How We Communicate in Emergencies

Harper College uses a variety of communication channels depending on the situation. Here is how Harper College will communicate with students and employees in an emergency:

Emergency Event	Communication Channels
Fire	Alarms and flashing lights Recorded message via public address speakers and desk phone audio
Tornado	Alarms and visual warning signboards for deaf and hard of hearing people Recorded message via public address speakers, desk phone audio/text, desktop monitor text
Severe Weather Warning	Alarms and visual warning signboards for deaf and hard of hearing people Recorded message via public address speakers, desk phone audio/text, desktop monitor text
Severe Weather Closing (snow or extreme cold)	Via Harper Alert (text message, Harper email and/or phone call) Website and Facebook/X
Power Outage/Gas Leak	Alarms and flashing lights Recorded message via public address speakers and desk phone audio Harper Alert (text message, Harper email and/or phone call) Website and Facebook/X
Bomb, Hazardous Materials or other threat	Alarms and flashing lights Recorded message via public address speakers and desk phone audio Harper Alert (text message, Harper email and/or phone call) Website and Facebook/X
Active Shooter/Hostile Intruder	Recorded message via public address speakers, desk phone audio/text, desktop monitor text Harper Alert (text message and/or Harper email) Website and Facebook/X
Missing Person Alert/Amber Alert	Amber Alert and ACIM (A Child Is Missing) notifications Depending on the situation, the website, Facebook/X switchboard, HIP, and/or Harper Alert may be used

Please note that each emergency is different and not all tools may be used depending on the situation. Communication may differ at the Harper Professional Center and Learning and Career Center extension sites.

For the latest information, visit harpercollege.edu or sign up for Harper Emergency Alerts.