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If a serious crime, natural disaster, or man-made emergency occurs that threatens the health and safety of the campus community or a segment of the community, the College will assess the situation and issue timely warnings or emergency notifications and implement associated security modes. Individuals should become familiar with the various security modes and the procedures associated with each.

Emergency Modes & Procedures

Tornado Procedures & Safety Information

Although tornadoes can strike at any time, they usually occur in the spring and summer. They may develop from severe thunderstorms. Considered nature’s most violent and erratic storm, they consist of whirling winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour. Tornadoes can sweep through an area, causing serious damage and destruction in their path; then change direction and strike again.

In addition to injuries, structural damage, electrical shorts, and gas leaks may create fires or other hazards. Time is critical. There may only be seconds to respond. Therefore, it is very important that College community members be familiar with tornado procedures, review them regularly, and participate in tornado drills when administered.

Tornado Watch

A Tornado Watch occurs when weather conditions are considered favorable for the development of a tornado; for example, during a thunderstorm.

When a Tornado Watch is issued, the campus community should

  • Monitor local weather reports.
  • Stay connected with Campus Security, and actively review the College’s Incident Update webpage.
  • Review Mid's Emergency Plans & Maps (located in classrooms and hallways) for designated tornado shelter areas.
  • Be prepared to act should conditions change and a Tornado Warning is issued.

Tornado Warning

A Tornado Warning occurs when a tornado has been sighted or identified by radar in the area. Persons should take shelter immediately. Tornadoes can develop and move quickly. If severe thunderstorms should occur, be alert that a thunderstorm may possibly trigger a tornado.

When a Tornado Warning is issued by Public Safety Officials or the National Weather Service, a message will come over the phone/PA system advising of the warning and if time permits, a message will be sent through the College’s emergency notification system.

Individuals on campus should

  • Move to the closest designated shelter area.
  • Provide assistance to persons with disabilities.
  • Remain in the designated shelter area until an ALL CLEAR has been issued.
  • If people are outside when a tornado occurs and are unable to take shelter, they should lie flat in a ditch or depression and protect their head, avoid large trees, metal poles, and other electrical conductors. Vehicles should not be used as shelter.

Remember

  • A Tornado Watch indicates conditions that may result in a tornado.
  • A Tornado Warning indicates that a tornado has been spotted in the area and people should take shelter.

See campus emergency maps below.

Building Evacuation Instructions

If an incident necessitates building evacuation, anyone inside a campus building should

  • Immediately find the nearest exit and exit the building.
  • Assist disabled persons or visitors in evacuating the building and Do not use elevators.
  • Follow any instructions received through Mid’s emergency alert system or phone/PA.
  • Assemble outside and at least 100 feet from the building. Use caution at all times and keep sidewalks and streets clear for emergency personnel.
  • Follow the directions of Campus Security, Security Operations and Systems, Core Crisis Team, and/or any responding governmental agency.
  • Do not return to the building until directed to do so by Campus Security, Security Operations and Systems, Core Crisis Team, and/or the responding governmental agency. Ceasing the alarm does not indicate that it is safe to re-enter the building.

See campus emergency maps below.

Campus Evacuation Instructions

If an incident necessitates campus evacuation, anyone inside a campus building should

  • Immediately find the nearest exit and leave campus grounds. Exit in your vehicle if you have one, and if possible, assist others who do not have transportation. If you do not have transportation, exit the grounds on foot.
  • Follow any instructions received through Mid's emergency alert systems or phone/PA systems.
  • Assist disabled individuals with exiting the building and do not use elevators.
  • Close all windows and doors as rooms are cleared.
  • Follow the directions of campus security, administration, appointed personnel, and/or the responding agencies/authorities.
  • Remain off campus until an ALL CLEAR is issued.
  • If you are currently off campus, do not approach campus until an ALL CLEAR is issued.
  • If you know of others who are planning to travel to campus, alert them of the situation.

See campus emergency maps below.

A variety of external situations may cause the College to enter Outside Threat Mode at one or both campus locations. This indicates heightened security protocols are in place. The College community is encouraged to contact police, College authorities, or dial 911 if anything suspicious is noticed.

This mode will end when the College announces an ALL CLEAR.

For individuals on the campus(es) affected by the outside threat

  • If you are on campus grounds, but not in the building, either enter a building immediately or leave the campus grounds. This applies to those in the immediate vicinity. Campus members should encourage immediate building entry or campus exit for those they see outside the affected building(s).
  • Doors and windows of the campus will be closed and locked, and no people should enter or exit the building(s).
  • Business and classes already in session when the threat is issued will continue as usual unless the status of the situation changes.
  • Attend to alerts, instructions, and updates that are sent through the College's emergency systems.
  • Campus staff members who are aware of individuals or groups planning to travel to the affected campus(es) should alert them of the situation.

If you are planning to travel to a campus or location affected by an outside threat

  • Do NOT travel to the affected campus or location until an ALL CLEAR has been issued.
  • Attend to alerts, instructions, and updates that are sent through the College's emergency systems.

Course Cancellations

  • No courses will begin at the affected campus or location until an ALL CLEAR is issued. If only one campus is affected, the other campus will operate as usual and courses will run as usual.

This alert is reserved for the most serious threats, including active shooters.  The safety of people at the affected campus(es) or building(s) is in danger.

Instructions for lockdown mode

  • If you are outside when this mode is issued, DO NOT enter the building. RUN away from danger.
  • Individuals should quickly check the halls for any persons and immediately seek cover for them and yourself in the closest defensible space.
  • Close, Lock, and Barricade (if possible) doors of the space you are in.
  • Close blinds and lock windows, turn off lights.
  • HIDE out of site and be completely silent (including all electronic devices/cell phones).
  • Phones should only be IF SAFE to do so and to receive emergency messages from Public Safety (Mid Alert, RAVE, etc.)
  • Be prepared to FIGHT as a last resort if your life or the life of another is in danger!
  • DO NOT OPEN DOOR FOR ANYONE

When Law Enforcement Arrives

The threat will be cleared by responding law enforcement agents, who will:

  • Announce their presence
  • Make entry into everyone (they will have access keys)
  • Instruct occupants to go into SECURE MODE (this means to stay in your room until the final ‘ALL CLEAR’ has been issued.

 

(section updated JULY 2025)

The campus(es) affected will enter Secure Mode after being in lockdown mode.

During this time, the campus is being cleared by responding authorities/agencies, room by room.

Doors will remain locked.

If you are in an affected building during this time

  • Do not leave your area until directed by law enforcement.
  • Do not wander halls or corridors.
  • Listen for the ALL CLEAR, which may be delivered through PA, phone, text, or email.

Emergency Maps

(Updated AUG 2022)

Harrison Campus Emergency Maps

Mt. Pleasant Campus Emergency Maps

Significant effort has been made to ensure this content meets accessibility guidelines. If you encounter a barrier you can report the barrier at midmich.edu/reportaccessibilitybarrier or contact Strategic Communications at (989) 386-6622 x579 or stratcomm@midmich.edu.

Last Reviewed: March 2024