The Emergency Information guide covers extraordinary circumstances that could affect the entire community and require specific actions to preserve life or property. Read this guide thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the necessary information for a future response.

Introduction

Emergencies happen without warning. Each member of our community holds the responsibility for being prepared to act in an emergency.

If you have questions concerning a unique situation not covered in this quick guide, or if you would like additional information regarding emergency preparedness, contact Security Services at (507) 222-4444.

What can you do now?

  1. Read this quick guide thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the information for a future response.
  2. All members of our community are strongly encouraged to register for the Emergency Notification Service.
  3. All members of our community are strongly encouraged to download the Mobile Safety App.
  4. Learn whether there is a first aid kit and where your fire extinguishers, AED, emergency shelter area, and evacuation Assembly Area are for your building.

Active Threat On Campus

Be Informed

  • Stay Alert. always be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
  • If you see something, say something. That includes suspicious packages, people behaving strangely, or someone using strange communications.
  • Observe warning signs. Signs might include unusual or violent communications, expressed anger or intent to cause harm, and substance abuse. These warning signs may increase over time.
  • Have an exit plan. Identify exits and areas to hide wherever you go, including work, school, and special events.

If you experience an active threat: RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.

RUN to safety

  • Seek safety. Getting away from the attacker is the top priority.
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Leave your belongings behind and get away. It is most important to run to safety.
  • Call 911 when you are safe and describe the attacker, location, and weapons.

HIDE and cover

  • If you can’t evacuate, hide and cover. Find a place to hide out of view of the attacker and if possible, put a solid barrier between yourself and the threat.
  • Do not leave your hiding place until you are instructed to by law enforcement or College security.
  • Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off lights.
  • Keep silent, including silencing electronic devices
  • Don’t answer the door.

FIGHT, defend, disrupt

  • Fight only as a last resort. When you can’t run or hide, attempt to disrupt the attack or disable the attacker.
  • Be aggressive and commit to your actions.
  • Recruit others to ambush the attacker with makeshift weapons like chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
  • Be prepared to cause significant injury to the attacker.

When Law Enforcement Arrives

  • Remain calm
  • Keep hands visible and empty.
  • Follow law enforcement’s instructions and evacuate in the direction they tell you to.

See Ready.gov for more information

Medical Emergencies

For a life-threatening emergency call 911 first then call Security Services at 507-222-4444

For a non-life-threatening emergency call Security Services at 507-222-4444

  • Be prepared to provide a specific location and description of the emergency.

Locate the nearest Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).


  1. If someone is available, send them to help direct emergency responders.
  2. Make sure the scene is safe before you approach the victim. Do not endanger yourself.
  3. Do not move the victim unless the scene becomes unsafe.
  4. Stay with the victim and provide assurance. Provide treatment according to your capabilities and training.
  5. If poisoning is suspected, contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Bodily Fluid Clean-Up

  • Contact Security Services at (507) 222-4444 who will coordinate necessary pathogen clean-up activities.

Reporting Criminal Activity/Suspicious Behavior

If you suspect or have experienced criminal activity

  • DO NOT confront the perpetrator(s).
  • Immediately call Security Services at (507) 222-4444.
  • Be prepared to describe
    • What the person is/persons are doing.
    • How many people are involved.
    • Where it is happening.
    • The physical appearance and clothing of those involved.
    • Whether weapons are involved.
    • A description of the vehicle and license plate number, if a vehicle is involved.
    • The direction in which the person(s) is/are going.
    • Whether anyone has been injured.
    • Remain on the phone until you are advised to hang up.

Missing Person

If a person significantly deviates from a normal routine, fails to appear for a scheduled event, or is unable to be reached, that person may be considered missing. All suspected missing students must be reported to Security Services in accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act.

