Campus Safety

1. Protect yourself by moving to a safe location.
2. If safe - Call 911 (or 9-911 from a campus phone) or activate a campus blue light if available and safe.
• Provide details of situation- who and where you are, what you have witnessed, and if anyone has been injured
• If possible alert others - call campus security (402) 354-6911 (campus) or the front desk at (402) 354-7000 and tell them to call security.

While there is no evidence to suggest one right way to respond to the threat of violence, there are some general recommendations to follow if, and only if, you deem it safe to do so.

• In a classroom, office, laboratory, residence facility:
• Stay in the room secure the door with a lock and barricade if possible with a heavy wedge or furniture and turn off lights;
• Silence all items that emit sounds- phones, radios, etc.;
•  If it is safe to do so, allow others to take refuge with you;
• Identify ONE person to call 911 (9-911 from a campus phone);
• If the door has a window, cover it or stay out of view, and take adequate cover- thick desks, walls, or any object that may stop a bullet; stay low and quiet;
• If the room has an external window and depending on the location of the gunman, you may also choose to place signs in the window to alert law enforcement that people are in the room

• In the hallway or corridor:
• Get to a room that is not already secured and secure it. Unless you are very close to an exit, do not run through a long hall to get to the exit, and do not hide in restrooms unless it is the last resort.
• Trapped with the gunman:
• Try to remain calm;
• Do not provoke the gunman. If no shooting is occurring, do what the gunman tells you to do and do not make sudden moves;
• In this situation, only you can make the decision of what you will or will not do to preserve your life or the lives of others.
• In an open space (such as parking lot or large room):
• Immediately seek protection- put something between you and the assailant;
• Consider trying to escape, if you know where the assailant is and there appears to be an escape route immediately available;
• If in doubt find the safest area and secure it as best you can.

• The assailant may not stop until engaged by law enforcement or until their objective is met.
• Do not allow yourself to be lured into the open (the assailant may bang on the door, yell for help, or otherwise entice you to open the door).
• If there is any doubt about the safety of the individuals inside the room, keep the room secured until you are confident that official law enforcement is in command of the situation.
• You may be instructed by law enforcement to exit with your hands on your head. Follow their instructions.
• Once you have been evacuated, you will not be permitted to retrieve items or access the area until the crime scene is released

If an active shooter situation develops, NMC will implement its emergency response plan and work with law enforcement to support their efforts to manage the situation. 

• Announcement over the Loudspeaker (if deemed safe)
• Alert on the NMC Homepage
• E2Campus text messaging alert 
• Email to all methodistcollege.edu email addresses

CALLING 911- Emergency situations should be reported to law enforcement. Dial 911 (or 9-911 from a campus phone), stay on the phone until it is answered (may take several rings) DO NOT hang up. Be prepared to provide as much information as possible including:

• Speak calmly, clearly and slowly;
• What is happening;
• Where you are located- building and room number;
• Number of people at your immediate location;
• Injuries- number and types;
• Your name;
• Any details that you witnessed regarding the assailant- description, type of weapons, identity if you know it.

Evacuation is required when the safety of the College community is best served by requiring everyone to vacate the building(s). Situations include fire, in the event of a bomb threat, or if other hazard is detected.

Everyone is to evacuate the building immediately and report to the designated Collection Point at the far south parking lot.

Steps to Take

• Shut down any hazardous operations and render them safe if it is possible to do so.
• Take jackets if readily available Close doors (but do not lock) as you leave.
• If you are away from your office or room and the alarm sounds, do not return, proceed immediately to the designated area -south parking lot-lower level.
• Notify all others in your area if they did not hear the alarm Once a room is vacated, turn the lights off and/or leave a sticky note on the door if possible to indicate empty room.
• Instructors and staff should make every effort to ensure that all students evacuate- i.e. library staff should insure that all students have been evacuated from the library and turn off lights to indicate that space has been evacuated.
• Exit the building via the safest route, walk quietly, and swiftly. Feel exit doors before opening- if hot to touch, move to the next exit.
• DO NOT use elevators
• Report to the designated evacuation point at far south parking lot, lower level and wait for directions
• DO NOT reenter the building until the "all-clear" is given.

