Emergency Response Guide

This guide is designed to supply readily-accessible information to FCC employees, students, and visitors to prepare for and use in emergencies. 

While the College has an active Crisis Management Team, Security staff, video surveillance, and programs to prevent emergencies, they will still occur. Each person is a critical component of overall College safety. Your conduct can eliminate opportunities for crime or significantly increase the likelihood that perpetrators will be apprehended. Your attention to detail and willingness to report unusual situations can prevent accidents, injuries, or criminal activities. You are an integral part of our overall safety.

Communication
Communications during an emergency will come through the FCC Alert text messaging system, College public address system, social media, emails, FCC website, College signage, TV and radio stations, Security staff, or through other avenues. Be sure to sign up for FCC Alert at www.frederick.edu/fccalert.

Evacuation:
Immediately exit the building and move to a designated or safe evacuation area.

Shelter-in-Place
Immediately move into designated emergency shelter locations inside the nearest building and while inside close exterior windows and interior doors.

Lockdown
Immediately enter or remain inside a structure or room, lock the doors and windows, barricade the door, remain quiet and out of sight. Be alert for further directions.

Drills
The College periodically conducts unannounced and pre-announced evacuations, shelter-in-place, and lockdown drills.

Ongoing Building Precautions
Keep doorways, hallways, and stairways free of obstacles.

Escort
If you would like an escort to your vehicle, call 301.846.2453 and Security staff will assist.

Active Shooter or Armed Intruder

Dial or Text 911 and Notify Security

 

Notify If you see someone with a weapon, call or text 911 and call Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone.

 

AVOID the incident

  • Pay attention to your surroundings.
  • Know your exit plan.
  • Move away from the threat as quickly as possible.
 

DENY the threat/Lockdown

  • Keep distance between you and the threat.

  • Create barriers to prevent or slow down the threat from getting to you. Barricade your door (move furniture, desks, copiers, tables, chairs). Improvise by using your belt, shoestrings, computer cable or other cords to secure a door.
  • Turn off lights and cover interior windows.
  • Remain out of sight and quiet behind large objects, and silence your phone.
 

DEFEND yourself

  • Be prepared to defend yourself and others if you cannot “Avoid” or “Deny.”
  • Be aggressive and committed to your actions.
  • Do what it takes to survive.

AED

An AED is a medical device that analyzes the heart rhythm of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest and delivers an electric shock to restore the heart rhythm to normal. These life-saving tools are provided across campus in the following locations:
 
Building Location
Annapolis (A) 1st floor, main entrance lobby
Braddock/Catoctin (B/C) 1st floor, Knuckle
Athletic Center (D) 1st floor, main entrance lobby
Conference Center (E) 1st floor, main entrance lobby
Visual & Performing Arts Center (F) 1st floor, main entrance lobby
Gambrill (G) 1st floor, main entrance lobby
Student Center (H) 1st floor, atrium by Information Desk
Jefferson (J) 1st floor, main entrance lobby
Linganore (L) 1st floor, main entrance lobby
Plant Operations (P) 2nd floor hallway
Monroe Center Front and rear hallways by restrooms
Baseball field Dugout
Softball Field Dugout


Map locations of Automated External Defibrillators (AED)s

AEDs are also carried by Athletic Training staff, and DPS in their patrol vehicle.
 

Bomb Threat

A bomb threat is defined as a threat to detonate an explosive or incendiary device to cause property damage, death, or injuries, whether or not such a device actually exists.

Bomb threats can be received by various means such as phone calls, text messages, or social media. If you see or hear about a bomb threat, contact Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone.

 

If a bomb threat is received by phone:

  • Remain calm, and attempt to keep the caller on the phone as long as possible.

  • Use the Bomb Threat Checklist.

  • After the call is complete, immediately call Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone. If possible write a note to a colleague to alert Security while you are on the phone.

 

If a written bomb threat is received (letter, email, text or social media message):

  • Save everything that came with the threat (e.g. envelope, container, text, etc.).

  • Immediately call Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone to report the situation.

  • Minimize handling of the message to preserve fingerprints, handwriting, paper, and postal marks.

 

Upon notification of a bomb threat:

  • Security will assess the threat and advise the building occupants if it is necessary to evacuate the building or area. If you suspect that the threat is real and imminent, evacuate the known threat area.

  • Faculty and staff should not search the premises.

  • If time permits, all chemicals and select agents should be secured immediately. All lab operations, processes, and equipment should be turned off or put in a “safe mode.”

  • Do not attempt to re-enter the building until instructed to do so by Security.

 

If authorities order an evacuation:

  • Gather outside at the designated College Evacuation Locations and follow the instructions of Building and Floor Coordinators.

  • Do not operate any power switch or light switch.

  • Do not use elevators.

  • Do not congregate in the building lobby.

  • Turn off cellular phones and other radio transmitting equipment in the area.

  • Leave doors open.

Direct individuals with disabilities or those who are unable to evacuate to the closest Area of Rescue Assistance.

