Transcript Responding to campus emergencies

Guidelines for Dickinson College
Employees
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Framework for response
Developed under Incident Command System
(ICS) model prescribed by the National
Incident Management System (NIMS).
Information on ICS and NIMS is available at
http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/inde
x.shtm
Identifies campus administrators responsible
for oversight of key functions in the event of
an emergency or crisis which impacts a
large segment of the campus population
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Responsibilities in the plan include:
Incident Commander (IC) – Nick Stamos or
Ken Shultes
 Planning Section Chief – Bill Shoemaker
 Operations Section Chief – Dee Danser
 Logistics Section Chief – Ken Shultes or
designee
 Safety Officer – Joe Fazio
 Liaison Officer – Ann Dykstra or Norm Jones
 Public Information Officer (PIO) – Christine
Dugan
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Plan is continually updated
Tabletop and other emergency exercises
are conducted
Coordinate with other campus offices
(Health Center, HR Services, etc…) and
outside emergency response agencies
(fire
department,
Carlisle
Regional
Medical Center) as needed
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Red Alert
Office Phone Trees
E-Mail
Campus Television/Radio
Loudspeakers
Outside Media
Weather Emergencies
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Tornadoes
Severe Thunderstorms
Flood Watches/Warnings
Winter Storms
Hurricanes
Other Crises
 Fire
 Bomb Threats
 Explosions
 Disturbances and Demonstrations
 Confrontations
 Active Shooter
Tornado in Allegheny County, PA
Tornado damage in Salisbury, PA
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from
a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes may have
rotating winds in excess of 250 mph.
Common observations during a tornado:
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Greenish or greenish-black color to the sky
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Hail
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Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air
may become very still.
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Sound like a waterfall or rushing air at first but turning
into a roar as it comes closer (the sound of a tornado has
been likened to that of both trains and jets)
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Debris dropping from the sky
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Obvious funnel shaped cloud that is rotating
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Debris being pulled upwards even if no funnel cloud is
visible
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Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a
thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit
skies behind a tornado.
Watches and Warnings
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Tornado Watch
 First alert issued by the National Weather Service
when tornadoes are possible in your area
 Specifies the potentially targeted area(s) and the
time frame during which the formation of a
tornado is possible
 Remain alert for approaching storms, however you
may continue with your routine, or any other
activities. Turn on a battery-operated radio to stay
alert of any developments.
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Tornado Warning
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DO
Issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by
weather radar
Will provide the location, time of detection, area of
vulnerability, and the time period that the tornado will pass
through
If a tornado warning has been issued and the sky becomes
threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
If you actually see a tornado funnel, move to the nearest
shelter immediately.
Turn on a battery-operated radio and wait for further
instruction
Be alert to what is happening outside, but do not place
yourself in jeopardy by standing next to windows.
Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that an advance
warning may not be possible.
NOT OPEN ALL WINDOWS
TORNADO IS APPROACHING!!
AND
DOORS
WHEN
A
During a tornado warning or tornado occurrence:
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Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor of the building
you are in
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Avoid halls that open to the outside in any direction. If there are
no interior hallways, avoid those that open to the southwest,
south, or west…these are the directions that tornadoes
frequently come from
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If your building has no basement, take cover under heavy
furniture on the ground floor in the center of the building, or in a
small room on the ground floor that is away from outside walls
and windows.
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Stay away from glass, both in windows and doors
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Crouch down to make as small a “target” as possible, and cover
your head with your hands or something protective, if available
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If you are outside in open country, drive away from the
tornado’s path, at a right angle to it. If there is not time to do
this – or if you are walking – take cover and lie flat in the
nearest depression, such as a ditch, culvert, excavation, or
ravine.
August 2006 – Severe thunderstorm in Carlisle, PA
Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and
winter storms. Despite their size, ALL THUNDERSTORMS ARE DANGEROUS!
Thunderstorms produce lightning, strong winds, flash flooding, hail and
tornadoes.
Watch for Developing Thunderstorms
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Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the area where it is raining. That's
about the distance you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are
within striking distance. Seek safe shelter immediately!
