Emergencies

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Medical Emergencies

In a medical emergency requiring an ambulance, dial 911 from the nearest phone.

Students should give the dispatcher the exact location on campus where assistance is needed on campus – building, room number and floor - and the corresponding street address:

Ulla Searing Student Center:
1130 Greensboro Lane

Ann & Alfred Goldstein Hall:
2745 Old Bradenton Road

Cove:
2210 N. Tamiami Trail

Greensboro Hall:
1130 Greensboro Lane

Keating Hall:
2621 Old Bradenton Road

Bayou Village Apartments:
2736 Old Bradenton Road

Bradenton Road Apartments:
2919 Old Bradenton Road

Family Housing:
2390 Old Bradenton Road

Roy & Susan Palmer Quadrangle:
2405, 2409, or 2415 Old Bradenton Road

Bridge Apartments:
2715 S. Riverside Drive

Classroom / Studio:

Students should specify whether they are calling from a location on North Tamiami Trail, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, or Old Bradenton Road. When possible, report the emergency to the Office of Public Safety (941-359-7500) after calling 911.

If it is not a severe, life-threatening emergency, students may choose to go to the Student Health Center, any Sarasota Memorial Hospital Urgent Care Center location (Locations closest to campus: 500 John Ringling Boulevard. or 5360 University Parkway), or the Sarasota Memorial Hospital located at 1700 S Tamiami Trail if after hours.

Psychological Emergencies

Visit the Peterson Counseling Center (open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm) or contact Public Safety at (941)359-7500.

Hurricanes & Tornadoes

As with all coastal cities in Florida, Sarasota may be threatened by hurricanes and tropical storms. Ringling College property may be subject to evacuation during a hurricane.

If it appears a hurricane may be approaching this area, the College community will be notified the area is under a hurricane watch. In that case, there are several things students should do. If the students have a car, they should make sure the gas tank is full in case students are told to evacuate. Also, collect water in containers to be used in the event that water service is lost.

Students should have a flashlight (and batteries) in case of a power failure. Candles are prohibited in the halls and are not suitable for high winds.

Remember, hurricanes are sometimes accompanied by tornadoes in their fringe areas.

Tornado Watch means that tornados are possible, but there is no immediate danger. Remain alert for approaching storms. Tornadoes occasionally develop in areas where a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect. Remain alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if the skies become threatening.

Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Danger exists in these situations and you should move to a place of safety:

  • Smaller interior rooms and hallways of a building offer the best protection.
  • Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls if possible. Most injuries are from flying debris. Seek cover under a sturdy piece of furniture if available.
  • All Clear: remain in protected area until “all clear” is announced or relayed by the Office of Public Safety or by your supervisor, RA or other authorized individual.

Hurricane Evacuation

When the College’s immediate area is placed under a Tropical Storm Watch or Warning and / or a Hurricane Watch, the College’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) will automatically enter an alert status and closely monitor the weather. The President, or his appointee, will confer with the Emergency Response Team and make decisions regarding the cancellation of classes, closing of the College and securing facilities, based on the strength, location and predicted path of the storm.

When the College’s immediate area is placed under a Hurricane Warning, the President may declare a state of emergency, depending on the strength, location, and predicted path of the storm. If a state of emergency is declared, a mandatory evacuation of campus will normally be initiated, with all offices closed for non-essential personnel and food service operations discontinued. If a state of emergency is announced and evacuation ordered, the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students will initiate the evacuation of residential students.

Commuter Students

The College cannot provide housing for commuter students during an evacuation. Hurricane maps and other information about the Sarasota area are available at the Sarasota County Government website at: https://www.scgov.net/government/emergency-services/hurricane-preparedness-6291.

College Cancellation

If classes are cancelled, notification will be sent via the college’s Emergency Notification System, by email, posted on www.ringling.edu and will be recorded on the switchboard at 941.351.5100.

Cancellation would most likely occur in the event of an impending weather emergency.

Hurricane Plan Preparation

Ringling College will activate our Hurricane Plan when a storm is projected to approach our area. In the event that Ringling College decides it is in the best interest of the students to evacuate the campus, we need your assistance in order to best protect you, our community and the campus. All students are required to have an individual hurricane plan that outlines several options, depending on the direction of the storm, as to where they would go to evacuate. Students without a "plan" will be taken to an area shelter.