Bomb Threat Checklist

 

If a bomb threat is received by phone:


Listen carefully:

Check for a caller ID number. Write down all the information you receive. Be polite and show interest. Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information. If possible, write a note to a colleague to call Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone.


Remember or write down the exact words of threat


  1. Ask the caller:
    • Where is the bomb located? (Building, floor, room, etc.)
    • ​What does it look like?
    • What kind of bomb is it?
    • What will make it explode?
    • Did you place the bomb?
    • Why?
    • What is your name?
    • Where is the caller located? (Background and level of noise)
    • Estimated age:
    •  Is voice familiar? If so, who does it sound like?
    • Other points:
  2. Exact Words of Threat
    • Remember the exact words of the threat. Write them down, if possible.
  3.  Information About Caller
    • ​​Where is the caller located? (Background and level of noise)​​
    • Estimated age:
    • Is voice familiar? If so, who does it sound like?
    • Other points:

Crime

1. Notify
Crimes that involve imminent danger
If you are the victim of or witness to a crime that puts yourself or others in imminent danger, you should immediately report it to the police by calling 911  and report it to Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone and provide as many details as possible.

 

Crimes that do not involve imminent danger
For any instances of crime that do not involve imminent danger, notify Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone, and be prepared to give as many details as possible. A Security member will contact police if necessary.

 

2. Keep Safe

Do not approach or attempt to apprehend the offender(s). Stay in a safe place until police or Security arrive.

 

3. Describe

Provide an accurate description of the crime, and any other details that will assist in the investigation of the crime. Do not disturb or touch items at the crime scene.

Disruptive Individual

If you feel threatened by someone or observe an individual who is disruptive, call Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone.

If you observe someone in imminent danger, call 911.

Evacuation Locations

Everyone must exit the building during fires or drills. Be sure to shut off open flame devices in laboratories. The fire alarm will sound continuously until the building is evacuated.

Move out in an orderly manner. Close interior doors. Do not run.

If you are able, help others who have physical handicaps.

If smoke has filled the hallways, crawl on your hands and knees.

Once outside, move away from the building to a designated evacuation area.

Staff must check to determine if every student has left the building. Whenever practical, faculty should take class rolls with them.

Evacuation Location/Emergency Exit Routes
 

 

Fire

If you discover a fire or see smoke, immediately sound the fire alarm. Once you've left the building, from a cell phone, Public Safety at 301.846.2453.

Follow fire safety protocols if in a science lab or chemical storage area. Fire extinguishers are positioned at various locations. Those who need assistance evacuating should proceed to “Areas of Rescue Assistance.” Security or other trained staff will assist you in evacuating.
 

Evacuate and Notify

Evacuate the building by using the closest exit or stairway. Do not use elevators to evacuate. When smoke is present, crawl on your hands and knees to evacuate.Pull a fire alarm while exiting the building and notify Security. For imminent danger, call 911. Proceed to designated College Evacuation Locations. Refer to Evacuation Maps and Emergency floor plans. Do not re-enter a building until the “All-Clear” is given. If an evacuation area is unsafe, respond to an alternate safe location.Instructors and supervisors should conduct a head count at the evacuation site and be prepared to report any missing person. Direct individuals with disabilities or those who are unable to evacuate to the closest Area of Rescue Assistance. If evacuation paths are blocked, call 911 and identify your location.
 
Area of Rescue Assistance
Building Name Bldg. Letter Location
 
Annapolis Hall/Braddock Hall
 
A/B
 
A/B knuckle/connector
 
Braddock Hall/Catoctin Hall
 
B/C
 
B/C knuckle/connector
 
Gambrill Hall
 
G
 
Building second floor stairway A lobby
 
Student Center
 
H
 
Stairways 2, 3, and 4
 
Jefferson Hall
 
J
 
Both east and west stairways
 
Linganore Hall
 
L
 
Second floor front stairway and Second floor side stairway, near L-209

The Athletics Center (D), Conference Center (E), Visual & Performing Arts Center (F), Children’s Center (M), and Monroe Center (MC) are one story buildings. These buildings and the Parking Deck do not have areas of rescue assistance. Individuals should proceed to the College Evacuation Locations for these buildings or move as far away from the building as possible until assistance arrives.

Hazardous Materials or Gas Leak

Hazardous material incidents may be accidental or by criminal intent. They may occur either inside or outside.

Notify Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone.

 

Indoor hazardous incidents:

  • Follow established safety protocols.
  • Turn off gas supplies.
  • Evacuate to the designated College Evacuation Location.
  • Notify Security immediately.
  • Call 911 if there is imminent danger.
 

Outdoor hazardous incidents:

  • Move away and upwind from the hazard and evacuate the area.
  • Notify Security.
  • Shelter in place if you are inside or directed by Security.
  • Call 911 if there is imminent danger.

Stay tuned to updates on the FCC Alert system, or from Security personnel.

