Fire Safety, Emergency & Evacuation Procedures

Active Shooter Response

 Compiled from excerpts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Active Shooter: How to Respond.”

Video’s courtesy of Rock Valley Community College, Rockford Illinois and the New York City Police Department

Department of Homeland Security – Active Shooter Preparedness Video

FEMA IS-907 Active Shooter Course

Profile of an Active Shooter

An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is not pattern or method to their selection of victims.  Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly.  Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims.  Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

Good Practices for Coping with an Active Shooter Situation

  • Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
  • Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit
  • If you are in an office or dorm room, stay there and secure the door
  • If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door
  • As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down.  When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO   DO NOT HANG UP – STAY ON THE LINE

Information to provide to law enforcement or 911 operator:

  • Location of the active shooter
  • Number of shooters, if more than one
  • Physical description of shooter(s)
  • Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s)
  • Number of potential victims at the location

How to Respond When an Active Shooter is in Your Vicinity

 

1.  Avoid

If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.  Be sure to:

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
  •  Leave your belongs behind
  • Help others escape, if possible
  • Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
  • Keep your hands visible
  • Follow the instructions of any police officers
  • Do not attempt to move wounded people
  • Call 911 when you are safe

2.  Barricade

If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.  Your hiding place should:

  • Be out of the active shooter’s view
  • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., a dorm with a closed and locked door)
  • Not trap you or restrict your options for movement.  To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place, lock the door or blockade the door with heavy furniture

   If the active shooter is nearby:

  • Lock the door
  • Silence your cell phone
  • Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
  • Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)
  • Remain quiet

     If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:

  • Remain calm
  • Dial 911, if possible, to alert the police to the active shooter’s location
  • If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen

3.  Confront

As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

  • Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her
  • Throwing items and improvising weapons
  • Yelling
  • Committing to your actions

How to Respond when Law Enforcement Arrives

 Law enforcement’s purpose is to stop the active shooter as soon as possible.  Officers will proceed directly to the area in which the last shots were heard.

  • Officers usually arrive in teams of four (4)
  • Officers may wear regular patrol uniforms or external bulletproof vests, Kevlar helmets, and other tactical equipment
  • Officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns, handguns
  • Officers may use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation
  • Officers may shout commands, and may push individual to the ground for their safety

The first officers to arrive to the scene will not stop to help injured persons.  Expect rescue teams comprised of additional officers and emergency medical personnel to follow the initial officers.  These rescue teams will treat and remove any injured persons.  They may also call upon able-bodies individuals to assist in removing the wounded from the premises.  Once you have reached a safe location or an assemble point, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questions.  Do no leave until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

 How to react when law enforcement arrives:

  • Remain calm, and follow officers’ instructions
  • Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
  • Immediately raise hands and spread fingers
  • Keep hands visible at all times
  • Avoid making quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety
  • Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises

BOMB THREAT 

Introduction

Bombs, explosive devices and bomb threats pose a serious Campus Safety problem to the Wagner College campus.  In the event a bomb threat is received, all available information should be obtained and relayed to Campus Safety.

IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO USE YOUR CELLPHONE IF THERE IS ANY POSSIBILITY OF AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE

Most bomb threats are delivered by telephone.  If you receive a bomb threat, follow these guidelines:

  • Remain calm!
  • Try to keep the caller on the line for as long as possible.
  • Ask the called to repeat information and record this on the Bomb Threat Report Form.
  • Ask as many questions as possible, utilizing the Bomb Threat Report Form.
  • Pay attention to background noises, like motors running, music, and voices.  Take notes on the Bomb Threat Report Form.
  • Listen closely to the voice to determine voice quality, accents, speech impediments or unusual characteristics.

BOMB THREAT REPORT FORM 

Exact time of call ___________________________________________________________________

Exact words of caller ___________________________________________________________________

QUESTIONS TO ASK

  1. When is the bomb going to explode? ________________________________
  2. Where is the bomb?  _____________________________________________
  3. What does it look like? ___________________________________________
  4. What kind of bomb is it?  _________________________________________
  5. What will cause it to explode?  _____________________________________
  6. Did you place the bomb?  _________________________________________
  7. Why?  ________________________________________________________
  8. Where are you calling from?  ______________________________________
  9. What is your address?  ___________________________________________
  10. What is your name? _____________________________________________

CALLER’S VOICE (circle)      Male    Female

Calm                Disguised         Nasal               Angry              Broken

Stutter              Slow                Sincere             Lisp                 Rapid

Giggling           Deep                Crying              Squeaky           Excited

Stressed           Accent             Loud                Slurred             Normal

If the voice is familiar, whom did it sound like? _____________________________

Were there any background noises?  ______________________________________

Person receiving call:   ___________  Telephone number call was received at: ___________

 

REPORT CALLS IMMEDIATELY TO: Campus Safety 3148

Contact Campus Safety at Extension 3148 at your earliest opportunity.  They will notify the Police Department and Fire Department. If you are not able to immediately contact Campus Safety, dial 911.