Evacuation Information

All notices about evacuation, closure of the campus and re- opening of the campus will be sent to all members of the Ringling College community via the RCAD Alert system (which distributes via text message, email, and voice message to registered cellular phones). Please be sure your cellular contact information is updated within self-service at my.ringling.edu). Updates will also be posted at www.ringling.edu/alert.

Information is also posted with the local media.

Prior to any evacuation, students residing on-campus will meet with their RA’s to review procedures.

Planning

  1. Have a plan. Every student needs to have a plan for two evacuation potential locations: (1) in Sarasota or a nearby county and (2) home or other location further away.
  2. Students may wish to develop a budget to share driving and hotel expenses with other students.
  3. Students/Parents may wish to purchase a refundable plane ticket that can be used during hurricane season or holiday travel.
  4. Again, make general plans now. When a storm is approaching the area, talk with your loved ones to let them know your specific plans about where you will go.
  5. Make sure your loved ones know how to contact you and stay in touch with them throughout the storm.
  6. Before leaving campus, be sure to designate an out-of- state family member or friend to serve as an Emergency Contact.
  7. Before you leave the campus, and if you change locations after leaving the campus, be sure to update your information on the Emergency Contact Information and Evacuation Worksheet.
  8. Be sure to include in your plan a safe location for your animal(s) if you have any. This may be with you, with a friend, in a kennel in a non-evacuation zone, or in a pet friendly shelter (You will need vaccination records.). Do not leave your animals behind.
  9. If you have not made an evacuation plan, you will be taken to an area shelter once the area shelters open. Public Shelters are a last option because they are less comfortable and it is more difficult for you to secure your belongings.

Vehicles

  1. As a storm approaches and definitely before evacuation, fill your gas tank and prepare your vehicle for travel. Gas may be hard to find during the evacuation. Prices may also increase due to the demand.
  2. Take your vehicle with you, if possible. If this is not possible, make sure that your vehicle decal is properly displayed so that you can be identified as the owner.
  3. Review your automobile insurance policy to determine if damage during a hurricane is covered

Emergency Supply Kit

An emergency situation can be frightening, especially when your parents cannot be with you at the time of the emergency. It is your responsibility to be prepared before, during and after the emergency. One way to be prepared is by putting together an emergency supplies kit. Below is a list of essential items that you should prepare to have handy in case of an emergency.

  1. Non-perishable food
  2. Can opener
  3. Battery powered hand crank AM/FM radio
  4. NOAA Weather radio with extra batteries
  5. Flashlight and extra batteries
  6. First aid kit
  7. Prescription medications
  8. Personal hygiene items
  9. Blanket, pillow, and towel
  10. Clothing
  11. Extra set of car keys
  12. Contacts or glasses
  13. Cash and change (ATM’s may not function)
  14. Some form of personal ID (License, Passport, etc.)
  15. Cell phone, chargers (consider a solar charger)

Animal supplies (Proper ID, collar, vaccination paperwork, cage, leash, ample water and food, and any necessary medication)

Preparing Your Residence

  1. Take your most important belongings, valuables and personal documents with you.
  2. Take course materials with you.
  3. Empty and unplug your refrigerator. Wrap towels at base to absorb water in case of defrost due to power outage.
  4. Remove and cover electronic items that may be damaged by water.
  5. Unplug all power cords.
  6. Close and lock windows if operable. Do not tape.
  7. Remove your trash.
  8. Lock your door.
  9. Ringling College is not responsible for any vehicles left on- campus.
  10. Ringling College strongly encourages you to know what is in your family’s homeowner’s policy as some do not cover residence hall rooms. Consider getting renter’s or property protection insurance and check to see if your belongings are covered because of a hurricane.

Emergency Communications

Updates will be sent via the Emergency Notification System, email, posted on www.ringling.edu and will be recorded on the switchboard at 941.351.5100.

Basic First Aid

The Office of Public Safety and the Health Center provides basic first aid supplies.