Evacuations, Lockdowns, and Taking Shelter

General Information

The SMCM Office of Public Safety is responsible for all law enforcement and campus security activities, including controlling the flow of traffic. The Director of Public Safety works with the campus Emergency Response Team (ERT) to determine if an evacuation, lock-down or shelter in place is necessary and the scope of the situation.

Evacuations, lock-downs or shelter in place orders may include all or portions of buildings, specific areas of the campus or the entire campus depending upon the nature of the emergency. In the event of a campus wide evacuation the College will be supported by the St. Mary’s County Emergency Services and Technology Office and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to ensure safe egress.

The Office of Public Safety will establish and ensure staffing of traffic control points that are considered necessary. They will also maintain access control and security for the affected areas.

In the event of a campus wide evacuation, lock-down or shelter in place the ERT in cooperation with the President of the College will determine when the emergency is over and the campus is open. This information will be disseminated using all appropriate and available methods of communication.

Evacuations

“Evacuate” is the term used when it is necessary to vacate a specific building(s) and/or area of the campus. Occupants in the affected area will be required to leave the building and/or area as quickly and calmly as possible.

Reasons for an Evacuation:

The reasons the College may require an evacuation include but are not limited to:

Fires and/or fire alarms
Severe weather events
Hazardous material spills

Notification

The campus community will be notified to evacuate via all appropriate and available methods, based on the nature of the emergency, of communication including:

Fire Alarm
Emergency texting via Campus Shield
Public Address System
Campus email
College Twitter Page
College Web site

Required Action:

Evacuation may be required due to hazardous materials spills/releases that do not involve a campus facility such as a transportation accident. An assessment by on-scene personnel will determine the appropriate area and populations to be considered for evacuation. Follow the instructions of responding emergency personnel.

Residence hall and academic building evacuation processes are listed in the Emergency Resource Guide on this site and in the Campus Shield App Safety Resources.

When the all clear signal is given the emergency is resolved. Classes, if in session and affected, will resume at the nearest class time period.

If someone is in need of assistance and you are able, please help in any way you can.

Lock-down/Shelter in Place

The College has the ability to secure buildings in the event of an emergency. The buildings may be secured remotely via the CS Gold system and/or manually. Residence halls are secure 24/7. In the event of a Lock-down/Shelter in Place order do not leave the building you are in until an all clear announcement is given by College authorities or local law enforcement. Additional information can be found in the Emergency Resource Guide on this site and in the Campus Shield App Safety Resources.

Take Shelter

“Take shelter” will be the term used when it is necessary to allow access to buildings on campus in the case of an emergency requiring persons to shelter from adverse external conditions. Buildings will be sources of refuge and should be allowed open access. Training Videos