• Hearing impairments:
• gain the person's attention (wave, gesture, turn lights on and off)
• write a note indicating evacuation directions and escort if possible
• Visual Impairments:
• announce that evacuation is necessary
• offer your arm for guidance
• explain the path and any obstacles
• Mobility impairments:
• If evidence of fire, smoke or emergency, evacuate all people from the area
• If there is no immediate evidence of fire or emergency, move persons to the predetermined Area of Evacuation Assistance (area near stairwells to the north or
• South - farthest from an area of danger on the second and third floors of Clark; 2nd floor lobby outside of administration.)

All safety and security incidents should be reported directly to the NMHS Security Department at (402) 354-4055. After business hours and/or in the case of an emergency, dial 0. 

Information Desk Receptionist, Clark (402) 354-7000
7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday-Thursday
7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday
7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday
11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday

Security Officer on-duty on-campus (402) 354-4055
24 hours/day, 7 days/week

Download the Campus Directory for Safety and Security

A threat of violence may include, but is not limited to, a person on or near campus with a weapon, the lockdown of nearby schools, or significant law enforcement action in the neighborhood adjacent to campus. In the event of any threat that has the potential of causing harm or injury to any person(s) on campus, the College may "lock-down" to protect occupants and minimize the overall exposure to danger.

The term 'lockdown' can be defined as an emergency course of action taken by an agent of authority, such as security, administration, or law enforcement officials, to contain a problem or incident within the area of its origin by controlling the movement of people.

At NMC, a Campus Lockdown means that the doors leading outside of the building are locked and access will be restricted. Security supervision of individuals wishing to exit the building is strongly encouraged and may be required in certain situations.

Lockdown Procedures:

• An announcement will be made that a campus lockdown has been ordered E2campus emergency notification system will be activated.
• All external doors will be locked Depending on the nature of the emergency, direct supervision by security when entering or exiting the building(s) may be required.
• Once in "Lockdown," individuals will be permitted to move about the facility, unless otherwise directed

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, formerly the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, requires institutions of higher education participating in Title IV programs to annually disclose information related to security policies and specific crime statistics to all current students, employees and the Secretary of Education. This information must also be provided to prospective students and employees upon request.

Download the 2019 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

If you notice or become suspicious of any criminal activity, secure your safety first, and then report the incident or concern by following the following steps. It is everyone's responsibility to be alert to and report any criminal activity or suspicious behavior.

Steps to take:

1. Attempt to remove yourself from danger
2. Call 911 (or 9-911 from a campus phone) from a safe location if possible.
3. If possible, provide police/security with: Location of crime Nature of crime and specifics (number of people, weapons, etc) Any injuries Description of suspect(s) Direction of travel Description of vehicles involved in crime DO NOT pursue or attempt to stop suspects

If you are outdoors and you feel that you are in danger or fearful for your personal safety:

1.  Locate the nearest Blue Light and activate it by pressing the red button. NOTE- Blue lights are not for car trouble, flat tires or other non-emergency
2. Blue Light activation goes directly to Hospital Operator who will address you through the speaker- provide all information to the operator
3. The Operator will notify security.

Download the Blue Light Drill Form for College Staff

When reporting an incident or emergency, provide the following:

• Your name
• Location of the emergency
• Telephone number from which you are calling; and
• Type of emergency you are reporting (e.g., injury, fire, or hazardous material spill) to Campus Security.
• Do not attempt to move or transport an injured person. Wait for appropriate medical assistance.
• Depending on the nature of the emergency, you will call one of the following numbers

1. *911 - This is the City of Omaha's emergency line; If 911 is called, place a second call to Security ((402) 354-6911 or 6911 using an on campus phone) to inform them of the call to 911.*If calling 911 from a campus phone, dial 9-911
2. (402) 354-6911 - Direct, top priority line to the Methodist Health System Security Dispatch.  They have direct access to our security officer on campus and will assess if additional officers are needed.
3. (402) 354-4111 - Customer Service Center (to report power failure, etc)
4. (402) 354-7000 - College Front Desk
5. (402) 740-6368 - Campus security cell phone

Questions/concerns regarding emergency preparedness topics can be forwarded to the NMC Safety Compliance Officer at (402) 354-7259, the Methodist Health System Safety Department at (402) 354-4048 (Safety Officer) or (402) 354-4068 (Methodist Health System Safety Compliance Officer)

