Campus Security
Seattle Central Safety & Security

BUILDING EVACUATION PROCEDURES

If an evacuation is required, all persons should observe the following guidelines for safe evacuation.

  • All persons shall move towards the nearest marked exit in a safe orderly fashion, if the exit is blocked move to the next nearest marked exit.
  • Wheelchair occupants or persons with mobility impairments have first priority for building elevators if elevators are operable and safe for use.
  • DURING A FIRE OR EARTHQUAKE DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
  • If safe to do so and time permits, take briefcases, purses, and jackets with you.
  • If safe to do so and time permits, close classroom doors, lock file cabinets and office doors as you calmly move to the nearest exit.
  • If safe to do so and time permits, secure all hazardous materials or equipment, close all hoods and drafts.
  • While evacuating take care not to push, shove, or accidently knock others down.
  • If you see or know of someone having trouble evacuating and it is unsafe for you to help, please notify emergency personnel on site or call 911, you may also call the Department of Safety and Security at (206) 934-5442. Make sure to give the exact location of the person(s) and the reason(s) why they are having trouble evacuating.
  • Once outside of the building or campus, move to a safe distance and do not interfere with emergency personnel on site except to report vital information.

VERBAL NOTICE TO EVACUATE: When a verbal evacuation order is given, do not hinder or delay the Safety/Security Officer or designee making the announcement with arguments or numerous questions about the incident. As soon as time permits, you will be fully briefed as to the nature of the emergency. For your safety, calmly comply with the directions given.

ALARM NOTICE TO EVACUATE: Listen for alarm notice to evacuate: WHEN ALARM SOUNDS, BEGIN EVACUATION – Calmly proceed to the nearest exit.

EVACUATION MAPS: An evacuation map is located in each classroom and will direct evacuees to the nearest emergency exit.

PARTIAL EVACUATION: It is possible that some incidents may require only certain, specific areas on campus be evacuated. You will be notified by campus authorities or emergency personnel if these circumstances exist.

NOTE: Wheelchair occupants or persons with mobility impairment are urged to prepare ahead of time by instructing classmates or their instructors on how to assist them in the event of an emergency. They may also contact Disability Support services in room BE1140 or by calling (206) 934-4183 [voice and TTY]) for support services or other information.

In order to offer the greatest assistance to mobility impaired persons during an evacuation, please refer to: Evacuation of Mobility Impaired Persons for reference on how to properly assist those with mobility impairments.

Depending upon the circumstances, one or more of the following methods of communication may be used to alert our campus community that it is either necessary to evacuate, or safe to re-enter the building(s) or campus.

Emergency E-Mail & Text Messaging: Seattle Central Community College has the ability to send emergency campus alerts via e-mail and text messaging; cell phones must be equipped with a text messaging feature in order to receive emergency text alerts. If you have not already signed up for this important safety warning feature please do so now by clicking on the following link. https://alert.seattlecolleges.edu/LogIn.aspx

Word of Mouth: If the situation safely permits, Campus Safety and Security along with other staff may provide word of mouth notification to individuals present on campus that it is either necessary to evacuate, or safe to re-enter the building(s) or campus.

Seattle Central Community College Public Announcement System: When safe to do so; Seattle Central Community College will utilize its PA system to announce that it is either necessary to evacuate, or safe to re-enter the building(s) or campus.