Emergency Procedures

How to Respond During an Emergency

Emergencies can occur quickly and without warning. When they do, Campus Police, Security, and Maintenance personnel serve as SCC’s primary on-site first responders for incidents such as injuries, medical events, fire, severe weather, and safety threats. Students, employees, and visitors should always follow the instructions of college officials and emergency responders during these situations.

The procedures in the sections below outline the specific actions to take during a variety of emergencies. Each topic provides clear, practical steps to help you stay safe, support others if you are able, and ensure first responders can reach the scene quickly and effectively.

In the event of an active attacker critical incident, individuals should use the following RUN, HIDE, FIGHT procedures:

Run (Evacuate)

  •   Have an escape plan and route in mind.
  •   Move away from campus on foot--do not attempt to drive.
  •   Leave belongings behind.
  •   Keep hands visible to law enforcement.
  •   Help others escape if possible.
  •   Call 911 when you are in a safe place if you have relevant information to share (ex. identity, location, or status of the active attacker).

Hide (Barricade)

  •   Get out of the attacker's view and hide in a secure area.
  •   Lock doors, block entry with heavy furniture, and turn off lights.
  •   Silence cell phones and other electronics.
  •   Choose a hiding spot with thicker walls and fewer windows for better protection.

Fight (Defend)

  •   This is a last resort, used only when your life is in immediate danger.
  •   Act with physical aggression and commit to your actions.
  •   Throw items at the attacker (fire extinguishers, books, chairs).
  •   Work with others to create a distraction or incapacitate the attacker.
  • Continue RUN, HIDE, FIGHT procedures until given the all-clear message or instructions by emergency responders.

     When calling 911, provide:

  • Your precise location.
  • Shooter’s location, if known.
  • Number of shooters, if more than one.
  • Description of the shooter(s).
  • Number and type of weapons involved.
  • Number of potential victims.

    When law enforcement arrives:

  • Remain calm and follow all instructions.
  • Raise your hands and keep them visible.
  • Avoid sudden movements or approaching officers.

In the event of a Lockdown critical incident, individuals should use the following procedures:

  • Stop all activities immediately.
  • Stay calm.
  • Go to the nearest classroom, office, or secure space, not hallways.
  • Close, lock, and barricade doors with heavy furniture (desks, cabinets) if possible.
  • Close blinds, curtains, and turn off lights to make the room appear empty.
  • Move away from doors and windows, get below window level, and hide behind solid objects.
  • Turn phones to silent and avoid making noise.

Continue Lockdown procedures inside the building until given the all-clear message or instructions by emergency responders.

SCC Alert is the official emergency notification system for Sandhills Community College and Hoke grounds. Alerts are continuously updated to provide timely instructions during emergencies or severe weather. Notifications include:

  • Email
  • Text messages
  • Voicemail

All current students and employees are automatically registered for SCC Alert emails. Additional contact information can be added by completing the registration process. Parents and community members may also sign up.

Additional notifications may include:

  • Website homepage banners
  • Alerts on computers logged in by employees
  • Local media and social media announcements

SCC Alert Registration

In the event of a Lockdown critical incident, individuals should use the following procedures:

  • Stop all activities immediately.
  • Stay calm.
  • Go to the nearest classroom, office, or secure space, not hallways.
  • Close, lock, and barricade doors with heavy furniture (desks, cabinets) if possible.
  • Close blinds, curtains, and turn off lights to make the room appear empty.
  • Move away from doors and windows, get below window level, and hide behind solid objects.
  • Turn phones silently and avoid making noise.
  • Continue Lockdown procedures inside the building until given the all-clear message or instructions by emergency responders.

  • In the event of a Shelter in Place critical incident, individuals should use the following procedures:

    • Bring everyone into the building or room.
    • Shut and lock the door(s).
    • Ask students and visitors to stay, not leave.
    • Check to ensure that all windows, exterior doors, and other openings to the outside are closed.
    • Close window shades, blinds, or curtains.
    • Choose interior rooms large enough to comfortably hold everyone and avoid rooms with mechanical equipment such as ventilation pipes.
    Continue Shelter in Place procedures inside the building until given the all-clear message or instructions by emergency responders.
  • Calmly evacuate buildings using all available exits. College evacuation maps can be reviewed here:

            SCC Evacuation Map

  • Move away from campus on foot.
  • Do not attempt to drive.
  • Evacuate and please remain in the alert condition until receiving the all-clear message.
An all-clear message will be sent when it is safe to resume your normal activities.
  • Immediately take shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
  • If you are outdoors, move indoors or to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
  • An all-clear message will be broadcast when it is safe to resume your normal activities.
  • Please remain in alert condition until receiving the all-clear message.
  • Immediately proceed to the closest identified fire evacuation location. (insert link to campus evacuation maps)
  • Stay in the fire evacuation location until the all-clear message has been sent.
  • Do not attempt to leave campus.