Emergency Preparedness

Use your best judgment on how to respond in an active shooter situation (Run, Hide, Fight). Here's a breakdown of the options:

If you are OUTSIDE:

• Run: If you can safely escape the area, run away from the gunfire in a zigzag pattern using objects for cover (vehicles, bushes, trees). Once you're clear, call 9-1-1 and warn others.
• Hide: If you cannot run, drop to the ground immediately, face down, and stay flat. If there's a safe place nearby (within 15-20 feet), crawl towards it for cover. Utilize any obstacles to shield yourself from gunfire.
• Stay Quiet: Once you're in a safe location, evaluate your surroundings. If possible, stay hidden and quiet until help arrives.

If you are INSIDE:

• Evacuate: If possible, quickly exit the building and evacuate to a safe area away from danger.
• Call 9-1-1: When it's safe, call 9-1-1 to report the shooting.
• Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a secure location inside (classroom/office) and lock/barricade the door.
• Secure the Room: Turn off lights, stay quiet, and move behind furniture to conceal yourself from the shooter. Stay on the floor, away from doors and windows. Avoid peeking out to see what's happening.
• Fight Back (Last Resort): If the shooter enters your area and your life is in imminent danger, fight back as a last resort. Use anything you can find as a weapon and attack with others if possible.

A "Shelter in Place" order is issued when there's a threat to public safety outside the building. Here's what you should do:

• Move Indoors: If you're outdoors, seek shelter in a nearby building or a secure area as quickly as possible.
• Find a Secure Location: Look for a room or area that can be locked or secured with a door. Avoid hallways if possible.
• Secure the Room (if possible): Close and lock the door if it has one.
• Stay Put: Don't leave the secured location unless instructed by the police or until an "All Clear" message is received via a RAVE alert. You may move around within a locked building if necessary.
• Suspend Outside Activities: All outdoor activities will be suspended during a shelter in place order.
• Exterior Doors Secured: Exterior building doors will be locked and remain secured until further notice.
• Stay Informed: Listen for updates and instructions from RAVE alerts.

A lockdown is a safety measure used during emergencies that pose a threat to life, such as an active shooter situation. Here's how to stay safe during a lockdown at RCC:

If you are INSIDE a building:

• Lockdown the Room: Lock and block all entrances to the room you're in. Close windows, blinds, and turn off lights.
• Stay Concealed: Move away from doors and windows and stay out of sight from the shooter.
• Silence is Key: Remain silent and quiet. Silence all electronic devices that might make noise.
• In Hallways: If you're in the hallway, immediately seek shelter in the nearest classroom or office.
• Stay Put: Once you're in a secure classroom or office, stay there until instructed otherwise.

If you are OUTSIDE:

• Seek Shelter Immediately: Find a nearby building and take cover inside. If no building is accessible, find a secure hiding place outdoors.

General Lockdown Procedures:

• Do Not Open Doors: Don't open the door for anyone unless instructed by the police or until an "all clear" message is received via a RAVE alert.
• Evacuation: If instructed by the police to evacuate the secured area, assist others in moving as quietly and quickly as possible.

Yes, this is a critical issue. RCC is actively working to modify the door-locking system to ensure authorized personnel, like police officers and faculty, can access buildings during emergencies.

We understand the importance of clear communication. RCC will continue using Rave Alerts and will communicate upcoming test times to the college community beforehand.

RCC recognizes the emotional impact of such events. We want to remind everyone about the support resources available through the RCCD Employee Assistance Program and the Student Health and Psychological Services (SHPS).

Building evacuations, fire safety, medical emergencies, earthquake safety, utility failure, and more can be found on our District Emergency Management page.

Yes, RCCD has a printable Emergency Procedures poster. 

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