Evacuating persons with disabilities: 

Guidelines for People with Disabilities in Emergencies

Evacuation of people with disabilities will be given high priority in all emergencies. In an emergency situation, it is important that you are familiar with your needs during evacuation. You are encouraged to convey these needs to your instructor at the beginning of each semester. While attending class, try to position yourself near a doorway for an easier exit. Become familiar with the building exits. Follow signs to exits.

Establish a buddy system and alternate for each class. People with disabilities should prepare for an emergency ahead of time by instructing a classmate, instructor, supervisor, or co-worker on how to assist in the event of any emergency.

Mobility Impairment:

If assistance is not immediately available, people who are mobility impaired should remain near the stairwell landing or in the elevator lobby. Rescue personnel will first check all exit corridors and stairwells for those trapped. He/She should continue to call for help until rescued.

Mobility Impaired (Wheelchair) Persons using wheelchairs should Stay in Place or utilize some type of Horizontal Evacuation with their “Buddy” when the alarm sounds. The evacuation “Buddy” should immediately proceed outside the building and advise the emergency personnel the location of the person with disability. If the person with disability is alone, he/she should dial ext#3148, or (718) 390-3148, and advise the Campus Safety of his/her location

The following guidelines are important to follow:

  • Establish a buddy system and alternate for each class.
  • People with disabilities should prepare for an emergency ahead of time by instructing a classmate, instructor, supervisor, or co-worker on how to assist in the event of any emergency.
  • Wagner Campus Safety Staff should be notified immediately by the “buddy system” when person/persons are staged at an elevator bank.
  • If assistance is not immediately available, mobility impaired people should remain near the stairwell landing or in the elevator lobby. Rescue personnel will first check all exit corridors and stairwells for those trapped. He/She should continue to call for help until rescued.
  • People who cannot speak loudly, or with voice/speech impairments, should carry a whistle or have other means of attracting attention of others.
  • Be familiar with alarm signals.
  • Leave school materials in the room to avoid wasting time.
  • Wait for rescue & remain calm.
  • DO NOT re-enter a building until permitted by emergency personnel.
  • Do NOT use elevators unless authorized to do so by police or fire personnel.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures for Students with Disabilities in Residence Housing:

  • Students with disabilities are advised to prepare for an emergency ahead of time. They should locate and remember important areas in buildings they frequent including exits, exit routes, stairways, elevators, and telephones. Individuals who will need assistance leaving the residence housing during an emergency are advised to identify in advance someone nearby who can assist them. They should discuss with that person a plan for leaving the building and/or informing emergency personnel of their presence and location so assistance can be provided.

Those needing assistance to evacuate in an emergency should alert Residential Education staff concerning their needs  and should identify two individuals on their halls beforehand (e.g., one RA and one student) who can assist them and inform emergency personnel of their presence in the hall. They should discuss with these individuals in advance the specific nature of the assistance needed at a minimum, students with conditions affecting their ability to evacuate a Residence Hall should take the following steps during an emergency:

  • If a campus phone is available, dial 3148 for Campus Safety, and state your location and situation.
  • If using a cellular phone, dial (718) 390-3148 to reach Campus Safety.
  • Do not use elevators, which may shut down in emergency situations. Rescue personnel will determine whether circumstances warrant the evacuation of a person who is non-ambulatory.
  • Ask for assistance to exit the building, if possible, or to go to one of the following locations: the designated Area of Rescue Assistance, the nearest stairwell with doors that separate the stairs from the hall, or a room with a door and exterior window near a stairway.
  • Note the room number or other identifying features of your location.  Ask someone leaving the building to notify emergency personnel of your location and situation.
  • If you go to a stairwell, please attempt to position yourself so as not to block access to the stairs   for rescue personnel entering and for those exiting the building.

Assisting a person with a Disability during an emergency:

Individuals who are blind or have low vision

  • Communicate nature of emergency.Describe nature of emergency and the location if relevant.
  • Offer assistance. Offer your arm to assist with guiding the individual.
  • Communicate verbally. Provide details about where you are going and any obstacles the person may encounter along the route
  • Orient and inquire. Once at a safe location, orient the individual to the location and inquire if further assistance is needed before leaving the location.

Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing:

  • Alert individual. Turn the lights on/off or wave your arms to gain the person’s attention.
  • Use gestures or written notes. Indicate directions with gestures or write a note with evacuation instructions.

Individuals with mobility limitations – Non- wheelchair user:

  • Discuss needs and preferences–ask if assistance is needed. Inquire if the person is able to evacuate using the stairs without help or with minor assistance
  • Ensure clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the exit route.
  • No imminent danger. If there is no imminent danger, the person may choose to remain in the building or to be directed to an Area of Refuge (stairwell) until emergency personnel arrive.
  • Imminent danger. If danger is imminent, use a sturdy chair, with or without wheels, to move the person, or help carry the person to safety using a carry technique, or, if available, use an evacuation chair.
  • Mobility aids or devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
  • Notify emergency personnel. Notify emergency personnel immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.

 Mobility limitations – Wheelchair user:

  • Discuss needs and preferences.Non-ambulatory persons’ needs and preferences vary widely and therefore require you to ask them how they would like to be assisted.
  • Wheelchair-user on the ground floor. Individuals who use wheelchairs may choose to evacuate themselves from the ground floor with minimal assistance.
  • Ensure clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the exit.
  • No imminent danger. If there is no imminent danger, the person may choose to remain in the building or to be directed to an Area of Refuge (stairwell) until emergency personnel arrive.  Fire Department personnel, who are trained in emergency rescue, can then enter the building and assist the person in exiting the building, either down the stairs or using the emergency elevator recall.
  • Imminent danger. If danger is imminent and the individual does not wish to be removed from his or her wheelchair, direct the person to the nearest Area of Refuge (stairwell) and notify emergency personnel immediately. While staying in place, the wheelchair user should keep in direct contact with Wagner Campus Safety at 718-390-3148 and reporting directly pertinent information including the location.
  • Carrying wheelchair users.  Always ask before attempting to carry any person. Most wheelchairs are too heavy to carry down stairs. If the person wishes to be carried down the stairs without the wheelchair, consult with him or her on the best carry options, e.g., two-person cradle carry, office chair evacuation, or, if available, an evacuation chair.
  • Mobility aids or devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible
  • Notify emergency personnel. Notify emergency personnel immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.

Everyone needs to take responsibility for preparing for emergencies. People with disabilities should consider what they would do and whether they need to take additional steps to prepare.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are essentially large complexes of thunderstorms.  They include all of the dangers that can come with thunderstorms: lightning, flash floods, downbursts, tornadoes.

Preparations for a hurricane should begin well in advance of the storm.  Listen to local authorities and evacuate when requested.

Hurricanes can produce widespread damage with trees and flood waters blocking roads, cutting off communications and electricity for days.  Have plenty of batteries for use in flashlights and portable radios and televisions.  Have extra prescriptions, if needed.

If caught in the storm, follow safety rules described above for tornadoes/severe (damaging) winds, lightning, and flooding.  Stay away from dangling or downed electrical lines.

On Campus, we must be prepared to function within our own unit for the first 72 hours, taking care of all problems ourselves without outside support.  It is highly likely that our outside support will be tied up with the neighboring communities.

The following should be our minimum response:

  1. Campus Safety
    1. Coordinate the possible evacuation plans with Residence Life, Operations and Executive Officers.
    2. Designate a safe area for the command post.
    3. Notify staff to bring essentials for several days. All days off cancelled.  Strongly suggest that every effort be made to have families of the essential personnel leave the affected area.  This will allow them to concentrate on their mission.  Prior to storm, make arrangements to feed and house them.  Due to road conditions and possible communication outages, it may be impossible to reach personnel to have them come in.
    4. Set up protection of campus buildings, assign officers to cover buildings and warn of fire or other destruction. Assign officer to command post.
    5. Ensure radios and equipment is in operational order.
    6. Set up recovery response immediately after storm.
    7. Identify loose material and coordinate with Operations to remove or lash down.
    8. Monitor weather.
    9. Ensure department has material to mark hazmat conditions.
    10. Watch for looters.
    11. Identification of safety hazards.
    12. Ensure gas/propane lines are shut off.
    13. Make notifications for outside assistance, when available.
    14. Ensure college vehicle gas tanks are full.
  1. Operations
    1. Ensure that we have a good supply of drinking water available.
    2. Have extra tires available or capability to repair them. Glass, nails and debris will cause many tires to go flat.  Service stations will not be of much help during this disaster
    3. Chain saws, etc. available to cut down trees and branches that will block streets.
    4. Coordinate with Residence Life if evacuation of community is necessary.
    5. Place generators in areas of necessity.
    6. Removal of loose materials that could cause damage during the storm.
    7. Assess damage.
  1. Counseling Services
    1. Arrangements should be made to assist those individuals who may suffer from stress during these times.
  2. Residence Life
    1. Coordinate evacuation of community with Operations.
    2. Arrange for assistance from RAs for relay of information and crowd control.
  3. Dining Services
    1. Ensure there is a 3 day supply of food for the community as well as extra for walk-ins that may need assistance.
    2. Coordinate water necessities with Operations.
  1. Communications
    1. Ensure that there is some kind of communication at the command post for outside use.

