Emergency procedures at Fort Lewis College

To report an emergency, call 911.
For non-emergency response, call 970-385-2900.

Fort Lewis College has an Emergency Response Guide to address crises that may threaten College resources or the safety of students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Campus resources or designated responders will handle minor incidents. During a more severe emergency, FLC will notify the campus community of required actions.

General instructions

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Know the locations of exits in buildings you use.
  • When evacuating by vehicle, drive carefully.
  • When leaving a building, remain at least 500 feet away.
  • Keep access clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  • Stay clear of any incident in progress.

General evacuation

  • All staff, students, and visitors must evacuate the building.
  • Follow a specific route if directed.
  • Take your class roster with you.
  • Take personal belongings that are easy to carry.
  • Assist students with disabilities.
  • Leave immediately in a calm and orderly manner.
  • Use the nearest marked exit.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Do not remain in the inner courtyard.
  • Gather and remain at least 500 feet away from the building.
  • Account for all students and employees.
  • Do not return to the building until emergency responders tell you it is safe.

Room lockdown

  • Lock all doors and windows.
  • Turn off the lights.
  • Stay quiet and away from doors and windows.
  • Remain calm.
  • Stay in the secured room until you are notified.
  • Account for all students and employees.

Severe weather

  • Log off and turn off computers and electrical equipment. Close cabinets and drawers.
  • Do not leave the building.
  • Evacuate lobby areas and upper levels of buildings.
  • Stay away from glass windows and open areas. If possible, move everyone to a lower level.
  • Proceed to sheltered areas. Main-level areas such as interior rooms without windows are considered sheltered areas.

No time to reach a sheltered area?

  • Move as far away from windows as possible.
  • Lie on the floor with your head pointed away from windows and exterior doorways.
  • Get under a piece of heavy furniture or a desk for additional protection.
  • Remain in place for at least 15 minutes in case the tornado doubles back.

Shelter in place

  • Stay in the classroom, office, or designated location.
  • Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. If there are no locks, place desks or other heavy objects in front of them to impede entry.
  • Move to the safest place in the room, away from doors and windows, but not under desks or other furniture.
  • It may be necessary to limit the amount of outside air entering the building for a short time. In these cases, air handlers will be shut off to minimize exposure.