is hot.
    • If you encounter smoke, stay low to the ground. If possible, cover your mouth with cloth to avoid inhalation.
    • Wait for instructions from emergency responders. Do not re-enter the building for any reason until an authorized college official deems it safe and/or  the all clear is given by emergency responders.
    • Once outside, go to your building’s evacuation assembly area. Tell those in charge that you are out of the building and report any injured or trapped persons or any signs of building damage observed.
    • Remain at least three hundred (300) feet outside of the building and await further instructions. Keep roadways open and beware of approaching emergency vehicles.

    If Trapped:

    • Call 911. Find a location away from smoke and heat where you can signal for firefighter assistance by waving an article of clothing from a window. Seal the room. Use a wet cloth to stuff around cracks in doors and seal vents if possible.
    • Do not break windows. Flame and smoke can enter from the outside. If air is needed, slightly open windows.
    • Stay low under smoke. The freshest air is near the floor. Keep a wet cloth over your nose and mouth and breathe through your nose only.
    • If clothing catches fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames.

    Note: Sounding the alarm when there is no fire is against the North Carolina State Law.

  • Active Threat

    If you hear shots fired on campus or witness an armed person:

    Quickly determine the best way to protect your life.

    GET OUT:

    Move quickly: don’t wait for others to validate your decision. Leave your belongings behind. Survival chances increase if you are not where the threat is or if you go where the threat can’t see you.

    CALL OUT:

    Once you are in a safe location, call 911. Advise others in the immediate area to stay away from the threat location.

    HIDE OUT:

    If you can’t get out because the threat is between you and the only exit, then hide out, move out of the hallway, and look for a well-hidden and well protected room. Avoid places that might trap or restrict your movement.

    KEEP OUT:

    Try to find a room that can be locked. If the room can’t be locked, try to barricade or block the door with heavy furniture or other heavy objects. Turn out the lights and other noise producing devices. Try to stay silent. Call/text 911 if you can do so without alerting the threat.

    SPREAD OUT:

    If there are two or more of you, don’t huddle together. Spreading out gives you more options and makes it harder for the threat. Quietly develop a plan of action in the event the threat enters your room. Remain calm, this can have a transferrable effect on others. Stay focused on survival. Keep others focused.

    TAKE OUT:

    Assume the threat intentions are lethal. Develop a survival mindset that you have what it takes to survive when your life is on the line. You must prepare to do whatever it takes to neutralize the threat. Throw things, yell, use improvised weapons. If there are two or more of you, develop a plan to overcome the threat.

    Do the best you can – choose to survive.

    1. Lockdown your immediate area.
    2. Call/text 911 from a safe location.
    3. Emergency officials will activate the campus wide emergency notification of a lockdown.
  • Lockdown

    An imminent threat of violence may be cause for a lockdown of all, or part of campus.

    Exterior doors may be locked by remote access to prevent dangerous persons from entering and thereby avoiding exposure of students, faculty, and staff  and community members to potential danger.

    If a lockdown is ordered:

    • Stay inside, do not leave the building unless an imminently dangerous situation arises inside. If outside, leave campus immediately if possible or try to gain access to the nearest building. Cooperate with proper authorities. Leaving a classroom or building in such a situation may put you at a greater risk.
    • Take shelter in a lockable room if possible. Barricade the doors.
    • Turn off lights and any noise-making devices. Silence cell phones (not vibrate mode).
    • Close windows, shades, blinds, and avoid being seen from outside the room, if possible.
    • Report any emergency or unusual condition to 911.
    • Do not admit anyone into a secure room or building.
    • If a fire alarm is activated during a lockdown, proceed with extreme caution.
    • Wait for the “all clear” to be given through authorized officials before leaving a secure location.
  • Medical Emergencies

    Seek Medical Assistance:

    • Call 911 and tell the dispatcher the:
      • Type of injury or problem.
      • Individual’s present condition.
      • Location of the injured person (e.g. building, room number, etc.)
      • Medical history and events leading to the emergency.
      • Phone number where you can be reached in case you are disconnected. Do not hang up the call until directed to do so.
      • Identify someone specially to go to the closest entrance to direct emergency responders to the injured

    Remember:

    • Do not move an injured person unless there is a dangerous situation.
    • Provide any first aid you are trained to perform until medical personnel arrives and keep the victim as calm and comfortable as possible.
    • If trained, use CPR if there is no pulse and the individual is not breathing. Call for an AED and begin following the device’s instructions.
    • Remain with the victim. An ICC Campus Resource Officers will respond immediately to the scene and will summon additional medical personnel if necessary.

    Blood and Bodily Fluids:

    • Avoid contact with either blood or bodily fluids, at the risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens.
    • DO NOT clean up a blood/bodily-fluid spill unless you are properly trained and have the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

    Reporting Illness/Injury:

    Minor Medical Needs:

    • For minor medical needs, basic first aid kits are available in each building near the AED. The college has no facilities for medical treatment other than minor first aid and can assume no responsibility for injuries or illness of individuals.
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

    AEDs are in the hallways of each building and is a portable medical device used to help someone having sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

    • Administration:
      • 1st floor: Between Human Resources and Restrooms
      • 2nd floor: Outside Men’s Restroom
    • Barn: Inside front entrance
    • Bobby England Health and Sciences:
      • 1st floor outside room 112.
      • 2nd floor outside room 249.
      • 3rd floor outside room 310.
    • Business Sciences: Outside room 114
    • Campus Resource Officers: Each vehicle
    • Communications/WNCW: Outside room 114
    • Engineering Technology and Workforce Development:
      • 1st floor: Outside room 109
      • 2nd floor: Outside room 213
    • Fire Training Center: Hallway near restrooms
    • Foundation/Performing Arts and Conference Center: 
      • Middle of hallway near restrooms
      • PACC- Between Cooley Room and elevator.
    • Health and Public Services: Outside room 9.
    • Information Technology: Hallway near room 12 and office suite.
    • Library and Learning Commons: Outside women's restroom
    • Lifelong Learning Center:
      • 1st floor: main office (REaCH)
      • 2nd floor: middle halway.
    • Machine Shop: Inside main entrance
    • Maintenance: Dock, near main office entrance
    • Polk Campus: Main lobby, outside room 115.
    • Student Services: Outside north/east gym entrance
    • Welding Shop: Near room 2B.
  • Hostage Situation

    If you become aware of a hostage situation, immediately move to a safe location away from danger.

