Environmental Health & Safety

Active Shooter 

The best possible scenario is to intervene before a person turns violent. If you see warning signs, do not hesitate to share your concerns with proper authorities. Response to an active shooter requires individual decision making. The emergency notification from the campus will provide the last known location of the threat, but the shooter might have moved. In most cases, the best action is to barricade. You should evacuate (RUN) only if you are reasonably sure you know where the shooter is, and you have a clear path to an exit.

• » Active Shooter Response Actions

  Run

  Have an escape plan in mind. If you are outside a building near the threat, go to the nearest cover immediately. If you are inside the building and you are confident you know the shooter’s location and have a clear path to an exit, evacuate immediately, and take others with you if possible. Prevent others from entering the building. Keep your hands empty and visible and follow all instructions from police. Tell police anything you know about the shooter (location, weapons, etc).

  Hide

  If you are inside a building and the shooter(s) location is unknown, the safest option is normally to barricade: If you are unsure that you can safely exit the building, secure the area by following these tips:

  • Lock and barricade doors with heavy furniture
  • Stay away from doors or windows
  • Turn off lights
  • Block windows
  • Turn off radios and computer monitors
  • Keep yourself out of sight (take cover/protection from bullets by using concrete walls or heavy furniture) AND
  • Silence your cell phone
    Quietly report to 911:
  • Your specific location
  • Number of people at your location
  • Number of injured and types of injuries
  • Assailant(s) – location, number of suspects, race/gender, clothing description, physical features, types of weapons, backpack, shooter’s identity (if known), separate explosions from gunfire, etc.
  • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen

  Fight

  Attempt to stop the attacker by:

  • Working as a group if possible
  • Improvising weapons
  • Committing to your actions
  • Acting with physical aggression

  Be Prepared for the Police Response

  • Follow all instructions given by police officers
  • Understand that the first actions by police will be to address the threat
  • Make sure empty hands are in plain view
  • Tell police any information you know about the shooter

   Self-report for Tracking

  • Attempt to contact your immediate family. (It is good practice to designate a common point of contact that your family and friends know to call.)
  • Provide information to university officials for rosters upon request.

  Active Shooter Response Videos
  Covers response in more detail
  Covers fighting back
  Covers the Department of Homeland Security funded Run, Hide, Fight response

Bomb Threat

Response Actions

 If you receive a bomb threat:

• Stay composed.
• If you have caller ID, write down the number displayed.
• Get the attention of someone nearby and tell them to call Tn Tech PD at 372-3234 immediately.
• Keep the caller on the phone by asking the following questions:When is the bomb going to explode?
  • Where is it right now?
  • What does it look like?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What will cause it to explode?
  • Did you place the bomb?
  • What is your address?
  • What is your name?
• Relay information to first responders as soon as possible and follow their directions.
• Cooperate with the arriving emergency personnel while they evaluate the threat.
• Follow police (or emergency personnel) orders to evacuate to your building’s assembly point. Visit the Functional Needs Emergency Information page if you need evacuation assistance.
• Alert others to evacuate if there is an immediate threat.

Get a Bomb Threat Checklist

Making a False Bomb Threat is not a Victimless Prank

It ties up response resources that could be needed for a real emergency and can negatively affect reactions in the event of an actual bomb threat.

A false bomb threat will be turned over to the proper legal authorities for investigation and possible criminal prosecution. Making a false bomb threat will also be considered cause for disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion for students and termination for employees.

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Earthquake

Drop! Cover! Hold on!

Did you know Tennessee has the two most active seismic zones in the eastern United States? Here is what to do if an earthquake occurs.

• Seek shelter under a sturdy desk. If a desk is not available, move into a hallway or stand against an inside wall.
• Do NOT attempt to exit the building during active shaking. Wait until the shaking has stopped. Falling materials can be deadly.
• Do NOT run down stairs or use elevators. Stay clear of windows and heavy appliances.
• If you are outdoors, stay away from buildings, utility lines, trees, bridges, or any other structure that could fall.
• Once the shaking has stopped, exit damaged buildings. *Doors may be jammed, so exiting through another means may be necessary. Doors should be left open if possible.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• Report your condition and location to emergency preparedness personnel or some other official. If trapped, bang on something to make noise rather than yelling for help.

