Emergency Procedures Guide

WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY

Run:

• Have an escape route and plan in mind
• Leave your belongings
• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
• Call 911 when safe to do so

Hide:

• Lock door or block entry
• Hide in area out of shooter’s view
• Silence cell phone 

Fight:

• As a last resort when your life is in imminent danger
• Act with physical aggression
• Improvise weapons, and commit to your actions

WHEN POLICE ARRIVE

• Keep hands visible at all times
• Remain calm and follow instructions
• Drop items in your hand
• Provide information on the shooter(s); location, description, weapons.

In the Event of an Automobile Accident

• Call University Police immediately.
• Give the dispatcher your name and location.
• Advise the dispatcher of the extent of any injuries and the number of persons injured.
• Have all persons and witnesses involved remain at the scene until the police arrive.
• Do not move vehicles

Telephone Threat

• Remain calm.
• Do not hang up. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible and listen carefully.
• Note the time of the call.
• Ask the caller the following questions:
  • Where is the bomb?
  • When will it explode?
  • What does the bomb look like?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What is the caller's name and motive for placing the bomb?
  • Are you an employee?
  • Are you a student?
• Write down any pertinent information such as background noises, gender of caller, voice pitches and patterns.
• Notify University Police immediately.

Suspicious Packages Written or Email Threats

• Remain calm.
• Do not touch or approach a bomb or suspicious device.
• Do not use your portable radio or cell phone.
• Notify University Police immediately.
• Do not attempt to move or open the package.
• Do not allow anyone to handle it or go near the device.
• Evacuate the occupants out of the immediate area.
• Write down everything you remember about the letter or parcel.
• Save all packing materials.
• Save email and report it to University Police

Notification of a Bomb Threat

• When an explosive device is present or alleged to be present on campus or on campus property, the University Police may conduct an evacuation of the area or building.
• If directed to search your area, look for any suspicious packages or unidentified backpacks. Never touch any package that looks suspicious. If you locate a suspicious package call 911 immediately.
• If directed to evacuate your area follow the evacuation procedures or other directions from police officers or university administrators.
• Avoid running and other quick movements, since this can detonate certain devices.
• DO NOT USE cell phones or portable radios.

Evacuation - Classroom Building

Evacuation of a classroom or area may be ordered by faculty or staff, University Police, or local public safety agencies, The purpose is to move occupants away from potentially threatening situations that do not require full building evacuation.

Evacuation of a building is used to move occupants out of the building by a pre-designated route (if usable) to avoid a potentially threatening situation that involves the entire building.

Orders to evacuate the building may be issued by University Police or local public safety agencies.

Evacuation Procedures

• Remain calm.
• Go immediately, in a calm and orderly manner, to the designated evacuation assembly area.
• Consider special-needs occupants that may need assistance evacuating.
• When leaving a room, feel the door with the back of your hand before opening it. Do not open any door that feels hot.
• If smoke is present, stay low. The best quality of air is near the floor.
• If your primary route is blocked or unusable, use your secondary exit route.
• Do not take personal items with you.
• Close doors behind you while exiting.
• Walk, do not run.
• Do not go into the restrooms.
• Do not use the elevators.
• Once you have reached the designated area, assist in accounting for all occupants and immediately report any missing occupant to University Police.

If You Discover Fire or Smoke

• REMEMBER: R.A.C.E.
  • Rescue: Remove anyone from immediate danger.
  • Alarm: Call 911 and advise them of the fire and activate the nearest emergency pull station.
  • Contain: Close all doors to confine smoke and fire.
  • Evacuate! Unless otherwise directed, follow the evacuation plan.

Response to Audible Fire Alarm

• Remain calm.
• Evacuate the building.
• Only return to the building when directed by the University Police or university administrators.

If You Catch on Fire

• DO NOT RUN!
• STOP where you are.
• DROP to the ground, and
• ROLL over and over to smother flames 

Explosion

• Be prepared to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
• Be prepared for further explosions.
• Open doors carefully and watch for falling objects.
• Report any missing occupants to the Police.

If You are Trapped in Your Office/Classroom

• Wedge wet towels or cloth materials along the bottom of the door to keep out the smoke.
• Try to close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
• Use the telephone to notify 911 of your problem and location.
• If you are trapped in an area and need fresh air, only break the window as a last resort and use caution when breaking the window.

If a Hazardous Material Spill Occurs

• Call 911 immediately.
• Provide appropriate details of the incident including type of chemical if known.
• Implement the appropriate procedures (e.g. evacuation) to ensure that no one is exposed to danger.
• DO NOT try to clean up the spill.
• If possible, control access to the affected area by closing doors.
• Remain a safe distance from the building until an All Clear is announced and the building is declared safe to enter.

Shelter-in-Place & Lockout

• The decision to lockdown the University rests with the University Police.  A Shelter-in-Place consists of getting all staff and students to a secured room/area and locking all interior and exterior doors and windows.

Shelter-in-Place Procedures

• Remain calm.
• Cancel all outside activities and direct students and staff to get into the building.
• Commence the lockdown immediately by closing and locking all interior and exterior doors if possible.
• Close all windows and keep all blinds and curtains open.
• Keep quiet and stay away from doors and windows.
• Maintain a calm environment through calm leadership. Reassure occupants that everything possible is being done to return the situation to normal.
• If a gunshot or an explosion is heard, call 911 immediately 
• Conduct frequent roll call of all students and immediately report any missing student to University Police at ext. 4141.
• Shelter-In-Place is to remain in effect until canceled by University Police and an All Clear is announced.

Intruder on University Property 

• If an intruder/unauthorized person enters the building call 911 or University Police at ext. 4141.
• Prepare to lockdown or start to Shelter-in-Place.
• Do not unlock your doors until you hear the All Clear announced.

