Emergency Guidebook

Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Security is the primary contact for all campus emergencies. CVCC Security will route calls for service to appropriate college officials and/or local emergency responders as required by the emergency.

CVCC Campus

Emergency-dial 911 on Campus (off Campus dial 911)

Non-Emergency-dial 711 on Campus phones (off Campus dial (828) 327-7000, ext. 711)

Emergency Call Box-Push the button to talk to Security Dispatcher

Alexander Center for Education in Taylorsville

Emergency-dial 911

Non-Emergency-Taylorsville Police Department (828) 632-2218

One or more of the following methods may be used to notify the campus community of various emergency events that may impact students, staff, faculty, and visitors on the campus:

• CVCC eLaunch Alert: Important emergency alerts, notifications, and updates are sent to all registered devices, including cell phone and email accounts through eLaunch. Students, parents, and employees may opt into the eLaunch Alert System by entering cell phone information into CVCC’s Text Messaging Service.
• Email: Broadcast emails are sent to CVCC students, faculty, and staff.
• Social Media Websites: Critical information is posted on Facebook and Twitter webpages and may be viewed both internally (students, faculty, and staff) and externally (parents, alumni, and other constituents). Through the Facebook and Twitter, the college will provide updates to the community as they become available.
• Telephone: Broadcast intercom message through eLaunch system throughout the campus.

All crimes should be reported to CVCC Security at (828) 327-7000, ext. 711. CVCC Security personnel will respond and will call local police for assistance if necessary.

If you witness a crime in progress, call 911 or (828) 327-7000 ext. 711 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.

If you hear shots fired on campus or witness an armed person shooting people…

• Quickly determine the best way to protect your life (see below).
• Notify the police at 911 or CVCC Security at (828) 327-7000, ext. 711.

Evacuate If Possible:

• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Keep your hands visible to responding police officers.

Hide Out:

• Hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view.
• Block entry to your hiding place, turn off lights, and lock doors.
• Place yourself and others strategically in the room; do not huddle together.
• Silence cell phones.
• Ignore fire alarms, unless you see smoke or fire.

Take Action:

• As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
• Spread out to avoid being an easy target.
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with physical aggression. Throw items at the shooter if possible.

Call 911 or CVCC Security at (828) 327-7000, ext. 711 when it is safe to do so.

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

Exterior doors will lock automatically. The goal is to limit exposure of students, faculty, and staff to danger by preventing dangerous persons from entering campus buildings.

If a lockdown is ordered…

• Stay inside! Do not leave the building unless an imminently dangerous situation arises inside. If outside, seek shelter in the nearest building.
• Take shelter in a lockable room if possible.
• Close windows, shades and blinds, and avoid being seen from outside the room if possible.
• Report any emergency or unusual condition to CVCC Security (828) 327-7000, ext. 711
• Do not admit anyone into a secure building.
• Once in a secure location, do not leave until receiving the “all clear” from an authorized official or eLaunch alert.

Alert

• Activate the fire alarm system by pulling a fire alarm station on your way out of the building.
• Call police at 911.
  • 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.

Evacuate

• Leave the building via the nearest exit. Warn others as you leave.
• Do not use elevators.
• Feel doors before opening. If door is hot, DO NOT OPEN. Close doors and windows as you leave, if safe to do so.
• Staff and faculty members should direct students and visitors out of the building.
• Notify emergency responders of anyone trapped or any special conditions in the building.
• Remain at least three hundred (300) feet outside of the building and await further instructions. Keep roadways open and beware of approaching emergency vehicles.
• Do not go back in the building for any reason until an authorized college official deems it safe to re-enter.

If Trapped …

• Keep the doors closed and place a cloth under them to keep out smoke. Signal for help by hanging an object (e.g., such as a jacket or shirt) out a window to attract attention.
• If possible, seek staging area or stairwell to wait for emergency responders. Staging areas are identified in the lobby of the third, fourth, and fifth floor of the Cuyler A. Dunbar building, and second floor of the Tarlton Complex.

Bomb threats usually come by telephone. If you receive a bomb threat call, remain calm, and obtain 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 right 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:

1. Notify the Police at 911 immediately to give the information you have obtained. Describe the caller’s voice, any background noises you heard, and the exact wording of the message.
2. Inform CVCC Security at (828) 327-7000, ext. 711 of any suspicious packages, items, or people in the area.
3. Notify your supervisor.
4. Do not touch suspicious packages.
5. Turn off cell phones, and do not activate fire alarms.
6. Follow instructions from the authorized CVCC personnel and the first responders in regards to evacuation assembly areas.

