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 is 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.

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

  Rutherford Learning Center

  Emergency: 911
  Non-Emergency: Rutherford Police Department  828-287-5062

  Polk Learning Center

  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, parents, and employees 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 all Isothermal computers.
• Active Shooter

  Lock Out

  1. Lock down your immediate area.
  2. Notify 911 from a safe location.
  3. Emergency officials will activate a campus-wide emergency notification of the lockdown.
  4. If you hear shots fired on campus or witness an armed person shooting, quickly determine the best way to protect yourself.

  Get Out

  • Move quickly—do not wait for others to validate your decision.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Your chances of survival increase if you are not where the shooter is or if you move to a location where the shooter cannot see you.

  Call Out

  • Once in a safe location, call or text 911.
  • Inform others in the immediate area to stay away from the shooter’s location.

  Hide Out

  • If escape is not possible because the shooter is between you and the exit, hide.
  • Move out of hallways and find a well-hidden, well-protected room.
  • Avoid areas where you could become trapped or where your movement would be restricted.

  Keep Out

  • Find a room that can be locked. If locking isn’t possible, barricade or block the door with heavy furniture or other objects.
  • Turn off lights and silence all noise-producing devices (phones, radios, etc.).
  • Remain quiet.
  • Call or text 911 only if it can be done without alerting the shooter.

  Spread Out

  • If you’re not alone, do not huddle together.
  • Spreading out provides more options and makes it harder for the shooter to target everyone.
  • Quietly develop a plan of action in case the shooter enters the room.
  • Stay calm—this helps keep others calm.
  • Stay focused on survival and help others stay focused as well.

  Take Out

  • Assume the shooter’s intentions are lethal.
  • Develop a survival mindset: believe that you have the strength and ability to survive.
  • Be prepared to do whatever is necessary to neutralize the threat.
  • Throw objects, yell, and use improvised weapons.
  • If you are with others, work together to overpower the shooter.
  • Do the best you can—choose to survive.
• AED Locations
  • Administration:
    • 1st floor: Outside Human Resources room 124
    • 2nd floor: Outside Men’s Restroom room 216
  • Barn: Inside front entrance Room 1A
  • Business Sciences: Hallway near room 19
  • Communications/WNCW: Hallway outside room 14
  • Engineering Technology and Workforce Development:
    • 1st floor: Near room 109
    • 2nd floor: Near room 213
  • Fire Training Center: Hallway between room 105 and room 106
  • Foundation: 
    • 1st floor: Hallway near room 1022
    • 2nd floor: Beside elevator room 2000
  • Health and Public Services: Hallway near room 9.
  • Information Technology: Hallway near room 12.
  • Library: TBD.
  • Lifelong Learning Center:
    • 1st floor: Inside room 104.
    • 2nd floor: Near room 228.
  • Maintenance: Near room 105.
  • Polk Campus: Near room 115. Rutherford Learning Center:
    • 1st floor: Evacuated.
    • 2nd floor: Near room 306.
  • Rutherford Learning Center: 3rd Floor - Outside room 306
  • Student Services: Hallway behind room 4 and near room 12.
  • Welding Shop: Near room 2A.
  • Campus Resource Officers: Inside vehicles.
• 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. Try to obtain answers to the following questions:

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

  All Threats Must Be Treated as Real:

  • Immediately notify law enforcement by calling 911. Provide all information you obtained, including the caller’s voice, any background noises, and the exact wording of the threat.
  • Inform Campus Resource Officers at 828-289-5850 of any suspicious packages, items, or individuals in the area.
  • Notify your supervisor.
  • Do not touch any suspicious packages.
  • Turn off cell phones and do not activate fire alarms.
  • Follow instructions from authorized personnel and first responders regarding evacuation and assembly areas.
  • If evacuation is ordered, take the recorded information with you to share with law enforcement.
• 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
  • College radio station: WNCW 88.7
  • Social media platforms
• Elevator Failure

  If you are inside an elevator and it malfunctions, take the following actions:

  • Stay calm.

  • Use the elevator phone to call for assistance or use your cell phone to notify Campus Resource Officers at 828-289-5850.

   

  Provide the following information to Campus Resource Officers:

  • Your name

  • The total number of people in the elevator

  • Any injuries, medical conditions, or other concerns

  • Maintenance and/or the fire department will be contacted to assist you.

  • Press the ALARM or HELP button to alert others nearby.

