Keeping you safe is a priority at Clark College.

Since the tragedy at Virginia Tech in 2007–like other colleges and universities across the country–Clark College has taken concrete actions to increase security. Examples: New classroom door locks, enhanced signage and a new phone system that allows emergency alerts to be broadcast instantly across the college.

This EOP document lays out a detailed and carefully-crafted plan that will be set in motion whenever an emergency reaches proportions that cannot be handled by standard operating procedures. To request a copy, contact the Emergency Manager.

Local Vancouver partners in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency dispatch and public health took a proactive role in customizing Clark College's EOP. The plan addresses the main campus and satellite sites. Order of priorities:

• Preservation of life
• Preservation of the environment
• Preservation of Clark College property
• Restoration of academic programs and all operations

Clark College's EOP delivers guidance to college personnel and local authorities. It covers management and coordination about any unplanned emergency event. Procedures are flexible to accommodate contingencies of all types and magnitudes. It is a living document that will be evaluated and updated as necessary.

The plan conforms to the National Incident Management System (NIMS), falls under the Washington State Plan, and incorporates guidelines for the Incident Command System.

Depending on the type of emergency or event circumstances, employees and students of the college may be ordered to lockdown, evacuate or shelter in place.

In 2010 the college succeeded in securing a $744,402 Emergency Management for Higher Education grant, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The award furnished the college with the resources to research, develop and implement an all-hazard Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).

The EOP is maintained and updated as necessary by Clark College's Administrative Services unit. Expertise and advice is contributed by the Environmental Health and Safety Committee and the Emergency Management Planning Committee (EMPC), which also responds in emergencies. The plan is available by contacting the College's emergency manager.

Others serving as your college emergency responders include members of Campus CERT, Emergency Building Coordinators and the Crisis Intervention Management Team.