Logically, any response to a catastrophic incident will be directed by the appropriate officials charged with the responsibility for coordinating and implementing a specific plan of action. However, there are some general responsibilities that are assigned to students. Listed below are some helpful tips and informative websites to provide information that can keep you prepared for any emergency. Remember, flexibility and good common sense are important in dealing with any type of disaster. A cool head and thoughtful preparedness are essential components of any plan.
General Information:
- Sign up for CSCAlert to receive up to date college emergency communications.
- Keep prescription medication(s) filled. During an emergency, trying to get prescriptions filled is difficult.
- Have a family plan for making contact. Don't wait until an emergency strikes to coordinate such a family plan and stick with the plan!
- Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative to call as alternate contacts. (Sometimes it is easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area.)
- Call only when necessary - not just to chat. Phone communications are historically overloaded during emergencies.
- Follow all instructions immediately - safety is the primary concern.
Residence Hall Students (A mandated evacuation to an out-of area location)
The College is prepared to transport students to alternative housing within the state for those students who may not have a local residence to which to evacuate. These residence hall students are typically international and out of state students. However, commuter students who notify the Department of Residential Education that they require assistance once an evacuation has been ordered may be included:
- Look for communication posters that will be put up by residence hall staff. Such posters will relay information regarding staff contact, specific instructions and meeting places for transport.
- Know the name and number of your Resident Assistant (RA) and Area Coordinator (AC).
All residence hall students must make contact with either the RA or AC to:
- sign up for transport to another location for alternate housing
- indicate where they will be if not to be transported by the College to another location for alternate housing
- provide a phone number at which the student will be located if not transported to an alternate housing location
- notify family member(s) of intended location (staying with friends or another relative) and appropriate phone numbers to be reached by family if not utilizing College transport to alternate housing.
Bring a pillow, blanket, changes of clothes, towel, prescription medication(s), a small amount of emergency cash, and basic toiletry items; each student must register at the door of the bus before boarding. Students signed up for bus transport must return on the bus.
Residence Hall Students: (When evacuating the residence halls to an alternate ON CAMPUS location)
Students living within the community who require assistance for emergency housing should inform the Department of Residential Education.
Look for communication posters that will be put up by residence hall staff. Such posters will relay information regarding staff contact, specific instructions, designated safe areas and relocation facility if required (i.e., glass exposure during a violent storm).
Know the name and number of your RA and AC.
All students residing on campus must make contact with either the RA or AC:
- indicate where they will be if they choose not to stay in Colby-Sawyer College designated facilities and a phone number where contact may be made and the student located
- notify family member(s) of intended location (staying on campus or staying with friends or another relative) and appropriate phone numbers to be reached by family.
If College emergency management personnel deem it necessary, students may be moved to appropriate on-site designated facilities (i.e., Ware Student Center, Hogan Sports Center). If this occurs students should bring a pillow, blanket, and changes of clothes, towel, prescription medication (s), basic toiletry items and a jug of water. Periodic information meetings with students in those facilities will be conducted to keep them informed.