The following steps should be taken to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus:

  • If the emergency occurs in the residence hall, contact the Residential Life Coordinator or the Department of Public Safety
  • If the emergency occurs on the campus away from the residence hall, contact the Department of Public Safety: 601-977-7857 Cell: 601-813-5869
  • If the emergency occurs away from the campus, call 911

Note: Contact the Dean of Students for follow up

 Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness Plan

 Emergency Information

 Utility Failure Procedures

Preparation Procedures

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. So, when in doubt as to the severity of an incident, call 911 and then Public Safety at 7857. 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.

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.

Evacuation Procedures

  • 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 Lock Down

When the Campus is placed in a lock down status, the following procedures will apply:

  • 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.

Fire

  • Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and if possible, call the Department of Public Safety at 601-977-7857.
  • Evacuate the building.
  • 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.

Power Outage

  • Remain Calm
  • Provide assistance to others if necessary.
  • Move cautiously to a lighted area.

Severe Weather

The following procedures will apply when the campus receives notice of a severe weather threat for the area.

  • 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.

Suspicious Person

Do not approach or attempt to detain the person Contact Public Safety immediately with the following information:

  • Physical description - Race, sex, height, weight, and clothing.
  • Behavior being exhibited.
  • Vehicle description and license plate number if driving.
  • Location and / or direction of travel.

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.
  • Failure to evacuate or follow proper procedures will be at your own risk.