In All Emergencies
If it is safe to do so, students should take personal belongings (car keys, purse, backpack, coat, etc.) with them. Students may not be allowed back into the building for some time. As a daily routine, students should consider positioning all items they may take with them so they are secure but quickly accessible.
During an emergency, contact Campus Police at 8911 from a campus phone or 254-299-8911 from a cell phone.
Reporting a Crime
The following should be reported by calling Campus Police at 8911 from a campus phone or 254-299-8911 from a cell phone, or use the RAVE app:
- Personal property taken or vehicle stolen while parked on campus
- Threats and/or verbally abuse
- Involvement in a “hit-and-run” accident
- Witness to or knowledge of:
- Suspicious activity
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Threats, arguments, verbal abuse
- Family/domestic violence
- Assaults
- Drug and alcohol violations
- Traffic accidents
If You Discover Smoke or Fire
Pull the building fire alarm to alert others and call 8911 from a campus phone or 254-299-8911 from a cell phone for help, or use the RAVE app. If it is safe to do so, follow directions of college employees to evacuate to one of the gathering areas outside the building. Be sure to use the evacuation plan signs located on each floor of every building. Be aware of disabled persons who may need assistance.
When the Fire Alarm Sounds
- Be aware of disabled staff, students, or visitors who may need assistance. Stryker-Evacuation chairs are available in stairwells of multi-level buildings. Instructions are attached to the chair.
- If it is safe to do so, take personal belongings. Leave the area by means of the primary evacuation route. Maps are posted in hallways near stairwells and elevators. If this exit is blocked, use the secondary or alternate route or exit. Become familiar with routes for all classrooms and areas you frequently use.
- Once outside the building, move at least 500 feet away from the building and await further instructions from emergency responders or campus officials. Do not block fire lanes.
- Don't leave campus unless told to do so by a campus official. Cars leaving the campus can interfere with emergency personnel entering the campus in a timely manner.
- Do not re-enter the building for any reason until officials give the “all clear.”
Keep all fire lanes, streets, and service roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Active Shooter Incidents
The following guidelines are emergency actions that can be taken in the event an armed individual enters the area and starts shooting.
Run-Hide-Fight
- If it is safe to do so, leave the area as quickly as possible, assisting others who may need help.
- Notify campus police at 8911 from a campus phone or 254-299-8911 from your cell phone.
- Inform the police of the situation, location, number of shooters, your name, and your phone number.
- If it is not possible to run from the area, find a safe place to hide where the door can be locked from the inside or can be blocked with heavy furniture or equipment. Turn off lights and cell phones.
- If the shooter should enter your classroom, there are no “hard and fast” rules that can be given during a situation such as this. The student must use his or her own judgment on the procedure most likely to assure their safety. Everyone in the room should start throwing anything possible at the shooter so he or she can be distracted and subdued.
If You See Something, Say Something
If you see something suspicious taking place on campus or something just “doesn't look right,” report that behavior or activity to Campus Police by calling 8911 from a campus phone or 254-299-8911 from a cell phone, or use the RAVE app.
Severe Weather
There are two types of Severe Weather Alerts:
Watch: Public notification that weather conditions exist that could lead to a warning.
Warning: An alert from the National Weather Service confirming the occurrence of a severe weather event and the time, location, speed, and direction of movement.
If severe weather is imminent:
- A McLennan myAlert notification will be sent.
- Remain calm. Do not exit the buildings!
- Notify people in your immediate area to quickly move away from exterior glass doors and windows.
- Proceed to an area designated as a “Tornado Shelter” on maps posted inside buildings. Remain there until the “all clear” is given by McLennan officials.
Tornado shelters are indicated in blue on maps located near stairwells and elevators in all campus buildings.
Inclement Weather
Inclement weather events occur when ice and snow impact the operations of the college. The college may take the following actions in response to inclement weather:
Early Dismissal: If Winter Weather Advisories, Watches, or Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service, the college may suspend operations and dismiss students and staff.
Delayed Openings: If ice and snow has occurred during the overnight hours, a determination will be made on the current conditions of roads and campus sidewalks/steps. If conditions are marginal but will improve in the morning hours, the college may open later in the morning hours to allow improvement of the roadways and college crews time to treat the campus sidewalks and steps.
Cancellation of Classes: Current weather conditions that may not improve and permit students and employees to arrive in a safe and timely manner may result in the cancellation of classes and college operations.
The notification process will occur as follows:
Early Dismissal: A McLennan myAlert notification will be sent. Signs will be posted on all building entrance doors advising of the closure.
College Closing: If you suspect a college closing due to inclement weather, check the McLennan home page, which will display a notification of any closings or delays. If there is no notice posted, then classes are in session and offices are open as usual.
In order to receive information instantaneously, sign up for McLennan myAlert. By enrolling in myAlert, McLennan can quickly pass on safety-related information to you regardless of your location.
You also may refer to announcements on local television stations’ websites, such as www.kwtx.com, www.kcentv.com or www.kxxv.com, or on local radio stations in the event that the McLennan website is not operational.