PUBLIC SAFETY SECURITY ALERT
Are You Prepared?

Although President Bush lowered the Homeland Security Advisory System threat level to yellow from orange on February 27, 2003, the recent heightened level of national security has caused many to seriously think about emergency situations. CCBC Public Safety, FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security continue to urge all Americans to take preparedness actions.

In addition to understanding how to best protect yourself and your family at home, it’s also important to know what policies, procedures and proactive measures are in place at The Community College of Baltimore County. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the information below. You may wish to bookmark one or more of the Web sites listed at the end of this document and visit them periodically for the latest in emergency preparedness news and advice.

CCBC’s LearningFirst philosophy extends to providing the safest learning and working environment possible. It is my hope that the following information will help to allay some of your fears during these uncertain times, and provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions regarding safety and security plans. If you have any questions or specific concerns, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 410-455-4299.

• The CCBC Public Safety staff has been alerted to the need for heightened awareness during these tenuous times. Communications from FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security as well as other government agencies are disseminated to staff on a regular basis.
  
  
• Each member of the Department of Public Safety is certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AED).
  
  
• On each campus, Public Safety has implemented an Emergency Response Protocol model, an Emergency Response Team, Emergency Operations Center, and an Emergency Command Post to coordinate on-scene activities for major incidents.
  
  
• Each campus is equipped with a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Specific Area Early Alert System to provide instant notification of imminent dangerous weather-related conditions.
  
  
• For campus-specific information, visit the following Public Safety Department web pages and become familiar with the policies and procedures that can make a difference during times of crisis:
  CCBC Catonsville
  CCBC Dundalk
  CCBC Essex.

 We are calling upon members of the CCBC college community to be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity observed on campus. Your intimate knowledge of personal space and areas you frequent on campus enables you to be the best judge of conditions that seem unusual or suspect.

Remember, preventing crime and incidents on campus is a shared responsibility. Apathy is a criminal’s greatest ally; so do not assume that someone else will report criminal activity. Whether or not you are the victim, you should report any crime, suspicious activity or other campus emergency immediately to Public Safety by activating any of the strategically located emergency phones on campus, visiting the Public Safety offices, or by calling:

CCBC Catonsville   410-455-4455
CCBC Dundalk  410-285-9700
CCBC Essex   410-780-6300

For more information:

• American Red Cross Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations for Individuals, Families, Neighborhoods, Schools, and Businesses
• National Terrorist Threat Level Codes
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Maryland Threat Alert System and guidance for citizens, businesses, and schools
• Weather related utility information
• The Maryland State Police

Director of Public Safety
The Community College of Baltimore County
Direct: 410-455-4299

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