MHCC has developed a written Emergency and Safety Procedures Handbook. These procedures outline basic actions individuals can take if they are presented with an emergency situation such as gas leaks, ice storms, earthquakes and fires.

The college has also developed a The college has also developed a RAVE Emergency Alert Procedures handbook. These procedures guide the college for activating the RAVE system in the event of an emergency.

These procedures guide the college for activating the RAVE system in the event of an emergency.

MHCC uses an all-hazards approach to prevent, train for and respond to any emergency event. This all-hazards approach is based on fostering critical thinking skills and uses Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) best practices. Our internal responders are trained to operate within the Incident Command System (ICS), a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management concept. ICS is also used by our state, county and city agencies and improves communication among all involved entities.

Incident Command System PDF

If there is an emergency, an audible alarm will sound or an in-person message will be delivered to evacuate the area. During an emergency, authorized college employees will determine if the situation poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, visitors or employees. If so, the notification system will be initiated. The following table demonstrates which communication methodology the college will use during the lifecycle of emergency response.

MHCC will use the RAVE Emergency Alert system to notify college employees and students in the event of an immediate emergency, such as natural disasters or a lockdown situation.

For more information on RAVE visit our RAVE page.

An active threat is a person(s) who appears to be actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in populated areas on campus. Active threat situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly. These types of situations demand immediate response by the community and immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to minimize harm to the college population.

Individuals must be prepared mentally and physically to take direct responsibility for their personal safety and security. In general, how you respond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter.

If you see someone brandishing a weapon, hear shots fired, or encounter a dangerous person posing an immediate threat to oneself or others’ health or safety, get to a safe location and immediately call 911 and then notify campus Public Safety at 503-491-7911.

The Public Safety department has standard operating procedures in place to guide officers in responding to active shooter(s) and conducting lockdowns

There are three things you can do to make a difference during an active threat event: Run, Hide (Lockdown), Fight.

Run

• When an active threat is in your vicinity, run.
• If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate.
• Evacuate whether others agree to or not.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help others escape if possible.
• Prevent others from entering the area.
• Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.

Hide (Lockdown)

• If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide.
• Lock and/or barricade the door.
• Silence your cell phone.
• Turn out the lights.
• Hide behind large objects.
• Remain very quiet.
• Your hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view, provide protection if shots are fired in your direction and not trap or restrict your options for movement.

Fight

• As a last resort, if your life is in danger, fight back.
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with physical aggression.
• Improvise weapons, such as using a chair or fire extinguisher to strike the shooter.
• Commit to your actions.

Finally, when law enforcement arrives, remain calm and follow directions; keep your hands visible at all times; avoid pointing or yelling; and know that help for the injured is on the way. The first responders on the scene are not there to evacuate or tend to the injured. They are well trained and are there to stop the shooter.

• Active Threat Prevention and Response - Power Point
• IS-907: Active Shooter: What You Can Do FEMA Course

Links to videos about responding to an Active Shooter Crisis Situation:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2tIeRUbRHw
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fUcq1M5a44

General Guidelines

Emergencies occur when we least expect them. It is important to be as prepared as possible when an emergency arises on campus. Remember that you may not be in your office or normal work location when an alarm sounds. When attending classes, meetings or events, notice your surroundings including nearby exits and possible safe areas to remain in the event of an evacuation.

During an evacuation, everyone must try to evacuate to the nearest safe exit. If possible, identify at least two emergency passageways you can use that lead to either an exit or an Area of Refuge (see below).

Options for Evacuation

Some basic options to consider when planning your evacuation strategy are:

• Horizontal Evacuation. Use building exits to access outside ground level and proceed to the parking lots.
• Stairway (vertical) Evacuation. Use stairwells to reach ground level exits from the building and proceed to the parking lots.
• Area of Refuge. Go to an area of refuge away from obvious danger. The safest areas of refuge are stair enclosures, balconies or elevator lobbies. If you have a cell phone, call 911 and inform them of your location. Emergency responders will determine the necessity for evacuation.

Whether you are using crutches for a few months or have a permanent disability, it is important to plan an evacuation strategy ahead of time. Ask a friend or co-worker if they can provide assistance if an emergency requiring evacuation occur. Inform this person of the best way to assist you during an evacuation, and ensure they are able to inform emergency responders of your location and needs during an emergency.

For your safety and the safety of your friend or co-worker, only trained emergency responders should attempt to carry individuals.

External organizations with emergency preparedness guidelines for individuals with disabilities, including:
City of Portland Emergency Preparedness for people with Disabilities
National Fire Protection Agency

If there is not an area of refuge nearby, or if you are alone when an alarm sounds, you may have to stay in place. Remain in a room with an exterior window, a telephone and a solid or fire resistant door. Fire resistant doors are identified by a label on the door jamb or frame. Non-labeled 1 ¾ inch thick solid core wood doors hung on a metal frame also offer good fire resistance. Inform a friend or co-worker of your location, and have them notify emergency responders when they reach the evacuation assembly point outside. Call 911 and inform them of your location. Emergency responders will determine the necessity for evacuation. If phones are unavailable, you can signal from the window by waving a cloth or other visible object.

These Guidelines provide several options and general information. If you have specific questions about the best evacuation strategy for your building and situation contact the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department, at 503-491-7495.