Safety & Security

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College Security Resources

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Annual Safety Report
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HCCRL Policies

EMERGENCY PLANS AND PROCEDURES

Employees and students should be prepared to cope with the hazards and disasters that threaten the day-to-day functions of the College. The following instructions were prepared to help you know what to do if there is an emergency.

Acting in an Emergency

  • Remain calm, use common sense, and render assistance. Don't panic. 
  • Evacuate buildings immediately upon hearing an audible alarm, or when remaining in the building becomes life-threatening. 
  • Know the location of at least two emergency exit routes in your working area.


DO NOT use the telephones for reasons other than emergency purposes. 

DO NOT use the elevators or chair lifts in emergencies or attempt to exit stalled elevators.

Bomb Threat

If you receive a threatening call:

  1. Notify Security (785-741-2206) immediately.
  2. Notify your supervisor
  3. Provide as much information from the caller as possible, such as:
    1. Where is the bomb?
    2. When will it go off?
    3. What is the caller’s age?
    4. Is the caller warning you to have the building evacuated?
    5. Why is the caller threatening to set off a bomb
  4. Do not touch suspicious objects.
  5. Do not attempt to find the bomb.

College Vehicles

Report immediately all collisions involving College vehicles to the Business Office Manager, regardless of the amount of damage. Procedures and contacts appear on the back of the form used during vehicle checkout. Please refer to those procedures when operating a College owned vehicle. 

Distribution of Public Info Arising from Campus Disasters

In the event of a tragedy or disaster impacting the campus community, please do not contact employees, students, parents of students, media or others. Any and all notifications of death or disasters, relating to or involving students and employees while associated with a college event or on campus, will be handled by the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Marketing Director, the President, or someone designated by the President.

If you are involved in a college event that results in the death of an employee or student, notify the Vice President for Student Affairs or the President as soon as reasonably possible. These individuals will make the appropriate notifications.

Fire Emergency

  • Know how to activate the fire alarm
  • Know the location of the fire extinguisher and how to use them
  • Know all building exit routes.
  • Elevators should not be for exit in the event of a fire.
  • Keep exit routes free of obstruction. 
  • Have emergency telephone numbers attached to telephones. 

 

If a Fire is Suspected or Discovered: 

  1. Activate the fire alarm and call security or 911. Give as much information as possible, including building name, floor, and room number of the fire location. Never attempt to fight the fire alone. 
  2. If there is no fire alarm, warn other occupants by knocking on the doors and shouting a warning. 
  3. Leave the building. As you exit, close doors and windows behind you to prevent the fire’s spread. Go to the nearest exit or stairwell. Do not use elevators. If the nearest exit is blocked by fire, heat or smoke, go to the alternate exit.
  4. If there is smoke in your room or in the hallways, keep down near the floor.
  5. Before opening a door, feel the door and/or knob. If either is hot, do not open the door.
  6. Open the door slowly. If heat or heavy smoke is present, close the door and stay in the room. Open a window to let the heat and smoke out and fresh air.
  7. If you are trapped in your room, call 911 and/or Security and give your location. Hang an object out the window to attract attention.

Fumes / Vapors / Gas Leaks

If a vapor, fume or gas leak enters you work place and you cannot determine the sources, leave the area immediately.  Post a do not enter sign and contact maintenance 442-6110 or Switchboard 442-6000.

Medical Emergency

Do not exceed your training or knowledge when attempting to render first aid. Immediately dial 9-1-1 or 6000 and report the nature of the illness.

Power Outage

Occasionally, the City of Highland experiences power outages. We do not always know the extent of these outages, but offer the following guidelines:

  1. If outage occurs during the daytime while campus offices are open, contact maintenance.
  2. Please wait at least fifteen minutes to give maintenance the opportunity to determine the problem. We will notify you if it cannot be fixed immediately.
  3. If the outage is extensive and does not seem to be fixable within the immediate future, dismiss your classes. This is a judgment call.

Prohibiting Sexual Harassment

It shall be administrative policy of Highland Community College that no person shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity of Highland Community College as required by Public Law 92-318.

In compliance with Section 86.8 of P. L.> 92-318, the President of the College has been designated as the Compliance Officer and the employee responsible to coordinate he efforts of the college to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under this Act, including any investigation of any compliant communicated to Highland any actions which should be prohibited by this Act. The Compliance Officer may be contacted by mail at Highland Community College:

606 W Main
Highland, Kansas 66035
Telephone: (785) 442-6010.

Random Acts of Violence

Personal safety should be a primary concern. If a situation occurs in which your personal safety is in immediate danger, remove yourself from the building if at all possible. 

