Every emergency is different, and the appropriate response depends on the situation. These procedures outline what to do during various types of emergencies to help protect yourself and others on campus.
Among our many emergency protocols is our active shooter procedure. To ensure that you're prepared, in the event of an active shooter emergency, we provide access to outside and RIC-facilitated Active Shooter Training.
Active shooter incidents—situations in which an individual is actively using a firearm—are highly unpredictable and rapidly evolving. While such incidents are rare, being prepared can help protect lives. The following actions are recommended for your safety. Always use your best judgment and follow the directions of law enforcement and emergency personnel.
As a last resort, and only when you are in immediate danger, attempt to incapacitate the active shooter.
If you decide to flee during an active shooter situation, make sure you have an escape route and plan.
Do not carry anything while fleeing; move quickly, keep your hands visible, and follow the instructions of any police officers you may encounter.
Do not attempt to remove injured people; instead leave wounded victims where they are and notify authorities of their location as soon as possible.
Alcohol or drug poisoning is a medical emergency. If you believe someone may be experiencing an overdose or poisoning, seek help immediately. Prompt medical intervention can save a life.
Seek immediate medical assistance if the person:
Alcohol and drug poisoning can become life-threatening very quickly. When in doubt, call 911 immediately. It is always better to seek medical evaluation than to delay treatment.
Bomb threats are most often received by telephone and are typically intended to cause fear or disruption. All bomb threats should be treated as serious and as a potential danger to the campus community.
If you receive a bomb threat or if you observe a suspicious object/material or suspect a potential bomb on campus, immediately call the Camus Police at 401.456.8888 or press the emergency button on any Blue Light phone.
A civil disturbance may include protests, demonstrations, disruptive gatherings, or other activities that interfere with College operations or pose a threat to the safety of the campus community. Rhode Island College supports the rights of individuals to engage in lawful, peaceful expression; however, any activity that becomes disruptive, threatening, or violent should be reported immediately.
Your personal safety is the priority. Do not attempt to intervene in a violent or potentially dangerous situation. Report the incident promptly and allow trained law enforcement personnel to respond.
A Lockdown is initiated when there is an immediate threat inside or near a campus building, such as an armed or violent individual. The goal is to secure occupants, prevent access to the area, and protect lives until law enforcement resolves the incident.
Lockdown instructions will be communicated through the Rhode Island College Emergency Notification System and other official College communication channels.
Remain in lockdown until an official all-clear is issued by law enforcement or the Rhode Island College Emergency Notification System.
If it is safe to do so before evacuating:
During an emergency evacuation, elevators should not be used unless directed by emergency personnel. Individuals who are able to use stairs should review the checklist:
Individuals who require assistance evacuating a building should proceed to a Designated Waiting Area/Area of Refuge. These areas are intended to provide a safe location to await assistance from first responders and are designated with a purple outline on the building floor evacuation map.
During an emergency, offer assistance if it is safe to do so, and always ask the individual how they would like to be assisted. Do not use elevators during a fire alarm unless directed by emergency responders.
After evacuating, immediately inform Campus Police or responding emergency personnel of the location of anyone awaiting assistance.
Call Campus Police (24/7) at 401-456-8888
Call Local Emergency Responders at 911
Individuals with access or functional needs are encouraged to self-identify and proactively plan for emergencies by working with supervisors, colleagues, classmates, or campus support offices. Planning ahead allows individuals to identify evacuation routes, methods, designated waiting areas, and other supports before an emergency occurs.
Individuals should identify the buildings and floors they regularly occupy on campus. For each location, development of an Evacuation and Communication Plan or an Individual Emergency Evacuation Plan (IEEP) should be considered.
If you discover a fire or hear a fire alarm, evacuate the building immediately. Treat every fire alarm as a real emergency.
If you see a fire:
If you discover a fire or see smoke, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and evacuate immediately. All residents and guests must leave the building immediately whenever a fire alarm sounds.
Stop the Spill • Warn Others • Isolate the Area • Minimize Exposure
A hostage situation is a life-threatening emergency. Your safety is the highest priority.
If someone is seriously injured or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Then notify Rhode Island College Campus Police at 401-456-8888, or use a Blue Light Emergency Phone to assist emergency responders in locating the incident quickly.
If an individual is engaging in reckless, disorderly, threatening, or dangerous behavior—including behavior that suggests self-harm—and you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others:
Once the Situation is Safe
A person who is distressed may display persistent or escalating behaviors, including but not limited to:
If you are concerned about someone’s well-being:
For employees, contact:
You may also seek consultation or guidance from campus behavioral health, threat assessment, or emergency management resources if you are unsure how to proceed.
Please Note: You do not need to determine whether someone is “disruptive” or “distressed” before seeking help. If something feels unsafe or concerning, trust your instincts and reach out for assistance. Early reporting helps connect individuals to support and keeps the campus community safe.
When severe weather threatens the campus, monitor official Rhode Island College emergency notifications, local weather reports, and instructions from public safety officials.
Flooding can result from severe weather, burst pipes, plumbing failures, or other water emergencies. If flooding threatens your area, take action promptly and follow instructions from emergency personnel. If flooding occurs:
Rhode Island College closely monitors hurricanes and tropical storms in coordination with the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) and the National Weather Service. Follow all official College communications and emergency instructions.
After the storm, avoid flooded areas, downed power lines, and damaged buildings. Report emergencies to 911, then notify Rhode Island College Campus Police if the incident is on campus.
If a Tornado Warning is issued or a tornado is observed, seek shelter immediately.
Remain sheltered until the warning has expired or an official all-clear has been issued.
After the storm, watch for hazards such as downed power lines, broken glass, and structural damage. Report emergencies to 911, then notify Rhode Island College Campus Police if the incident is on campus.
Although earthquakes are uncommon in Rhode Island, knowing how to respond can reduce the risk of injury.
A Shelter-in-Place order is issued when conditions outside a building present a danger, such as severe weather, hazardous materials, or another environmental hazard. The goal is to keep the campus community safely indoors until the threat has passed.
Shelter-in-Place instructions will be communicated through the Rhode Island College Emergency Notification System and other official College communication channels.
Remain sheltered until an official all-clear is issued by the College or emergency responders.
Utility failures may include power outages, gas leaks, water or steam line breaks, or other disruptions to campus services.
The possession or display of a weapon on campus may present an immediate threat to the safety of the Rhode Island College community. If you see or suspect a weapon on campus, take the situation seriously.
If you suspect a weapon is present in a classroom or workspace:
We prepare the Rhode Island College community for emergencies through strategic planning, documentation, communication, education, training, and exercises.