Earthquake Preparation Video 
Self-report for Tracking

• Attempt to contact your immediate family. (It is good practice to designate a common point of contact that your family and friends know to call.)
• Provide information to university officials for rosters upon request.

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Fire Prevention

If You Encounter a Fire or Smoke remember to:

RACE and PASS

• Rescue anyone in immediate danger (if safe to do so).
• Alert/Alarm others and pull the closest fire alarm. Call 9-1-1 ASAP from a safe place.
• Confine the fire by closing doors to help slow the spread of fire and smoke. 
• Extinguish/Evacuate.
  • Do not use the elevator.
  • Close all doors behind you as you leave.
  • Evacuate to your building assembly point (located at least 200 feet away from the building). 
  • Assist others needing help evacuating. Those who are unable to traverse stairs, direct them to a fire rated stairwell if present. Notify first responders to their location. 
  • Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders have given the all-clear.
• For a small fire, try to extinguish it.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher:

• Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
• Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the metal handle.
• Sweep the hose from side to side at the base of the fire.
• Watch this FEMA video on using an extinguisher.

Should You Extinguish a Fire?

• Do NOT use an extinguisher if:
  • You are not comfortable putting out the fire. Heavy smoke is filling the room or it is difficult to breathe.
  • Your escape route could be blocked.
  • The fire is large or spreading rapidly (larger than a trashcan).
  • The fire is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling.
  • There are hazardous materials (flammable liquids) present.
• If the above listed conditions exist, close any doors present and evacuate instead.

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Pandemic

Campus will follow recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and the State and Knox County Health Department in the event of a health crisis. The administration will use campus communication methods to share information about health hazards and the impact they will have on campus operations. Your actions make a difference in controlling the spread of pandemic viruses like the flu.

Likely Campus Actions in the Early Stages of a Pandemic

Awareness and training efforts to reinforce key prevention measures and control the spread of disease:

• Monitor campus updates for information on vaccinations, precautions, and policy/procedure changes that result from a flu/pandemic outbreak on campus.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds—especially before eating and after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough into your shirt sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Do NOT share your food, drink, or utensils with others.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. Onset of symptoms can take up to three days after you’ve been exposed to the virus.
• If you become sick, stay home and avoid contact with others until you’ve been symptom-free for twenty-four hours. A mild, lingering cough may occur and, as long as there are no other flu symptoms, this shouldn’t prevent proceeding with your normal activities.

Progression of Campus Actions if the Disease Continues to Spread

The campus will institute other procedures to limit the spread of disease such as:

• Travel restrictions and cancellations based on warnings from the US State Department travel advisory system
• Social distancing procedures which may include restricting face to face meetings in favor of alternate communication means, restrictions on public gatherings, an increase in remote delivery of instruction and telecommuting, and any other procedures that reduce exposure.
• Quarantine and isolation is not a university policy, but may become necessary for persons presenting symptoms who are unable to find alternate accommodations.
• Finally, it may become necessary to suspend campus operations to critical support functions until the threat has passed.

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Severe Weather

TN Tech will remain open except in the most severe weather conditions. The majority of university activities can continue safely. However, departments must monitor severe weather and review their operations to ensure they can be conducted safely.

If severe weather is likely (winter storm, high winds, thunder, lightning, hail, flash floods):

• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Monitor the weather for local conditions.
• Seek appropriate shelter (if there is a thunderstorm, remain there until thirty minutes after the last rumble of thunder).
  • Sheds, tents, and covered porches don’t protect you from lightning.
  • Find a sturdy building or get into a hard topped metal vehicle with the windows closed.
• Do NOT use a corded phone if you hear thunder. Cordless phones and cell phones are safe to use.
• Keep away from electrical equipment, wiring, and water pipes.
  • Sensitive electronics should be unplugged.
  • Don’t take a bath, shower, or use other plumbing during a thunderstorm.
  • Stay away from utility poles, tall trees, and towers during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or tunnels.
  • Don’t drive through a flooded road. A few inches of water can be deadly.
  • If you’re at work, monitor the campus notifications and follow the directions provided.