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Most lightning deaths and injuries occur in the summer. Where organized outdoor
sports activities take place, coaches and other adults must stop activities at the
first sound of thunder to ensure everyone time to get to a large building or
enclosed vehicle.
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Inside buildings, stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment
that puts you in direct contact with electricity. Stay away from pools, indoor or
outdoor, tubs, showers and other plumbing.
Helping a Lightning Strike Victim
If a person is struck by lightning, call 911
and get medical care immediately. Cardiac
arrest and irregularities, burns, and nerve
damage are common in cases where people
are struck by lightning. You are in no
danger helping a lightning victim. The
charge will not affect you.
Flooding in the Lower Quads
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Floods are the most common and widespread of
all natural disasters except for fire.
Floods can be slow rising (developing over several
days) or fast rising (occurring in several minutes)
depending on the situation and causes.
Flash floods usually result from intense storms
dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period of
time. They can occur with little or no warning and can
reach full peak within a few minutes.
Floodwaters are powerful enough to roll boulders, tear
out trees, and demolish houses. Even six inches of
moving floodwater can knock you off your feet, and at
a depth of two feet will float a car downstream.
Watches and Warnings
FLOOD OR FLASH FLOOD WATCH
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Flooding is possible within the designated area – be alert and
ready to evacuate if so informed.
FLOOD WARNING OR FLASH FLOOD WARNING
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Flooding is occurring, or is imminent, in the designated area.
Take necessary precautions at once. Depending on how close
you are to the designated area you should act quickly. You may
only have minutes or a few seconds.
URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING
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Flooding of small streams, streets, and low-lying areas, such as
at railroad underpasses and in urban storm drains is occurring
within the designated area. You should act quickly and move to
higher ground.
IF FLOODING OCCURS, OR CONDITIONS EXIST THAT COULD
CAUSE FLOODING TO OCCUR:
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Listen to the radio or watch television weather broadcasts to keep apprised of
weather watches or warnings.
Go online to track the storm and be aware of weather alerts/warnings at
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr
If a flood watch or warning occurs for the area you are in, move to higher ground
immediately. Do not delay if a warning is posted.
If you are in a campus building that begins to flood notify Public Safety
immediately at: Campus phone ext. 1111 or at 245-1111, then leave the building
for a facility that is not flooding.
When traveling DO NOT drive through flooded roadways. A relatively small amount
of running water can sweep your car downstream. The depth of the water is not
always obvious. If a vehicle stalls in water, leave the vehicle immediately and move
to higher ground.
Be extra cautious when driving at night, as it is more difficult to recognize flood
signs or water depth.
If caught outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there.
DO NOT walk through or drink floodwater. Floodwater may contain fecal and other
toxic matter from sewage, industrial chemicals, agricultural by-products and others
sources. If you must come into contact with floodwater, wash with soap and clean
water as soon as possible after the contact.
If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
AFTER THE FLOOD
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Do not walk near flooded areas, buildings, etc., unseen
dangers such as submerged electrical lines may be present.
Be aware of abnormal animal activity, especially snakes that
may have come into the area. Animals can be disoriented,
defensive, or carry rabies.
If walking into a building that has water damage be aware of
loose plaster on ceilings, unstable door jams and floors, or
walls that can cave in.
Do not eat any food, including canned goods, that have come
in contact with floodwaters.
Be aware of cracked or damaged building foundations prior
to entering a building.
Notify Public Safety of any hazardous situation you observe
at: Campus phone ext. 1111
or 717-245-1111
Information regarding any closures or
delays relating to winter storms will be
distributed through:
 Red Alert
 E-Mail
 Local Media
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A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a
generic term for a low pressure system that
generally forms in the tropics. Tropical cyclones are
classified as follows:
TROPICAL DEPRESSION - An organized system of
clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface
circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph
or less
TROPICAL STORM – An organized system of strong
thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and
maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph
HURRICANE – An intense tropical weather system
of strong thunderstorms with a well defined surface
circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph
or higher
Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds
using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. A Category 1 storm has
the lowest wind speeds, while a Category 5 hurricane has the
strongest.
