Emergency Procedures

Important Phone Numbers

GRCC Police (Emergency)

4911 (college phones)
(616) 234-4911 (other phones)

GRCC Police (non-emergency)

4010 (college phones)
(616) 234-4010 (other phones)

Local Fire or Police Department

911

Ottawa County Sheriff (non-emergency)

1-800-249-0911

Ottawa County Sheriff (Emergency)

911 (GRCC Lakeshore Campus phones)

Poison Control Center

(800) 222-1222

Medical Emergencies

• Call GRCC Police 4911 or push the GRCC Police button on any campus phone.
• Call 911 from a GRCC Lakeshore Campus phone or other phone.
• Provide location, nature of the emergency and known medical conditions.
• Remain with the person.

Suspicious Person

• Do not physically confront the person.
• Do not let anyone into a locked or card access building or room.
• Call GRCC Police at 4911 (GRCC Lakeshore Campus call 911), provide the following:
  • Your name.
  • What is the problem?
  • Where is the problem?
  • Description of person.
  • Type of weapon, if any.
  • Your current location.
• Stay on the line until told to hang up.

Armed Assailant

• Remember: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.
• Get Out/Evacuate if at all possible.
• Shelter in Place - Lock/Barricade doors.
• Take Aggressive Action as last resort.
• Call GRCC Police at (616) 234-4911 or 911 (GRCC Lakeshore Campus call 911) when safe to do so.

Bomb Threat

• Document date and time.
• Document where the call originated (displayed on caller ID where available).
• Write down exactly what was said, be specific.
• Note the age of the caller (sound of caller, young, very young, old, etc.).
• Listen for background noises, or sounds, such as music, children, etc.
• Call GRCC Police at (616) 234-4911 (GRCC Lakeshore Campus call 911), immediately.         

Weather Emergency

• For up-to-date weather information, review the NOAA Weather Forecast
• Emergency announcements may come through:
  • Classroom/office phone speakers.
  • Email announcements.
  • RAVE Text message.
  • Automated phone calls.

Tornado Warnings

• Upon notification proceed to posted shelter area.
• Use the stairs in case of power outage.
• Stay away from windows and glass.

Tornado Watches

• Remain alert and be prepared to evacuate to shelter area.

Building Evacuation Procedures

When evacuation is necessary:

• Follow evacuation routes to nearest exit or stairwell.
• DO NOT use elevators.
• Take personal belongings.
• Assist people with disabilities.
• Proceed at least 300 feet from the building or as far as necessary for safety.

Power Outages

• Immediately notify GRCC Police at 4911.
• Emergency lighting will come on.
• If in a lab turn off gas burners and equipment.
• Wait for instructions via emergency phone alert, or RAVE.

Fire or Smoke

• Never assume a fire alarm is false. If alarm is activated, you must evacuate.
• If necessary activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
• Alert others of the danger and need to evacuate.
• Shut down all hazardous equipment and gas valves in the area.
• Immediately exit the building, closing doors between you and the fire.
• When safe call GRCC Police or 911 (GRCC Lakeshore Campus call 911) with location and nature of the fire.
• Notify emergency personnel if you know of people who are still in the building.
• Remain outside until notified by Authorities.

If Caught In Smoke

• Drop and crawl toward an exit if possible.
• Breathe slowly using a towel or shirt as a filter.
• If trapped, close doors and wedge cloth material under doors to keep smoke out.
• Use windows to notify responders.
• Break windows as a last resort as they cannot be closed if necessary.

When To Use An Extinguisher

Only use an extinguisher if:

• You have been trained.
• The fire is small.
• You are not alone.
• You have an escape route.
• If not, close the door and evacuate.

An extinguisher can be used to suppress a fire that blocks your exit from the building.

Remember PASS; Pull the pin, Aim the extinguisher hose at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, Sweep from side to side.