Emergency Management

Emergency Contact Numbers

  • (864) 941-8000 emergency contact
  • (864) 941-8563 Campus Police & Security Office
  • (864) 993-0613 cell phone if the telephone system is inoperative.
Campus Emergency Communications

The Emergency Notification System is a communication service that Piedmont Technical College provides for all students, faculty, and staff.  All students, faculty, and staff will receive text and e-mail alerts about threats of imminent danger at or near any of the Piedmont Technical College Campuses. This service is used in conjunction with other communication channels including the Piedmont Technical College external alert tower and computer pop ups that take over all Piedmont Technical College computers on campus.  

​Read the Emergency Notification FAQ

Emergency Call List

Local Law Enforcement …………………….911
Local Fire Departments ................................. 911
County EMS (ambulance)...............................911
National Weather Service..............................(864) 848-3859
Federal Aviation Administration…..……….(864) 879-2155

Piedmont Technical College Campus Police and Security

  • (864) 941-8000 emergency contact
  • (864) 941-8563 office
  • (864) 993-0613 cell phone if the telephone system is inoperative.

Facilities Management

  • (864) 941-8479 office
  • (864) 941-8332
  • (864) 941-8333

Evening services

(864) 941-8631 office or (864) 941-8000

Environmental Services

  • (864) 941-8786 office
  • (864) 554-7966 cell phone
Media Calls

The Office of Marketing and Public Relations will handle all communications with the press regarding campus emergencies.  This office will disseminate pertinent information to the local news media, radio and TV stations, prepare the proper messages for the telephone voice messaging system, and posts information on the College website.

To assist the Office of Marketing and Public Relations in responding as quickly as possible, feel free to obtain the following information and forward it Russell Martin. Be sure to follow up your email with a call.

  • The reporter’s name and phone number
  • The media organization they represent
  • The type of information they are seeking
  • The reporter’s deadline

Regardless of the situation of what the media questions might be, never say “No Comment.” A better response is “Thanks for calling. Allow me to refer you to our Public Relations Office, which handles media questions and they will be able to assist you.” Never talk “off the record” with the media. Always assume that they will use any information that they obtain in their report.

Fire
  • In the event of a fire - PULL THE NEAREST FIRE ALARM.
  • Evacuate the building immediately.
  • Faculty shall direct their students to evacuate the building to parking areas and then conduct a head count.
  • Upon evacuation, all doors to classrooms are to be closed.
  • Faculty and staff will assist all handicapped and/or injured to a safe area outside the building. As soon as fire department personnel arrive, they are to be advised where all handicapped and/or injured individuals are located.
  • Evacuation routes are posted in hallways. Faculty will review emergency evacuation procedures with students at the beginning of each semester.
  • Use of portable fire extinguishers is limited to individuals who have been properly trained in the safe use of these devices.

The Greenwood County Communications Center and the Piedmont Technical College Campus Police and Security should be contacted in the event of a fire.  County campuses will contact 911 in their respective area and Campus Police and Security.

  • County Communications Center - 911.
  • Contact Piedmont Technical College’s Campus Police and Security at (864) 941-8000.

Fire drills and testing of the fire alarm system will occur as per state regulations at twice a year.

Severe Weather

Campus Police and Security will notify the campus community by means of the Emergency Notification System. Each county campus should monitor conditions when weather is threatening by utilizing a weather site on the internet, a weather radio or contact the local County Emergency Center using a non-emergency telephone number (Greenwood County) 942-8632

​WATCH - means that conditions are present for severe weather, e.g. (thunderstorm, tornado) to develop. When a “watch” is issued, special attention will be given to changing weather conditions. Faculty, staff and students are to remain alert and ready to respond if  a “warning” is issued.

WARNING - means that severe weather is imminent and that a tornado or funnel cloud, for example, has been sighted. When a “warning” is issued, faculty, staff and students will be directed to the interior rooms and instructed to get close the floor under substantial objects.

The President or his/her designee will direct students, faculty and staff back to classrooms when the weather situation returns to normal conditions.