Do Not Touch, Open, or Move It:

• Do not open the suspicious item. If you have opened it, remain calm.
• Notify CVCC Security at (828) 327-7000, ext. 711 immediately.

Alert and Evacuate Area:

• Notify Others
  • Keep others out of the area. Close off the area if possible.
  • If possible, 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…

• If the package is leaking a substance or powder and you came into contact with the substance, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, mouth, or any part of your face.
• Do not touch others or let others touch you.
• Wash your hands and arms from the elbow down 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.

Seek Medical Assistance:

• Do not move a seriously injured person unless there is a life-threatening situation.
• Call Police at 911 or (828) 327-7000 ext. 711.
• Provide the following information:
  • Location of incident
  • Nature of illness
  • Number of victims
  • Your name and phone number
• Do not hang up until directed to do so by the emergency operator.
• Render any first aid you are trained to perform until medical personnel arrives, and keep the victim as calm and comfortable as possible.
• Remain with the victim. A CVCC Security officer will respond immediately to the scene and will summon additional medical personnel, if necessary.

Blood and Body Fluids:

• Do not come in contact with either blood or body fluids, at the risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens.
• Do not attempt to 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 a CVCC Accident, Medical, and Psychological Emergency Form as soon as possible and forward it to the Chief of Operations Officer.

Building Evacuation

• All building occupants are required to evacuate when the fire alarm sounds or upon the order of an authorized college official such as a CVCC Security officer.
• 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.
• Move to the closest exit and proceed down the EXIT stairwell in a safe and orderly manner. Take personal belongings with you. Do NOT use elevators.
• Remain at least three hundred (300) feet outside of the building and await further instructions. Keep roadways open and beware of approaching emergency vehicles. Notify emergency responders of anyone trapped or any special conditions in the building.
• Do not go back in the building for any reason until an authorized college official deems it safe to re-enter

Large-Scale Evacuation

• If evacuation of part or all of the campus is necessary, monitor social media, text message, email, and the college website for additional information.
• Those in need of transportation will be directed to areas to await transport to an off-campus site.

Evacuation of the Disabled

If the building has a staging area, assist the disabled person to that area. Staging areas are identified in the lobby of the third, fourth, and fifth floor of the Cuyler A. Dunbar building, and second floor of the Tarlton Complex. If possible, at least one person should wait with the disabled person.

Ask others leaving the building to notify emergency responders that a disabled person needs assistance in evacuating. Give the specific location.

Visually Impaired Persons

Announce the type of emergency, offer your arm for guidance, tell the person where you are going, and ask if further help is needed once you reach safety.

People with Hearing Limitations

Turn lights on/off to gain the person’s attention, or indicate directions with gestures or write a note with evacuation directions, and assist to safety as needed.

People Using Crutches, Canes or Walkers

Evacuate these individuals as injured persons; assist and accompany to the evacuation site if possible, or use a sturdy chair (or one with wheels) to move the person, or help carry the individual to safety.

Wheelchair Users

Check with the individual on their preference, determine if an evacuation chair is available, remove any immediate dangers, and immediately advise arriving first responders of special evacuation cases.

Alert and Evacuate Area:

• Notify the Police at 911 or (828) 327-7000, ext. 711 immediately.
• Do not attempt to clean up the spill.
• Remove yourself and others from the area.
• Barricade off the area and do not let others enter the area.
• Anyone who had contact with the hazardous material should be isolated and await treatment by emergency personnel.
• Do not pull the fire alarm unless there is a fire.
• Provide first responders with information about the spill, chemical, and the spill area.
• Evacuate the building if first responders issue the evacuation order.
• Re-enter the building only when an “all clear” is provided by first responders.

Shelter-in-place is designed to keep you safe while indoors if dangerous environmental conditions exist, such as extreme weather or a hazardous materials release.

If a shelter-in-place is ordered…

• Seek shelter inside.
• If outside, seek shelter in the nearest building, preferably in an interior room with few windows.

Allow access to others seeking shelter:

• Allowing others into the building will not jeopardize your safety.
• Remember: a Shelter-in-Place order means there are dangerous environmental conditions but NOT any known threat of violent behavior.
• Close all exterior doors, windows and any other openings to the outside.
• Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms, if necessary.
• Monitor social media, text message, email, and the college website for further instructions.
• Report any emergency or unusual condition to CVCC Security at (828) 327-7000, ext. 711.
• Do not leave the building until receiving the “all clear” from a police officer, CVCC Security officer, CVCC Alert, email, or webpage communication.