    Immediately call 911 and Campus Resource Officers at 828-289-5850 and provide the following information:

    • Location and room number of incident.
    • Name (if possible), physical description, and number of the hostage taker(s). 
    • Number of hostages and injuries.
    • Types of weapons the hostage taker(s) may have.
    • Your name.
    • Your location and phone number.

    If you are taken hostage:

    • Remain calm, be patient, and polite.
    • Cooperate with your captor(s) and follow their instructions.
    • Speak normally. Avoid complaining and arguing with your captor(s).
    • Avoid drastic action that may draw attention to yourself like sudden movements, statements, or comments, and aggressive looks.
    • Stay alert and observant. Note the captors’ physical traits, voice patterns, clothing or other detail so your description can assist law enforcement if needed.
    • Attempt to create a relationship with your captor(s). Getting to know your captors will make it less likely that they harm you.
    • Remember: It is safer to be submissive and obey your captor(s) than to attempt to escape unless there is an extremely good chance of survival.
    • Stay low to the ground and avoid windows or doors, if possible.

    In a rescue situation:

    • Do NOT Run.
    • Get on the floor, face down and remain still. If it is not possible for you to be on the floor, cross your arms, bow your head, and stand still. Avoid making any sudden movements that an emergency responder may interpret as hostile or threatening.
    • Follow and obey instructions given.
    • Do NOT resist.
    • Avoid being upset or arguing.
    • Allow yourself to be handcuffed and searched. An emergency responder must ascertain if you are a terrorist or a hostage. You may be taken to a safe location where you will be properly identified.

    If a hostage situation becomes an active threat situation, do what is necessary to survive.

  • Sexual Violence

    Sexual Violence refers to physical acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to an intellectual or other disability including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.

    Each participant in a sexual encounter is expected to obtain and give consent to engage in sexual activity.

    Consent is:

    • Not assumed, rather it is explicitly communicated where both parties are informed and actively participate in the decision.
    • Freely and actively given without coercion.
    • Invalid if an individual is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, unconscious, or unaware.
    Remember: Passivity or lack of resistance does not imply consent. Consent given during previous sexual encounters does not provide consent for future sex acts.
    What to do in the event of a sexual assault:
    • Go to a safe place.
    • Seek medical treatment immediately (preferably within 72 hours). Medical attention at a local hospital is required to preserve evidence should criminal prosecution be sought. Notify the health professionals if a predatory rape drug is suspected.
    • Do not shower, bathe, douche, or use the toilet prior to a medical exam.
    • Do not apply medication to injuries unless absolutely necessary.
    • Do not drink, eat, chew gum, smoke or brush your teeth if oral contact has taken place.
    • Do not change your clothing.
      • If you must change clothing, do not store your clothing in anything other than a plastic or paper bag.
      • Do not destroy or wash the clothes you are wearing.
    • Contact Campus Resource Officers at 828-289-5850 and/or local law enforcement by calling 911.
    • Seek free confidential counseling at the Patriot Hub 828-395-1481, PATH Domestic Violence Resource Center 828-245-8595, or Steps for Hope Domestic Violence Resource Center 828-894-2340.

    Isothermal Community College has taken a proactive stance for safety and security by designating a Title IX Coordinator to investigate complaints, oversee the complaints (grievance) procedure, and keep certain records. The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is also available to assist those reporting sexual violence. For more information, contact Student Affairs 828-395-4193, Patriot Hub 828-395-1436, or Campus Resource Officers at 828-289-5850.

    Employees who have knowledge of sexual violence, including sexual harassment, need to make a report to a Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator, unless they are designated as a confidential employee by the College.

    Contact Population Served Contact Information
    Charity Allen,
    Title IX Coordinator    		 Employees, Community Members,and Coordinated all Title IX Issues.  828-395-1686
    callen@isothermal.edu 
    Sandra Lackner,
    Title IX Deputy Coordinator    		 Students 828-395-1429
    slackner@isothermal.edu 
    Jeremiah McCluney,
    Title IX Deputy    		 REaCH Students 828-395-4164
    jsmccun@rcsnc.org 
    Kim McMinn,
    Title IX Deputy    		 Polk County Early College  828-894-2698
    kmcminn@polkschools.org 

     

    ICC personnel shall observe the following guidelines when responding to a sexual violence report:

    • Assess the victim’s wellbeing, render aid, and express concern and assurance.
    • Encourage the victim to seek medical treatment (preferably within 72 hours).
    • Do not question the victim about the details of the incident. Questioning will be handled by trained personnel.
    • Identify the assailant if possible.
    • Make sure the victim is in a secure place.
    • Identify the location of the crime.
    • Assist law enforcement or medical personnel responding to the incident as needed.
    • Do not touch, move, or collect any evidence unless that evidence may be lost if you do not. If you have to collect evidence, record the following information:
      • Item seized.
      • Time seized.
      • Location seized.
    • If evidence is given to you, record the following information:
      • The person’s name, address, telephone number and date of birth.
      • The item given to you.
      • The time and location where the person seized the item. 
      • The time you received the item.
      • Document chain of custody of the evidence.