{"id":3383,"date":"2026-04-27T20:01:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T01:01:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.jccc.edu\/messenger\/?p=3383"},"modified":"2026-04-27T20:01:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T01:01:20","slug":"jccc-wants-you-to-be-prepared-in-case-of-an-emergency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.jccc.edu\/messenger\/2026\/04\/27\/jccc-wants-you-to-be-prepared-in-case-of-an-emergency\/","title":{"rendered":"JCCC Wants You To Be Prepared In Case Of An Emergency"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Photo by: Jasmine Mills)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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The beginning of this spring has been busy with disasters, and with Kansas being in tornado alley, mass shootings becoming more prevalent in our society, and fires a possibility, it’s important to know what to do in those types of situations.<\/p>\n

JCCC Chief of Police Seth Mullis explains that the police department plays a critical role in protecting lives, responding to situations and restoring safety as quickly as they possibly can.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the first moments through recovery, our focus is always on the safety and well-being of our campus community,\u201d Mullis said. \u201cWe treat every report seriously, but it\u2019s important to confirm the situation as quickly as possible so we can make informed decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Officers receive regular, ongoing training throughout the year that is focused on active threats, with a goal of preparing officers to act quickly, safely and effectively in an emergency.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis includes decision-making under stress, coordination with other responders and lifesaving medical care,\u201d Mullis said.<\/p>\n

There are also drills conducted where faculty and students are involved. The department keeps clear communication and coordination with local partners to make sure everyone is prepared.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese exercises help everyone better understand emergency procedures and allow officers to practice communication and coordination in realistic, but controlled, scenarios,\u201d Mullis said. \u201cWe train together regularly and maintain strong working relationships so that, if a crisis occurs, everyone understands their role and response is seamless.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Director of Emergency Management, Alisa Pacer is responsible for planning for emergencies on every level. She ensures that there is a timely, effective and coordinated response.<\/p>\n

She explained the college uses an “all hazards\u201d approach, which includes prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery phases of emergency management best practices. She also works with community partners, building relationships to ensure they are polished and ready to respond when needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmergency Management takes the lead on all mass notification systems in the event of an emergency or threat to the campus community and is responsible for ensuring all systems are operational,\u201d Pacer said.<\/p>\n

Mullis and Pacer explained what to do during three different types of emergency situations: tornado, fire, and active shooting.<\/p>\n

Tornado:<\/p>\n

Pacer explained that people typically confuse a tornado watch with a tornado warning. In order to better explain, she used an analogy of a tornado being compared to a taco.<\/p>\n

Think of a tornado watch like this:<\/p>\n

You have all the ingredients to make tacos\u2014tortillas, meat, cheese, salsa\u2014and they\u2019re sitting on your counter or in your fridge.<\/p>\n