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Emergency Preparedness

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Safety and security is paramount at WCTC. The College uses a mass notification system to better communicate with students and staff during a campus emergency.

Tools We Use During Emergencies:

Alert iconWCTC Alerts

Staff and students: This messaging system provides staff and students with emergency information alerts and updates. We send email messages to WCTC email addresses and text messages to registered mobile phones. Please sign up for this service by selecting the WCTC Alerts icon on the MyWCTC portal.

Non-staff and non-students: Members of the public can opt in to receive information and emergency alerts via SMS from WCTC. Text "wctcalerts" to 78015 to sign up. You will receive a confirmation text.

  • Once you have been added to the list, you will receive alerts for one year. After one year, you will be notified and can choose to renew your subscription or be automatically dropped from the list.
  • Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to 78015 to cancel messages. For additional support, text INFO or HELP to 78015 at any time. View full terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Flashing light iconAlertus Beacons®

These beacons sound, flash and display an emergency text message when necessary.


Megaphone iconInternal and External Speakers

Speakers inside buildings throughout campus broadcast the message displayed on the Alert Beacon; speakers outside campus buildings also broadcast emergency information.


Computer iconDesktop Override

College computers in offices, labs and classrooms that are active and logged into the network receive full-screen pop-up alerts.


Broadcast iconHallway Monitors

College wall monitors display full-screen messages.


Alert iconAlertus Emergency Panic Buttons

You can use these buttons — located beneath the beacons in all College buildings — to call for help. If you activate a “Panic” button, please also CALL 911 and provide details of the emergency to the dispatcher.

Evacuation Maps and Emergency Procedures

Alert iconWCTC requires emergency evacuation in the event of fire, chemical spill or bomb threat. Upon hearing and seeing the alarm, you should immediately evacuate the building and proceed to the designated parking lot location for your building. Do not use elevators or walk through other buildings to get to the designated area.

We have posted evacuation maps and emergency procedures in classrooms and offices throughout campus. These postings identify exit routes, severe weather shelters and designated evacuation staging areas, as well as recommended steps for specific emergencies. For additional details, please review the WCTC Emergency Procedures document by clicking this icon within MyWCTC.

Severe Weather

When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Waukesha County, the College activates the Severe Weather Policy. At this time, you should immediately proceed to a designated shelter area. Shelter areas are identified on the campus evacuation maps posted in classrooms and offices.

Violence on Campus

We all must be vigilant to the risk of violence on campus. Be aware of your surroundings and any possible dangers. If you observe or hear of the behaviors listed below, contact Campus Police at 262.691.5582 or call 911.

  • Unusually aggressive, odd or scary behavior by students or staff
  • Threats of violence or retribution, either serious or said jokingly
  • Someone who is distraught or suicidal
  • Overheard comments or rumors of planned violence
  • Presence of gangs or cults that have a history of violence
  • Fights or other acts of violence on campus
  • Presence of guns, other weapons or suspicious