Release of Student Information in Connection with a Health or Safety Emergency

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), NMC may disclose a student's education record, or information contained therein, in connection with a health or safety emergency.  In making a determination of whether to disclose a student's information, NMC will take into account the totality of the circumstances of the health or safety of the student or other individuals involved. If NMC determines that there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, it may disclose information from the student's education records, or parts contained therein, to any person whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

Updated: August 2015

Download the Reporting an Incident/Emergency Policy

Announcements concerning disruption in NMC operations will be:

• Texted through e2Campus to emergency text-message subscribers
• Emailed to everyone with a methodistcollege.edu email address 
• Posted on the college website
• If deemed necessary, sent through the NMC Emergency Phone Tree* 

Sign up to receive emergency text alerts

Nebraska Methodist College primarily serves students in the greater Omaha area, but we also have many students throughout greater Nebraska and across the nation. Because of this geographical diversity, it is impossible for us to make effective emergency closure decisions for all geographic areas. We will be as comprehensive as possible when making announcements concerning emergencies, but the ultimate decision for safety rests with the individual student or staff member.

1. NMC administrators  will monitor emergency situations to determine the extent to which some or all College operations will be suspended. Emergency situations are usually weather related, but can also include power outages, mechanical breakdowns, health emergencies or local or national crises.
2. The ultimate decision for safety rests with the individual student or staff member. You should never travel to a classroom, clinical site or other College-related function if your safety is threatened by doing so.
3. In the event of an emergency situation, NMC administrators will announce the decisions concerning College operations as early as possible. Announcements related to overnight events that affect campus operations (usually weather-related) will be posted by 5 a.m. if possible.

*Emergency events that give little or no forewarning will be communicated through the activation of the NMC Emergency Phone Tree, in addition to the text message, email and website alert. If you have additional questions concerning attendance, please call your Program Director for further guidance. The ultimate decision concerning personal safety lies with the individual, regardless of the final decision of the College.

Steps to take:

• Call the Methodist Hospital operator at (402) 354-6911 (for emergencies) or (402) 354-4111 (for non-emergencies)
• Follow additional steps below, as appropriate:

Steps to take:

• If possible, identify chemical spilled.
• Notify people in immediate areas about the spill.
• Evacuate if necessary.
• Attend to any people who may have been exposed, if possible, without placing yourself at risk. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - found on the MHS Intranet website.
• If spilled material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources.
• Move nearby items to minimize damage.
• If contaminated with a hazardous chemical during a spill or clean-up, seek help immediately.

Who to contact:

• Call (402) 354-4111 for non-emergency spills
• Call (402) 354-6911 if it is an emergency and inform them that a chemical spill or exposure has occurred. Provide as much detail as possible.

Take the following actions but DO NOT use elevators

• Fire alarm sounding/fire strobe flashing, no smoke or flames sighted:Unless you are instructed otherwise, immediately evacuate the building and proceed to the south parking lot.
• Smell something burning, no smoke present: Dial (402) 354-6911 to report to Security, who will come to investigate. If off-site, follow specific site instructions.
• Smoke and/or flames sighted:
• Activate R.A.C.E. procedures
• Rescue those in danger
• Alarm
• Pull fire alarm
• Dial (402) 354- 6911 make contact with the hospital operator, and give the following information:
• Exact location of fire
• Your name
• Type of fire, if known
• In the event of multiple fires, repeat steps a. and b.
• Stay on the phone; DO NOT hang up
• Confine the fire by closing the door of the room with the fire in it.
• Extinguish the fire or Evacuate, if necessary.
• If evacuation is necessary, call (402) 354-7000 for Front Desk staff to announce "Fire emergency" evacuation procedures on overhead paging system.
• Fire extinguisher operation - Initiate P.A.S.S. procedures
• Pull the pin
• Aim low, pointing to the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle, releasing extinguishing agent
• Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it is out
  
  
• Notify Health System Safety Officer ((402) 354-4048)
• The person(s) who initiates the call will complete a Fire and Drill Evaluation Report (in collaboration with security) within one week of incident.

Drills will be conducted according to National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guidelines.

When a red "X" is found:

• Follow the steps outlined under section titled, “Smoke and/or flames sighted," but DO NOT pull the fire alarm.
• Place a fire extinguisher on top of the red "X" (to simulate putting the fire out).
• Complete the "Code Red & Fire Evaluation Report" and forward it to the Safety Office.

Evacuate - Upon issuance of "Code Red", all persons will evacuate to their fire evacuation collection points.