The President or his/her designee will decide when weather conditions warrant suspending classes or relocating students to the designated internal areas.

Floods:

In the event of a flood watch or warning, Facilities Management personnel will be activated for flood preparations. This group is responsible for evacuating buildings in the flood zone and taking the proper measures to address problems.

Snow and ice conditions:

Facilities Management of Piedmont Technical College is responsible for clearing snow and ice off sidewalks and steps. Even though chemicals are used to aid in the process, all personnel and students need to be aware of slippery conditions and should use extreme caution when walking over these surfaces during times of freezing temperatures.

Extreme Weather Shelter
  • A Building--- “Lowest floor only” Close all doors to the lobby, offices, and office suites. Close fire doors and gather in the middle, back corridors, men & women restrooms, or rooms 194A,192A, and 196A. The “small stairs” going from the inner corridors to the Labs  are Extreme Weather Shelters but stay low. Do not use the main lobby, in severe weather it should be abandoned.
  • B Building--- Go to A Building for shelter
  • C Building--- 116-C, close the hallway door.
  • Do Not Use! B, D, G/A, G/C, G/H, J, K, L, M, N, Picnic Shelter, Q and QQ, R, S, V, W, and X Buildings move to main campus and seek shelter in areas noted.
  • E Buildings--- “Lowest floor only” rest rooms, interior offices and classrooms where there are no exterior windows. Remember to close all doors at the protected area.
  • F Building, G Building--- “Lowest floor only” any interior classrooms, rest rooms and offices that have no exterior windows.
  • G/A Annex Building--- If the storm is immediate go to any interior rooms and get close to the floor under substantial objects. If time allows exit the building and travel to a building of secure structure.
  • G/C Cardiovascular Building--If the storm is immediate go to any interior rooms and get close to the floor under substantial objects. If time allows exit the  building and travel to a building of secure structure.
  • H Building---“Lowest floor only” Room 102H Conference room.
  • K Building--- Go to A, F, or G Buildings for shelter.
  • Any landscape low places such as drainage ditches.
  • S Building--- Go to 102H or G building for shelter
  • If the parking areas are full, park on curbs but leave lanes open for emergency vehicles. Try to park in the distant lots if possible so the areas close to the buildings will be open.
  • If you can’t leave the buildings due to the proximity of the storm choose something substantial to get under or a drainage ditch outside the structure.                                        

Remember if the storm is very severe and the building begins to literally fall apart. Stay low, get under something, the most secure item you can find. When’s a good time to find out what you will do----“Right now”. Planning is an absolute necessity!!! Examples are heavily constructed table or desk. If there is structural damage and the integrity of the building is questionable, exit the area as soon as possible. If when the storm passes you hear leaks of gas, water, etc. exit the building until it can be examined and declared safe for occupancy.

Remember if the wall or ceiling is breached by the storm anything that is inside can and will become dangerous, especially suspended ceilings so get under something if possible and stay low.

Note: During a tornado or severe thunder storm there can be no zone that can be absolutely deemed “safe” but the above mentioned areas have been chosen as areas that offer the most security for the occupants of the Lex Walters Campus.

Active Shooter

An “active shooter” is an individual who is engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. In most cases, there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter events are unpredictable, evolve quickly, and are often over within a matter of minutes. You must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

First, remember, there may be more than one shooter!

Have an emergency plan!

  • Plan escape routes from workstations, offices, rooms, use windows for escape. Make note of potential cover. (As you enter a room, think about where you would hide if a shooter came in.)
  • Pre-plan for crisis scenarios. Know what you would do if an emergency occurred; where a phone or fire alarm is located; who does what; etc.
  • Identify weapons of opportunity. If you have chairs, lamps, a laptop, a vase, books or other heavy objects you can throw, or if you have a pen, pencil or letter opener, be aware that you can use them as weapons and be ready to do so.

