Emergency Procedures

Fire Alarm – Code Red

Fire drill or suspected fire in the College is announced through the alert system as “Code Red, College of Nursing.” The fire alarm will sound, and warning lights will blink. All College community personnel are to exit the building. The ruling to always exit the building is a decision made by the Columbus Fire Department.

Evacuation routes are posted in each classroom as well as in other prominent places throughout the College. Students should take time to review them and be familiar with the various evacuation routes.

Reporting a Fire

If a fire is discovered in the College, follow this procedure:

1. Activate the building alarm by breaking the glass or pulling the handle on the wall fire alarm break station.

2. Use the phone to contact 911 and Safety & Security. Report the exact location of the fire, type of fire, and your name.

3. Close windows and doors in the immediate area to confine the fire.

4. If you are not in danger, do the following:

   1.  Disconnect electrical equipment in the immediate area, if able; and

   2. Use a fire extinguisher to fight the fire.

5. Turn on overhead lights so the firefighters can find their way through any smoke.

6. Evacuate the building.

7. DO NOT ENDANGER YOURSELF.

Evacuation Procedure

When the page indicates a fire drill or suspected fire in the College, students must leave the building immediately. Prior to leaving the building, follow these guidelines:

1. Turn the light on in the room you are leaving.

2. Close the door of the room you are leaving.

3. Knock on the doors on either side of you to alert others.

4. Exit the building via the nearest fire exit. Do not use elevators.

5. Exit outside to the parking lot across from the College and wait until instructed to return to the building. Do not wait on the front steps of the College.

6. In the event of inclement weather AND

   1. The alert indicates a fire in Marian Hall only, go to the CLE lobby and wait until instructed to return to Marian Hall; or

   2. The alert indicates a fire in the CLE only, go to the Marian Hall Gym and wait until instructed to return to the CLE.

Students may return to the building when a Security Officer indicates that the building is safe. Students should not return to the building until authorized to do so.

Severe Weather – Code Gray

If threatening weather includes the possibility of a tornado, an alert will be announced through the College alert system a “Code Gray, Tornado Watch” or a “Code Gray, Tornado Warning.” These announcements are made in conjunction with the National Weather Service.

Tornado Watch

A “Tornado Watch” means that weather conditions are right for a tornado to develop in the area. There is no specific response for students during a tornado watch, except to be on the alert for an announcement of worsening weather conditions.

Tornado Warning

If a funnel cloud is sighted and impacts a Mount Carmel site, a Code Gray - Tornado Warning will be issued. If issued at the College, all students are required to report to the basement of Marian Hall and remain there until an “all clear” announcement is made. If at another site, follow all site-specific instructions.

Bomb Threat – Code Black

“Code Black” indicates a bomb threat has been received or a suspicious package has been found on the MCCN campus. It is very important that the recipient of the bomb threat logs the communication (possibly a telephone call) e.g., the caller’s characteristics, time of the call, any other pertinent information, and then immediately contact Mount Carmel Security 614-896-1489.

There is no specific response for students in the College of Nursing other than reporting any suspicious looking boxes or hardware. College of Nursing staff will secure all doors and conduct a controlled search of adjacent areas.

Weapon or Hostage Threat – Code Silver

“Code Silver” indicates someone is threatening with a weapon or holding another person against their will. If a student observes an emergency of this nature in the College, they should report the situation (to Safety & Security), describing the incident and location. When “Code Silver” is alerted, all personnel should stay away from the area in question.

Disaster Alert – Code Yellow

To ensure readiness in the event of a major accident in the community, Mount Carmel College of Nursing has a detailed plan to respond to a disaster. A “Disaster Alert” will be sent out when there is a condition that requires extra personnel to help in an emergency. A disaster may be an accident, major internal mishap, or a major community disaster.

When a “Disaster Alert” is called, all available Mount Carmel College of Nursing employees may be asked to report to a central location which will function as a center to dispatch personnel to areas needing help. Students may also be asked to report, if needed.