Shelter-in-Place Protocols
Bucks County Community College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community. Shelter-in-place protocols are an important component of the College’s overall campus safety strategy.
Shelter-in-place may be declared in the event of a significant environmental hazard, such as widespread chemical or radioactive contamination, or a major weather emergency, such as a tornado. During such an event, Bucks students, employees and visitor should proceed to the nearest shelter-in-place location and follow instructions from College and/or public safety officials.
Shelter-in-place location information is posted throughout each campus, and College officials will assist in identifying the nearest location. If an event occurs that requires the College to activate shelter-in-place procedures, the following actions will take place:
- An Omnilert campus alert message will be issued announcing shelter-in-place. Sign up online for alerts or text the word BUCKS to 79516. In addition, College officials will signal the shelter-in-place activation via air horn, whistle or loud speaker in and around College buildings.
- College officials will begin directing people to the nearest shelter-in-place location.
- Once shelter-in-place has been signaled, you have only one of two options from which to choose: shelter in place or evacuate campus. No other alternatives are available to you. Shelter-in-place is voluntary and you cannot be forced to do so; however, should you choose not to shelter in place, you must evacuate the campus immediately.
- Once you are at the shelter-in-place location, you will be provided with information regarding the nature of the event, and given further instructions by College officials who serve as leaders at specified shelter-in-place locations.
- A shelter-in-place incident will only be ended when an "all clear" is provided by public safety or College officials.
- Remaining in your shelter-in-place location is voluntary; however, keep in mind that attempting to leave may compromise your safety and the safety of those who are sheltering with you. Depending on the severity of the event, you may have no other option but to remain in your shelter-in-place location.
Shelter-in-Place Locations
Newtown Campus
Tyler Hall
Hallway outside Room 133A and basement 006
Library / Gateway Center
Zlock Center (H/C) and Library 301
Rollins Center
Gallagher Room (H/C) or Photo Lab
Gymnasium / Pemberton Hall / Linksz Pavilion
Gymnasium (H/C)
Founders Hall
Rooms 140- 141 (H/C) and 239
Grupp Hall
Rooms 253-257, 259, 232 (H/C)
Orangery
Utilize Tyler Hall, Grupp Hall or Library locations
Allied Health
Rooms 010-011
Hicks Art Center / 3D Arts
Gallery (H/C) and Photo Lab
Science Center
Basement (access from Room 112)
Cottages
Basement
Facilities Services Barn
2nd floor kitchen
Early Learning Center / Portables
Founders Hall 140-141 (H/C) and 239
Upper Bucks Campus, Perkasie
South Building
Rooms 152 & 154 (H/C)
North Building
Room 018 (H/C)
Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks, Bristol
Rooms 104-105 (H/C) and 204-205
*(H/C) Denotes handicap accessible
For everyone's safety, cooperation during a shelter-in-place incident and adherence to these protocols is required as well as greatly appreciated. Should you have any questions regarding shelter-in-place or any other safety matter, please contact Safety & Security at 215-968-8911 or email bc3security@bucks.edu.