If you suspect that a co-worker or student you know is missing or the victim of foul play

  • Notify Security Services immediately at (507) 222-4444.
  • Be prepared to provide detailed information about the missing person including:
    • The person’s full name, nickname(s), or aliases.
    • A full physical description, including gender identity, race/ethnicity, date of birth (age), height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
    • Any unusual or visible physical attributes, such as birthmarks, tattoos, scars, or piercings.
    • The person’s telephone number(s)
    • The person’s vehicle descriptoin
    • The date and time of last contact.
    • The person’s last known whereabouts.
    • A description of what they were last seen wearing.
    • The name(s) of the person(s) whom they were last seen with.

Fire

Know the location of your assembly area!

If you discover a fire

  1. Manually activate the fire alarm system.
  2. Immediately exit the building, closing doors behind you.
    • DO NOT USE ELEVATORS
  3. Call 911 and then Security Services at (507) 222-4444.
  4. Assist persons with special needs if practical.
  5. Go to your assembly area.
  6. Notify your Assembly Area Resource Person (AARP) if you know or suspect someone is trapped inside the building.
  7. Do not attempt to re-enter the building until instructed to do so by the Northfield Fire Department or Security Services.

If you are trapped in a room

  1. Wet and place a cloth around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
  2. Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
  3. Be prepared to signal to someone outside, but DO NOT BREAK GLASS until absolutely necessary (outside smoke may be drawn into room).

If you are caught in smoke

  1. Drop to hands and knees and crawl toward exit.
  2. Stay low as smoke will rise to the ceiling level.
  3. Hold your breath as much as possible.
  4. Breathe shallowly through nose and use a filter such as a shirt or towel.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSTRUCTIONS

Locate a fire extinguisher and use the P.A.S.S. system

  1. Pull safety pin from handle.
  2. Aim at base of fire.
  3. Squeeze the trigger handle.
  4. Sweep from side to side at base of fire.

Thunderstorm/Tornado

Carleton College Security Services monitors weather conditions constantly.

Know the location of the nearest Emergency Shelter area in your building!


THUNDERSTORMS

If there is a SEVERE THUNDERSTROM WATCH, conditions are right for a severe thunderstorm

  • Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the situation.

If there is a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING, severe thunderstorms are occurring

  • Be prepared to move to a place of shelter if threatening weather approaches.
  • Remain indoors and away from windows until the severe storm passes.
  • If large hail begins to fall, seek immediate shelter.
  • Report any injuries and damage to Security Services at (507) 222-4444.

TORNADO

If there is a TORNADO WATCH, conditions are right for a tornado:

  • Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the situation.

If there is a TORNADO WARNING, radar or weather spotters have identified a tornado nearby:

  • SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER in a designated emergency shelter area in your location.
    • Off-Campus Houses: Seek shelter in the lowest level/basement of the house. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room, or a closet. Keep away from all windows.
    • Outdoors: Try to get inside and seek a small protected space with no windows. If you cannot get inside, crouch for protection beside a strong structure, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your arms or a piece of clothing.
  • Do not open windows.
  • Cover your head and eyes with a blanket or heavy clothing to protect against flying debris and broken glass.
  • Remain in your shelter area until you have received an all-clear message.
    • If it is not safe or possible to leave your shelter area, wait until assistance arrives.
  • Do not attempt to return to or enter a damaged building.

Emergency Notification System Testing

  • Sirens within the City of Northfield are tested the first Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m.
  • The College tests its CarlAlert emergency notification service annually during severe weather awareness week.

Hazardous Spill

OIL, CHEMICAL, RADIOACTIVE, OR BIOLOGICAL SPILL (HAZMAT)

Call 911 and evacuate the area if

  • the spill is uncontrollable or involves acutely hazardous or multiple chemicals; or
  • the spill results in fire or explosion; or
  • the spill results in life-threatening injuries; or
  • the spill may endanger the environment (e.g., the spill is outside).

Spills that do not require a 911 response

  • Contact your lab manager or principal investigator
  • Follow department protocols

Contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 507-222-4146 for

  • MSDS information or advice on spills that do not require 911 responses.
  • Notification after 911 call has been made from a safe location.
  • Metallic mercury spills.
  • Additional personal protective equipment or spill supplies.

Shelter-In-Place

“Shelter-in-Place” means to seek immediate shelter inside the building you currently occupy.