Contact 911 or Security as soon as possible.

The Director of Residence Life or Security will notify those in other buildings and provide instructions.

If you are aware of others being injured, refrain from contacting family members or friends. The President's disagnee will make all necessary contacts, including media statements.

Reporting an Emergency

In the event of an actual life threatening emergency, please dial 911. To contact campus safety, please dial 785-741-2206. Campus safety is available 24/7. 

Before taking any action, be sure you are not endangering yourself. Avoid any unstable structures, electrical wires, toxic fumes, chemical spills, fire, etc. Do not jeopardize your life or the lives of others in an attempt to save personal or College property. 

When you call, give: 

  • Your name
  • Your telephone number and location
  • Name and location of emergency
  • Don't hang up until the person answering the call ends the conversation
  • If the emergency involves students, please refrain from making further calls to friends or parents. If at all possible, notify the Vice President of Student Services immediately. College administration will contact any additional parties that need to be informed. 

Robbery Assault

These procedures should be followed to help assure your safety:

  1. Cooperate. Give the person exactly what he/she asks for, nothing more.
  2. Remember distinguishing traits: color of clothing; hat or no hat; facial hair; race, approximate height, weight, and age.
  3. Note the type of weapon used.
  4. Listen carefully to notice voice characteristics and what are said.
  5. Note direction of travel or flight after the confrontation. Check vehicle type and license number if possible.
  6. Notify police immediately 442-3212

Sexual Assault

Many victims of sexual assault do not know where to turn for help, know what to do after an assault. The following steps should serve only as a guide.

  1. Get help quickly
  2. Call 442-3212 for police assistance
  3. The victim should call a close friend or relative
  4. Do not change clothes or shower. You may destroy valuable evidence needed by the police.

Tornado / Severe Weather

Kansas is located within an active tornado zone. Actions taken before, during and immediately after a tornado may be the difference between life and death. Tornadoes pose a substantial threat to HCC’s community and facilities. Tornadoes are most
likely to occur between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm and move from the southwest to the northeast. However, they can occur at any time and move in any direction provided the conditions are right.

When a tornado is confirmed to be in or near Doniphan County, Police or Emergency Preparedness will activate the storm warning sirens.  Furthermore, college officials will activate the campus emergency alert system. A message will be broadcast across the campus speaker system and sent via email and text message for those signed up to receive RAVE alerts. Everyone should take cover by going to a designated shelter area. Specific locations of shelter areas are printed on bright blue signs located in each building. 

Shelter Locations on the Highland Campus:

  • Administration Building: Lower level
  • Allen Fieldhouse: Lower-level locker rooms
  • Ellis Hall: First floor
  • Heritage Hall: First floor
  • Library Student Union: Lower level
  • Rubeti Hall: First floor
  • Yost Hall: Lower level
  • Wellness Center
  • Any of the campus apartments: First floor

Student Housing Residents:

If students living on campus are unable to move to a shelter area, they should move away from windows, preferably into a bathroom. Covering with blankets, or if possible, a mattress, will provide the best protection from objects tossed during the storm. Residents are instructed to avoid going outside to “see” the tornado. They are also asked to avoid using the phone except to report medical or fire emergencies, safety hazards, or criminal activity.

 Watch and Warning

A tornado or severe thunderstorm watch indicates that weather conditions could lead to the formation of a tornado or severe thunderstorm, so be alert and prepared to take shelter if conditions worsen. A tornado or severe thunderstorm warning indicates that a severe thunderstorm, tornado, or cloud rotations have been spotted or detected on radar. Take shelter immediately!

Campus Tornado Siren Activation

The “take shelter” siren has a wailing rise and fall sound that will operate for 15 seconds, then turn off for five (5). The “all clear” is a flat, one tone siren that will operate for 2 seconds then turn off for 2 seconds. This will last for one minute.
The college speaker system and RAVE alert text messaging system will also send an all-clear message when the dangerous storm has passed.

Winter Storms

When there are winter weather events, the HCC President decides when the campus will close. Notification of school closing will be made via the various HCC social media channels as well as local news and radio. HCC encourages students tune into 103.9 KNZA-Hiawatha for the latest information

General Instructions

  1. Don’t go sightseeing
  2. Move towards the lowest level and center of the building. Stay away from windows.
  3. Do not use the telephone except to report medical or fire emergencies, safety hazards or criminal activity
  4. Keep walkways and loading dock areas clear for emergency vehicles.
  5. Cooperate with public safety officials. Do not go into damaged areas unless your help is requested.

Vehicular Accident

If you collide with an unattended vehicle, stop immediately, attempt to locate the vehicles' owner, or notify the Vice President for Administrative Services (or the Vice President of Student Services). If this is not possible, leave a note with your name, address, and telephone number. 

