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A tornado is a violently rotating column of air, usually pendant to a cumulonimbus, with circulation reaching the ground. It nearly always starts as a funnel cloud and may be accompanied by a loud roaring noise. On a local scale, it is the most destructive of all atmospheric phenomena.

If Indoors:

• Move quickly to a safe interior area without windows, such as hallways, basements, or restrooms.
• Move to the lowest levels, using stairways, NOT elevators.
• If possible, close all doors as you leave an area.
• Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls.
• Do NOT go outdoors.

If Outdoors:

• Get inside, if possible.
• Stay away from trees, power lines, utility poles and other hazards.
• Curl up in a ditch or low-lying area; stay low to the ground; use your arms to protect your neck and head.

An earthquake is the shaking of a part of the earth's surface which often causes great damage.

• "Drop, Cover and Hold" under a table or desk or against an inside wall, not in a doorway, until the shaking stops.
• After the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries and move toward the nearest exit or alternate exit.
• Evacuate the building.
• Do not leave the area/campus without reporting your status to your instructor or supervisor.

Fire is generally known as the light, heat and especially the flame produced by burning.

• Remain calm.
• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and call Campus Police from a campus phone; call 911 from a cell phone; or, if available in the lobby, use the red emergency phone.
• Evacuate the building.
• Do NOT use elevators!
• Do NOT re-enter the building until authorized by emergency personnel.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

• PULL the pin.
• AIM at the base of the fire.
• SQUEEZE the handle/trigger.
• SWEEP with the extinguisher as you suppress the fire.

A hazardous materials release is the release of a substance that could pose a threat or danger to public health.

• If an emergency exists or if anyone is in danger, move away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
• Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
• Alert others to stay clear of the area.
• Notify emergency personnel if you have been exposed or have information about the release.

A suspicious person, is a person or persons whose questionable behavior or actions arouses suspicion.

• Do not physically confront the person.
• Do not let anyone into a locked building/office.
• Do not block the person's access to an exit.
• If suspected terrorist/hostage, lock doors. Do not leave or enter until all clear.
• Call Campus Police from a campus phone; or, if available in the lobby, use the red emergency phone.
• Provide as much information as possible about the person and their direction of travel.

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

• A: Avoid Danger. This is the preferred option and begins with situational awareness of one’s environment prior to any active, hostile act occurring. It also includes having a plan ahead of time regarding what you would do in the event of an active shooter and knowing escape routes.
• D: Deny: Access. If avoidance isn’t possible, find ways to prevent the attacker from having access to you and others around you (close and lock doors, barricade doorways with furniture, etc.).
• D: Defend Yourself. Take action! As a last resort you have a right to defend yourself if you believe your life is in imminent danger.

A suspicious object is an object or thing that is questionable, or arouses or is apt to arouse suspicion.

• Do not touch or disturb the object.
• Do NOT use a cell phone!
• Call Campus Police from a campus phone; or, if available in the lobby, use the red emergency phone.
• Notify your instructor or supervisor.
• Be prepared to evacuate.

A power outage is the failure of electric power for a general area.

• Remain calm; provide assistance to others if necessary.
• Move cautiously to a lighted area. Exits may be indicated by lighted signs if the emergency power is operating.
• Turn off and unplug computers and other voltage sensitive equipment.
• For information about a prolonged outage, call the Physical Plant at 901-333-4240.

An explosion on campus is a release of mechanical, chemical, or nuclear energy in a sudden and often violent manner with the generation of high temperature and usually with the release of gases.

• Immediately take cover under tables, desks or other objects that will provide protection against falling glass or debris.
• Assist persons with disabilities in exiting the building. Do not use elevators, in case of fire. Do not panic. Use stairways.
• Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. Know the designated area assembly points.
• If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
• Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a campus official.

Evacuation is clearing people, animals or materials from a given location, such as a building.

• Remain calm.
• Evacuate using the nearest safe stairs and safe exit.
• Do NOT use elevators!
• Gather personal belongings (medication, keys, purses, wallets, etc.), but only if safe to do so.
• Follow directions given by emergency personnel.
• Go to identified assembly points at least 500 feet from the affected building.
• Assist persons with disabilities or injuries without jeopardizing your safety.
• If you are unable to evacuate because of a physical disability, go to a safe location, such as a stairwell, and wait for help. Ask others to inform emergency personnel of your location.

If There Is Time:

• Turn off all electronics, including computers (except in cases of leaking gas or other flammable substances).
• Secure any hazardous materials or equipment before leaving.

View the Macon Cove Campus evacuation assembly points map

View the Union Avenue Campus evacuation assembly points map.

View the Maxine A. Smith Center evacuation assembly points map. You can also view the Whitehaven Center evacuation assembly points map.