The purpose of evacuation drills is to prepare building occupants for an organized evacuation in case of an emergency. Cottey conducts announced and unannounced drills and exercises each year and tests for the emergency notification systems on campus as well, as conducting follow-through activities designed for the assessment and evaluation of emergency plans, systems, and capabilities. Emergency evacuation practice for all residence halls and student residence life is tested annually early in both the fall and spring semesters as a fire drill. Hall residents are oriented to the yellow and white Campus Emergency Procedures at an all-hall meeting. The link to the Campus Emergency Procedures is available online. Building evacuations may be ordered by personnel depending upon the nature of the emergency or signaled by the fire safety system in the building affected. Occupants exit via the nearest emergency exit, closing doors behind them as exiting, and are instructed not to use elevators. Following the evacuation of the building, occupants are instructed to go to a designated area of assembly. The designated areas of assembly for each campus building are listed above and can be found in the flip chart and online at Campus Emergency Procedures. The Emergency Notification System, that requires enrollment, with notifications and web information coordinated through the Marketing Department, as well as direct communication through student life, residence hall staff, and physical plant/campus security, are utilized to communicate emergency response and evacuation plans to students and staff.
Residence hall staff, dining services staff, custodians, campus security, and the physical plant personnel participate in an annual fire safety training and response exercise conducted by the Nevada Fire Department. Participants are given hands-on practice in the safe use of fire extinguishers as a first response to small fires.
The city of Nevada has warning sirens positioned throughout the city, including one to the northwest of the campus and the second south of the campus. The system broadcasts an alarm in the event of a significant weather event. Severe weather drills are conducted twice a year to evaluate student and staff response and ability to take shelter safely and efficiently. Each test is documented and includes a description of the exercise, the date and time of the exercise, and whether it was announced or unannounced.
The campus publicizes a summary of the emergency response and evacuation procedures via email at least once each year in conjunction with a test (exercise and drill) that meets all the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act.