Emergency Alerts, Plans & Procedures

Escape if safe to do so.
If you know location of assailant, consider escaping if a safe route is available.

If unsafe to escape:

• Lock and barricade doors if applicable.
• Turn off lights and close blinds.
• Keep out of sight and take adequate cover behind concrete walls, thick desks or file cabinets.
• Silence cell phones, radios and televisions.
• Do not leave your classroom/work space until notified via BHCC alert or a building coordinator or BHCC police officer/security.

If an armed intruder comes into your office or classroom:

• If possible, identify an escape route behind you.
• If flight or escape is impossible and there are no other options, make a personal choice to negotiate with or overpower the armed intruder.

Active Shooter: How to Respond (PDF)
Active Shooter: Informational Poster (PDF)

• Walk to the nearest exit; do not use elevators.
• Activate the nearest fire alarm or call 911.
• If you get caught in smoke, drop to hands and knees and crawl to nearest exit.
• Hold your breath as much as possible; breathe through your nose and use a filter such as a shirt, towel or scarf.
• Assist persons with disabilities and direct emergency responders to location of disabled or trapped persons.
• Meet at designated assembly areas.
• Move away from building entrances.

• Go to rooms and corridors in the innermost part of a building.
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all doors, including those in main corridors, making sure they latch.
• Avoid being under heavy objects such as lights, wall hangings and other items which may fall.
• Do not use elevators.
• Remain inside until the hurricane has passed or you are cleared to leave.
• Help direct people with disabilities to a safe place.
• If you’re caught outdoors, lie flat in nearest depression (a ditch or ravine) and cover your head.

• Alert people to evacuate the immediate spill area.
• Alert the BHCC police department.
• Avoid breathing vapors from spilled chemicals or substances.
• If personally contaminated, seek eye wash and/or emergency shower.
• If clothing or footwear is contaminated, remove if possible before leaving the area of the spill.
• Do not attempt to clean up the spill on your own. Leave it to the experts.
• Do not operate any electrical devices, phones (including mobile), appliances, light switches or equipment with open flames, within spill area.
• Re-enter area only when directed by authorities.

• The community will be notified via local TV and radio stations, BHCC Alert, Twitter, Facebook and the College website if the College plans to close or close early.
• Stay safe, warm, dry and calm.
• Do not drive unnecessarily.
• Dress warm enough to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Do not go outside unless absolutely necessary.
• When shoveling snow, do not overtax your physical abilities; take frequent breaks.

• Activate Emergency Medical Services by calling ext. 2222, 617-228-2222 or 911.
• If trained, administer first aid or CPR or utilize an automated external defibrillator (AED) as needed.
• If not trained, remain calm and direct first responders to the incident.
• Reassure the victim that help is on the way.

• Remain calm and follow directions from the BHCC police.
• Secure all experiments, unplug electrical equipment, turn off lights, and shut off lab equipment.
• Do not use candles or other type of flame for lighting.
• Fully close fume hoods.
• If trapped in an elevator, do not pry open elevator doors. Use the emergency phone to contact campus police.

• Know and follow your emergency exit routes
• If main exit route is unsafe, proceed to secondary building exits
• Follow instructions from emergency notifications, public address system or BHCC police/security
• Maintain personal safety
• Identify and assist persons with functional needs during an evacuation
• Do not stop once you have begun evacuating
• Report all safety issues or suspicious persons/events along the evacuation route to BHCC police personnel.

View the BHCC Emergency Operations Plan Evacuation Annex

• Report possible incidents that may require shelter-in-place (tornado, violent activity, external hazardous release) to Campus Police (x2222)
• Inform students and visitors of the shelter-in-place procedure when applicable
• Assist students and visitors in following this shelter-in-place procedure
• Know the BHCC Functional Annex regarding Active Shooter/Intruder (Functional Annex F - Active Shooter/Intruder)
• Follow all instructions from the emergency notification, public address system, or security personnel during a sheltering event
• Identify and assist persons with functional needs during a shelter or lockdown
• In the case of an Active Shooter/Violent Intruder, follow the Active Shooter protocols also listed on this page.
• Do not leave your classroom/work space until notified via BHCC alert or a building coordinator or BHCC police officer/security.

View the BHCC Emergency Operations Plan Shelter-in-Place Annex