This Campus implements the following procedures for announcing operational changes during periods of inclement winter weather:

• By policy, the college makes one of three announcements: The campus is open and operating on a regular schedule; the campus is closed; or the campus will delay opening until a specific time.
• Closings and delays are announced using the following methods:
  • Mass Communication System (CVCC eLaunch Alert)
  • College website (www.cvcc.edu)
  • CVCC phone line (828) 327-7000
  • Text messages to registered members
  • Social Media

Tornado Watch

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

Tornado 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.
• Be prepared to take shelter on the lowest level of your building if a tornado warning is issued.
• Do not pull the fire alarm to alert others of a tornado warning.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Move to an interior hallway for shelter.
• 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.

If you become trapped in an elevator, the following actions should be taken:

• DO NOT panic. Use the elevator phone or your cell phone to call for assistance.
• Press the ALARM or HELP button to notify others who may be nearby.
• DO NOT attempt to force the door open or attempt to climb out of the elevator car. The elevator may re-start without warning.
• Your best course of action is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for professional assistance. Even if the air temperature feels warm, there is plenty of air circulating in the elevator and throughout the shaft.
• Provide the following information to CVCC Security:
  • Your name
  • Total number of people in the elevator
  • Report any injuries, medical conditions, or disabilities.
• CVCC Security will contact Maintenance and/ or the fire department to get you out.

If you are in contact with a student who appears to be an immediate threat to his or her own safety or that of others, call 911 and then CVCC Security at (828) 327-7000, ext. 711.

Quick Reference for Helping Students Having Difficulties:

• Recognize Symptoms:
  • Significant change in academic performance or classroom conduct.
  • Unusual behavior or appearance.
  • Traumatic event or change in relationships.
  • Reference to suicide, homicide, or death.
• Respond to the Student:
  • Speak privately with student.
  • Directly and candidly discuss your observations and concerns.
  • Offer support and assistance.
• Refer to a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member at CVCC:
  • Be caring, firm, and straightforward in your referral.
  • Call CVCC Switchboard at (828) 327-7000, ext. 711; they will contact active CIT member.
  • A CIT Member will arrive to evaluate the situation and make further recommendations.

Consult with on-campus resources and discuss your concerns about a student with Chief of Academics Officer (828) 327-7000, ext. 4143.

If you hear or see a hostage situation, immediately remove yourself from any danger.

Immediately notify police at 911 and CVCC Security at (828) 327-7000, ext. 711.

Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Location and room number of incident.
• Number of possible hostage takers.
• Physical description and names of hostage takers, if possible.
• Number of possible hostages.
• Any weapons the hostage takers may have.
• Your name.
• Your location and phone number.

If you are taken hostage…

• Remain calm, be polite, and cooperate with your captors.
• DO NOT attempt escape unless there is an extremely good chance of survival. It is safer to be submissive and obey your captors.
• Speak normally. DO NOT complain and avoid being belligerent or argumentative.
• DO NOT draw attention to yourself with sudden body movements, statements, comments, or hostile looks.
• Observe the captors and try to memorize their physical traits, voice patterns, clothing, or other details that can help provide a description later.
• Avoid getting into political or ideological discussions with the captors.
• Try to establish a relationship with your captors and get to know them. Captors are less likely to harm you if they respect you.
• If forced to present terrorist demands to authorities, either in writing or on tape, state clearly that the demands are from your captors. Avoid making a plea on your own behalf.
• Try to stay low to the ground or behind cover from windows or doors, if possible.

In a rescue situation…

• DO NOT RUN. Drop to the floor and remain still. If that is not possible, cross your arms, bow your head, and stand still. Make no sudden moves that a responder may interpret as hostile or threatening.
• Wait for instructions and obey all instructions you are given.
• Do not be upset, resist, or argue if a rescuer isn’t sure whether you are a terrorist or a hostage.
• Even if you are handcuffed and searched, DO NOT resist. You will be taken to a safe area, where proper identification and status will be determined

Sexual Offense/Assault Protocol:

Catawba Valley Community College recognizes the importance of assisting individuals who are victims of sexual assault and helping them to regain a sense of personal control over their lives and decisions.

