Emergency Response Guide

Crime Reporting

At ICC, Campus Police are the closest emergency responders and the 911 liaison with other agencies. Campus Police strongly encourages all staff, students, and visitors of ICC to report all crimes and to encourage victims or witnesses of crime to voluntarily report.

If you discover a crime scene, do not touch anything. If you witness a crime in progress, do not approach or attempt to apprehend the persons involved. Take only the actions necessary for self-defense. In both situations, get to a safe place and call Campus Police immediately.

Campus Crime Log

You can request to view a Daily Crime Log at each ICC Police Department Office during normal business hours. This log includes the nature, date, time, general location, and disposition of each crime reported to the ICC Police Department. Names of individuals are not included in these logs.

ICC Emergency Notifications & Alerts

The ICC Police Department provides emergency notices, Campus Crime Alerts, and a campus crime log to the ICC community. You can view more information in the full Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ICC Clery Act Report) online.

Emergency Notifications

You should notify the ICC Police Department of any significant emergency or dangerous situation that may involve an immediate or ongoing threat to the health or safety of anyone on campus. The ICC Police Chief or ICC Marketing Department will immediately notify the ICC Community when a significant emergency or dangerous situation is confirmed. Emergency notifications may be announced in the following ways:

• ICC MyAlert (voice, text, email)
• ICC RAVE Guardian smartphone app
• Public address and fire alarm systems
• In person (officer patrols, group meetings, special events)
• Telephone
• Social media (Facebook, Twitter)
• ICC email
• ICC web site
• Local news media / Press conference
• Informational signage/posters (in prominent locations on campus, i.e. exterior entrances, Campus Housing’s public areas, and bulletin boards throughout campus)
• Electronic signage at college entrances

If it is determined the emergency threatens communities surrounding our campuses, local authorities will be notified. Emergency notifications may only be withheld if, in the professional judgment of the responsible authorities, the warnings will compromise efforts to assist victims or to respond to the emergency.

RAVE Guardian App

This app quickly connects you to an ICC Campus Police Dispatcher where you can anonymously submit crime tips and photos by text. You will need your cell phone number and ICC email address.

How to Report Emergency Situations

• Emergency Call Boxes

  Take note of the call boxes on blue lighted pillars in some outside walkways at the East Peoria Campus, Campus Housing, and Peoria Campus. You can use these to talk directly with the Campus Police Department. Call boxes/phones are also located in all elevators and at some exterior doors on all campuses.
• Online Reporting

  You can submit an online report for incidents of sexual violence, dating or domestic violence, or stalking.

  You can also submit an online report for an incident or concern to the Dean of Students Office.

  You can report anonymously using these forms.
• Trapped in an Elevator

  Do not try to exit the elevator car through the roof or by forcing the doors. Use the elevator’s emergency phone, call Campus Police at (309) 694-5111, from a cellular phone, turn on the emergency alarm, or bang on the doors and shout for assistance. Wait for trained personnel to assist you from the elevator.
• Wild Animals

  If a wild animal (such as a bat or raccoon) is inside a building, try to safely isolate it in a room by closing doors behind you and keeping people away. Call Campus Police at (309) 694-5111 immediately if you see an animal wandering loose on campus.
• Electrical/Plumbing Emergency

  Do not touch equipment that is smoking, sparking, or giving off electrical shocks. Never enter areas where electrical equipment is under water. Call Campus Police at (309) 694-5111 from a safe place.
• Medical Emergencies

  Immediately report all injuries, illnesses, and other serious health issues to Campus Police at (309) 694-5111.

  • Give your name, location, and description of the person and health concern.
  • Do not attempt to move an injured person unless it is absolutely necessary to prevent further injury.
  • You may provide first aid if you are trained and it is safe to do so.
  • Calmly assure the injured person that help is on the way.
  • Help responders locate the victim and remain available to assist as needed.

  All injuries on campus must be reported and documented on an ICC Accident/Incident/Injury Report form by ICC Police, a manager or supervisor, or Human Resources.

  Seizures

  Seizures are a common medical emergency. If someone is having a seizure:

  • Loosen clothing around the person’s neck if appropriate and safe to do so.
  • Do not try to restrain or hold the person down or insert any objects in the person’s mouth.
  • Reassure bystanders and tell them to give the person room.
  • Remove sharp objects, glasses, furniture, etc. from around the person to prevent injury.
  • After the seizure, it is helpful to lay the person on his or her left side to maintain an open airway.
  • There may be confusion for a period of time after a seizure. The person’s condition should be monitored until emergency responders arrive.

  Choking

  • Check the victims mouth and clear of foreign matter.
  • Use abdominal thrusts if trained to do so.