Cover Vs. Concealment

Know the difference between concealing yourself, such as behind a curtain, that will hide you but not protect you; and Taking cover, such as behind a metal file cabinet, under a desk or behind a brick wall that will keep someone from shooting you. If someone is shooting at you and you are running away, run in a zigzag pattern rather than in a straight line, to make yourself a harder target to hit.

If the shooter is OUTSIDE your building

  • Proceed to a room that can be locked.
  • Close, lock and barricade all windows and doors.
  • Turn off the lights.

If the shooter is INSIDE your building:

Determine whether the room you are in can be locked and if so, do so. Follow the instructions above. If the room cannot be locked, determine if there is a room nearby that can be locked and whether it is safe for you to get there, or whether it is safe for you to escape outside. (Note – Be aware that shooters may be set up outside shooting people who are trying to escape, so proceed outside with extreme caution.)

  • Try to remain calm.
  • If possible, dial 911 from a landline so that even if you cannot speak, the call can be traced. Leave the line open for dispatch to hear sounds. If you dial 911 from a cell phone and cannot speak, leave the line open, allowing the dispatcher to hear whatever is going on.
  • You have three options: RUN, HIDE, or FIGHT. 
  • If you are unable to escape or hide, act within your abilities to fight back. Case in point – if the shooter is active, do something. For instance, if the shooter has made everyone line up against a wall and is going down the line shooting each person, you risk nothing by doing something rather than nothing.

What to expect from Law Enforcement:

If Law Enforcement make a tactical entry into your space:

  • Fall to the floor with your hands over your head in plain sight or attempt to take cover.    
  • Remain still.
  • Do not resist being taken into custody or being removed. Go willingly.
If you are the person dialing 911 and reporting to Law Enforcement, specific information will be needed from you. Be ready to give:
  • Location – address, building name, room number
  • Number of suspects; detailed description (age, race, gender, clothing, physical features)
  • Type of weapon(s) – handgun, long gun, explosives, etc. (Note – tell dispatcher if you saw suspect set a trap for police.)
  • Number of victims and types of injuries.

What To Expect From Law Enforcement when they arrive:

  • Responding officers are trained to proceed immediately to the shooter.
  • Expect them to pass by you to get to the shooter.
  • Even if you are hurt, officers will not stop in order to get to the shooter to prevent the shooter from hurting anyone else.
  • If you can direct them to the shooter, do so, but do not attempt to halt their movement.
  • Keep your hands visible and follow all commands. You may be told to get on the ground, and you may be restrained.
  • Do it with no resistance. Law Enforcement will treat everyone as a threat.  Law Enforcement will be loud and direct.
  • Get down low ensuring that you are not visible from outside through windows or doors.
  • Silence all cellular phones.
  • Have one person in the room call 911
  • Do not unlock the door or respond to voices unless you are absolutely certain that it is Law Enforcement.  (Note – Law Enforcement will get into a room without your help, so do not be fooled by someone pretending to be Law Enforcement. It is better to stay still and silent and let Law Enforcement enter on their own than to give away your position.)
Chemical Spills

In the event of a chemical spill in any building or on any property of Piedmont Technical College, Campus Police and Security Office is to be contacted at (864) 941-8000.  If there is no answer, please call Facilities Management at (864) 941-8332, 941-8479 or 941-8333.  In the event of a spill that poses a threat to life or health, the director or designee of a County Campus should notify their county 911 first.

SMALL SPILLS:

For small spills that pose no threat to health and/or the environment, an appropriate absorbent material or method should be used to clean up the spill.  Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or contact 3E Company at (800) 451-8346, (760) 602-8703 or (800) 360-3220 for information on the appropriate method for cleanup and disposal.  Only properly trained personnel using proper personal protective equipment should participate in the clean-up process.

EMERGENCY SPILLS:

  • For spills that do pose a threat to health and/or the environment, please do the following:
  • Evacuate the area.
  • Do not attempt to clean up spills of hazardous chemicals without proper training and personal protection equipment (PPE).
  • When making a call or receiving a call, please supply the following information:
    • Name of chemical
    • Approximate quantity spilled
    • Exact location
    • Injuries or contamination experienced. 
  • Call Campus Police and Security Office at (864) 941-8000, 941-8563, or 993-0613 (cell phone). Facilities Management at (864) 941-8479, 941-8332, or 941-8333.  Evening Services at (864) 941-8394.  County Campuses call 911.
  • If required, the Environmental/Safety Manager and/or Campus Police and Security will contact the proper local authorities to assist.          

