GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY
EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDE
REPORTING AN EMERGENCY
DIAL 911
The fastest, most direct way to obtain emergency assistance is
to dial 911.
Remember…STAY CALM. Help others remain calm. When you
are reporting an emergency situation give concise, accurate
answers to the 911 operator. Do not hang up until told to do so.
Direct someone to call 4444 (University Police) to alert officers
that an emergency situation exists.
What the 911 operator will need to know first:
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Location of emergency
Nature of the problem
The above procedures are to be used when reporting any
emergency situation that requires an immediate response from
Law Enforcement or Emergency Medical Services.
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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
In an emergency situation, notification will begin and may use
one or all of these components:
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Text messages
E-mail messages
Outdoor warning system
Cell phone users can receive text messages in the event of an
emergency by opting in to the Emergency Notification System.
The messages will be brief and will be activated by the University
Police Department. All campus email users will also receive brief
email messages regarding the emergency. Further information
will be posted online at gardner-webb.edu/campus police/
emergency preparedness when it becomes available.
The University has determined that the following situations may
require sending emergency messages:
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Imminent danger, including a major fire or shooting
Imminent disaster, including an earthquake or flood
Severe weather, including tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings
Additionally, the system may be used to alert the campus of
major interruptions of campus operations, such as snow closings.
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone:
 Log into WebbConnect with your user ID and password.
 Click the Maintain Info tab.
 Follow instructions.
WARNING SIRENS
Gardner-Webb University has a tone- and voice-message
outdoor siren located at Bost Gym. This siren is intended to warn
people outside campus buildings of impending severe weather
and other emergencies. It may not be heard inside buildings.
In an emergency, the sirens will sound a tone and a brief voice
message announcing the nature of the emergency.
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EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Evacuation of the University will generally fall into two categories:
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Limited evacuation of a building or designated area.
General evacuation of the entire campus.
LIMITED EVACUATION
In general, you should plan ahead for possible evacuations. Know
evacuation routes from your office or classroom and the campus.
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If the fire alarm is activated, leave the building immediately. Do not assume it is a false alarm.
Do not return for personal items.
Do not go into the restrooms.
Do not use the elevators.
Direct visitors or anyone needing assistance to stairwells and exits.
When you are outside, check in with your supervisor, department
personnel or instructor so everyone can be accounted for.
Make sure you have your GWU and personal identification with
you.
GENERAL EVACUATION
If the entire campus is evacuated:
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Faculty and staff should return to their homes or other safe destinations unless told otherwise.
Students who can provide their own transportation should leave the campus.
Students who cannot provide their own transportation should leave campus by any means.
Students should make contact with family members ASAP.
G ER E
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SEVERE WEATHER
Dangerous weather can include thunderstorms, lightning,
tornadoes and winter storms. Stay alert to weather conditions
and seek shelter if threatening weather approaches.
WEATHER ADVISORIES
A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. Monitor the situation closely if the weather deteriorates.
 A warning means severe weather has actually been observed and is imminent. Seek shelter immediately.
WEATHER WARNINGS
Tornado warnings are issued by the National Weather Service
(NWS) when a tornado is approaching the area. The Boiling
Springs warning siren will sound a tone (three long wails) that
a tornado is approaching and people should take shelter
immediately. The Gardner-Webb warning siren will sound a
tone (one long wail) and provide voice instructions. Emergency
alerts will be sent to cell phones, campus email and campus
telephones.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued by NWS when a
thunderstorm is reported within the immediate area. Warning
sirens sound a tone (three long wails) that a thunderstorm is
nearby and people who are outside should seek shelter inside.
SEVERE WEATHER TIPS
 In a thunderstorm, no place outside is safe. A substantially constructed building offers the best protection.
 Stay away from telephones, electrical appliances and plumbing.
 If you hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Find safe shelter immediately.
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WINTER WEATHER
A winter storm in Western North Carolina can last for several days
and disrupt travel, utilities and other services.
Plan for the worst and have adequate clothing, food and water
ready before it is needed.
For updates on campus closings
Dial 1-877-GWU-SNOW (498-7669)
or visit gardner-webb.edu.