• Follow posted evacuation routes
• Use stairs; DO NOT use elevators
• Close doors behind you
• Assist disabled persons
• Stay low if smoke is present

Job Specific Duties During Evacuation:

• If it does not pose an additional threat, employees may conduct a sweep of the surrounding offices in their immediate area to be sure all individuals are evacuated as they are departing the building. If readily available, place a yellow post-it note on the outside of each office door checked to signify all persons from within that office have evacuated as you depart.
• Fire department personnel will be directed by security.
• Area of Evacuation Assistance for physically handicapped individuals are the areas near stairwells to the north or south (farthest from an area of danger) on the second and third floors of Clark; 2nd floor lobby outside of administration.
• Designated fire evacuation collection point for the College is the Far South Parking Lot (lower level).
• Individuals will remain in designated collection points until Code Red is cancelled.
• Fire Extinguishers and pull stations are located on each floor (Maps posted on campus)

Download the Fire Drill Form for College Staff

Published: October 2019

Introduction: Any institution that offers on campus housing must report annually the Fire Statistics for any Residential Facility as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315). The following public disclosure report details all information required by this law as it relates to Nebraska Methodist College.

Fire statistics for on-campus student housing:
From 2015-2017 for buildings 563, 567, 559, 571, 564 and 628:

• Zero fires reported 
• Zero deaths related to fire 
• Zero injuries related to fire 
• Zero property damage related to fire

View an image of these fire statistics in table format.

Campus Housing Fire Safety Systems:

• Fire extinguishers are located in each hallway and laundry area all of student housing buildings. A sprinkler system is located in the laundry area.
• Continental Fire Sprinkler Company performs inspections, testing and maintenance of the sprinkler system and fire extinguishers annually.
• All apartments have smoke detectors. Interference with the operation of the smoke detector or any other fire safety equipment will result in disciplinary action in addition to being liable for damages and subject to applicable criminal and civil penalties.
• Safety inspections are conducted in each apartment by the Methodist Health System Safety Department at the conclusion of the fall and spring semesters.

Number of regular mandatory supervised fire drills:

Mandatory, supervised, announced and unannounced fire drills are conducted in the fall and spring semesters by the Safety Department. The Resident Assistants and Security assist in these drills.

If you are involved in an accident or unusual occurrence that may cause actual or potential injury, proper documentation of the incident must be made within 24 hours. A completed Incident Report Form documenting the incident will be filed in the Campus Health Office.

What to Do 

1. Report the incident to the appropriate faculty member, preceptor or designated supervisor, who will then initiate reporting and treatment.
2. You will receive immediate first aid or medical attention at the site as needed and will receive information related to the nearest emergency services, if necessary.
3. You must report the incident to the Campus Health Center within 24 hours by calling (402) 354-7211. If leaving a message, provide your name and contact information as well as the nature, date and location of the incident.
4. If necessary, seek further treatment at the provider/agency of your choice. Any costs incurred are your responsibility. The exception is a blood/body fluid exposure which requires immediate treatment (refer to Blood/Body Fluid section below).
5. Campus Health will notify your Program Director and follow up with you as necessary.

NMC employees are not permitted to transport a sick or injured student under any circumstances. Employees may assist a student in contacting a friend or family member, or if necessary emergency personnel, to arrange transportation to a healthcare facility or other location.

Download the Student Incident Report Form

If a student is involved in a blood/body fluid (BBF) exposure incident at any campus or clinical facility, the following procedure is to be followed.

1. Faculty, preceptor or designated supervisor will immediately assist the student in cleansing the wound or affected area with soap and water, or irrigating splash areas (i.e., eyes, mucous membranes) with normal saline or water. If eyes have been splashed, flush for 15 minutes at an eyewash station with a wash bottle or saline.
2. If the exposure occurs Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., call Methodist Employee Health at (402) 354-5684. When speaking to the secretary, the caller should identify him/herself as a Nebraska Methodist College student with a potential BBF exposure. The student will be directed to go to one of the Employee Health locations (Methodist Hospital, 2nd floor, North Tower).
3. If the exposure occurs at a time when Employee Health is closed, call the Methodist Hospital operator at (402) 354-4000 and page the House Supervisor to report the exposure.
4. Employee Health will assist the student in filling out all necessary documentation forms and coordinate any necessary follow-up.
5. In addition to notifying the Methodist Health System Employee Health Department (as directed above), the student is to follow any institutional policies and procedures at the location where the exposure occurred.
6. Costs incurred by student blood and body fluid exposure are paid by Nebraska Methodist College.

