Emergency Management

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Chain of Command

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Chain of Command

Organizational Structure

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Organizational Structure

Call Structure

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Call Structure

Alert System

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In the event of an emergency, you will be notified via the following:

» This emergency information site, http://www.ferrum.edu/emergency
» The Ferrum Emergency Blog, http://ferrumemergency.blogspot.com/
» The Ferrum e2campus text message alert system (Click here to get more information or to log in to your account)
» One or many campus-wide email messages
» The on-campus alert siren
» One or many recorded messages on the Ferrum information line, (540) 365-5555
» Local TV and radio stations
» If the emergency is weather related, you may find more information at http://www.ferrum.edu/weather/
» Any other methods as necessary. Verbal instructions will be passed along, either in person or by phone tree, by Residence Hall Educators (RHE’s), Community Advisors (CA’s), and others as instructed.

About the on-campus alert siren

Ferrum College will sound its outside alert siren when we perceive an imminent threat to Ferrum College students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The siren will sound with a slow wailing tone. If the siren is activated, seek shelter and remain there until additional information is received. Do not assume the end of the siren wail indicates an "all clear" condition!

Once the threat has been contained, an "all clear" will be communicated by the same methods as listed above except the siren. The siren tone will NOT be sounded to indicate "all clear."

Siren and other emergency plan testing will take place on a regular basis. We will announce any testing in advance of the event.

Procedures

Lockdown Procedure | Download PDF »

The term "LOCKDOWN" means that all individuals remain in their current indoor location and do not exit or move from building to building. Exterior doors may be secured to keep unauthorized persons from entering a building. This may be done, for example, in a hostile intruder incident in which a person is actively causing or threatening death or serious physical injury, or has the potential to do so, to person(s) on campus.

DO NOT attempt to handle a dangerous or unpredictable situation on your own. Immediately seek safety, then notify College Police of the situation by calling extension 4444 or 540-365-4444, or dial 911 for local police.

Ferrum College will sound its outside alert siren when we perceive an imminent threat to Ferrum College students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Text messages will also be sent to those individuals who have registered their cell phones with e2Campus. The College will attempt to send out information with additional instructions in the alert system.

If notified to LOCKDOWN:

» If inside a building, remain in that building.
» If outside, proceed immediately to the nearest building.
» Once inside move to a room with a locking door, if possible.
- Lock or barricade the door by whatever means possible, such as furniture, etc.
- If the door has a window, cover it any way possible.
- Keep away from all windows.
- Turn off lights, music, and remain quiet.
- Get on the floor and stay there--do not move around.
» Remain there and use cell phones (text messaging), telephone (call 365-5555) or other available electronic devices to obtain additional instructions.
- You may be directed by law enforcement or emergency personnel to move to a safer area.
- In some cases, individuals inside a building may be asked to gather in a central location.
- Follow directions quickly and quietly.
» Once the situation is over, you will be notified by law enforcement or other emergency personnel that the LOCKDOWN is over and it is safe to leave.
» Remain in the area until you are notified that you are no longer required to stay for purposes of investigation.

Tornado Procedure | Download PDF »

A tornado watch indicates that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado in the area. In the event a tornado watch has been issued for our area, remain calm and stay inside. Pay careful attention to local radio, TV and Internet reports in the event the watch is upgraded to a tornado warning.

A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has actually been sighted or indicated by radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.

In the event a tornado warning is announced in the area, Ferrum College will sound its outside alert siren when we perceive an imminent threat to Ferrum College students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The College will send text messages to those individuals who have registered their cell phones with E2Campus. We will also attempt to send out information with further instructions via the alert system If you are alerted to a tornado warning you should take the following steps:

» Seek immediate shelter.
» Go to a below-ground level or lowest level of the building. Do not use elevators.
» If there is no below-ground level, go to an interior hallway away from exterior windows.
» Close all doors to rooms with exterior windows.
» Stay away from windows, mirrors, glass and unsecured furniture such as filing cabinets, desks and bookcases.
» Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
» Remain in the safe area until the threat has passed. Notification of the end of the warning period will be communicated as listed above. Should power be lost, the notification will be via word of mouth, moving from building to building.
» If outdoors during a tornado, seek immediate shelter. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low lying area. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Emergency Procedures Flip Chart

» Download a copy of the Emergency Procedures Flip-Chart

A copy of this information is available in a convenient book format in the Human Resources office.