Emergency Preparedness

Albion College has an established Crisis Management Team and a Crisis Management Manual. The manual addresses issues such as weather, natural disaster, fire, weapons, and acts of terrorism and provides protocols to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff during emergencies. Questions related to the manual and the specific procedures outlined there should be directed to the Director of Campus Safety and Crisis Management Team coordinator.

Designated departments are already staffed 24/7 to ensure emergency preparedness; additional staff will be added to this coverage when warranted.

In the event of an emergency, the Crisis Management Team will constantly assess the situation as it unfolds and adjust its response as needed to protect the health and safety of the campus community.

In light of recent national events, the College has developed protocols for addressing a threat of biological, chemical, or radioactive exposure. The City of Albion is not a suspected target for terrorism; however, it is prudent to be prepared for the secondary effects of a crisis that may occur in our region of the country.

Listed below are important steps that need to be followed in the event of a biological, chemical, or radioactive incident. County experts have advised the College that threats from all three substances may be covered by the same protocol.

Threat of Biological, Chemical, or Radioactive Exposure Protocol

• Facilities Operations staff will turn off HVAC systems in residence halls and Stockwell Library.

• Students living in residence halls including fraternities: When informed of an imminent threat, return immediately to your residence hall room. Close your doors and windows; stay in your room.

• Students living in Dean Hall, Fiske Hall, and College-owned apartments and annexes: When informed of an imminent threat, return immediately to your room. Close your doors and windows. If applicable, shut off individual room thermostats. Proceed to the lowest level of the building.

• Faculty, staff, and commuter students on campus at the time of a threat: When informed of an imminent threat, proceed immediately to the lowest level of Stockwell Library.

Authorities are insisting that the best approach is the one outlined above, which is referred to as “Secure in Place.” Because an actual threat would most likely be airborne, authorities say it is safest not to attempt to drive away from your location. It is difficult to predict the movement of hazardous material, and staying indoors offers the best protection until the threat has passed.