Emergency Response Protocols

Austin Community College District(ACC) has adopted a new Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to standardize our communication and response during emergencies. The SRP enhances our emergency procedures by providing clear, consistent language and actions that students, faculty, staff, and first responders can easily understand and apply in any crisis. 

By following the SRP actions—HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE, and SHELTER—the entire campus community can make informed decisions to ensure safety during emergencies.

Incident Responses:

1. Hold (“In Your Room or Area”)
Action: Stay in place, clear hallways.
Purpose: Resolve issues in the hallways safely.

2. Secure (“Lockout – Secure the Perimeter”)
Action: Move inside, secure doors, continue normal activities.
Purpose: Keep threats outside the building.

3. Lockdown (“Locks, Lights, Out of Sight”)
Action: Lock doors, turn off lights, stay silent, hide out of sight.
Purpose: Protect from internal threats.

4. Evacuate (To a specified location)
Action: Follow instructions to leave the area safely.
Purpose: Move to a safe location away from danger.

5. Shelter (For hazards)
Action: Follow specific instructions (e.g., tornado, hazardous materials).
Purpose: Ensure safety during environmental hazards.

For more detailed procedures and visual guides, refer to our safety posters across campus, visit the ACC Emergency Management website. The College’s new protocols are based on best practices and modeled after the SRP at the I Love U Guys Foundation website.

Stay safe and informed. Your cooperation is essential for a secure communty.

RAVE Alerts: Emergency Instructions Examples

1. Hold
Message:
ACC Emergency Alert: [Campus] HOLD. Stay in current location. Clear hallways. Remain quiet and calm. Await further instructions. More info to follow.

2. Secure (Lockout)
Message:
ACC Emergency Alert: [Campus] LOCKOUT. Secure the perimeter. All exterior doors locked. Remain inside. Campus operations continue. More info soon.

3. Lockdown
Message:
ACC Emergency Alert: [Campus] LOCKDOWN. Locks, lights, out of sight. Move away from windows. Stay silent and hidden. Do not open doors. Await instructions.

4. Evacuate
Message:
ACC Emergency Alert: [Campus] EVACUATE. Follow directions to exit. Take belongings if safe. Move to specified location. More info to follow.

5. Shelter
Message:
ACC Emergency Alert: [Campus] SHELTER. Seek shelter indoors. Move to lowest floor or interior room. Stay away from windows. Await instructions.