 

Violent or Threatening Behavior
  • If anyone is observed carrying a weapon, notify Campus Police and Security at (864) 941-8000, or if contact cannot be made with Campus Police and Security, call 911. County Campuses call 911 first.
  • If anyone points a weapon, makes threats of using a weapon or other violent behavior, notify Campus Police and Security at (864) 941-8000, or if contact cannot be made with Campus Police and Security, call 911.
  • Assist injured students and/or faculty.
  • Write a thorough description of the suspect to provide to authorities.
Bomb Threats & Suspicious Packages
  • If a threatening phone call is received, notify Campus Police and Security immediately by calling (864) 941-8000 or 941-8563. The County Campus should call 911 first.
  • When a threatening call is received, the individual receiving the call should ask the following:
    • Where is the device located?
    • When is it scheduled to detonate?
    • What does the device look like?
    • Why was the device placed at the school?
  • When a threatening call is received, attempt to keep the caller on the phone to identify the following:
    • Time of the call
    • Age and sex of caller
    • Speech pattern, accent, possible nationality, etc.
    • Emotional state of the caller
    • Any recognizable background noises
  • Complete a “Threatening Call Form” supplied by Campus Police and Security and turn over to authorities.
  • All students will be evacuated from the building(s) at the direction of the President, his/her designee or local authorities (police, fire department, SLED, FBI, etc.).
  • If evacuation is necessary, do not close doors or windows. 
  • A detailed search of the facility will be directed and conducted by local authorities (police, fire department, SLED, FBI, etc.).
  • Faculty/Staff should be aware of unusual or suspicious boxes, packages, noises, devices, or disturbances in their classroom/office or in the hallway as they evacuate the building.  Do not touch anything that looks suspicious.  Report suspicious items to Campus Police and Security or emergency personnel on scene.  It will be handled by individuals appropriately trained and equipped.
  • The college will be searched by Campus Police and Security and law enforcement with assistance from selected college personnel according to a plan developed by the college.  Campus Police and Security, law enforcement, and selected college personnel will consider the time indicated by the caller to determine when the building will be searched. 
  • Students will be admitted back into the building when it is considered safe at the direction of the President of the College or his/her designee.
Medical Emergencies

Remain calm. Call 864-941-8000 or use an Emergency Call Box to report the incident.

  • Do not move the patient unless safety dictates.
  • If trained, use pressure to stop bleeding and provide basic life support (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)).
  • Be aware of hazards associated with blood borne pathogens. Do not come into contact with bodily fluids. Wear proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE). If exposed to suspected infectious material, wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention.
  • Comfort the patient and reassure that medical assistance is on the way.

If you provide first aid, consider the following:

  • Is immediate action needed in order to save a life?
  • Will I place myself in harm or jeopardy?

First aid is just that. Do not jeopardize your health or the health of the patient. Wait for professional help if you are not able to provide proper first aid safely.

Utility Emergencies

For all utility emergencies, notify Facilities Management Office during normal daytime operation at (864) 941-8479, 8332, 8333. After hours or if no contact was made with Facilities Management, call Campus Police and Security at (864) 941-8000.  Campus Police and Security will notify MIS immediately and if no one is present initiate call to the MIS call backlist.  Note:  Campus Police and Security has a list of home numbers for other maintenance personnel and can initiate a call for assistance.

  • Duke Energy Company supplies the electricity and can be reached at 1-800-769-3766.
  • Greenwood Metropolitan Commission supplies service for sewer can be reached at (864) 943-8000 or (864) 993-1038 for emergencies. 

  • The Commissioners of Public Works supplies the water and natural gas services of the campus and can be reached at: (864) 942-8100 or 942-8119 after hours.