Damage Under $350.00

If you are involved in an accident resulting in damage under $350.00, you must stop and give the following information to the owner/operator of the other vehicle: 

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Registration number of your vehicle
  • Your driver's license number

 

Vehicle Damage Over $350.00, injury, or death related to vehicular accidents on the HCC campus

If an accident results in damage over $350, if there is a question about the amount of damage, or if an accident results in injury or death on the HCC campus, notify the local police immediately and the Vice President for Administrative Services and/or the Vice President of Student Services. 

Winter Storm

When a severe storm occurs on campus, the College President decides whether the campus will close or personnel should leave work early. Personnel are notified through their department supervisors. When notified to leave campus, please do so without delay.

Students, faculty, and staff who question whether the College will be open after a major overnight storm should tune into 103.9 KNZA-Hiawatha. A message will be left on campus switchboard regarding campus closings

HCC Residential Life (HCCRL) Policies

The following are policies specific to living in HCC Residential Life buildings on the Highland campus. All policies found in the Student Handbook are applicable on HCC campus, including in HCC Residential Life Buildings. All allegations of HCCRL policies are adjudicated through the HCC Student Conduct process. 

Fire Safety

The following items/materials/actions are a fire hazard and are not allowed in a resident’s private or shared space:

  1. Candles, incense, torches, or other open-flame devices
  2. The use of birthday candles, incense, or sage/herbs (smudging) for special occasions or purposes is allowed with advance permission from the Director of Campus Engagement
  3. Wax-warmer air fresheners that are heated by a light bulb are approved; however, candle warmers are prohibited.
  4. D. Air conditioners, space heaters, halogen lamps, or appliances with an open or closed heating element except for coffee makers.
  5. Kerosene lamps and other flammable liquid-fueled devices.
  6. Propane grills or any other type of liquid gas tanks.
  7. The installation of plywood paneling, plywood sheets, decorative wood shingles, particleboard, hardboard, wallpaper, paperboards, and any other flame and smoke propagating materials.
  8. Combustible fabrics, burlap, paper, cork, and other flame and smoke-propagating materials.
  9. The following appliances: toasters, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills, air fryer, hot plates, electric skillets, electric blankets, crockpots, space heaters, halogen lamps, homemade lamps or similar appliances and devices.
  10. Electric coil resistance appliances are not permitted.
  11. Changing or adding electrical wiring
  12. Using extension cords that are not 14 gauge and UL approved.
  13. Plugging multiple power strips into one outlet.
  14. Storing fireworks, explosives, and/or flammable liquids (such as gasoline, propane, lighter fluid, etc.)
  15. Storing items within, blocking the path to, or placing items against the H/AC and/or hot water tank in a utility closet

Guests & Visitation

HCC Residence Life (HCCRL) defines guests as any person present in a living space not assigned to that living space (except for HCC staff acting in the scope of their duties). Residents of HCCRL facilities are permitted to host guests under the following (general) conditions:

