If evacuation is necessary, Oakton's Police Department will assign runners to go to each room and announce the evacuation. Making an announcement over the PA system or sounding the fire alarm should be avoided. Electronic fields generated by these devices could detonate certain types of explosive devices. Radios, pagers, and cell phones also should not be used.
Oakton police and facilities personnel will direct the evacuation. The Police Department will assist evacuation facilitators to keep the flow orderly and instruct people to use the nearest exit doors.
Evacuation facilitators will leave the building at the nearest exit when areas are clear of personnel. They will remain with the door supervisors until the "ALL CLEAR" is given. Facilities personnel with radios will be assigned locations to assist and communicate between door supervisors and the crisis team.
The Police Department will notify the Vice President of Business and Finance, ext. 1876. If that VP is not available, the Vice President of Student Affairs ext. 1660, Vice President of Academic Affairs, ext. 2604, Vice President for Continuing Education, Training and Workforce Development, and Vice President for Information Technology must be notified.
The Police Department will monitor the Illinois State Police LEADS network, public radio or television bulletins, and other emergency weather channels for changes in the storm watch classifications. A tornado watch is declared when professional meteorologists determine conditions are such that there is a strong possibility of a tornado occurring in a specific geographical area. A tornado warning is declared when a tornado is sighted.
Anyone who receives a bomb threat should call the Oakton Police Department immediately.
The following steps will then be taken:
Level A: A bomb threat, transmitted by phone, fax, or mail.
If nothing is found, the Police Department will wait for the Crisis Team to advise about evacuation.
Level B: An actual device or suspected device is found.
The Police Department will notify the Des Plaines Fire and Police Departments and request assistance as determined by the Crisis Team. The Crisis Team members will inform their respective offices, and evacuation plans will be made.
Final Search
When the evacuation is completed, the Police Department will conduct another sweep of the building to determine if everyone has been evacuated and make a final search for a bomb. Employees will remain on campus, and faculty also will instruct their students to remain and to return to class when an "ALL CLEAR" is sounded.
After waiting the predetermined time set by the Crisis Team, the Police Department will make another sweep of the building. They will report to the Crisis Team, who will then instruct the department to coordinate the re-occupancy of the building.
In the event of a fire, or if the fire alarm sounds, evacuation of the premises begins immediately .
When the alarm sounds, the following procedures should be followed:
The Skokie Police Department will be contacted for assistance with traffic at the main entrance at Lincoln Avenue and the Mulford Street entrance or at other locations as warranted.