Fire Safety

All residence halls are protected by fire detection and firefighting equipment. All residents should be familiar with the emergency escape plan for their residence hall and the location of fire extinguishers.

Tampering with any fire detection or firefighting equipment is a violation of state laws as well as college policy.
 

Tampering with fire equipment (extinguishers, detectors, sprinklers, etc.) can create a life-threatening situation by preventing the equipment from properly detecting a possible fire, or the ability to attempt to extinguish or control a fire before additional equipment can arrive.

Candles and incense are a fire hazard and are not permitted in the residence halls.
 

Combustible materials such as gasoline, paint thinner, and oil lamps are not permitted within the residential facilities. Fire safety codes require strict compliance with this regulation. Propane grills are prohibited.

Never Fight a Fire:

  • If the fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started.
  • If you can’t fight the fire with your back to an escape exit.
  • If the fire can block your only escape.
  • If you don’t have adequate fire-fighting equipment.

In any of these situations……

Don’t fight the fire yourself. Call for help!

Always:

  • Make sure the fire doors in halls and stair wells are closed at all times.
  • Close door to your room when you retire. Exit when fire alarm sounds!!!!

Never:

  • Smoke in bed.
  • Smoke in your room.
  • Burn candles.
  • Allow an open flame (cigarette, candle, torch, etc.) or cooking appliance (coffee pot, hot plate, etc.) near common combustible material, i.e., wood, paper, textiles, or flammable liquid.
  • Ignore fire alarm.

Fire and Emergency Evacuation Procedures

There will be times that the Residential Education Department will conduct scheduled Fire Alarm Evacuation Drills at the Residential Halls on campus. These drills will usually not be announced to the residents with the exception of the RA’s. These drills are done to check that the alarm system is working properly and to give the residents a chance to hear the alarm and so they will be able to recognize it in the event of an actual alarm. The alarm systems in the buildings have a loud audible bell or horn, and flashing strobe lights. These tests also give the residents an opportunity to become familiar with the evacuation procedures.

When an alarm is activated there are a few steps to follow:

  • Remain calm and close the windows in the room.
  • Take only clothing that will be needed for the type of weather conditions that exist. Do not try and collect personal items to take with you.
  • Turn off any electrical items you may have on at the time.
  • Stay low if you are going through smoke or toxic fumes.
  • Leave by the nearest exit. When a fire alarm is active any door to the building may be used to exit so long as it is safe to do so.
  • Do not use elevators. Use only the stairs.
  • Never attempt to go back into the building even if the alarm stops sounding. Wait until a Campus Safety Officer has cleared the building and given the permission to re-enter.
  • In an actual emergency if you are trapped and not able to exit a room or the building, yell for help and call the Department of Campus Safety at ext. 3148 using a phone in the building or your cellular phone dial 718-390-3148. Be sure you can give your location in the building as best as you can so an officer can locate and assist you.

Fire Guard training

PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISIS 

This type of situation is a very sensitive issue.  Suicide attempts, homesickness, anxiety, phobias, etc., can be included in this area, but certainly are not limited to these.

In the event of a call of this nature comes into Campus Safety, an officer will be dispatched, the following will occur:

Campus Safety

  1. Campus Safety will respond and intervene and initially determine the situation.
    1. The individual will be advised that it is in their best interest to go to Health Services.
    2. If the student goes, Campus Safety will notify the Dean of Students and Residence Life area where the student lives.
    3. If the student refuses to go, security will notify Health Services, Dean of Students, and Residence Life where the student lives. Campus Safety will remain with the student.

Residence Life

    1. Will jointly decide with Health Services whether to call Counseling Services or not; whether the student goes to Health Services or not.