  1. Any guest must be acceptable to all other residents of the specific living space (i.e., apartment).
  2. Any resident has the right to reject any guest in their assigned living area (apartment) for any reason, even if they previously accepted a guest's presence.
  3. If a guest is not acceptable to all of the residents assigned to the living space, they must depart immediately.
  4. No resident may host a guest previously trespassed from HCC Residential Life Buildings. 
    1. It is the resident's responsibility to know if their guest is permitted, and they may be held responsible for hosting an unauthorized guest.
  5. A host is responsible for the behavior of their guest, and if a guest violates HCC policy, the host(s) may also be held accountable for their guest's violations. HCC defines a host as any of the residents of a living space who have consented to a guest in their living space, even if they did not specifically invite the guest.
  6. A guest should always be accompanied by their host. A guest cannot be left unattended in a living space and should always be with at least one resident of that living space.
  7. Written approval of full-time HCC Housing staff is required before any guest may be granted keys or access to an HCC Housing space without a host present. RAs are not fulltime HCC Housing staff and are not authorized to provide this approval.
  8. Overnight Visitation: Residents of HCC Housing may host overnight guests. An overnight guest will be any guest (see Guest definition) present in HCC housing facilities between the hours of Midnight and 6:00 AM. This definition will include guests who arrive/depart during said overnight guest hours; therefore, a guest need not stay through the duration of the overnight visitation period to be considered an overnight guest.
    • All overnight guests who are not HCC Housing residents must be registered for security purposes. Registration must be completed at least 24 hours in advance, using HCC online registration form (Overnight Guest Registration Form).
    • HCC retains the right to know who is present in its facilities; therefore, an unregistered overnight guest will be asked to depart immediately and/or trespassed if not registered. Hosts may be charged with violating this policy if they fail to register an overnight guest.
    • An HCC Housing resident present between Midnight and 6:00 AM in another resident’s dorm is considered an overnight guest.
    • Overnight guests who violate policy may be asked to leave the living space.
    • The following restrictions apply to overnight guest visits, in addition to the general rules regarding guests.
    • A resident/host/apartment is permitted only one overnight guest per resident assigned to that living space, who must also be present for the overnight stay; therefore, the number of overnight guests in a living space may not be more than double the number of assigned residents, present at the time of the visitation (including other HCC Housing residents).
      • HCC reserves the right to send guests away if the number of people and/or the activities in which persons are engaging present a hazard to health/safety or violate other HCC policies.
    • A resident/host/apartment may NOT have overnight guests for more than two consecutive nights in a row and no more than ten (10) overnight stays in a semester.
      • HCC reserves the right to send away or trespass an overnight guest if there are signs of subletting or other forms of squatting.
    • The guest/host must maintain proof of guest registration for review upon request from HCC staff; failing to provide proof of registration may be grounds to remove an overnight guest.
    • An overnight guest may NOT use an unassigned/vacant room/bed in an apartment.
      • It is the host's responsibility to provide sleeping accommodation for their guest. Hosts may not use furniture or other HCC equipment from other units or bedrooms to which they are not assigned.
  9. Minors (Under 18 Years Old): A legal guardian must always accompany any minor who visits HCC housing facilities. HCC Housing residents under 18 who have completed the required paperwork to be housed in HCC facilities are exempt from being accompanied by a legal guardian. No minors except HCC Housing residents may be present in HCC Housing facilities during the overnight guest hours (Midnight to 6:00 AM). HCC prohibits babysitting or other forms of childcare in its residential facilities.
  10. Guest Exceptions: Any exception to HCC Guest Policies must be approved, in writing, before the guest's arrival. Verbal notifications of visitors will not be acceptable. All exceptions must be approved by the Dean of Students or their designee.

Illegal Occupancy

All students living in HCCRL buildings must have completed and submitted a housing contract and housing deposit.

  1. If a student is found to be residing in an HCCRL building without a completed housing contract and/or housing deposit they may be considered an illegal occupant and will receive a fine of $19.00/night.
  2. If a student is found to be residing in an HCCRL building without a completed housing contract and/or housing deposit they may be immediately removed from the facility by HCC Campus Security and/or local law enforcement.
  3. Residents are prohibited from allowing any individual to live or stay long term in their apartment

Noise

Courtesy Hours

  1. Living in a community requires cooperation and courtesy from everyone so that one individual’s behavior does not disrupt another resident’s opportunity to live, study and sleep. Courtesy hours are always in effect. All HCC students living on campus are expected to be considerate of other students’ right to study and sleep comfortably.
  2. When a student or HCC staff member reasonably asks a resident to lower their noise level, they are expected to comply with their request.
  3. Acceptable noise cannot be heard outside of apartment or disturbs other residents.

Quiet Hours

  1. Quiet hours are from 9:00pm through 8:00am daily. However, excessive noise is 10 not acceptable at any time.
  2. During quiet hours, no noise (voices, television, radio/stereo, musical instruments, etc.) should leave a resident’s room/apartment. The City of Highland’s quiet hours begin at 9:00pm daily and will be enforced by local officials.

23-Hour Quiet Hours

  1. 23-Hour quiet hours will go into effect each semester one (1) day before Finals begin until the completion of Finals.
  2. When the 23-Hour quiet hours are in effect, no noise (voices, television, radio/stereo, musical instruments, etc.) should leave a resident’s room/apartment.
  3. During 23-Hour quiet hours, 7:00pm and 8:00pm is designated as “loud hour”, when noise is allowed. However, when a student or HCC staff member reasonably asks a resident to lower their noise level, they are expected to comply with their request.

Pet Policy

HCC prohibits all animals except for fish housed in 10 gallon or smaller aquarium inside or outside of student apartments. This includes all reptiles, amphibians, birds, and non-human mammals.

  1. Exceptions may be made for service or emotional support animals in accordance with college policies 
  2. If an HCC employee discovers an unauthorized pet in an HCCRL building, the residents of the space will be given 24 hours to remove the animal.
  3. Failure to remove the animal may result in additional policy violations.
  4. HCC is not responsible for the removal of unauthorized animals.

Trash and/or Items Left Outside Rooms

Trash and other items cannot be left outside the assigned living space.