SHELTER-IN-PLACE
Shelter-in-place means to stay where you are to avoid possible
danger outside. You could be directed to shelter-in-place in the
event of severe weather, hazardous material release, a suspicious
intruder or hostage situation.
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Keep students in class or in their residence hall room until authorities give the all-clear signal. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
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Authorities may not be able to provide information about what is happening immediately.
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In the event of severe weather, basements generally offer the best protection. Otherwise, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
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In the event of an intruder, secure doors and seek
concealment away from windows and doors. Turn off the lights and close the blinds if the room is so equipped.
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Account for everyone who arrives in the shelter.
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Stay in the shelter location until you receive an all-clear message from authorities.
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Every situation presents different circumstances; running away from the situation to a safe area is always an option.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
Types of workplace violence:
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Physical assault and/or threat.
Stalking or continuous harassment that causes fear, worry or intimidation.
Actions aimed at disrupting or sabotaging operations.
Indirect threats, such as "I know where you live."
If the violence is life threatening, call 911 and report your
location, weapons involved, injuries and a description of the
person making threats.
If it is not life threatening, advise your supervisor or Human
Resources.
If you are confronted by a threatening person:
 Leave the area, if possible.
 Call 911/4444.
 Try to stay a safe distance away.
 Try to calm the person.
 Try to get the attention of a co-worker who can call for help.
 Listen to the person and let him/her do most of the talking.
 Use delaying techniques to give the person time to calm down.
 Acknowledge the person's feelings.
 Be respectful and empowering.
 Be reassuring and point out choices other than violence.
 Don't belittle, criticize, agitate or argue with the person.
 Don't reject all of the person's demands from the start.
 Don't use body language or speech that challenges the person.
 Don't make sudden movements.
 Don't make false statements or promises.
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BOMB THREAT
Bomb threats should always be treated as though there actually
is a bomb until all facts are evaluated and authorities can
thoroughly search the area.
If you receive a bomb threat, try to obtain the following
information:
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Where is the bomb?
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When will it explode?
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What does it look like?
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What will cause it to explode?
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Did you place the bomb?
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Why did you place the bomb?
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What is your name?
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Are you an employee?
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Where are you calling from?
If you receive an email bomb threat or a suspicious package,
note any pertinent information such as background noises,
gender of caller, voice pitches and patterns, then call 911 and
evacuate the building.
Scan your area for things that may be out of order. This will
greatly reduce the amount of time required to search a building.
Employees can recognize objects that are out of place. That
information may help authorities search more quickly.
When leaving the building, take your personal belongings with
you. Leave doors, offices and storage spaces open and unlocked.
Every room will be searched.
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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
If toxic chemicals come in contact with your skin, immediately
flush the affected area with clear water.
 Remove contaminated clothing.
 Call 911/then 4444.
 Move to a safer area.
CHEMICAL SPILL
For spills, releases or incidents requiring special training,
procedures or equipment, take these actions:
 Immediately evacuate the spill area.
 If building evacuation is required, pull the fire alarm.
 Call 911/then 4444.
 Seal the area to prevent further contamination of others.
Anyone who is contaminated by the spill should avoid contact with others as much as possible and remain in a safe area nearby for emergency treatment.
 Wash off contamination and begin any required first aid.
 Do not attempt to contain or clean up spills unless you are qualified to perform such work.
 Do not re-enter the area unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.
UTILITY OUTAGES
In the event of a power failure:
 If you are in a dark area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lighting.
 Assist others who may be unfamiliar with the building or the area.
 Turn off equipment such as computers and monitors to avoid potentially serious damage when the power is restored.
 If you are in an elevator, use the emergency button or telephone to alert authorities. DO NOT attempt to open the elevator car door or shake the car to move.
 Do not attempt to correct the problem. Evacuate the area and call University Police at 4444.
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MENTAL HEALTH CRISES
Anyone can experience stress associated with academic
demands, family problems, social relations, work, finances
and cultural experiences. The inability to cope with emotional
distress can lead to disruptions in overall functioning.
STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES
Students can seek help from the Counseling Center.
Appointments can be scheduled by phone or in person. To
schedule an appointment for individual counseling, call 704-4064563 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Emergency services are available on a 24-hour basis. After hours
and on weekends you can call Gardner-Webb University Police
at 4444. The officer will take your first name and phone number
and have the on-call counselor call you back.