  • Do NOT attempt to climb out of the elevator or force the door open, as the elevator may restart without warning.

   

  Remember: Even if the air feels warm, there is sufficient air circulating within the elevator and the shaft. The best course of action is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for professional assistance.

• 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.
  • Upon the notification of evacuation via Isothermal Text 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. Take personal belongings with you if time allows.
  • Remain at least three hundred (300) feet from the building and await further instructions. Avoid roadways and beware 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 Isothermal Text Alert, social media, college email, and the 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 RLC
• 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.

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

   

  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 all clear is given by emergency responders.
  • Once outside, go to your building’s evacuation 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.
  • Do not break windows. Flame and smoke can enter from the outside. If air is needed, slightly open windows.
  • Stay low under smoke, fresh air is near the floor. Keep a wet cloth over your nose and mouth; breathe through your nose only.
  • If clothing catches fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames.
• 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 a hostage situation becomes an active shooter situation, follow lockdown procedures.

  If you are taken hostage:

  • Remain calm, be patient, and polite.
  • Cooperate with your captors and follow their instructions.
  • Speak normally. Avoid complaining and arguing with your captor.
  • 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 details so your description can assist law enforcement later.
  • Attempt to create a relationship with your captors. Getting to know your captors will make it less likely that they harm you.
  • Remember: It is safer to be submissive and obey your captors 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.
  • Cooperate with rescuers.
  • 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.
• 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 to potential danger.

  If a lockdown is ordered:

  • Stay Inside!
    • Do not leave the building unless an imminently dangerous situation arises inside.
    • Cooperate with proper authorities.
    • Leaving the classroom or building in such a situation may put you at greater risk.
  • Take shelter in a lockable room if possible. Barricade the doors.
  • Turn off lights and any noise-making devices. Silence phones.
  • Close windows, shades and 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 building/room.
  • 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:

  • Dial 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. Do not hang up the call until directed to do so.
    • Identify somebody specifically and send that person to the closest entrance to direct emergency responders to the victim if possible.

  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 victim is nonresponsive. Call for an AED and begin following the device’s instructions.
  • Remain with the victim. 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 equipped.

  Reporting Illness/Injury:

  • Any staff or faculty member who responds to an illness/injury should complete an Incident Report Form as soon as possible and is located on the college intranet.

  Minor Medical Needs:

  • For minor medical needs, basic first aid supplies may be available in each building. The college has no facilities for medical treatment other than minor first aid and can assume no responsibility for injuries or illnesses.
• 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 Crisis at 888-573-1006 or call/text 988.

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

• 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 contact other local enforcement 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 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.

• 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.
• 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.

  Isothermal 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.
  • Notify Campus Resource Officers and/or a Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Coordinator.
  • 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.

  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

• 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 is sighted - report to an interior room on the lowest floor and do not leave the building.
  • If a hazardous materials spill has occurred - close all doors and windows.
  • If outside, seek shelter in the nearest building, preferably in an interior room with few windows.

  Keep in mind, you may:

  • Allow others into the building without jeopardizing your safety. Shelter-in-place is dangerous environmental conditions but NOT called if there is any known threat of violent 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 the “all clear” has been given by emergency officials.
• 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 Individuals Using a Wheelchair or with Mobility Impairments:

  • Always ask if assistance is needed before helping.
  • If on the ground floor, assistance may not be necessary.
  • Use the stair evacuation chair if needed.

  For Individuals with Visual Impairments:

  • Announce the type of emergency.
  • Offer your arm for guidance.
  • Describe where you are going and any obstacles along the way.
  • Ask if further help is needed once you reach a safe location.
  • If the individual has a service animal, let them direct how you should assist.

  For Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

  • Flash the lights on and off to get the person's attention.
  • Use hand gestures to indicate evacuation directions.
  • Write a note and hand it to the person, or write it on a board (e.g., “Fire alarm—please evacuate”).

  Stair Evacuation Chairs Are Located on the Second Floor of the Following Buildings:

  • Administration Building – East Exit
  • Engineering Technology & Workforce Development Building – Near Stairwell
  • Rutherfordton Learning Center – Main Entrance
  • Lifelong Learning Center – South/West Exit
  • Foundation Building – Near Elevator

  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.
• 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.
  • If possible, close off the area.
  • Limit the use of two-way radios and cell phones near the suspicious item.
  • Evacuate the room and put two or more walls between you and the 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.