Emergencies on Campus

What to do when an emergency occurs on campus.

Emergency 911 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 Campus Non-Emergency 843.953.5609 Facilities Management 843.953.5550

For any police, fire, or medical emergency, call the Department of Public Safety immediately. The dispatcher who answers your call is trained in handling emergencies.

  • Give your location
  • Describe the nature of the emergency
  • Be prepared to respond to the dispatcher's questions or instructions

In response to your call, the dispatcher will send Public Safety personnel, fire, or emergency medical teams to your location immediately.

Emergency Procedures

Shelter in place safety icon showing a figure running toward a house with an arrow pointing inside, with the text “SHELTER IN PLACE.”
Shelter in Place
  • Stay where you are. Choose appropriate shelter location with best protection.
  • Remain sheltered until instructed to leave.
  • Montitor Cougar Alerts
Storm clouds hang over a windy Charleston waterfront, with choppy waves beyond a concrete walkway and metal railing.
Severe Weather
  • Severe weather can occur at any time.
  • Keep calm and be aware of our surroundings
  • Seek substantial shleter. NOT your vehicle, or evacuate as instructed.
  • Montitor Campus Advisories
Icon of a handgun and a knife above the words “ACTIVE AGGRESSOR” on a tan background.
Active Aggressor
AVOID: Pay attention to surroundings, have an exit plan, move away from the source of the threat.
DENY: Keep distance from threat, create barrires, turn lights off, silence phone.
DEFEND: Be aggressive, commit to your actions
Flooding warning icon with stylized waves and the word “FLOODING” below.
Flooding
The Charleston roads are prone to flooding during storm events:
  • Turn around, don't drown.
  • Don't drive into unknown water depth.
  • Don't drive around barricades. Follow instructions from public safety.
Clyde the Cougar mascot in a maroon “Charleston” jersey stands in the aisle of a the Cougar Shuttle, surrounded by smiling passengers.
Fire
  • Activate nearest fire alarm.
  • Notify occupants and help those needing assistance.
  • Close doors as you evacuate the area.
  • Do not re-enter the building
Evacuation sign with a door icon above the word “EVACUATION.”
Evacuation
  • Follow emergency alerts and get yourself to safety.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Carry only necessary belongings (keys, wallet, phone, etc.)
  • Close doors as you exit.
  • Do not re-enter spaces.
Warning sign with an exclamation mark in a triangle above the text “Health & Safety Hazard.”
Health & Safety Hazard
  • Move away form hazard and call 911
  • Close doors and windows if safe to do so, alerting others to leave area.
  • Do not touch light switches or electric equipment.
  • Provide the name of material, location/time or incident and injuries, if any.
Warning graphic with a bomb and alert icon above the text “SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY/ BOMB THREAT.”
Suspicious Activity/Bomb Threat
  • Do not confront the person exhibiting suspicious behavior or touch the package.
  • Call 911.
  • Share as much information as possible.
  • Follow instructions form first responders.
Medical emergency sign with a cross icon above the words “MEDICAL EMERGENCY.”
Medical Emergency
  • Assess the scene for danger before approaching the victim.
  • Check victim response by shouting and tapping.
  • Instruct others to call 911 or initiate call.
  • Begin CPR if possible and send someone for an AED.
  • Remain with the victim until help arrives.

 

Download a full-size, printable version of Emergency Procedures (PDF).

Emergency Callboxes

Security on the College campus has been enhanced through the installation of emergency callboxes. The boxes, red or orange in color, are for direct emergency contact with Campus Police.  However, the boxes may also be used to request routine assistance, such as a flat tire, keys locked in car, etc.

To activate the callbox, push in the call button and release.  An automated emergency alert is directed to the Public Safety dispatcher indicating the exact location of the box.  Public Safety officers will be sent to that location immediately. 

You will be able to communicate verbally with the Public Safety dispatcher.  On many callboxes, the dispatcher will have a live video feed of you at the callbox.

Any questions regarding the emergency callboxes should be directed to Public Safety at 843.953.5609.

Crime Action Line

Any crime against an individual or property affects the entire community.  The watchful eyes and ears of concerned community members who report suspicious behavior, safety hazards, and violations of good citizenship allow a law enforcement agency to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community they serve.  The Crime Action Line is available to report anonymously any information critical to the safety and security of the College and Charleston community.

To access the Crime Action Line, dial 843.953.4998 and leave a message.  This phone is not to be used in an emergency as it is only recorded and is never answered.  If you have an emergency call 911.