  Alcohol Intoxication/Poisoning

  Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. Do not allow an intoxicated person to “sleep it off.” Stay with the person and call Campus Police at (309) 694-5111 immediately if the person:

  • Breathes shallowly; looks pale
  • Cannot be roused
  • Has a head injury
  • Has cold, clammy skin
  • Has taken other drugs with alcohol
  • Is incoherent or vomiting

  Complete list of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Locations
• Severe Weather

  Weather Closings or Delayed Openings

  You will receive notice of a campus closure or delayed opening as quickly as possible through:

  • ICC MyAlert: voice, text, e-mail
  • Interior and exterior public address systems
  • ICC website
  • Social media
  • Local news media

  You should wait for an announcement to be made. Do not call ICC Police, the Information Desk, or radio/television stations.

  Winter Ice and Snow Storms

  You should monitor weather reports closely for severe winter weather conditions. If you live in an outlying area where driving to the campus may be extremely hazardous, consider contacting your instructor to make arrangements for missing coursework. Stay home and stay safe!

  • NOAA weather
  • Weather.com

  Thunderstorms

  • Go to a safe shelter immediately. Remember that if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Use phones only in an emergency. Stay away from water sources, i.e., drinking fountains, faucets, showers, etc.
  • If you are outside during a thunderstorm without a nearby shelter, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the area is not subject to flooding. If you are in a wooded area, take shelter under the shortest trees.
  • If you feel your skin tingle or your hair standing on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

  Tornadoes

  Tornado warnings issued for areas within 20 miles or less will result in an immediate seek shelter announcement (Peoria campuses will not be given a seek cover order if the tornado warning is not specified for Peoria City/Peoria County).

  • Immediately get inside a substantial building and move to an interior hallway on the lowest level, away from glass doors and windows as much as possible.
  • If you cannot get inside, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head. Do not stay in a vehicle.

  Recommended Areas to Seek Shelter on Campus:

  East Peoria Campus

  • Academic Building/Administration Building: 1^st floor restrooms, lower level of stair towers, hallways away from glass, interior rooms without windows or glass; Lecture Recital Hall.
  • Technology Center: 1st floor restrooms, if possible, leave the Technology Center and proceed to the 1^st floor of the Academic Building.
  • Performing Arts Center: Basement hallway and stair towers
  • CougarPlex: Restrooms, locker rooms. Do not seek shelter in gymnasiums, as they are not safe.
  • AIT Building: Lower level hallway away from windows
  • CAT/DPET Buildings: Inner classrooms and restrooms. Evacuate to a lower level AIT if possible.
  • Dirksen Hall: Restrooms, center interior rooms and hallway
  • Lawrence Hall: Restrooms. Evacuate to Dirksen Hall if possible.
  • Land Lab: Restrooms
  • Campus Housing: Evacuate from Campus Housing if possible and seek shelter on the 1^st floor of the Academic Building. Use the rear lower level entrance or front main entrance to the Technology Center.

  Peoria Campus

  • Move to the lower level of the Student Center, Dogwood Hall, or Arbor Hall. If you cannot, seek shelter in interior hallways, rooms, and restrooms without windows or glass

  Pekin Campus

  • Women’s restroom

  Earthquake

  • Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or in a stairwell or doorway (beware of the door swinging back and forth). If that is not possible, position yourself against an interior wall, protecting your head and neck with your arms. Keep away from appliances, windows, and heavy hanging objects. After the shaking has stopped, follow evacuation procedures.
  • If outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, and utility poles.
  • If driving, stop at the side of the road, away from hazards such as overpasses and utility poles. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops. Resume driving cautiously if it seems safe, avoiding bridges and ramps that may be structurally damaged.
  • After the initial shock, evaluate the situation and if emergency help is needed, call ICC Police at(309) 694-5111. Be prepared for aftershocks and plan where you will take cover from them.
• Active Shooter

  Active Shooter / Sudden Violence Situations

  An Active Shooter/Sudden Violence situation is defined as a person or persons who are actively engaged in or seeking to kill or injure people. Suspects may use firearms, knives, vehicles, or other means to kill or injure others. They may randomly choose their victims and these situations change rapidly. You must be prepared to react quickly to save your life.

  Best Option – RUN (Escape)

  If you have a way to escape, attempt to quickly leave the area.

  • Have at least two escape routes planned in advance.
  • Warn others about the danger as you are fleeing, but keep moving.
  • Do not waste time gathering up your belongings. Just GO!
  • Move quickly, keep your hands visible, and follow the instructions of any police officers you encounter. Evacuate in the direction from which officers were coming, unless they tell you otherwise.
  • Do not attempt to remove seriously injured people. Notify authorities of their location as soon as you are in a safe place.
  • Evacuate to a safe area far away from the danger and take protective cover until emergency responders arrive to help you.

