Emergency Response Plan

Active Attack Events

Active Attack Events

Active attack events can happen quickly and without warning. Thinking ahead about how you might respond can make it easier to act when every second matters.

Think Before You Have to Act.

CRASE training uses three simple actions to help you remember your options: Avoid, Deny, Defend. Your first choice should be to get away from the danger if you safely can. If you can’t, keep the threat from reaching you. Defend yourself only as a last resort.

Avoid

Get away from the danger if you safely can. Know where exits are and pay attention to what is happening around you. Leave your belongings behind and move away from the threat, putting distance and barriers between you and the danger.

Once you are somewhere safe, call 911.

Deny

If you can’t get away, make it difficult for the attacker to reach you. Lock the door or block it with heavy objects. Turn off the lights, stay out of sight and silence your phone completely, including vibration.

Stay alert. If a safe way out becomes available, take it.

Defend

If you can’t Avoid or Deny and your life is in immediate danger, defend yourself. Work with others if you can and use available objects to protect yourself. Whatever you decide to do, commit to your actions.

When Law Enforcement Arrives

The first officers on scene will be focused on finding and stopping the threat. Keep your hands empty and visible, remain calm and follow their instructions.

Don’t run toward officers, make sudden movements or try to stop them as they move toward the danger. Follow directions about where to go. Other responders will follow to help people who are injured.

CRASE Training

Knowing what you might do before an emergency happens is an important part of being prepared. NECC’s Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training takes a closer look at Avoid, Deny, Defend and how those choices can help during an active attack event.

Watch the CRASE training video below to learn more about how to prepare and respond.

Content notice: The training discusses active attack events and other sensitive topics. It does not contain graphic or gruesome images, but some of the subject matter may be difficult for some viewers.

Medical Emergency

Medical Emergency

Quick action during a medical emergency can make a difference. If someone is seriously ill or injured, call 911 and contact NECC Public Safety at 978-556-3333 or x3333.

NECC Public Safety officers are trained in CPR and first aid, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are located throughout the college.

While Help Is on the Way

Stay with the person if it is safe to do so. Remain calm, provide reassurance and follow the instructions given by the 911 dispatcher.

If other people are nearby, ask someone to meet emergency responders and guide them to your location. Keep the area clear so responders can reach the person quickly.

Provide first aid only within your level of training. If you think the person may have a serious head, neck or back injury, encourage them to remain as still as possible unless they must be moved for immediate safety.

CPR & AEDs

If someone suddenly becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally or is only gasping, call 911 and begin CPR. Do not delay CPR to check for a pulse. Ask someone to get the nearest AED if one is available.

If you are not trained in CPR, the 911 dispatcher can give you instructions. Use the AED as soon as it is available and follow its voice and visual prompts.

AEDs are designed to guide you through each step and will only deliver a shock when one is needed.

Other Medical Emergencies

Some medical emergencies need specific first aid while help is on the way. Follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions and provide care within your level of training.

Seizure: Stay with the person and clear nearby objects that could cause injury. Do not hold the person down or put anything in their mouth. Call 911 for a first seizure, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, repeated seizures, difficulty breathing, an injury during the seizure, or if the person does not recover normally afterward.

Severe bleeding: Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound and continue until help arrives or the bleeding stops. Severe bleeding can become life-threatening quickly.

Bomb Threat/Explosions

Bomb Threat or Suspicious Item

Bomb threats and suspicious items should always be taken seriously. If you receive a bomb threat or find an item you believe may be dangerous, do not touch, move or disturb it.

Move away from the area and keep others away. Do not use a cell phone or two-way radio near a suspicious item. From a safe location, call 911 and contact NECC Public Safety at 978-556-3333 or x3333.

Follow instructions from Public Safety or emergency responders. If an evacuation is ordered, leave the area and go to the location you are directed to.

If You Receive a Bomb Threat

By phone: Remain calm and keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Listen carefully and write down the caller’s exact words. If possible, note the phone number displayed, background sounds and anything else you notice about the call.

If you can do so without alerting the caller, have someone else contact Public Safety. Do not hang up, even after the caller ends the call, unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.

In writing: Handle the document as little as possible. Do not alter it, write on it or discard it. Note when and where it was found and contact Public Safety.

