The Joliet Junior College Emergency Response Plan is predicated on a realistic approach to the problems likely to be encountered on the campus during a major emergency or disaster. Hence, the following are general guidelines:

• The college functions under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as its framework for working within a unified Incident Command System (ICS).
• An emergency or disaster may occur at any time of the day or night, weekend or holiday, with little or no warning.
• The succession of events in an emergency is not predictable; hence, published support and operational plans will serve only as a guide and checklist, and may require field modification in order to meet the requirements of the emergency.
• Disasters may affect residents in the geographical location of the college; therefore, city, county and federal emergency services may not be available.
• A major emergency may be declared if information indicates that such a condition is developing, or is probable.