  If unable to escape – HIDE (Find safe shelter)

  If escape is not possible or not advisable due to the circumstances, find a place to hide where the suspect is less likely to find you.

  • Close and lock or barricade the entryways. Close the blinds. Turn off all the lights. Silence cell phones and any other source of noise.
  • Get out of sight. Hide behind cabinets, under desks, or lie on the floor out of sight of windows.
  • Designate one person in the room to quietly call ICC Police Dispatch at 694-5111. Information to provide includes:
    • Your name and location
    • Number of people with you
    • Injuries to anyone, and where injured people are
    • Last known location of the suspect(s), if known
    • Physical description and/or identity of suspects(s), if known
    • Number and type of weapons involved
  • Remain in place and wait for police to assist you in getting out of the area. Do not open the door unless you are certain it is the police.
  • Designate one person to monitor their cell phone for emergency messages from the ICC “MyAlert” notification system and listen for public address system alerts by the police.

  If confronted by the suspect – FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE

  As a last resort, and only when you are in imminent danger of losing your life, you may have to attempt to incapacitate the suspect to save your life.

  • Once you make the decision to fight for your life, completely commit yourself mentally to taking any action necessary, including physical violence and deadly force, to save your life. Work together with others to give yourself the best advantage to win the fight.
  • Use makeshift weapons and any available means to render the suspect unable to continue. Act as aggressively as possible to put a stop to the suspect’s actions. This is a life or death situation you must win.

  What to Expect from Responding Police Officers

  Police officers responding to an armed suspect are trained to proceed immediately to the suspect to stop the threat as quickly as possible. The first officers will not stop to aid injured people if the threat is ongoing.

  Officers may be in teams equipped with tactical gear and heavy weapons including rifles or shotguns. Remain calm and do as they tell you. Remember to keep your hands open and visible at all times. Do not make any movements that might cause the police to mistake your actions for a threat. Once you have reached a safe location or assembly point, stay in that area until the situation is under control. Do not leave until authorities have instructed you to do so.

  Rescue teams comprised of other officers and emergency medical personnel will follow the first officers into secured areas to treat and remove injured persons.
• Disruptive People

  Distressed, Disruptive, and Dangerous People

  Distressed People

  You should be alert for when a person may be emotionally distressed and needs help. Typically, the person is acting in a way that is inconsistent from past or “normal” behavior. This may include:

  • Excessive procrastination, absences, or tardiness
  • Exaggerated or inappropriate emotional response
  • Verbal or written reference to suicide, physical assault, or the recent death of a friend or family member
  • Marked changes in personal hygiene
  • Excessive confusion and loss of a connection to reality

  Dealing with a distressed person

  • Refer the person to the East Peoria Counseling Center, Room CC200. Offer to walk with them.
  • A referral to Access Services (East Peoria Room L220, (309) 694-5749) is appropriate if the person has a concern relating to a physical, learning, or psychological disability.
  • You are not expected to counsel a person or solve their problems, but you can listen to them, let them know you are concerned, and refer them to others for help.
  • Do not promise confidentiality because you do not know if you will need to refer them to another person or report criminal or dangerous behavior.
  • Point out that seeking help is a sign of strength and courage.
  • Respect their privacy and value system even if you do not agree with them; respond in non-judgmental terms.
  • Document each conversation and incident of inappropriate behavior and report it to a department chair or supervisor. If it involves a student, complete a Student of Concern online report.

  Disruptive People

  A disruptive person is one who interferes with the learning or working environment for others. Examples include:

  • Unreasonable and persistent demands for time and attention
  • Frequent or high levels of strange, abrasive, or aggressive behavior
  • Attempts to intimidate or harass other people with words or actions
  • Refusal to comply with directions

  Dealing with a disruptive person

  • Remain calm and have a private conversation with the person. Let them know their conduct is inappropriate, set clear boundaries and expectations for future behavior, and let them know there are consequences if inappropriate behavior continues.
  • Contact your supervisor, department head, or the Dean of Students if you need help with preparing a conversation.
  • Do not ignore the behavior; address it in a timely manner.
  • Depending on the situation, you may use silence to allow the person to vent out anger. Set limits if needed and tell the person you are willing to speak with them when they are able to lower their voice or refrain from profanity.
  • Document each conversation and incident of inappropriate behavior and report it to a department chair or supervisor. If it involves a student, complete a Student of Concern online report.
  • Be honest and focus on what can be done to resolve the situation.
  • Call ICC Police about any threatening behavior.

