Emergency Situations

Understand potential emergency situations that may arise on campus and how to prepare for and address them by following the links in the index below:

ACTIVE SHOOTER

Characteristics of an Active Shooter:

• Typically, victims are selected at random.
• The event is usually unpredictable and evolves quickly.
• Law enforcement is usually required to end the situation.
  
  

Profile of an Active Shooter:

• There is no true physical profile of an Active Shooter, but historically Active Shooters do exhibit some similarities.
• Almost all attackers engage in behavior that causes the people around them to feel concerned, worried or scared.
• Almost all plan their attack out in advance.
• Almost all attackers inform at least one other person of their plans.
  
  

Ways to respond to an Active Shooter:

1.) GET OUT!

• Know where the exits are located.
• Leave your belongings.
• Keep your hands visible to law enforcement.
  
  

2.) HIDE OUT!

• Hide in an area outside of the shooter s view.
• Block the entryway of your hiding place and lock the doors.
• Silence your cell phone.
  
  

3.) TAKE OUT!

• As a last resort and only if your life is in danger, attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Remember: You are fighting for your life. Anything is fair.
  
  

4.) CALL OUT!

• Call 911 as soon as it is safe for you to do so.

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EVACUATIONS

Evacuation routes are posted on all main office and classroom doors. Please become familiar with the closest exits to your locations.

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FIRE

If you are the first to notice a fire, pull the closest fire alarm, call 911, and exit the building immediately. When you are able, notify the security personnel of the building in which the fire is occurring (click here for security personnel contact info).

When you hear an alarm, evacuate the building immediately. Follow instructions from the Emergency Management Leadership Team. Do NOT use the elevator.

For individuals who are unable to use the stairs, please call 911, then notify the security guard in the building where you are located to report your location (click here for security personnel contact info).

Fire Extinguishers: There are extinguishers located on every floor. You can find the exact location of an extinguisher on the evacuation plan affixed to the back of each classroom door.

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MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

In the event of a life threatening medical emergency, call 911. Even if you are unsure, call 911, as it is best to let the first responders evaluate the situation. If you or someone else is available after calling 911, notify the security personnel of the building in which the medical emergency is occurring (click here for security personnel contact info).

If there is a non-life threatening emergency but you need help, notify the security personnel of the building in which the medical emergency is occurring. Security personnel will dispatch the Emergency Management Leadership Team (EMLT), which will assess the situation and provide an appropriate response. 

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SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR

All members of the KCAD community, when on- and off-campus, are urged to be attentive to their surroundings, to notice suspicious behavior or circumstances, and to report their observations to authorities.

In the unlikely event that you are the victim of, are involved in, or witness an individual behaving in an unusual or suspicious manner, or an individual is disorderly, intoxicated, committing vandalism, or other destructive act such as assault, robbery, theft, overt sexual behavior, etc., please do the following:

1. Do NOT engage with the suspicious person.
2. If the suspicious activity is in progress and poses an immediate threat, call 911.
3. Report the suspicious behavior to KCAD security personnel (click here for security personnel contact info).

When reporting suspicious behavior or circumstances be prepared to include as much of the following information as possible:

• Description of the behavior observed
• Location of incident
• Description of person(s) involved
• Location of person(s) involved
• Your name, location, department and phone number
• Any other information that would aid the responders

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UTILITY FAILURE

Any emergency involving a utility (for example: electrical wires, water mains or pipes, steam pipes, natural gas pipes) needs to be reported immediately by calling 911.

For non-emergency assistance, contact the security personnel of the building in which the utility is located (click here for security personnel contact info).

Power Failure: Power failures are usually of short duration, so please remain in the building. If it appears that the outage will be lengthy you will be notified of KCAD's procedures by the Emergency Text Alert System (click here for more information).

Downed Electrical Power Lines: Do NOT go near downed electrical power lines. Treat all power lines as if they are charged with electricity. If you encounter a downed power line, call 911 immediately and then report it to KCAD security personnel.

Water Main Break: Avoid the area, as the water may have weakened the ground and could cause the ground to collapse. If you encounter a water main break, call 911 immediately and then report it to KCAD security personnel.

Natural Gas Leak: Natural gas leaks may be noticed by the distinctive odor (rotten egg smell) associated with natural gas. Do NOT turn on or off any electrical or electronic devices in the area, or ignite any flames where the smell is present. Leave the area as quickly as possible. Doors and windows should be left open to help ventilate the area. If you encounter a natural gas leak, report it immediately to KCAD security personnel.

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WEATHER EMERGENCY

If a weather emergency has been reported by the National Weather Service, the Emergency Management Leadership Team (EMLT) will communicate with the KCAD community in a timely manner via the Emergency Text Alert system (click here for more information), email, and/or the internal intercom system.

Tornado: It is important to note that the City of Grand Rapids tornado sirens are tested on the first Friday of each month at noon. In the event of a tornado:

• Quickly and safely move to the lowest level of the building.
• Make sure to avoid areas by doors, glass walls or windows.
• Wait for an all clear from the EMLT before leaving the building.

School Closures: The EMLT determines if weather conditions warrant school closure. The EMLT will send emergency text alert, email, and post any closure of the KCAD campus to the KCAD website and to local news channels.

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