If you are advised to Shelter-in-Place

  • Go to the nearest room or office
  • Close windows and doors
  • Wait for more information or an all-clear notice

You may be directed to shelter-in-place if it is not safe to leave your building due to

  • Person of concern
  • Violence on or near campus
  • Hazardous materials
  • Other emergencies

Evacuation of Mobility Impaired

  • Evacuate persons with disabilities who are otherwise ambulatory, such as those who are vision or hearing impaired, with other building occupants. Stay with each person until a safe place is reached.
  • Do not evacuate people by elevator who are dependent on mechanical equipment for their mobility unless authorized or directed by emergency personnel.
  • If not able to exit the building, the individuals should remain in an area of rescue.
    • A fire exit stairway is the preferred location
  • Advise your Assembly Area Resource Person (AARP) of the location of the individuals in an area of rescue.

Bomb or Other Threat

If you receive a bomb or other threat by phone

  • Remain calm. Attempt to keep the caller on the telephone as long as possible.
  • Use the Threat/Bomb Checklist
  • Record the time and phone number if you have a caller ID after the caller is off the line (the time the call came in is critical to tracing the number).
  • Contact Security Services at (507) 222-4444 immediately after receiving the threat.
  • Take no further action until advised to do so by Security Services. Responding officers will assess the threat and advise the building occupants if it is necessary to evacuate the building and/or area.
  • If you believe the threat is real and imminent, begin evacuating the building by activating the fire alarm.

Bomb or Other Threat Checklist

Download and print the Bomb or other Threat Checklist and keep a copy by your phone.

Evacuation Assembly Areas

  • 106 Winona Street House: Chapel Parking Lot
  • 200 Division Street: Riverside Gazebo
  • 208 Union Street: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • 210 Winona Street: Central Park
  • 212 East 2nd Street: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • 216 College Street: Central Park
  • 411 East 2nd Street: Central Park
  • Allen House: Townhouse Blue Light
  • Alumni Guest House: 2nd & Union Street parking lot
  • Anderson Hall: Mini Bald Spot Blue Light
  • Arb Office: Grounds parking lot
  • Benton House: Central Park
  • Berg House: 2nd & Union Street parking lot
  • Bird House: West Chapel Lawn
  • Boliou Hall: Bridge to Mai-Fete
  • Brooks House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Burton Hall: West Chapel Lawn
  • Cassat Hall: Mini Bald Spot
  • Center for Math and Computing: Boliou Fountain
  • Chaney House: Faculty Annex Parking Lot
  • Skinner Memorial Chapel: Bald Spot
  • Clader House: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • Collier House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Colwell House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Cowling Gym: Mini Bald Spot
  • Davis Hall: West Chapel Lawn
  • Dixon House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Douglas House: Central Park
  • Dow House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Eugster House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Evans Hall: Blue Light by Evans Hall
  • Facilities Building: Mail Services Van Parking Area or Oil House
  • Faculty Club: Cowling Parking Lot
  • Faculty Club Annex: Cowling Parking Lot
  • Farm House: Grounds Office Parking Lot
  • Geffert House: Prentice House Blue Light Phone
  • Goodhue Hall: Recreation Center
  • Goodsell Observatory: Goodsell Observatory Blue Light Phone
  • Hall House: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • Headley Cottage: Arb Entrance at Oak and 2nd Street
  • Headley House: Arb Entrance at Oak and 2nd Street
  • Henrickson House: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • Henry House: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • Hill House: Central Park
  • Hilton House: Sidewalk in front of Geffert House
  • Hoppin House: Chapel Parking Lot
  • Hulings Hall: Bald Spot
  • Hunt Cottage: Blue Light by Musser
  • Hunt House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Huntington House: Alumni Guest House Parking Lot
  • James Hall: Mini Bald Spot
  • Jewett House: 209 Union Street Lot
  • Johnson House: 1st Street Parking lot by Davis Hall
  • Jones House: Hill House Lawn
  • Laird Hall: Pine Trees at Bald Spot
  • Laird Stadium: Football Field
  • Language & Dining Center: Mini Bald Spot
  • Leighton Hall: Turn Around Island by Sayles
  • Gould Library: Pine Trees at Bald Spot
  • Dacie Moses House: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • Hasenstab Hall: Sundial by Laird Hall
  • Musser Hall: West Chapel Lawn
  • Myers Hall: Mini Bald Spot
  • Nason House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Nourse Hall: Mini Bald Spot
  • Nutting House: 209 Union Street lot
  • Olin Hall: Sundial by Laird Hall
  • Olin Farm House: Grounds Department Parking Lot
  • Owens House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Page House East: Central Park
  • Page House West: Central Park
  • Parish House: Central Park
  • Parr House: Grounds Department Parking Lot
  • Pollock House: Chapel Parking Lot
  • Prentice House: Townhouse Blue Light
  • Rayment House: Central Park
  • Rec. Center: Frisbee Field
  • Rice House: Central Park
  • Rogers House: Arb Entrance at Oak and 2nd Street
  • Ryberg House: 209 Union Street lot
  • Sayles-Hill Campus Center: Blue Light by Musser and West Chapel Lawn
  • Scott House: Blue Light by Musser
  • Scoville Hall: Blue Light by Musser
  • Seccombe House: Concert Hall lot
  • Severance Hall: West Chapel Lawn
  • Sperry House: Concert Hall lot
  • Stimson House: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • Strong House: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • Strong House Apts: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • Watson Hall: Cowling Parking Lot
  • Weitz Center for Creativity: Central Park
  • West Gym: Soccer Practice Field
  • Whittier House: Sperry/Seccombe House driveway
  • Williams House: 2nd and Union Street parking lot
  • Willis Hall: Bald Spot
  • Wilson House: Townhouse Blue Light