Reporting Sexual Assault:

If you are sexually assaulted, you should do the following:

• Go to a safe place.
• Do not shower or bathe.
• Do not urinate, if possible.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or brush your teeth if oral contact took place.
• Do not change your clothing.
• Do not destroy or wash the clothes you were wearing. If you change, place your clothes in a paper bag.

Contact CVCC Security (828) 327-7000, ext. 711, local law enforcement at 911 (Catawba County Sheriff’s Department, Hickory Police Department, Newton Police Department, Alexander County Sheriff’s Department, or Taylorsville Police Department) or the Executive Officer of Student Services.

Seek medical treatment immediately (preferably within 72 hours).

Response to Sexual Assault:

CVCC personnel shall observe the following guidelines when responding to a sexual assault report:

• Assess the victim’s wellbeing, render aid, and express concern and assurance.
• Encourage the victim to seek medical treatment (preferably within 72 hrs.)
• Do not question the victim about the details of the incident. Questioning will be handled by trained personnel.
• Notify CVCC Security and/or the Executive Officer of Student Services.
• 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, and
  • 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, and
  • Document chain of custody of the evidence.

Victim’s Rights:

• To have all incidents and medical records kept confidential;
• To be treated without prejudice based upon race, class, lifestyle, sex, sexual orientation, age, occupation, or religious beliefs;
• To receive private and confidential examination/treatment for personal injuries, sexually transmittable disease, and pregnancy;
• To be considered as credible as a person reporting any other crime;
• To be made aware of the options available through the College and the judicial system;
• To receive emotional and psychological support and advocacy;
• To prosecute or not to prosecute;
• To receive current information on community and campus resources;
• To answer only those questions relevant to the crime;
• To provide freedom from harassment;
• To provide feasible class schedule adjustments (without academic or financial penalty) as necessary to minimize the potential for contact with the alleged perpetrator or those associated with the alleged perpetrator. Student Services will assist victims with any academic concerns or change in class schedule requests that are feasible.

Child Sexual Offense and Assault:

• North Carolina Law [NC General Statute 7B-301 and 115C-400] requires reporting of any known or suspected case of child abuse or neglect (a child is an unmarried victim under age 18) by a “parent, guardian, custodian or caretaker” to the local Department of Social Services within 24 hours.
• North Carolina Law [NC General Statute 108A-102] also requires reporting of any known or suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled adults (age 18 and over) by their caretaker to the Department of Social Services. The disability can be mental or physical, as long as it prevents the adult from obtaining essential services.

Catawba Valley Community College is committed to providing all employees, students, contractors, and visitors a safe environment free from any form of violence, threats of violence, harassment, and other disruptive behavior. Workplace violence will not be tolerated in any form, and violators will be dealt with according to CVCC policy.

Definitions:

Workplace violence consists of violence or the threat of violence by or against CVCC employees. This type of violence includes acts of aggression, physical assault, or threatening behavior occurring in the work setting; it consists of, but is not limited to, the following:

• Verbal or physical intimidation: Action or speech that includes but is not limited to threatening behavior (such as harassment, verbal or physical threats or abuse, swearing, insults, shaking fists, throwing objects, etc.) intended to frighten or coerce.
• Threat: The expression of intent to cause physical or mental harm. An expression constitutes a threat without regard to whether the party communicating the threat has the present ability to carry it out and without regard to whether the expression is contingent, conditional, or future.
• Bullying: Unwanted offensive and malicious behavior that undermines an individual or group through persistently negative attacks. Bullying generally includes an element of vindictiveness and is intended to demean, humiliate, patronize, or intimidate the recipient.
• Physical attack: Unwanted or hostile physical contact including but not limited to throwing objects, assaulting, hitting, fighting, shoving, or restraining someone.
• Stalking: Harassment of an individual in person, in writing, or by telephone or electronic format. Stalking includes but is not limited to following an individual, spying on another person, or causing someone distress by creating the fear of harm or violence.
• Property damage: The intentional damage to property, including property owned by the college or by its employees, students, clients, visitors, or vendors.

Reporting of Workplace Violence:

All employees are expected to report any incident of workplace violence to one of the following:

• In emergency situations: CVCC Security at (828) 327-7000 ext. 711 or local authorities at 911.
• In non-emergency situations (or after reporting the incident to CVCC Security or local authorities):
  • The employee’s immediate supervisor or
  • Any CVCC administrator or The CVCC Personnel Office or
  • The CVCC President