Health Services

    1. Will jointly decide with Residence Life whether to call Counseling Services or not.
    2. If the student refuses to go to Health Services, nurse will contact the doctor on call.

Counseling Services

    1. If called, Counseling Services will come to campus and see the student.

** A physician, Health Services, Counseling Services and Residence Life will determine danger to self and others and future status of student.

SHELTER‑IN‑PLACE PLAN

It is possible that in the event of a certain type of emergency (hazardous material spill, fire, or severe weather) that the safest course of action to take will be to request everyone to remain in his/her dormitory and /or office building. This is known as the Sheltering‑In‑Place Plan.  The plan allows for the use of any classroom, office, dormitory, or building for the purpose of providing temporary shelter during a minor emergency.

The decision to utilize the Shelter‑in‑Place plan would be made by the College President or his/her designee in consultation with the Crisis Management Team. In the absence of the College President, the chain of command will be followed as outlined by the Crisis Management Team.

In the event of the utilization of the Shelter‑In‑Place plan, those affected would be notified by one or more of the following means: RAVE ALERT System, College email, Campus Notice.

The response of the campus population to the decision to Shelter‑In‑Place should be to immediately go indoors. Remain in the shelter until College officials notify you that it is safe to leave. It is important to remain calm and follow the recommendations of Campus Safety personnel, administrators, RAs and other designated leaders.

Building Captains shall monitor by RAVE ALERT, College E‑Mail, the circumstances of the emergency.

Different emergencies call for different responses. The following are basic course of action to remember in specific Shelter‑In‑Place emergencies:

  • During a chemical release, you should seek shelter in a room above ground level (most chemicals settle to the lowest level), preferably one without windows
  • During a biological release, you should seek shelter in an internal room, preferably one without window.i
  • In the event of a nuclear or radiological release, stay indoors and go to a basement or other underground area if available.
  • During a tornado, you should go to an underground room if one is available. If possible you should take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway. In a multiple story building go to the lowest floor and stay in interior rooms away from windows and doors. Go to the center of the room and away from the 4 corners (they attract debris). You should lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. You should also avoid sheltering in places with a wide span roof such as auditoriums or gymnasiums. Lastly, you should not seek shelter in a vehicle.
  • During a flood, seek shelter above water level and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • During a hurricane you should stay indoors and away from glass doors and windows. If possible you should take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway. In a multiple story building, go to the first or second floors and stay in interior rooms away from windows. Lastly, you should lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object, while protecting your head and neck.

Although electrical storms are common occurrences, and you would not normally be notified of Shelter‑in‑Place plans, you should be aware of the following: Seek shelter indoors (or in a vehicle) immediately. Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing/bathroom fixtures conduct electricity. Avoid using a corded phone except for emergencies. Cordless and cell phones are safe to use. Unplug electrical items such as computers. Power surges from lightening can cause serious damage.

EMERGENCY SHELTER AT WAGNER COLLEGE 

Taking shelter can be a critical element in protecting the campus community in times of emergency situations.

Sheltering at Wagner College will take two forms.            They are Consolidation and Shelter-in‑Place. Although seeking shelter would normally be for a short duration (4 to 12 hours), the College has food and water capability for sheltering the campus population for a 72‑hour period.

CONSOLIDATION PLAN

  1. The decision to utilize any part of the Consolidation plan would be made by the College President or his or her designee in consultation with the Crisis Response Team. In the absence of the College President, the following chain of succession will be utilized as deemed by the Crisis Response Team.
  1. In the event of the utilization of the Shelter‑In‑Place plan, those affected would be notified by one or more of the following means: RAVE ALERT system, College email, Notice to as described in Attachment B of this document.
  1. In the consolidation plan, the College would house the campus population (or parts of the campus population) in any, or all, of the following three buildings:

The Spiro Sports Center

Main Hall

The Student Union 

 

It should be noted that in utilizing this plan, the Spiro Sports Center would be the first building used, followed by Main Hall. The last facility to be utilized would be the Student Union.

The decision to consolidate into any/all of the above buildings might be for any of the following reasons, as well as those not mentioned:

    • An electrical outage or emergency situation on the Campus, requiring a movement of that particular campus population to another facility. Campus Safety and Residential Life Personnel will notify students as to which of the above facilities they would report to.
    •  A fire/smoke/dangerous condition in a residential life facility requiring the evacuation of that facility to the Student Union and/or other location(s).

The emergency evacuation of any campus building, requiring that those individuals evacuated, be given shelter.