For employee injury or illness, follow the policies and procedures briefly described below. Please refer to the "Work-Related Injury/Illness" policy and "Return to Work Following Any Injury/Illness" policy for complete information. Please find these documents on the MHS Intranet under Policies in the main site navigation.

The Employee Health Department is the first resource for employees for the treatment/screening of work-related injuries/illnesses. The Employee Health Department is responsible for triaging non-emergency work-related injuries/illnesses, and for maintaining work-related injury/illness statistics.

What to Do 

• Employees injured/ill on the job must contact the Employee Health nurse or designated backup, as soon as possible for assessment and to report the injury/illness.
• If the employee appears to require emergency care:
• If the employee is not at a hospital location, contact 911. Notify Employee Health at (402) 354-5684 as soon as possible after contacting 911.
• If the employee is at a hospital location, take the employee to the Emergency Department. Notify Employee Health at (402) 354-5684 as soon as possible.
• The organization may require an employee involved in an accident in the workplace to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing.
• If the employee does not appear to require emergency care:
• During the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, the employee should go to Employee Health or contact Employee Health at (402) 354-5684. Employee Health will assist in determining the best care options. Employees should not proceed to medical care without notifying Employee Health unless it is an emergency.
• After hours, if the employee does not work at a hospital location, the employee should contact his/her supervisor or designated individual. He/she will determine whether the employee should report to the NMH or MWH Emergency Department for assessment, or contact Employee Health on the next business day. Employees should not proceed to medical care without talking to Employee Health unless it is an emergency or they have supervisor approval. If the employee does go to the Emergency Department for assessment, he/she should contact Employee Health at (402) 354-5684 on the next business day.

Any institution participating in a Title IV federal student financial aid program that maintains on campus housing facilities must establish a missing student notification policy and related procedures for those students who live in on campus housing and who have been missing for 24 hours.

The health and safety of Nebraska Methodist College students is of utmost concern to the institution. It is this concern that underlies NMC's commitment to and compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act's requirement for colleges and universities to establish a missing persons policy for its residents and to inform students of the policy.

For purposes of this policy, a student resident may be considered a "missing person" if the person's absence is contrary to his/her usual pattern of behavior and it is suspected that unusual circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, a report or suspicion that the missing person may be the victim of foul play, has expressed suicidal thoughts, is drug dependent, is in a life-threatening situation, or has been with persons who may endanger the student's welfare.

If, when based on facts and circumstances, it is determined that a student resident is missing, the following individuals will be notified: 1) the appropriate College officials, 2) law enforcement, and 3) the student's parents/guardians and/or other persons designated as emergency contacts by the student.

The Higher Education Act requires institutions of higher education to provide students the option of designating a confidential contact person who is not necessarily a parent or legal guardian. The institution may contact this person if the student is deemed missing. If no contact person is designated, the institution will contact parents or a legal guardian. In addition, whether or not a student identifies a contact person, the Higher Education Act requires Nebraska Methodist College to notify local law enforcement no later than 24 hours after the time the student is deemed missing.

Further, the Higher Education Act requires that NMC, for each such student who is under 18 years of age, and not an emancipated individual, notify a custodial parent or guardian not later than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing in accordance with such procedures.

When a student moves into NMC campus housing, he/she will provide emergency contact information on a form provided by the College. The contact person(s) designated by the student will become the primary contact(s) during a missing person's investigation.

If a member of the NMC community believes a student resident is missing, he/she should notify Security, the Executive Director of Operations or the Dean of Students Office immediately and provide as much information as possible. These offices will undertake an immediate investigation and make efforts to contact the student, his/her friends, acquaintances, and professors in an attempt to locate the student.

If it is determined that a student is indeed missing, the Executive Director of Operations and/or the Dean of Students will begin calling the person designated as the emergency contact by the student and/or the student's custodial parent or guardian of a non-emancipated minor. If these calls do not resolve the situation or locate the missing student, local law enforcement/911 will be notified immediately. These notifications (to the student's emergency contact or custodial parent/guardian and local law enforcement) will be made no later than 24 hours after the time the student is deemed missing.