  Potentially Violent or Dangerous People

  Immediately contact ICC Police at (309) 694-5111 if someone indicates they may try to harm themselves and/or others or if the person appears threatening through their words or actions.

  • Get to a safe place to make the call or ask a colleague to call. Utilize the ICC Rave Guardian app on your phone or the Green Button emergency icon if available on your computer desktop.
  • Behave in a manner that calms the situation; do not patronize or argue.
  • Give positive-outcome statements, such as “We can get this worked out,” and positive feedback for continued talking, such as “I’m glad you’re telling me how you feel.”
  • Stay out of arm’s reach and do not touch the person; be mindful of having a clear escape path.
  • Once the situation is resolved, employees should contact their supervisor and document the incident. If the incident involves a student, complete a Student of Concern online report.

  If you are attacked

  • Go with your instincts, but be realistic about your ability to fight off someone; your instinct may be to run, scream, kick, hit, or bite.
  • Your goal should be to escape safely and survive; cooperate until help arrives if you think that resisting may lead to further harm.
  • If a person with a weapon confronts you and wants your vehicle or property, don’t resist. Give up your property to save your life.
  • Try to remember as many details as you can and call ICC Police at (309) 694-5111 as soon as possible from a safe location.
  • Prepare by thinking in advance what you would do in a threatening situation. This will help you to respond instinctively if a threat is encountered.
• Threats of Violence

  Threats of Violence and Suspicious Packages

  Treat all threats of violence (bomb, active shooter, etc.) and suspicious packages as a serious matter and immediately call ICC Police at (309) 694-5111. Give your name, location, and phone number.

  • Give the time, location, and content/description of the threat.
  • Stay on the line until the dispatcher terminates the call.
  • Do not create panic. Any decision regarding evacuations will be made by ICC Police and other authorities. Follow instructions given and, if you are told to do so, then calmly follow the evacuation procedures. Take your notes about the threat with you.

  If you receive a threat by telephone

  Remain calm, keep the caller on the line, and write down as many of the caller’s exact words as you can. Other information to gather includes:

  • Time of call and which phone line the threat comes in on
  • Phone number or location of caller, if displayed on your phone
  • Location of threatened act
  • If threat involves a bomb, description of bomb and when/how it will explode
  • If threat involves a weapon, description and number of weapons involved
  • Who is going to commit the threatened act and why (is it directed at a specific person?)
  • Name and general characteristics of caller (age, gender, attitude, etc.)
  • Noticeable speech pattern, accent, etc.
  • Description of any background noises or other clues about location or identity
  • If the call seemed to be a recording

  Keep a Bomb Threat Checklist at your desk to help you gather this information.

  If you see a threat made through social media:

  • Note the name of the person making the threat and the application they used to make it.
  • Record the exact wording of the threat as it was posted.
  • Take a screen shot of the computer or phone if possible.

  If you receive or observe a suspicious piece of mail, material, or package (including backpacks and book bags):

  • Do not touch, move, open, cover, or interfere with it.
  • Move yourself and other people away from the area.
  • Close doors to the area and keep other people from entering until police arrive.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water if in contact.

  Characteristics of a suspicious piece of mail or package that is received unexpectedly may include:

  • Arrival via foreign mail or special delivery
  • Excessive postage
  • No return address
  • Incorrect titles or addressed to title only
  • Misspellings of common words, badly typed or written
  • Excessive amount of tape or string
  • Rigid, bulky, lopsided, or uneven package or envelope
  • Unknown powder or suspicious substance
  • Oily stains or discolorations
  • Protruding wires or foil
• Evacuation Procedures

  Evacuation Procedures: Fire, Gas, or Explosion

  Emergency evacuation instructions and maps are posted throughout our campuses.

  Immediately get to a safe place and call ICC police if you discover fire, smoke, explosion, structural damage, or gas or other hazardous odors or fumes.

  When an alarm sounds or if you are instructed to evacuate:

  • Pay attention and follow instructions given over the public address systems.
  • Move quickly and use the nearest safe exit.
  • Do not use elevators unless authorized emergency personnel tell you to do so.
  • Move at least 1,000 feet away from the involved area.
  • Keep doorways, walkways, and roads clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
  • Do not reenter the building until someone in authority gives an “all clear” signal.

  If safe to do so, as you are leaving:

  • Activate a fire alarm if necessary, by pulling on an alarm box.
  • Notify others who might not have heard the alarm or evacuation order.
  • Help others if needed to exit the building.
  • Report any injured, missing, or trapped persons to emergency personnel as soon as possible.