Upon evacuation of any building, normal crisis management procedures will be in effect regarding assembly points and head counts of individuals.

When the affected building is a residential life facility, Campus Safety personnel and residential life staff will search the affected building(s) to ensure that everyone has been evacuated.

When the affected building is a building other than a residence, Campus Safety personnel and facilities management personnel will search the affected buildings to ensure that everyone has been evacuated. The Department of Campus Safety will ensure that the building(s) involved are locked and secured prior to leaving.

Once evacuation and assembly has taken place, department heads, RA’s, and appropriate group leaders will be advised to proceed to their designated consolidation locations. Every attempt should be made to keep all groups intact.

Members of the Crisis Management Team will assume responsibility for the structures where members are evacuated to, and will set up a command post inside their respective building(s). Upon consolidation being completed, they will direct with department heads, R.A.s, and group leaders and give them pertinent instructions.

Once in their designated location, department heads, RA’s and group leaders should keep an active roster of their group. They should always keep their group together. A member of each group should respond to the building command post and receive information on food, sleeping arrangements, medical treatment, communications options, and hygiene arrangements. There may be an event where contaminated water is an issue. If this is the same, a sign will be immediately posted advising the campus population of this fact.

All evacuated members will be prohibited from returning to their evacuated facility until approval is given through the Crisis Management Team in consolidation with Facilities Management and Campus Safety personnel.

 Utility Failure

This category is for those types of failure that lead to shutdown of most or all of the campus, or those that affect crucial areas on campus.

Campus Safety

  1. Follow procedures.
  2. Coordinate closings, if necessary with the President.

Operations

  1. Determine extent of problem.
  2. Coordinate relocation of community members, if necessary, with the Office of Residence Life.
  3. Coordinate acquisition of portable toilets/showers, if necessary with Residence Life.
  4. If the water supply is affected, find alternative means to be able to supply water to community. Coordinate with Residence Life.
  5. Coordinate relocation of Dining Services, if necessary.
  6. If necessary, ensure that gas lines and propane are shut off.
  7. Coordinate available information with Campus Safety.

Residence Life

  1. Coordinate relocation of community members, if necessary with Operations.
  2. Coordinate acquisition of portable toilets/showers, if necessary with Operations.
  3. Coordinate water supply alternatives with Operations.

Dining Services

  1. Coordinate relocation of Dining Services, if necessary with Operations.
  2. Make alternative meal plans, with disposable utensils and plates.
  3. Coordinate availability of water supply.

WINTER STORMS/BLIZZARDS/SNOW 

The most severe winter storm is generally considered to be a blizzard (strong winds and blinding snow), but any heavy snow or ice storm can become life threatening.

Be prepared for the storm before it strikes.  Winter storms (ice and snow) can close roads and knock out phones and electrical power for hours or even a couple of days if it’s bad enough.

When forewarned about a heavy snow or blizzard, the following should be considered:

 

Campus Safety

  1. Bring in additional personnel, arrange for food and shelter and make schedule adjustments.
  2. Ensure communications equipment is functional.
  3. Ensure extra supplies of batteries.
  4. Coordinate relocation of student population with Residence Life and Operations if power fails.

 

Operations

    1. Ensure snow removal equipment is available and functional.
    2. Ensure there are enough inventories of sand, salt, calcium, cinders, etc.
    3. Ensure that there are adequate numbers of custodial and other workers to aid in removal of snow, ice and garbage.
    4. If power outage, water must be hand fed through the pipes. We will lose fire systems, water pumps, etc.
    5. If power outage, relocation of student population will need to be coordinated with Residence Life and Campus Safety.
    6. Ensure there is enough fuel on campus to supply snow removal equipment and security vehicle.

 

Residence Life

    1. Be prepared, if power outage, to relocate student population due to unavailability of heat, water and fire systems to areas where there are emergency generators.
    2. Boredom is a very real problem for students whose movements have been restricted because of the weather. It has been known to cause injury, as they venture out for something to do.  Have a plan to counteract problem.

 

Dining Services

    1. Ensure that there will be enough food and paper products on hand to last a few days.
    2. Be prepared if we need to relocate the dining services because of a power outage.

Information Tech

    1. Depending on the severity of the power outage, telephone systems may be lost, make arrangements for alternative communications with outside for command post.
    2. Notification should be made to community not to make unnecessary phone calls, so that lines may be free for emergency calls.

 

Health Center

    1. Provide support for people suffering from exposure.
    2. Provide information relating to health conditions when necessary.