HANDLING A CRISIS
Sometimes a person's usual coping skills are overwhelmed. The
signs can include:
Highly disruptive or aggressive behavior.
 Overt suicidal threats (written or verbal).
 Homicidal threats (written, verbal or a history of violence).
 Inability to communicate (incoherent, garbled or slurred).
 Loss of contact with reality.
If you have concerns that someone is experiencing such a crisis,
call 4444 to request assistance.
While waiting for aid to arrive (if you perceive no threat to
yourself or others), you should:
Provide a safe, secure, quiet environment.
 Invite the person to stay until help arrives.
 Listen actively and show empathy.
 Maintain a straightforward, supportive attitude.
 Don't leave the person alone unless you feel threatened.
 Don't try to restrain the person if he or she wants to leave.
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TITLE IX REPORTING SEXUAL ASSAULT/
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
OPTION 1
 Reporting to individuals on a confidential basis. However,
in certain cases, total anonymity cannot be guaranteed,
but privacy will be respected. A University counselor is oncall 24 hours a day at 4444. A trained clergy member from
the Chaplain’s Office can be reached at 704-406-2176 for
students and at 704-406-4279 for faculty and staff.
 Contact any member of the Student Development staff,
Residence Life staff or University Police staff. If an immediate
threat is assessed to be directed at the Gardner-Webb
community, a campus alert may be issued, but with no
information identifying the victim.
 Please note—if you do not initially wish to pursue charges,
you may do so at a later time. If you choose Option 1 and do
not wish to pursue charges, all efforts to bring the accused
to a student conduct board or criminal charges will not
commence.
OPTION 2
 This is for students who believe they have been the victim
of sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic or dating
violence or stalking by another member of the GardnerWebb University student or educational community.
This process may involve an investigation by the Title IX
Compliance Officer or by his designee and the student
conduct process.
 Contact the Gardner-Webb University Title IX Compliance
Officer, Dr. Cary Poole at 704-406-2155 or cpoole3@gardnerwebb.edu.
 You may contact any member of the Student Development
staff, Residence Life staff, or University Police staff who will
contact the Title IX Compliance Officer on your behalf.
 Gardner-Webb University will conduct a thorough and
prompt impartial investigation into any reports of sexual
misconduct.
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OPTION 3
 Contact University Police at 4444.
 Contact the Boiling Springs Police Department at 704-4349691 if the incident occurred off campus, but in town.
 An investigation will be conducted by University Police with
the possible assistance of the Title IX Compliance Officer.
 A completed investigation report will be forwarded to the
Office of the County District Attorney for review and possible
prosecution under applicable law of the State of North
Carolina.
 Please note—All prosecution under Option 3 occurs in the
criminal courts and not through the campus conduct process.
Gardner-Webb University will support law enforcement as
requested and will abide by lawful orders and directives.
OPTION 4
 This is a combination of Option 2 and Option 3 which means
investigations may occur simultaneously on campus and
off campus. Student conduct and criminal investigations
processes will occur independently of each other.
 Option 4 is the most in-depth of the options, but it may
involve the victim having to participate in two separate
investigations and processes.
 Gardner-Webb University reserves the right to conduct its
investigations independent of the criminal process which
means the University’s investigations may occur prior to,
simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings
which will occur off campus.
