Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a significant emergency or situation, that endangers the health or safety of the campus community, the Director of Campus Safety and Security or a designee via the “Send Word Now” notification system will issue a timely warning to the community. Time permitting; the notification will be made after a conferral with the executive staff and emergency personnel. The content of the notification will take into account its effect upon the rendering of assistance to victims and the efforts to mitigate the emergency. The responding Campus Security personnel will make the initial assessment of the situation, notify and assist the proper emergency authorities, and notify the Director of Campus Safety and Security. The Emergency Plan is posted on the College website.

Notifications in the Event of an Emergency

  • President’s Office – (718) 405-3233
  • Provost/Dean of Faculty – (718) 405-3259
  • Senior Vice President for Admission and External Relations – (718) 405-3237
  • Vice President for Operations – (718) 405-3400
  • Vice President for Student Affairs – (718) 405-3253
  • Vice President for Information and Technology – (718) 405-3283
  • Facilities – (718) 405-3211

Evacuation/Relocation Procedure

Evacuations
If the evacuation of a building or buildings is necessary, it will be directed and coordinated by the Incident Commander (Director of Campus Safety and Security or the initial responding campus Security Supervisor) in cooperation with the responding emergency personnel. Send Word Now messages will provide specific directions. If a campus wide evacuation is deemed necessary, the 261 Street emergency exit will be opened and the evacuees will be directed by either campus Security or first responders to one of two short-term relocation sites: The Hebrew Home of Riverdale (located at 5901 Palisade Avenue) or Saint Margaret of Cortona School (located at 452 W. 260 Street). A Communications Center will be established at either the Peter J. Sharp Recreation Center in the offices of the Director of Athletics and Recreation, the Maloney Library, or the downstairs of Hudson Heights. Everyone will remain at the relocation site until it is deemed safe by the Director of Campus Safety and Security after conferral with the appropriate responding emergency personnel.

Relocations
If the Director of Security/designee deems relocation necessary after conferral with the Emergency Management team, all persons will be directed by Campus Security to one of these locations: Hayes Auditorium or Hudson Heights. A command post will be established in the location utilized to maintain communications with first responders.

Shelter in Place

A Shelter in Place drill is conducted during the fall and spring semesters. Prior notice is given to the Mount community via the college broadcast email system and Send Word Now. When an order to Shelter in Place is issued by the Director of Campus Safety and Security the following directions are to be adhered to:

  • Must stop class, work, and business operations
  • Stay within a secured room and away from windows and doors
  • Close window blinds and turn off lights, televisions, stereos, etc.
  • Barricade door with furniture if possible
  • Remain quiet, place cell phones on silent mode
  • If outdoors, get indoors
  • Remain Sheltered in Place until directed by first responders and/or Campus Security
  • Pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be prevented from entering the campus