By email, text or social media: Do not delete the message. Leave it open if possible and preserve the message, sender information, date and time. Take a screenshot or make a copy, then contact Public Safety.

If an Explosion Occurs

Move away from the immediate area if you can do so safely. Be alert for falling debris, fire, smoke, damaged structures and other hazards.

Once you are somewhere safe, call 911 and contact NECC Public Safety at 978-556-3333 or x3333.

Follow instructions from emergency responders. Do not return to the area until officials tell you it is safe.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials

A hazardous material spill or release may create dangerous fumes or expose people to harmful substances. Do not attempt to clean up or contain a hazardous material unless you have been trained to do so.

Move away from the immediate danger if you can do so safely. Call 911 and contact NECC Public Safety at 978-556-3333 or x3333 from a safe location.

Follow instructions from Public Safety or emergency responders. Depending on the hazard, you may be directed to evacuate or shelter in place.

If You Are Exposed

If a hazardous material gets on your skin or in your eyes, use the nearest emergency shower or eyewash station right away, if available, and follow instructions from emergency responders.

Do not return to the affected area until officials tell you it is safe to do so.

Suspected Gas Leak

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately. Do not turn lights or electrical equipment on or off, and do not use a phone while you are in the affected area.

Once you are safely away, call 911 and contact NECC Public Safety at 978-556-3333 or x3333.

Hazardous Materials Contact: For questions or non-emergency concerns about hazardous materials at NECC, contact Bob West, Laboratory Technician / Natural Science Safety Officer, at 978-556-3851 (office) or 978-476-1751 (mobile).

Tornado/Severe Weather

Tornado or Severe Weather

Severe weather can develop quickly. Pay attention to NECC emergency alerts and follow instructions from Public Safety or emergency responders.

If a tornado warning is issued or you are told to take shelter, go to your building’s designated shelter area, if it has one.

If your building does not have a designated shelter area, go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest level you can safely reach. Stay away from windows, exterior walls and large open spaces such as auditoriums or gymnasiums.

Once you are in a safe location, get low and protect your head and neck. Stay there until you are told it is safe to leave.

Instructors and staff: Help students and visitors get to a safe location and keep track of the people with you. Let Public Safety or emergency responders know if someone is missing or injured.

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning

Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible. Stay alert and be ready to take shelter.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been reported or detected by radar. Take shelter immediately.

Earthquake

If you feel an earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold. Get down on your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy desk or table if one is nearby, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Stay away from windows, glass and anything that could fall. Do not run outside while the building is shaking.

When the shaking stops, check your surroundings and follow instructions from Public Safety or emergency responders. Evacuate if you are directed to do so.

Fire

Fire

If you see fire or smoke, activate the nearest fire alarm and leave the building immediately. Call 911 from a safe location and contact NECC Public Safety at 978-556-3333 or x3333.

Use the nearest safe exit and take the stairs, not the elevator. Close doors behind you as you leave, but do not lock them. If required, leave your belongings behind and do not delay your evacuation.

Once outside, move away from the building and follow instructions from Public Safety or emergency responders. Do not return to the building until officials tell you it is safe.

If There is Smoke

If you must move through smoke to reach an exit, stay low where the air is clearer and move toward the nearest safe exit.

Before opening a closed door, check it for heat. If the door is hot, do not open it. Use another exit if one is available.

If You Cannot Get Out

If fire or smoke prevents you from leaving safely, go to a room with an outside window and close the door.

Call 911 and tell the dispatcher where you are. Stay where rescuers can see you and signal from the window if possible. Keep the door closed to help slow smoke and fire from entering the room.

Evacuation

Evacuation

If you are told to evacuate, leave the building or area promptly and follow instructions from Public Safety or emergency responders. Use the nearest safe exit. Do not use elevators unless emergency responders tell you to do so. If your usual route is blocked or unsafe, use another safe exit.

Leave belongings behind if you are directed to do so. If possible, bring your phone with you, but do not delay your evacuation to collect personal items. Go to the evacuation location you are directed to and remain there unless you are told to move elsewhere. Do not return to the building or evacuated area until officials tell you it is safe.