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CONTACTS
TITLE IX COORDINATOR
Dr. Cary Poole, Assistant Vice President for Title IX Compliance,
Tucker Student Center, Room 303
704-406-2155/cpoole3@gardner-webb.edu
TITLE IX DEPUTY COORDINATOR—for complaints related to faculty
or academic personnel within their respective areas
Dr. Doug Bryan, Associate Provost for Academic Development
Tucker Student Center
704-406-4398/dbryan@gardner-webb.edu
TITLE IX DEPUTY COORDINATOR—for complaints related to athletics
Ms. Pam Scruggs, Associate Athletics Director and Senior Women’s
Administrator
Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center
704-406-4341/pscruggs@gardner-webb.edu
TITLE IX DEPUTY COORDINATOR—for complaints against nonfaculty employees
Mr. Scott White, Director of Human Resources
Webb Hall
704-406-4259/swhite@gardner-webb.edu
TITLE IX DEPUTY COORDINATOR—for complaints related to
students
Ms. Sarah Currie, Dean of Students
Tucker Student Center
704-406-2385/scurrie@gardner-webb.edu
TITLE IX DEPUTY COORDINATOR—off-campus and distance learning
students
Dr. Bobbie Cox, Associate Provost for Adult and Distance Education
Washburn Hall
704-406-4627/bcox@gardner-webb.edu
UNIVERSITY RESOURCES
SART (SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE TEAM)
Please contact University Police at 704-406-4444 who will contact
a 24/7 on-call counselor
CAMPUS COUNSELING CENTER
Cindy Wallace
704-406-4103/cwallace@gardner-webb.edu
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UNIVERSITY POLICE
Chief Barry Johnson 704-406-4440/bjohnson@gardner-webb.edu
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Dee Hunt 704-406-4373/dhunt@gardner-webb.edu
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Sarah Currie 704-406-2081/scurrie@gardner-webb.edu
RESIDENCE EDUCATION
John Johnson 704-406-4303/jrjohnson@gardner-webb.edu
CLEVELAND COUNTY RESOURCES
CLEVELAND COUNTY ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL
24-hour crisis line 704-481-0043
BOILING SPRINGS, NC POLICE DEPARTMENT
http://www.boilingspringsnc.net
704-434-9691
SHELBY, NC POLICE DEPARTMENT
http://www.cityofshelby.com/govt/dept_police/index.php
Non-emergency 704-484-6845 EMERGENCY 9-1-1
CLEVELAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
http://www.clevelandcounty.com/sheriffs_office 704-484-4888
CLEVELAND COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE VICTIMS’
RIGHTS http://www.ncdistrictattorney.org/27B/victims_rights.htm
704-476-7810
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES
NORTH CAROLINA SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE TEAM
http://www.nccasa.org
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
https://www.ncdps.gov
SAVAN–Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification.
SAVAN is a free, anonymous, computer-based telephone program
that provides victims of crime with two important services:
information and notification. The SAVAN program is designed to
provide you with a quick, easy access to offender information and to
alert you when an offender’s custody status changes.
www.ncsavan.org
NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE 1-800-799-7233
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CRITICAL INCIDENT/ACTIVE SHOOTER
 During a Critical Incident each faculty/staff shall secure all students
and/or persons in their immediate control (including injured persons)
to the closest classroom, lab or office located inside the building and
secure the door by locking it. Ensure that all persons present remain
QUIET.
CLOSE all blinds and turn OFF all lights.
 Once the room is secured, providing that all students and/or persons
are without injury and not in need of medical care, place the GREEN
placard provided in the Critical Incident Package under the door and
post it in the window (if applicable) so that it is visible by the Response
Teams and Emergency Medical Personnel outside the room and
outside the building.
 Once the room is secured, if any students and/or persons are injured or
in need of medical care, place the RED placard provided in the Critical
Incident Package under the door so it is visible by the Response Teams
and Emergency Medical Personnel outside the room.
 If no placard is visible, Law Enforcement will assume that an immediate
response is needed in that room.
 Once a CRITICAL INCIDENT is declared as defined above and the
room is secured, under NO circumstances does any faculty/staff or any
student or person inside the secured room open the door without the
express direction of University Police or any other Law Enforcement
Officers immediately present at the door to provide evacuation and/or
medical care.
 Allow all Internet access devices such as computers and cell phones
to remain ON and logged onto the Gardner-Webb website for
information and communication purposes.
 Ensure that all cell phones, TVs, computers, or any other electronic
devices are turned to vibrate or that the volumes are turned down so
the noise of these devices will not draw the attention of an intruder(s).
 Report any information regarding the Critical Incident as defined above
to University Police at 704-406-4444 or 911 without drawing
attention to yourself or to the students and or persons that you are
responsible for.
NOTE: It is important to understand that during a Critical Incident as
defined above, the efforts by Law Enforcement and the responsibility
of the faculty and staff at Gardner-Webb University is to MINIMIZE the
loss of life.
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Upon request, this publication can be made available in an alternate format.
Please make a request by calling 704-406-4444 or emailing tharp@gardner-webb.edu.