Emergency Procedures

Fire

The fire alarm will be activated in case of fire or fire drill. Students and all Wiregrass Georgia Technical College personnel should evacuate the building according to evacuation procedures posted in each area. Students should wait at the designated place until given the signal to return to class. The “all clear” signal (one long continuous ring) will indicate when it is safe to return to the building.

Bomb Threat

In the event a bomb threat occurs, an announcement will be made over the PA system or by messenger that it is necessary to evacuate the building. Students and all Wiregrass Georgia Technical College personnel should evacuate the building according to evacuation procedures posted in each area. Everyone should wait at the designated place until given the signal to return to class. The college President/designee will indicate when it is safe to return to the building.

Tornado

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

Accident or Illness

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

Emergency Closing

The President or his/her designee is authorized to close the college if conditions exist that may threaten the health and safety of students and employees. The President is also authorized to delay the opening hour of the academic day or to release students and employees before the normal day ends if hazardous conditions exist. Closing or delayed openings will be announced by area radio, television, student email, cable stations, WGTC website, and Facebook pages. Students, faculty, and staff who are utilizing the myConnect portal will also receive a text message notifying them of campus emergencies or campus 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. Remain in the secured “safe area” until notified by authorities. In the event escape or hiding is not an option, as a last resort and only if your life is in danger, fight. CODE BLACK is the college notification term used in an active shooter situation.