Instructors and Staff

Help students and visitors leave safely and direct them to the evacuation location.

Once there, keep track of the people who evacuated with you. Let Public Safety or emergency responders know if someone is missing or injured, or if someone has joined your group from another area.

If Someone Needs Help Evacuating

If someone needs assistance evacuating, ask how you can help and follow their instructions whenever possible. Do not assume what assistance they need.

If the person cannot use the usual evacuation route, contact Public Safety or emergency responders and tell them where the person is and what assistance is needed.

Do not attempt to carry or move someone unless there is an immediate danger and you can do so safely. Stay with the person if it is safe to do so until help arrives.

Power Outage

Power Outage

During a power outage, emergency lighting may provide enough light to move safely through the building. If additional light is needed, use a phone flashlight if one is available.

If you are told to evacuate, use the nearest safe exit and follow the evacuation instructions. Do not use elevators during an evacuation.

If the outage creates an emergency or someone needs immediate help, call 911. Contact NECC Public Safety at 978-556-3333 if phone service is available.

If You Are in an Elevator

If the power goes out while you are in an elevator, use the emergency call button and wait for help.

If you cannot reach anyone and you have cell service, call 911. Do not force the doors open or try to leave the elevator on your own.

Mental Health Crisis or Suicidal Person

Mental Health Crisis or Suicidal Person 

A mental health crisis can take many forms, including thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Take concerns about suicide or self-harm seriously. The steps below can help you respond and connect the person with appropriate help.

If Someone Is in Immediate Danger

If someone has attempted suicide, seriously hurt themselves or may have overdosed, call 911 and contact NECC Public Safety at 978-556-3333 or x3333. If it is safe, stay with the person until help arrives. Listen without judging or arguing, and let them know that help is coming.

If there is a weapon or something else that makes it unsafe to stay, move to a safe place and tell 911 and Public Safety what is happening.

If Someone Is Thinking About Suicide

If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, take them seriously and listen without judgment. It is okay to ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. You don’t need to know exactly what to say or try to fix the situation. Listen and help them connect with someone who can help.

Call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can contact 988 together, help the person call or text, or contact 988 yourself if you are worried about them. If the person is in immediate danger or tries to harm themselves, call 911.

NECC Counseling Services

NECC Counseling Services offers free, confidential counseling to NECC students who are struggling or need support. Students can call 978-556-3730 or email counseling@necc.mass.edu to make an appointment or visit the NECC Counseling Services webpage for more information.

For support in Spanish, call the Línea Directa Nacional para la Prevención del Suicidio at 1-888-628-9454.

Assisting Others During an Emergency

Assisting Others During an Emergency

Assisting Persons with Disabilities

Ask how you can help rather than assuming what someone needs. Follow the person’s instructions whenever possible, particularly when helping them move to safety or follow emergency procedures.

Assisting Children

Young children may hide when they are frightened or confused during an emergency. Keep children together and make sure everyone is accounted for. Help them follow emergency instructions and move to safety.

Planning for Emergency Assistance

Students with disabilities who may need assistance during an emergency can contact the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) at 978-556-3654 or centerforaccess@necc.mass.edu to plan ahead.

If You See Something, Say Something

If You See Something, Say Something

Everyone plays a role in keeping the NECC community safe. If you see behavior or a situation that seems suspicious, report it to NECC Public Safety at 978-556-3333 or x3333. If there is an immediate danger or emergency, call 911.

Recognizing Suspicious Activity

Suspicious activity is behavior or a situation that may indicate criminal activity or a potential threat. Some behaviors may have an innocent explanation. You do not need to decide whether a crime or threat exists. Report what you observe and let Public Safety determine whether action is needed.

Examples may include someone making a threat, trying to enter a restricted area, or showing unusual interest in security measures or restricted facilities.

Suspicious activity is based on behavior and situations, not a person’s appearance. Race, ethnicity, sex, national origin, religion or disability are not suspicious.

What to Report 

Tell Public Safety what you observed, including who or what you saw, when and where it happened, and why it seemed suspicious. Give as much specific information as you can without putting yourself in danger.

Learn More

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s If You See Something, Say Something® campaign provides more information about recognizing and reporting suspicious activity.