Section 488 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008; 34 C.F.R. 668.46(h)

Updated: November 2015

Download the Missing Person Policy & Procedure

• Be alert! Being alert to what and who is around you is your best defense. Walk with a self-assured stride, hold your head up, and look around. Individuals who appear to be strong, confident, and in control are less attractive targets.
• Avoid walking on or around campus alone at night. Use the buddy system or contact Security for an escort.
• Avoid using shortcuts, routes that are less-traveled, and routes that may obscure you from being seen by others.
• Have your keys or ID card ready in your hand as you approach a campus building or your vehicle.
• Be aware of what is going on around you. If someone is following you or you think someone is following you, immediately contact Security.

• Secure your apartment when you leave home by locking all doors and windows.
• Never prop open building or apartment doors.
• Do not loan your ID card or keys to anyone.
• Report suspicious individuals to Security immediately.

• Always secure your personal property while at work (e.g. store your purse in a locked file cabinet).
• Don't bring valuables, jewelry, or large amounts of money to work.
• Lock your office door, even if you are leaving only for a few minutes.
• If you are working alone early in the morning, late at night, or on a weekend, ensure that the exterior building doors and your office door remain locked. Let Security know you are on campus working and ask for an escort to your car when you leave.
• Never prop open office or building doors, even for a brief time.
• Be especially aware of your surroundings in your office area and building during holiday/vacation periods, weekends, or when there are fewer people than usual on campus.

• Lock your car doors when driving.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle in plain view (computer, CDs, purse, wallet, anything of value).
• When parking your car, lock all doors and roll up all windows.
• If know you will be returning to your car after dark, park close to a building entrance or in a well-lit area.
• Prior to leaving, contact Security for an escort from the building to your vehicle.
• Have your keys in your hand when approaching your vehicle.
• Before getting into your car, visually check the interior and the area surrounding your car. If you notice anything suspicious, leave your car immediately and notify Security.

If someone claims to be a private investigator, immediately call campus security and ask for identification.  The individual is not permitted past first floor reception and must wait for campus security to arrive.

Proper identification must be produced on demand.  A badge is not considered proper identification. Investigators and detectives are issued hard plastic identification cards by the Secretary of State licensing division and identification cards show a photograph of the investigator, their legal name, license number, identification card issuance and expiration dates and Private Detective Agency affiliation (if applicable).  If identification is not produced or you have doubts that the identification is real, immediately call 911.

If the private investigator is posing as a law enforcement officer and demanding access or information, immediately call 911.

If private investigator provides valid investigator's identification, campus security is to communicate to the investigator that it is NMC policy not to give out employee or student information to private investigators and any questions or concerns should be directed NMC Director of Compliance, at (402-354-7259) during regular business hours.  Then, escort the individual out of the building and ask them to leave campus immediately. If the individual refuses to leave and remains or returns to campus without permission, immediately call 911.

Updated: November 2015

Download the Private Investigators Policy

In the event that a tornado watch or warning is issued for Douglas County during the hours of normal college operations (M-F 8 a.m.-10 p.m.):

1. The NMC Security Officer on duty will activate the emergency weather radio in the Clark Reception area to monitor conditions and the alumni center is notified to activate their emergency weather radio.
2. The Clark Desk receptionist will make an announcement over the intercom with further instructions.

• A Tornado Watch has been issued for Douglas County from ___ to___, this is a tornado watch only, in the event of a tornado warning, you will be directed to seek shelter in the basement of the Clark building or in the PTA Lab or adjacent classroom in the Leinart Building, this is only a Tornado Watch). (Confirm that other buildings are aware of the tornado watch.)
• A Tornado Warning has been issued for Douglas County- seek shelter in the basement of the Clark building or in the PTA Lab or adjacent classroom or first-floor bathroom in the Leinart Building; Repeat, Tornado Warning - seek shelter immediately".  (Confirm that everyone in other buildingsare seeking shelter.)

1. Josie's Village residents will be educated on proper weather monitoring and response for when the college is closed. Each RA will be equipped with a weather radio and will be educated on appropriate actions to take in the event of severe weather.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop.

Employee/Student Steps to Take:

• Prepare your area with emergency supplies that may be needed (e.g., flashlights, cell phone).
• Monitor conditions (listen for overhead announcements, sirens, email alerts, etc)

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted, sirens are sounding, and the National Weather Service is advising everyone to take cover.

