Emergency Preparedness Drills

Please note that participation in this drill is mandatory.

Winter 2023 Drills, Feb. 21-23, 2023

Downtown Campus
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 10 – 10:30 a.m.

Central Campus
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 10 – 10:30 a.m.

South Campus
Thursday, Feb. 23, 10 – 10:30 a.m.

About the drill

This emergency preparation drill focuses on our lockdown procedures on campus.

Early intervention, planning, and preparation are critical. Because active shooter and campus threat situations are unpredictable and often over within minutes, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

It is important for all employees to consider what they would do in their specific situations. What are the configurations of your various classrooms, work areas, office spaces, etc.? What are your escape options and hideout options?

Finally, it is incumbent upon all of us to be aware of and report things that are out of the ordinary, that appear suspicious, or involve inappropriate behavior. Bates Technical College Threat Assessment Team (TAT) was created to serve both as a body available for consultation and as a single repository for threat evaluation.

Context is important: While safety can’t be guaranteed, college campuses are known to be very safe places.

See something. Say something. Do something!

The drill will commence at 10 a.m. with each functional area showing the Run, Hide Fight video . The video is approximately eight minutes long.  Instructors and administrators should start on their own. There will not be an alarm or notification to the drill at 10 a.m.

Important links and documents

Drill overview

Lockdown:

  • An emergency communication will be sent at 10:20 a.m. to start the lockdown portion. If you do not receive the notification, please lockdown at this time.
  • Each functional area locks and secures the interior doors to their area.
  • All cell phones, radios, etc. should be silenced (no vibrate).
  • During the drill, we ask that you spend at least 5 minutes simulating this quiet, still environment. It is important for people to understand what such a situation feels like.

Discussion:

A lockdown scenario would take much longer to conduct; however, to reduce anxiety, we ask that you spend the remainder of the drill engaging students and colleagues in the discussion and talking points.

End of Drill:

The drill will end at 10:30 a.m. Note – Campus Public Safety will NOT come to your area to officially end the drill.

Scenario:  

You hear three pops that sound somewhat like firecrackers. Others seem to hear it too, but everyone is confused and seems unsure. What do you do?

The protocol for active shooter situations is to “run, hide, or fight” or a combination of these three. Active shooter situations last minutes and the first line of defense will be individual faculty members, staff members, and students. You will need to make quick decisions for your safety until help arrives.

If you had to get out of the building now, what route would you take? How would you make this determination? During an active shooter situation, an opportunity may arise for you to evacuate. Have an escape route and plan in mind. Leave your belongings. Run away from where the active shooter may be. Run as fast as you can. Keep your hands visible and follow directions from law enforcement. Call 911 when you are safe.

Where are good places to hide?

Take a look at the configuration of your current classroom, work area, office space, etc. Move away from windows and hide out of view. Lock the door. Turn off the lights. Silence phones and other devices. Take cover behind large items on your hands and knees.

What can you use to defend yourself?

Many everyday items can be helpful. Books, staplers, fire extinguishers. Look at possible ways to distract or disarm the shooter as a group.

If you see or hear something that is out of the ordinary, appears suspicious, or involves inappropriate behavior, who can you talk to?

Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity. Campus Public Safety is available at (253) 680-7111. Program the Campus Public Safety number into your cell phone for quick access. When in doubt contact 911.

What is the best way to respond to law enforcement when they arrive?

Remain calm and follow directions. Raise hands and spread fingers – keep hands visible at all times. Allow them to assess the situation. When evacuating, proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.

Emergency notifications and alerts

Students and employees are encouraged to review and update their RAVE alert personal information to receive text alerts, emails, and messaging in the event of an emergency.

Your Bates email address is automatically subscribed to the Rave Alert system. You can add your mobile phone to the system if you wish to receive text alerts.

Follow these steps to verify that your cell phone and email address are entered and current:

  • Log in to Bates Rave Alert System https://batestech.edu/emergencyalert/.
  • Go to the “My Account” in the upper right corner drop down.
  • Click on the item “Mobile Phones” to add your phone number.
  • Click the “Test” button to receive a test text, and phone call.
  • After confirming your information, click “Log Out” in the upper right-hand drop-down.

For more information, go to BatesTech.edu/drill-faq or call Ray Richardson at 253.680.7143.