Emergency Shelter Areas

  • 200 Division Street: Basement level corridors
  • Alumni Guest House: Lower level corridors
  • Anderson Hall: Room 36 and East Hallway by Restrooms
  • Arboretum Office: Lower level Parr House
  • Boliou Hall: Lower level corridors
  • Burton Hall: Lower level corridors
  • Cassat Hall: Lower level corridors
  • Center for Math and Computing: Lower level corridors
  • Cowling Gymnasium: Lower level corridor and indoor tennis court
  • Davis Hall: Lower level corridor
  • Evans Hall: Lower level corridor
  • Facilities Building: Mid-Level Print Room
  • Faculty Club: Lower level corridors
  • Faculty Club Annex: Go to the Faculty Club emergency shelter area
  • Goodhue Hall: Lower level corridor
  • Goodsell Observatory: Lower level corridor
  • Gould Memorial Library: Second-floor south wall
  • Hasenstab Hall: Bottom of south (Hulings Hall side) stairwell
  • Hulings Hall: Lower level corridors
  • James Hall: Lower level corridors
  • Laird Hall: Lower level corridors
  • Laird Stadium: Lower level inside locker/classrooms
  • Language and Dining Center: Main floor corridor adjacent to restrooms
  • Leighton Hall: Lower level corridor
  • Music and Drama Center: Lower level corridors
  • Musser Hall: Main floor corridor
  • Myers Hall: Main floor corridor
  • Nourse Hall: Lower level corridor
  • Olin Hall: Lower level corridor
  • Parish House: Lower level
  • Recreation Center: Laundry room, Dance Studio, and restrooms
  • Sayles-Hill: Lower level corridors
  • Scoville Hall: Lower level corridor
  • Severance Hall: Lower level corridor, Dining Hall/kitchen if open
  • Skinner Memorial Chapel: Lower level corridors/classrooms
  • Watson Hall: Lower level corridors and lounge
  • Weitz Center: Basement level corridors
  • West Gymnasium: Lower level corridors, locker rooms
  • Willis Hall: Lower level corridors

Off-Campus and Interest Houses: Seek shelter in the lowest level/basement of the house. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room, or a closet. Keep away from windows.

Outdoors: Try to get inside and seek a small protected space with no windows. If you cannot get inside, crouch for protection beside a strong structure, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your arms or a piece of clothing.