Steps to take:

• Move everyone to designated Tornado Shelter (Stay away from outside walls and windows).
• Clark Center basement
• Leinart Center PTA Lab and adjacent classroom, 1st-floor restrooms
• Alumni Center Kitchen Area
• Employees should attempt to notify others in surrounding offices as they proceed to the designated shelter.
• Remain in designated areas until the "all clear" is given.

Tornado Shelter

The tornado shelter locations on campus are:

• Clark Center basement
• Leinart Center PTA Lab and adjacent classroom, 1st-floor restrooms
• Alumni Center Kitchen Area

Download Weather Related Emergencies
Download the Tornado Evaluation Form for Staff

Threats are delivered in a variety of ways. All threats should be treated seriously and handled according to this procedure. Do not ignore any threat; it must be treated as real until properly evaluated. The following procedures will be used in the event of a written or telephone bomb threat or if any explosive/incendiary devices are directed at or found anywhere on the premises.

The police, security and administration will complete a threat assessment for all threats. Evaluation will be made on the basis of facts at the time. Many of the available facts will be obtained from the person who received the threat or who might have been exposed to the threat. When the threat is judged not to be credible, no further action needs to be taken. However, if a threat is judged to be credible, the building will be evacuated.

Building evacuation procedure (all College buildings ): Everyone is to evacuate the building immediately and report to the designated Collection Point at the far south parking lot (lower level parking lot south of Riley-Leinart Center).

Download the Bomb Threat Checklist for College Staff

Steps to Take

• Treat any threat as genuine and report as soon as possible.
• DO NOT transfer phone call. DO NOT hang up.
• Get the attention of someone and give note saying: "Bomb Threat - notify Security (402) 354-6911"
• Keep them on the phone and ask them to repeat the message:
  • Exact location of the bomb
  • Time set for detonation
  • Description of explosive or container
  • Type of explosive
  • Reason for call or threat

• Also note:
• Date and time of the call
• Caller ID information (on phones so equipped)
• Exact language used
• Sex of caller
• Estimated age of caller
• Peculiar or identifiable accent
• Identifiable background noise
• DO NOT discuss the threat or warning outside the College. These issues are considered confidential and should be treated as such.
• Notify security and evacuate building:

1. Call (402) 354-6911 - Security come to investigate
2. Call (402) 354-7263 or 4-7261 to notify Administration
3. 911 - if immediate threat is determined. Alert security that 911 has been called

When directed by administration, security or other law enforcement personnel, Front Desk Staff will make an announcement with overhead paging system to follow Evacuation Procedures.

Recognizing common features of suspect letters/packages are:

• Unusual noises, i.e. ticking, clicking, etc.
• Liquid leaking from package/letter, oily stains, discoloration or crystal substance on wrapper.
• Strange odor.
• Excessive tape or string.
• Protruding wires
• Excessive weight
• Lopsided or uneven packaging
• Incorrect title with the name or an address to a title only with no name
• Source of the letter/package is not recognized by recipient/addressee
• Badly typed or poorly written information
• Misspelling of common words
• Restrictive markings i.e. "Confidential", "Personal", etc.
• No return address

Steps to take:

• Save all articles, including any envelope or containers.
• Avoid unnecessary handling.
• Any suspected letter that might be contaminated should be placed in a plastic bag (e.g., garbage can liner) and sealed.
•  DO NOT discuss threat or warning outside the College.

Steps to notify security and administration:

1. Call (402) 354-6911 - Security come to investigate
2. Call (402) 354-7263 or 4-7261 to notify Administration

The Methodist Health System prohibits all persons who enter the premises from carrying or otherwise possessing a handgun, firearm, or prohibited weapon of any kind, regardless of whether or not the person is licensed to carry or possess the weapon. This policy applies to all persons on Methodist Health System premises, including employees, contractors, visitors, patients, and physicians, except as noted in the "Exceptions" below.

Employees are also prohibited from carrying or otherwise possessing a weapon while in the course and scope of performing their job, whether or not they are on Methodist Health System premises at the time and whether or not they are licensed to carry or otherwise possess a weapon. This policy also prohibits weapons at all Methodist Health System sponsored functions such as parties, picnics or continuing education.

The only exceptions to this policy are:

1. Law enforcement officers specifically authorized by law to carry a weapon; and
2. Those persons who have been given specific written permission by Methodist Health System to carry or otherwise possess a weapon on the premises.