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An emergency response and recovery program has been developed to ensure response to and recovery from emergencies of all types and magnitudes and the continuation of College operations following an emergency. The plan is carried out by the NPC Crisis Team.
NPC’s first priority when an emergency occurs is employee, student and guest safety and emergency response, and their second priority is disaster recovery and business continuity. This plan encourages the development of high levels of resilience where required and the wise use of resources to assure that when an emergency occurs, NPC’s normal functions continue and, in the case of a major emergency, its missions essential functions are restored as soon as possible followed by the restoration of all College functions.
When a serious incident occurs that causes an immediate threat to the campus, the first responders to the scene are usually the Campus Security Authority, NPC College Administrators, the Garland County Sheriff’s Department, and the State Police. These departments typically work together to manage the incident. Depending on the nature of the incident, other NPC departments and other local agencies could also be involved.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Students, faculty, staff, and guests are expected to evacuate campus buildings if they hear a fire alarm, if the campus administration determines that an evacuation is necessary. All persons will receive information about evacuation via the ALL CALL System, and/or verbally by college personnel in person or by phone.
Shelter-in-Place
What it Means to Shelter-in-Place
If an incident occurs and the buildings or areas around you become unstable, or if the air outdoors becomes dangerous due to toxic or irritating substances, it is usually safer to seek shelter indoors. Thus, to “shelter-in-place” means to utilize the building that you are in as shelter from danger that is outside of the building or in other areas of the building. With a few adjustments, these locations can be made even safer and more comfortable until it is safe to go outside.
Basic “Shelter-in-Place” Guidance
If an incident occurs and the building you are in is not damaged, stay inside in an interior room until you are told it is safe to come out. If your building is damaged, take your personal belongings (purse, wallet, NPC ID Card, etc.) and follow the evacuation procedures for your building (close your door, proceed to the nearest exit, and use the stairs instead of the elevators). Once you have evacuated, proceed to the pre-designated evacuation point or to a safe location. If police or fire department personnel are on the scene, follow their directions.
How You Will Know to “Shelter-in-Place”
A shelter-in-place notification may come from the ALL CALL System.
How to “Shelter-in-Place”
No matter where you are, the basic steps of “shelter-in-place” will generally remain the same. Should the need ever arise; follow these steps, unless instructed otherwise by local emergency personnel:
- If you are inside, stay where you are. Collect any emergency “shelter-in-place” supplies and a telephone to be used in case of emergency. If you are outdoors, proceed inside the closest building quickly or follow instructions from emergency personnel on the scene.
- Locate a room to shelter inside. It should be:
• an interior room
• above ground level
• without windows or with the least number of windows
• If there is a large group of people inside a particular building, several rooms may be necessary.
- Shut and lock all windows and close exterior doors.
- Turn off air conditioners, heaters, and fans.
- Close vents to ventilation systems as you are able.
- Make a list of the people with you and ask someone to call the list in to the College operator at (501) 760-4222. In the event that the operator station cannot be manned, calls will be forwarded to an appropriate location.
- Turn on a radio or TV and listen for further instructions.
- Turn on a radio or TV and listen for further instructions.
- Remain calm and make yourself comfortable.
Lockdown
A “Lockdown” is the temporary sheltering technique utilized to limit civilian exposure to an “Active Shooter” or similar incident. When alerted, occupants of any building within the subject area will lock all doors and windows not allowing entry or exit to anyone until the all clear have been sounded.
Notice that a “Lockdown” has been issued will be broadcast over the ALL CALL SYSTEM and by other appropriate means.
How to Lockdown
The basic steps for how to lockdown will be the same regardless of your location. Follow these steps, unless instructed otherwise by local emergency personnel:
- Try to remain calm.
- Remain indoors, e.g. your office or classroom. Once in “Lockdown” you would be allowed to move about to facilitate certain needs, e.g. bathroom, water; but you should not leave the building unless an all clear has been sounded.
- If not in your typical surroundings, proceed to a room that can be locked.
- Close and lock all doors.
- Turn off all lights.
- Occupants should be seated below window level, toward the middle of a room away from windows and doors.
- Remain silent.
- Turn off all radios or other devices that emit sound.
- Silence cell phones.
- If gunshots are heard, lay on the floor using heavy objects, e.g. tables, filing cabinets for shelter.
- If safe to do so, turn off gas and electric appliances, e.g. heater, fan, coffee maker, gas valves, lights and locally controlled ventilation systems, e.g. air conditioner. Use phones only for emergency notification to emergency responders.
- Do not shelter in open areas such as hallways or corridors. Go to the nearest office, classroom, lecture hall or auditorium that can be locked.
A message will be broadcast giving specific locations and directions for entering certain shelter sites.
Do not unlock doors or attempt to leave until instructed to do so by emergency responders. The “All-clear” will be announced over the ALL CALL System or other appropriate system when it is considered safe.
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