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Emergency
Procedures

Campus Safety & Crisis Response

Emergency Contact Numbers - Available 24/7

Campus Emergency

601-977-7857

Mobile Response

601-813-5869

Off-Campus Emergency

911

Emergency Preparedness

The College is committed to the safety and security of all members of the campus community. In times of emergency, the College will provide appropriate campus-wide response to assure life safety and minimize losses. In addition, the community emergency services are committed to serving us to their fullest potential.

When in doubt as to the severity of an incident, call 911 and then Public Safety at 601-977-7857.

This guide is intended to help staff, faculty, and students respond to emergency situations which may occur on the campus of Tougaloo College. Such emergencies can occur at any time and without warning, but their effects can be minimized if proper emergency procedures are followed.

The College will provide instructions about specific situations and issues such as taking shelter inside campus buildings or evacuating. Students, faculty, and staff can prepare for emergencies by following these guidelines.

Emergency Reporting Procedures

Follow these steps to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus.

1

Residence Hall Emergency

If the emergency occurs in the residence hall, contact the Residential Life Coordinator or the Department of Public Safety immediately.
2

On-Campus Emergency

If the emergency occurs on campus away from the residence hall, contact the Department of Public Safety: 601-977-7857 or Cell: 601-813-5869.
3

Off-Campus Emergency

If the emergency occurs away from the campus, call 911 for immediate assistance from local emergency services.
4

Follow-Up Contact

Note: Contact the Dean of Students for follow-up after any emergency incident has been reported and addressed.

Emergency Response Procedures

Specific procedures for different types of emergency situations on campus.

Fire Emergency

  • Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and if possible, call the Department of Public Safety at 601-977-7857.
  • Evacuate the building immediately using the nearest safe exit.
  • Evacuate at least 250 feet from the building.
  • DO NOT re-enter the building until an all clear is given by the Department of Public Safety.

Evacuation

  • Evacuate building using the nearest exit; or use an alternate exit if the nearest exit is blocked or unsafe.
  • Secure any hazardous materials or equipment before leaving.
  • Provide assistance to persons with disabilities or special needs.
  • Evacuate at least 250 feet from buildings.
  • Designate an evacuation assembly point.
  • DO NOT re-enter the building until an all clear is given by the Department of Public Safety.

Campus Lockdown

  • Residential Housing - Proceed to assigned room and lock the door.
  • Campus Grounds - Enter the nearest building. Proceed to a classroom or office with a lockable door if possible.
  • Classroom/Admin. Buildings - Proceed to a classroom or office with a lockable door if possible.
  • Building Managers/Deans are responsible for locking exterior doors to their respective buildings.
  • RAs/Residential Hall Coordinators are responsible for locking exterior doors to their respective buildings.
  • All non-emergency vehicles will be prohibited from entering the campus.
  • Stay away from doors and windows.
  • Remain calm and quiet.
  • Remain in a secure location until an all clear is given by the Department of Public Safety.

Severe Weather

  • Residential Housing - Follow instructions of dorm staff for shelter procedures.
  • Campus Grounds - Enter the nearest building. Proceed to the lowest floor or inner room if possible; seek cover under a desk or sturdy table.
  • Classroom/Admin. Buildings - Proceed to the lowest floor or inner room if possible; seek cover under a desk or sturdy table.
  • Stay away from windows.
  • Assist persons with disabilities or special needs.
  • Remain until an all clear is given by the Department of Public Safety.

Power Outage

  • Remain calm and stay where you are until your eyes adjust to the darkness.
  • Provide assistance to others if necessary, especially those with disabilities or special needs.
  • Move cautiously to a lighted area or exit if safe to do so.

Suspicious Activity

Suspicious Person:

  • Do not approach or attempt to detain the person.
  • Contact Public Safety immediately with physical description - race, sex, height, weight, and clothing.
  • Report behavior being exhibited and location/direction of travel.
  • Provide vehicle description and license plate number if driving.

Suspicious Object:

  • Do not touch, smell or disturb object.
  • Notify the Department of Public Safety immediately at 601-977-7857.
  • Notify a supervisor, dorm coordinator or department head.
  • Prepare to evacuate if instructed.
  • Failure to evacuate or follow proper procedures will be at your own risk.

Emergency Resources

Access important emergency planning documents and additional safety information.

Emergency Management Plan

Download PDF

Evacuation Procedures

View Details

Severe Weather

View Details

Assisting Others

View Details

Utility Failure Procedures

View Procedures

Remember

In any emergency situation, your safety is the top priority. When in doubt, evacuate the area and contact emergency services immediately. Stay informed through official college communications and follow instructions from emergency personnel.