Emergency Procedures

Fire

In the event of a fire or fire drill, the fire alarm will be activated. All students and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College personnel should evacuate the building following the evacuation procedures posted in each area. Students should wait at the designated assembly area until instructed to return to class. The “all clear” signal, a long continuous ring, will indicate when it is safe to re-enter the building.

Bomb Threat

In the event of a bomb threat, an announcement will be made over the PA system or by messenger indicating the need to evacuate the building. All students and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College personnel should evacuate the building following the evacuation procedures posted in each area. Everyone should wait at the designated assembly area until instructed to return to class. The college President or designee will provide the signal when it is safe to re-enter the building..

Tornado

Tornado evacuation routes to shelters are posted in each area. Everyone in portable buildings should evacuate to the nearest permanent building. In the event of a tornado or tornado drill, the PA system or a messenger will announce the need to report to shelter areas. Once the danger has passed, a member of the administrative staff or their designee will notify the instructor through a verbal announcement via PA or messenger when it is safe to return to class or if any other procedures need to be followed.

Accident or Illness

In the event of an accident or illness on campus, students should notify their instructor immediately. Minor first aid kits are available in each department, and first aid can be provided when necessary. If medical care is required due to an accident or injury while participating in a school-sponsored activity, student accident insurance covers 100% of Usual and Customary charges. Students may be responsible for any charges that exceed Usual and Customary amounts. If needed, the instructor will arrange for emergency transportation. Ambulances will be called when necessary, but students will be billed for the cost of the ambulance. Dial 911 or other local emergency numbers for immediate assistance.

Emergency Closing

The President or their designee is authorized to close the college if conditions arise that may threaten the health and safety of students and employees. The President is also authorized to delay the opening of the academic day or to release students and employees early if hazardous conditions exist. Announcements regarding closures or delayed openings will be made via local radio, television, student email, cable stations, the WGTC website, and Facebook pages. Students, faculty, and staff using the myConnect portal will also receive a text message notifying them of campus emergencies or closings.

Active Shooter

In the event of an active shooter situation, all individuals should report to a “safe area” within their classrooms, labs, or offices, turn off lights, and remain as quiet as possible. Stay in the secured “safe area” until notified by authorities. If escape or hiding is not an option, and only as a last resort if your life is in immediate danger, fight. CODE BLACK is the college's notification term used in an active shooter situation.