TCC police release revised emergency procedures

    by Richard Turner, reporter

    Prior proper planning prevents poor performance and emergency procedures help save lives are standard safety mottos TCC is taking seriously.

    District emergency procedures are being revised to improve safety for students and staff, Lt. Toni Owens, South Campus police department, said.

    "There are always some factors that you can't account for in an emergency," she said.

    To report emergency situations, one should realize the police dispatch number, 515-4570, dispatches to all campuses, Owens said.

    Persons reporting emergencies should include their name, campus, the building or room and a brief description of the emergency, Owens said.

    "In an emergency situation in which the building has to be evacuated students should stay together and assist each other," she said.

    Owens said students and staff members should acquaint themselves with emergency maps.

    These maps indicating exits are posted inside each building. In an emergency, people should exit away from the danger.

    "Except for gas leaks, activate fire alarm if accessible," she said.

    When evacuating the building, people should not take the time to gather personal items, should not use elevators, should follow directions given and evacuate a distance of approximately 400 feet, Owens said.

    "Many factors must be considered when deciding to evacuate for a bomb threat. It is best to err on the side of safety," she said.

    Any unusual or suspect item should not be touched or otherwise disturbed except by trained professionals. Anything that might be suspicious should be reported so the police can make the decision on whether it is something dangerous, Owens said.

    Reporting suspicious activities such as oversized crowds, unruly behavior or hostility helps in confrontation management.

    "This is what we are here for, making a safe learning environment," she said.

    In severe weather, students should seek shelter in a room or hallway as far away from windows or any kind of glass as possible. Diagrams with shelter areas marked in blue are posted inside the buildings.

    For delayed or cancelled classes, tune in to AM radio stations: WBAP 820, KRLD 1080, KCLE 1140, KLIF 570 and KTCK 1310.

    FM radio stations include KKMR 93.3, KSCS 96.3, KVIL 103.7, KOMX 102.9, KERA 90.1 and KOAI 107.5.

    The television stations that report closings or delays include: WFAA Channel 8, KXAS Channel 5, KDFW Channel 4, KTVT Channel 11 and KDFI Channel 27. Information is also available online at www.cancellations.com