York College Emergency Procedures

Armed Intruder/Lock Down

The armed intruder/lock down alert will be implemented in a situation where there is an individual on the campus that is known or believed to be armed and who poses a danger to the campus community. The alert will be activated regardless of whether or not the armed intruder is actively firing a weapon. In this case, a campus lock down will be communicated through the Emergency Alert System. The intent of the lock down is to limit access and hazards by controlling and managing staff and students in order to increase safety and reduce possible victimization. In a lock down, buildings will have restricted access until the 'All Clear' is given, or until individuals are directed to evacuate by law enforcement, Campus Safety or other emergency personnel.

Lock Down Basics

  • Remain calm
  • If safe, check halls and clear them of students and staff
  • Lock all doors and/or barricade with furniture if necessary
  • Lock windows and close blinds
  • Turn the lights off and remain quiet
  • Turn off radios, computer monitors and silence cell phones is necessary. After securing the room, everyone should be positioned out of sight and behind items that might offer additional protection - walls, desks, file cabinets, etc. Do not unlock doors or allow anyone in or out until ordered to do so by proper authorities or until the 'All Clear' message is sent.

If you find yourself in an open area

  • Immediately seek protection
  • Put something between you and the shooter
  • Is escape your best option? Do you know where the shooter is? Is escape immediately available?

  • If in doubt find a safe area and secure it the best way you can

If you are not on campus when you receive the alert message, do not come to the College until the 'All Clear' message is sent.

No college or university can be completely locked down.

Weather Emergency/Shelter in Place

Should York College be advised that a weather emergency such as a tornado, hurricane, severe thunderstorm, flood or other condition will pose an imminent threat to the campus community, the Emergency Alert System will be activated. In these circumstances, students and staff will be directed to shelter in place. It is safer to keep everyone inside a building rather than expose them to possible harm by allowing them to leave.

Shelter in Place

  • If you are inside, remain in the building, do not attempt to leave
  • If you are outside, seek shelter in the nearest building available
  • Discourage others from leaving the building while keeping it open for entry
  • Stay away from windows and exterior doors
  • Seek refuge in interior hallways on the lower floors of the building
  • Remain in your sheltered location until the 'All Clear' message is sent

Campus Evacuation

In the event of a campus or local emergency that requires the evacuation of the York College campus, the Emergency Alert System will be activated. Resident students will be directed to return to their residence halls and will receive instructions to report to one of the two evacuation sites listed below. Students with vehicles on campus are encouraged to car pool with those without transportation. Students without means of transportation from campus will be directed to report to the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center where the campus shuttles will be used to provide transportation off campus. Commuter students and staff will be directed to secure their offices and work areas and evacuate the campus. If you are not on campus when you receive the alert message, do not report to the campus.

York County Emergency Evacuation Sites

New Oxford Jr/Sr High School (to the west of the College) - Make a right from the main College entrance onto Country Club Rd. Make a right onto Richland Avenue and follow to West Market Street. Make a left onto West market Street, which turns into Rt. 30 West. Follow Route 30 West (approx 14 miles) to the reception center: New Oxford Jr/Sr High School complex.

Susquehannock High School (to the south of the College) - Make a left from the main college entrance onto Country Club Road. Make a right onto S. George Street. Take I-83 South to the Glen Rock Exit, to route 216 West to Route 616 South to Fissels Church Rd. to the reception center: Susquehannock High School.