Emergency Response Procedures

• Immediately call 9-1-1 and notify dispatch of the situation along with notifying on-campus security/DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office by dialing 9-5-2-9.  
• Give as much detail about what you saw/heard as possible and give the location of the nearest room/room number.
• Unfortunately, there is not a single response that fits all situations of an armed intruder situation. However, by maintaining a Run, Hide, Fight mindset one can increase the odds of surviving.   
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Become familiar with two different exit routes from your current locations.
• Be familiar with areas you could hide if you are unable to exit your current location.
  • If the room is safe to hide, turn off the lights. If possible, lock the door, and barricade the door using whatever is available (chairs, desks, etc.). 
• When evacuating and hiding are not options, as a last resort option, become familiar with items that could possibly help you fight back to survive.  
• During an incident, assess the information to determine the best course of action. 

Watch the following video to familiarize yourself with the College's Run. Hide. Fight. procedures.

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• Dial 9-1-1 from a landline.
• DO NOT USE cell phones or other electronic devices — these could trigger further explosions.
• Take cover under solid furnishings, away from windows if possible.
• If it is safe to do so, evacuate the building and look for Supervisor Response Team (SRT) Members in yellow vests, SLT members wearing green vests, and on-campus DeKalb County Sheriff's Office deputies for direction.   
• If it is not safe to evacuate (there is excessive damage and debris), wait for emergency personnel to assist in evacuating you.

• If you see fire/smoke:
  • Dial 9-1-1.
  • If the fire alarm hasn't been activated, go to a pull station and activate it.
• Evacuate the building quickly, and take valuables with you.
• Close doors to confine fire and reduce oxygen.
• Look for SRT members wearing yellow vests or SLT members wearing green vests for direction and assistance.
• As you are exiting the building, instruct anyone along the way to evacuate.
• If there is an individual needing assistance, report this information to an SRT member or a first responder. 
• Evacuate to the nearest AREA evacuation point.
• Report any information regarding concerns for individuals or building issues to the nearest SRT or SLT member.   
• If feasible, check in with an instructor or supervisor.
• Remain at the nearest AREA evacuation point.
• Do not leave campus — this will assist with determining safe and complete student and staff evacuation from the building.
• Staying on campus will allow emergency personnel to access the building via Malta Road entrances without obstruction.
• Once an ALL CLEAR is communicated, everyone may return to the building.

If unable to evacuate: 

• If in a classroom or office, stay in the room, keep the door closed, and use items (towels, shirts, etc.) to seal the bottom of your door to prevent smoke from seeping in.
• If in a hallway, stay close to the ground where the air is less toxic.   Attempt to find a safer location.  
• Notify 9-1-1 that you are unable to evacuate. Provide your name, room number, stairwell, number of individuals with you, etc.
• If possible, put something in the window to alert first responders that you are trapped in your room.  

• Dial Custodial Services at 9-4-6-8 and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at 9-5-2-9.
• Do not touch the material, and keep others away from the material.
• Notify neighboring rooms/offices.
• If someone has come into contact with the material:
  • Dial 9-1-1 for medical assistance.
  • Check MSDS sheets and follow suggested procedures.
  • If there are no MSDS sheets, wait for medical personnel before attempting to remove the substance to avoid unintentionally adding a catalyst.
• If there are noxious fumes, evacuate the building and notify other rooms in the area for evacuation.
• DO NOT RETURN to the area until emergency personnel gives the ALL CLEAR.

• Dial 9-1-1. Give the location of the victim (nearest room/room number if in a common area).If possible, have someone contact on-campus security at 9-5-2-9. 
• Assess the situation, and remove any hazards.
• Do not move the victim unless the person is in danger.
• Check for a response: "Are you okay?" 
• If there is no response, open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin. 
• If appropriate, begin CPR.
• Locate an AED machine and bring it to the scene. 
• If AED is needed, apply defibrillator pads and follow voice prompts. 

• If an individual is exhibiting threatening behavior to themselves or others, dial 9-1-1. Give the location of the victim (nearest room/room number if in a common area).
• If exhibiting disruptive non-threatening behavior, call campus security at 9-5-2-9 or Student Services at 9-3-7-5.
• Offer to accompany the individual to Student Services (Room C2100, 815-825-2740).

Changes in behavior warning signs: 

• Changes in hygiene, speech, attentiveness or social interactions.
• Severe loss of emotional control.
• Excessive drug/alcohol use.
• High level of irritability.
• Impaired speech.
• Excessively morbid or violent/depressive themes in written assignments.
• Verbal expression of suicidal or violent thoughts.

To report a student of concern, use the Student of Concern form.

For more information on mental health services at Kish, visit our Mental Health and Personal Counseling page.

If inside a campus building:

• Move to the nearest designated shelter area on the first floor, as indicated on maps near classroom doors.
• Stay away from windows, doors and large open spaces like gyms or atriums.
• Stay in the center of the room, avoid corners and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Wait for the “all clear” signal from College administration via the PA system.

If Outside:

• Move to a sturdy building and go to the nearest designated shelter, if possible.
• If caught in a vehicle with flying debris:
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on and head below the windows. Cover your head.
  • Lie in a low area off the roadway and shield your head with your hands.
• Do not seek shelter under bridges or overpasses.

Severe Weather Shelter Areas