Medical Emergency

  1. Call 911 if a person has a medical emergency and notify Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone.
  2. Make sure the scene is safe before you approach someone who is injured.
  3. If able, provide the name of the injured person, their detailed location, and any helpful information for responders, such as medical bracelets or patient history.
  4. Remain with the person until help arrives, and only move the person if a greater hazard exists.
  5. All injuries to employees, students and visitors must be reported to security.

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are located in each building as indicated on the Emergency Floor Plans posted throughout each building.

For non-emergency medical assistance, contact Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone.

Severe Weather

In the event of a severe weather emergency, FCC will notify you via FCC Alert message, public address system, or a Security member, and indicate how to respond. Each employee is expected to react accordingly when a severe weather emergency is imminent.


Tornadoes

Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for a tornado or severe weather.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted. Seek shelter immediately. Move away from rooms with exterior windows and seek shelter immediately in an interior hallway.

Go to the closest Emergency Shelter Location listed below and identified on the Emergency Floor Plans posted throughout each building. Close office doors after you exit an area.When you reach shelter, seek cover and protect yourself. FCC staff will notify you when it’s safe to exit (via FCC Alert text message, public address system, or a Security member).
 
Emergency Shelter Locations
Building Name Bldg. Letter Location
Annapolis Hall A First floor: restrooms, A-103E, A-103F, A-105G, A-105H, hallways by A-105, A-107C, mailroom restrooms Second floor: restrooms, A-201, A-204G
Athletics Center D Home and visitor team locker rooms
Braddock Hall B First floor: hallway between B-101/B-104, B/C knuckle restrooms Second floor: hallway between B-207/B-214
Catoctin Hall C First floor: hallway between C-110/C-120, hallway between C-128/C-130 Second floor: hallway between C-212/C-225, hallway between C-234/C237
Children’s Center M Classroom restrooms
Conference Center E Hallway between E-103/E-108, E-123, E-124 A/B, E-125, restrooms
Gambrill Hall G First floor: kitchenette, G-107, restrooms Second floor: restrooms, break room
 
Jefferson Hall
 
J
First floor: J-101, J-107, J-108, J-109, J-110, J-116, hallway by J-114, hallway from J-118-121
Second floor: J-202, J-203, hallway from J-207 to J-227, J-209, J-212, J-214, J-216, J-219, J-221, J-223, J-227
Third floor: J-303, J-304, J-306, J-307, hallway from J-315 to J-331
Linganore Hall L First floor: restrooms, hallway, L-103, L-111, L-112, L-113, L-115, L-116
Second floor: restrooms, hallways, hallway between L-205/L-211, L-206, L-212, L-227
Plant Operations P Second floor restroom #20
Monroe Center MC Student lounge, Workforce Services – conference room, staff lounge
Parking Deck   Safely seek shelter on the first level interior concrete walls away from the wind by crouching down protecting yourself
Student Center H First floor: restrooms, hallway between elevator/H-105/H-111, service corridor between H-118/H-126 Second floor: restrooms, hallway between H-221/H-215, hallways outside classrooms
Sweadner Hall S Inside Sweadner Hall
Visual and Performing Arts Center F F-104 A/B, F-106, F-109, F-110, F-111, F-112, hallway between F-118/F-120, F-125, F-132, F-143, hallway between F-143/F-145
Kiln Building K First floor interior area parking deck crouching down to protect yourself
Baseball/Soccer/Lacrosse Fields   Baseball field restrooms, first floor interior parking deck, Catoctin Hall shelter areas
Practice Field/Softball Field   Gambrill Hall or Athletic Center shelter areas

Suspicious Package

Signs of a suspicious bag, package, or object:

Report any unattended or suspicious bags, packages, or objects to Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone.

  • Do not use cellular phones or two-way radios within 300 feet of an unattended or suspicious bag, package, or object.
  • Do not touch or move the bag, package, or object.
  • Do not activate the fire alarm.
  1. Leave the area immediately and notify Security when you locate unattended or suspicious bags, packages, or objects. Call Security at 4444 from a main campus phone or a Monroe Center office phone, or 301.846.2453 from any other phone.
  2. Call 911 if there is an imminent danger.

Utility Disruption

Utility disruptions and failures happen occasionally. Timely reporting and prompt action is essential to minimize impacts to health and safety and the campus.

If any of the following occur, contact Public Safety immediately: 301.846.2453.

 

Type Examples
Electrical Loss of power, downed wire, electrical “burning” smell, sparking outlet, sudden loss of electricity
Water Standing water on floor, water dripping down walls or from ceiling, water spraying in unintended fashion
Natural Gas "Rotten eggs” smell, “hissing” noise coming from above ground pipe
 

For non-emergency situations, contact Plant Operations at 301.846.2453 or submit a work order.

Contact
The Public Safety office may be contacted at 301.846.2453 or by dialing or x2453 on any campus phone.

The Monroe Center direct line is 240.629.7900.

The Public Safety office can receive text messages at this number 301.606.7716.
Location
The Public Safety office is located in the Student Center, H-116, at the base of the stairs near the Cougar Cafe.