What to Do in an Emergency
In any emergency, your safety comes first. Follow the steps below for common emergencies on campus. For more details, review the full procedures or contact Safety & Security.
When to Call 911
If a situation is life-threatening, dial 911 immediately.
When calling 911 or Security, be ready to provide:
- Type of emergency
- Exact location (building & room number, or parking lot letter if outside)
- Condition of the victim(s)
- Any dangerous conditions
- Your name and a call-back number
Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.
What to do in different types of emergencies
Different emergency situations require different actions to be taken. Below are procedures for different scenarios.
If there is an active shooter on campus, follow the instructions on the Run. Hide. Fight. page.
Do This Immediately:
- Seek shelter in an interior hallway on the lowest floor.
- Avoid rooms with windows or wide-span roofs (e.g. auditoriums).
- Crouch, face the wall, cover your head.
- Remain in place until you hear “ALL CLEAR.”
When You Hear a Tornado Warning:
- Alerts will come via phone system, text, email, and social media.
- Instructors should bring rosters and account for everyone afterward.
Do This Immediately:
- Evacuate when the fire alarm sounds — do not use elevators.
- Call 911, then notify Safety & Security (417-447-6911).
- If small and safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher.
- Help others if it is safe.
Once Outside:
- Go to your designated assembly area.
- Instructors: perform a headcount and report any missing persons.
- Do not re-enter until you hear “ALL CLEAR.”
Do This Immediately:
- Take cover under a sturdy desk or stand in a doorway or against an interior wall.
- Stay away from windows, tall shelves, or hazardous equipment.
After Shaking Stops:
- Leave the building calmly. Do not use elevators.
- Instructors: account for your group and report issues to Security.
Do This Immediately:
- Leave flooded or flood-prone areas as quickly as possible.
- Call Safety & Security (417-447-6911) and Maintenance (417-447-4801).
- Move to higher ground if instructed.
Flood-Prone Areas to Know:
- Springfield: CE Center, Early Childhood Center, Lot D
- Richwood Valley: Fremont Road access
Do This Immediately:
- Report outages to Safety & Security and Maintenance.
- Check for anyone trapped in elevators.
- Unplug or turn off powered equipment (tools, computers).
Do This Immediately:
- Go indoors and shelter in place.
- Choose an interior room or hallway with few or no windows.
- Stay above ground level (some contaminants settle lower to the ground).
- Lock exterior doors and remain inside until officials give clearance.
While Sheltering:
- Use hard-wired phones or email to communicate if possible (cell networks may be overloaded).
- Stay informed through radio, television, or official college alerts.
- Follow directions regarding food, water, and cleanup after the event.
- Expect shelter-in-place orders to last a few hours, not days.
Accountability:
- Supervisors/building leads should keep a list of individuals present.
- This information may be shared with the College Director of Communications to help notify families if needed.
More Information:
If hazardous materials (chemical, biological, radiological) are released into the atmosphere, government emergency agencies may advise OTC to shelter in place.
Announcements will be made through the college alert system and at 417-447-7500, including closure details and instructions to remain in buildings until safe to leave.
Do This Immediately:
- Call 911 for life-threatening situations.
- Then call OTC Safety & Security.
- Do not move the victim unless necessary to sustain life.
- If safe and appropriate, administer first aid until help arrives.
When Calling for Help, Provide:
- Type of emergency
- Exact location (building, room number, or parking lot)
- Condition of the victim
- Any immediate dangers (fire, chemicals, etc.)
- Your name and a call-back number
Additional Information:
- Stay on the phone until 911 or Safety & Security tells you to hang up.
- Students or visitors who are ill or injured should decide where to be treated.
- If the student is a minor, parents or guardians will be contacted to make treatment decisions.
Do This Immediately:
- If you receive a threat, stay calm.
- Wait for instructions from Safety & Security or other authorized Ozarks Tech personnel.
If Evacuation Is Ordered:
- Follow directions from Safety & Security or emergency personnel.
- Take your belongings with you to help identify suspicious items.
- Report anything unusual immediately.
- Assembly areas will be assigned at the time of evacuation and verified as safe.
Special Considerations:
Individuals with mobility impairments should follow the Evacuation Procedures for People with a Mobility Impairment.
For questions about this policy, contact Safety & Security.
Need Assistance Evacuating?
Mobility-Impaired Evacuation Procedure
- Volunteer Assistance: At least two individuals should volunteer to help each person with a mobility impairment during evacuations.
- Understanding Needs: The mobility-impaired individual will guide the volunteers on the assistance required.
- Elevator Use: In fire emergencies, elevators can be used if they are protected by a firewall. Do not use elevators if the building lacks a firewall or if the fire is nearby.
- Stairway Procedure: If elevators are not an option, the impaired person and volunteers should wait until the stairway is clear. One volunteer and the impaired person should stay inside the closed fire doors at the top of the stairs for visibility to rescue teams.
- Alerting Authorities: The second volunteer should inform Safety and Security or fire rescue personnel of the impaired person’s location.
- Remaining in Place: In certain situations, staying in the classroom or office may be safer. Instructors should then notify the appropriate authorities of the location and individuals waiting for rescue.
- Last Resort Evacuation: Carrying the mobility-impaired person should only be considered if no other viable options and the impaired individual agrees to this method.
Graff Hall Occupants
Wheelchair Lift: Those who use Graff Hall should familiarize themselves with the mechanical wheelchair lift designed for emergency evacuations. For assistance, contact Safety and Security.
Contact Safety & Security
Main Contact Information
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Call Us
4174476911 -
Email Us
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