  If you are unable to leave the building immediately (because of a physical disability, injury, or obstruction):

  • Go to the nearest area where there are no hazards.
  • Call ICC Police to notify them of your situation.
  • Give an exact location with room or door numbers and landmarks.
  • Signal out the window to emergency responders, if possible.

  Fire

  You must report all fires on campus to the ICC Police Department, including those that have been put out. Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire. Stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic as you evacuate. If clothing is on fire:

  • Drop to the ground or floor and roll to smother the flames.
  • Smother flames using a blanket or other suitable object.
  • Drench with water, if available.
  • Get immediate medical attention for all burns and injuries.

  Serious Gas Leaks / Ventilation Problems

  Do not switch on lights or any electrical equipment, including telephone or two-way radio. Remember, electrical arcing can trigger an explosion. Follow evacuation procedures and immediately call ICC Police from a safe place.

  Explosion

  Immediately take cover under tables, desks, and other objects which will give protection against falling glass or debris. Follow evacuation procedures once you are able to do so.
• Hazardous Materials

  All major hazardous materials (hazmat) spills or contamination on campus must be reported to ICC Police immediately at (309) 694-5111. Be prepared to provide (and spell) the names of the materials involved and to describe the location, size, and nature of the incident. Material Safety Data Sheets for hazardous material used on our campuses are available on the ICC intranet under “Safety Programs and Policies”.

  A major hazardous material emergency exists when any of these conditions are present:

  • Clean-up of the material is beyond the level of knowledge, training, or ability of the staff in the immediate area.
  • The spill creates a situation that is immediately dangerous to the lives or health of persons in the area.
  • A large quantity is spilled (more than one gallon of liquid or one pound of solid)
  • The material spilled is highly toxic or unknown.
  • A fire hazard may be present.
  • The material has the potential to reach the environment (e.g., via a floor drain).
  • The spill is in a common area (e.g., hallway or other area accessible to the public).
  • Advanced Personal Protective Equipment (more than gloves and a face mask) is required to respond to the spill.

  IN A MAJOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL EMERGENCY, CALL THE CAMPUS POLICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY AT (309) 694-5111:

  • Evacuate nearby rooms that may be affected or the entire building if need be.
  • Isolate-contaminated persons, do not allow them to leave or to spread the contamination. Avoid contamination or chemical exposure to yourself.
  • Follow the instructions of emergency responders.

  Minor Hazardous Material Emergency

  The person responsible for the spill may clean up a minor spill that presents no immediate threat to personal health or safety or of being released into the environment. Call the Facilities Services Department at 694-5120 for help.

  Employee Responsibility

  All employees working in areas where hazardous materials are used or stored are responsible for knowing the properties of the materials they use and the proper procedures to deal with spills. The ICC Custodial Department and the Manager of Risk Safety, Benefits and Leaves have primary responsibilities in determining hazmat spill response. If neither is available, ICC Police shall determine whether to call for additional response.

Preparedness and Safety Tips

• Program the ICC Police Department phone number (309) 694-5111 into your cell phone or download the ICC Rave Guardian app now for emergencies later.
• Immediately report all crimes and/or suspicious behavior to ICC Police.
• Notify ICC Police if you have an active order of protection or no-contact order.
• Do not leave personal items or valuables unattended, even for a short time.
• Always lock your vehicle, keep the windows closed, and keep valuables out of sight.
• Discuss procedures, signals, or code words with friends and colleagues in case you are confronted with a threatening situation.
• Use the “buddy system” if leaving late in the evening. Call ICC Police if you want an escort to your vehicle.
• Always walk in well-lighted areas and know your surroundings. If you think you are being followed, go to a safe place where there are other people and call ICC Police.
• Always be aware of available exits and potential hiding places in your area. Mentally pre-plan an escape route from every location.
• If a crisis situation occurs, act immediately and move quickly.
• View our page on Surviving an Active Shooter.
• View and download preparedness information on emergency disaster kits.

Faculty & Staff Tips

• Alert your colleagues and ICC Police in advance about a potentially problematic meeting, and keep the door to the room open or meet in a public area.
• Avoid scheduling appointments for times when no one else is around and try to avoid working alone after hours. If you have to work late, advise ICC Police of the expected times and location, and keep your doors locked.
• Employees may request the Green Button emergency icon for their computer desktop. The Green Button provides a silent and covert means of requesting immediate ICC Police assistance when phones or other communication modes are unavailable or inadvisable due to the circumstances of an incident.

• Emergency Resources at ICC
• Local Emergency Agencies