StormReady Certification

The campus has recognition as a StormReady University by the National Weather Service for continuing to maintain a diligent and proactive approach to timely and effective campus communication and preparedness.

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Stop the Bleed

Tennessee Tech University has joined the nationwide effort to empower bystanders to help save lives in bleeding emergencies before professional help arrives.

In the critical minutes between the 911 call and the arrival of emergency responders, the average person can make the difference between life and death. Campus officials are providing trauma kits to be used by the campus community during this critical time.

Here is what you need to know:

• Kits are located near automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
• Some larger wall units are located in large gathering areas
• The kits are designed to treat life-threatening bleeding wounds
• Easy to follow instructions are inside

Emergency preparedness is easy: locate the AED and trauma kit nearest you.

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Report Suspicious Activity

Your Safety Comes First!

If you become aware of suspicious activity, NEVER:

• Ignore your instincts.
• Take direct action or pursue.
• Confront the individual.

If you become aware of suspicious activity, ALWAYS:

• Call 911 if there is a life threatening situation.
• When reporting suspicious activity, it helps to give the most accurate description possible.
• Notify the TN Tech Police Department at 931-372-3234 as soon as possible and describe the events you observed:
  • Brief description of the activity
  • Date, time, and location of the activity
  • Physical identifiers of anyone you observed
  • Descriptions of vehicles
  • Information about where people involved in suspicious activities may have gone
  • Your name and contact information (optional)

Other reporting options:

Report suspicious activity online
 

If you SEE something, SAY something!
 
What to Look For

• Attempting to gain access or found in places they don’t belong
• Unusual interest in operational details and asking probing questions
• Avoiding eye contact and/or departing quickly when seen or approached
• Moving against the flow of traffic or loitering for no apparent reason
• Overdressed for the weather
• A strong odor coming from a bag or vehicle
• An overloaded vehicle or fluid leaking other than from the engine or gas tank

Warning Signs

A potential active shooter may exhibit additional warning signs that appear suspicious. Even if the person is not a threat to others, they could benefit from resources available through campus.

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Suspicious Package

If you receive a suspicious package or letter:

• Handle with care, don’t shake or bump.
• Isolate and look for indicators such as misspellings, wires, strange odor, rigid or bulky, lopsided or uneven, wrong title with name, oily stains, excessive tape or string, excessive postage, or no return address.
• Don’t open, smell, or taste.
• Treat it as suspicious—move away or have someone else call TN Tech PD at 931-372-3234

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Tornado

Tornado alerts from the National Weather Service are issued by counties. The campus will only issue a TTU Alert for a tornado warning if the main campus is included in the warning area. An alert in Putnam County does not automatically indicate a threat to campus.

If a Tornado Warning is in Effect for Campus

• It is best to stay indoors if you’re already in a sturdy building.
• Warn others to seek shelter.
• Shelter in a designated severe weather shelter OR locate an interior space as low in the building as possible that doesn’t have windows. Ideally, the space should have two exits. The best available shelter in TN Tech buildings is designated on building signs located near elevators and exits.
• Protect your head and neck with a bike helmet or cover your head with a sturdy object like a text book.
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture if available.
• Close the doors and stay inside until the tornado has passed. An All Clear TTU Alert will be issued when the immediate threat has passed.
• Continue to monitor for campus updates and monitor local media and/or National Weather Service.

If you are outdoors and shelter is not available, find a ditch or low spot where you can lie down.

If a Tornado Touches Down on Campus

• After the tornado has passed, exit damaged buildings and go to a safe location.
• Report your condition and location to emergency personnel or some other official. If trapped, bang on something to make noise rather than yelling for help.

 Self-report for Tracking

• Attempt to contact your immediate family. (It is good practice to designate a common point of contact that your family and friends know to call.)
• Provide information to university officials for rosters upon request.