Hostage Situation Procedures

• Call 911 immediately.
• Move everyone away from the hostage situation as rapidly and quietly as possible.
• Listen for instructions to evacuate the area or activate Shelter-In-Place procedures.
• Gather all the facts regarding the situation for the police, Gather detailed descriptions of the suspects and victims, including clothing, location and weapons. Keep notes on times, any communication from the person holding the hostages and other witness information.

If Someone Becomes Ill or Injured.

• Call 911 immediately. Non-emergency injuries should be reported to University Police at 964-4141.
• Do not move the injured or ill person unless it is a life-threatening situation.
• Try to make him/her comfortable, if possible.
• Unless qualified to provide first aid, do not attempt to render any first aid. Seek someone who is qualified.
• Use personal protective equipment (gloves) when exposing yourself to bodily fluids (e.g., blood, vomit).
• Comfort the ill or injured person and reassure him/her that medical attention is on the way. 
• If necessary, implement appropriate emergency procedure (e.g. Evacuation of Classroom/Area) to ensure that community members are not exposed to trauma or danger.

After the ill or injured person(s) immediate needs have been taken care of, remain to assist medical services with pertinent information about the incident.

Preserve the scene of the medical emergency in the event the incident will require an investigation by police.

If there is a Power Outage/Utility Failure

• During normal business hours call Campus Facilities at 964-4080 and advise them of the type of utility outage (electrical, heating, cooling, water, etc.).
• If necessary, implement the appropriate emergency procedures (e.g. evacuation of classroom area).
• Open blinds to let outside light in, use flashlights or cell phones if available.
• Remain in place unless directed by university officials to go to another designated area.
• If ordered to leave the area, do not return to the location until the All Clear is announced.

Gas Leak

• Evacuate the building immediately.
• Turn off open flames and other sources of ignition.
• Leave doors and windows open to help ventilate the area.
• Call Police at 911 once outside the building.
• Remain a safe distance from the building until the All Clear is announced and the building is declared safe to enter.

If Someone is Sexually Assaulted

• Render assistance to the victim.
• If the victim wishes, please call police at 911 from any phone.
• Obtain as much information as possible regarding the assailant including a physical description and clothing information (e.g., age, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, color of shirt, pants, coat, medical status, if appropriate, etc).
• Protect the crime scene as much as possible.
• Try to prevent the victim from using the shower or bathing as they could destroy vital evidence.
• Stay with the victim until police arrive on the scene.
• Report to Student Conduct Programs, if applicable.

Suicide Attempt or Threat

If a community member expresses suicidal thoughts via verbal or written means, or attempts suicide:

• Call Police at 911. If unable to call, seek the assistance of others.
• If weapons were used to attempt suicide, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISARM the individual.
• Stay with the individual until help arrives.
• Do not try to handle the situation alone. Seek immediate assistance.

Tornado Watch

• Issued by the National Weather Service when severe weather conditions and possible tornadoes could occur in the area.
• When a tornado watch is in effect, the university will continue normal activities but may move external activities indoors.
• Be prepared to respond if weather conditions worsen.
• The university will not close or dismiss early under tornado watch conditions.

Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. When this occurs, the tornado sirens will be activated. Individuals should seek shelter immediately.

• Immediately move to designated shelter areas on the first floor, basement or hallways with no glass. Tornado shelter plaques indicating sheltering areas are located at the entrance to each building.
• Close blinds or drapes and stay away from windows, mirrors, glass and unsecured objects such as filing cabinets.
• Sit on the floor along interior walls, or as far away from any windows as possible. Be prepared to assume the Duck and Cover position.
• If high winds or tornadoes strike the building, assume the Duck and Cover position. 
• Assess the situation with respect to injuries. If trained to do so, render first aid to those who are injured until medical help arrives.
• Unless there is an imminent hazard in the area, individuals should wait in the shelter areas until a direct notification of an All Clear is announced.
• If the building is significantly damaged be very careful as several hazards such as exposed electrical wires, sharp or falling debris, etc., may be present.
• Duck and Cover: Occupants should sit or kneel, tuck head down and protect their head and torso with their hands and arms.
• Areas to avoid:
  • Auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias
  • Corridor intersections (stay at least 10 feet away).
  • Skylights, atriums, and areas with large roof spans.

Threat Dealing with a Difficult Individual

• Stay calm and be aware of your surroundings.
• Assess the level of threat. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK if you think an altercation could occur.
• Time and distance are important - the more time you have, the more time you will be able to prepare yourself. Keep a distance of at least an arms length between you and the individual, Call for assistance, if needed.
• Try to de-escalate the situation:
  • Listen to the person
  • Empathize with the person and be respectful - do not shame, blame, or judge
  • Use a clear, calm, strong voice
  • Keep body language non-threatening
  • Do not use words that threaten or intimidate
• If you are unable to de-escalate the situation, call for assistance immediately.

If an Altercation Occurs

• If an altercation is taking place, DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK.
• Call 911 immediately.
• Try to call for assistance of a nearby community member.
• After the altercation has occurred, if safe to do so, move any victim to a private office/area. Ensure the victim is in a safe place and assist in making him/her comfortable.
• Do not leave the victim alone.
• Be prepared to give as much of the following information as possible to the University Police:
  • Your name and location
  • What happened
  • Victim's name and age
  • Location of victim
  • Description of the assailant
  • Location of the assailant or direction of their escape
• If the victim(s) requires medical attention, see the information tab regarding Medical Emergencies.
• Remain calm and reassure students that all possible actions are being taken care of for the injured person and for the protection of others.