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Lower category storms can sometime inflict greater damage
than higher category storms, depending on where they strike
and the particular hazards they bring.
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Tropical storms can also produce significant damage and loss of
life, mainly due to flooding.
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Hurricanes typically allow enough warning for evacuation.
However, if there are personnel remaining at college facilities
during a hurricane, follow the general tornado guidance.
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Persons should be cognizant of the added concern of flooding
and avoid sheltering in areas that might collect water.
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Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as
they move onto land.
Denny Hall Fire – March 1904
The potential for loss of life or injury from a fire-related incident
can be a serious risk on campus. In addition, few occurrences on
campus represent a greater potential for property loss than a
serious fire or explosion.
A fire emergency exists whenever:
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A building fire evacuation alarm is sounding;
An uncontrolled fire or imminent fire hazard occurs in any building or
area of the campus;
There is the presence of smoke, or the odor of burning;
There is spontaneous or abnormal heating of any material, an
uncontrolled release of combustible or toxic gas or other material, or a
flammable liquid spill.
A building occupant is required by law to evacuate the
building when the fire alarm sounds.
If there is a fire in your work area:
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If you have been trained and are able to safely extinguish the
fire, do so. However, make sure that you have a safe exit from
the fire area.
If you are unable to extinguish the fire, leave the area
immediately and pull the fire alarm. From a safe location on
campus, call 911 and report the fire.
Evacuate the building as soon as the alarm sounds, move well
away from the building, and proceed to the designated
Emergency Assembly Area (EAA).
On your way out, warn others nearby.
Move away from fire and smoke. Close doors and windows if
time permits.
Touch closed doors. Do not open them if they are hot. Use stairs
only; do not use elevators. Elevator shafts and stairwells can
produce a chimney effect that draws up heat and smoke.
Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been
instructed to do so by the emergency responders
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If you touch a door and there is excessive smoke and heat,
or the door is warm or hot to the touch, remain in the room
and follow these procedures:
 Stuff the cracks around the door with towels, lab coats,
throw rugs, etc. to keep out as much smoke as possible.
 Go to the window, and if it is clear outside (no smoke or
flames), open the window at the top (to exhaust any heat
or smoke in the room) and at the bottom (for a source of
outdoor air). Signal for help by hanging a “flag” (sheet,
jacket, etc.) out of the window.
 If a telephone is available, call 911 and DPS and inform
them of the situation.
 Never attempt to jump from the upper floors of a multistory building—jumps may be fatal.
FIRE SAFETY INSTRUCTION
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Evacuation plans are to be communicated to all personnel in the
area.
Aisles in offices and classrooms are to be maintained free and
clear.
Exit signs are to be visible from all areas of the room.
Doors are to be kept unlocked when a room is occupied.
Sprinkler heads are to be kept unobstructed – no storage of
anything within 18”.
Fire alarm pull boxes and fire extinguishers should be kept free
and clear for instant access.
Covers on electrical switches and receptacles which are broken
or discolored should be replaced immediately.
Electrical plug in strips are to be plugged into wall receptacles
and not into each other or extension cords.
Extension cords are to be used for temporary power only.
All employee provided appliances (fans, coffee makers, lights,
etc.) must comply with campus standards.
FIRE SAFETY INSTRUCTION
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Storage of material must not present an overhead hazard.
When leaving for the day (or in an emergency) the area supervisor shall turn
off all appliances and lights and close/lock the door.
Faculty members should instruct each class on the appropriate
evacuation routes for the room in which their class is being held.
NO ONE will be asked or be required to place themselves in harms way.
IF IT IS DANGEROUS TO YOU – LEAVE!
Provisions must be made to assist physically challenged individuals.
In the event of an emergency, students are expected to comply with all
directions given by college personnel in order to effect a safe and
orderly evacuation.
Smoking is prohibited in all College vehicles. No Smoking when fueling
vehicles/equipment.
College Policies
Smoking Policy
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The college promotes a smoke-free environment, and smoking is permitted only in
outdoor areas of the campus not within 25 feet of a building. No smoking is
allowed in any building on campus. This includes private offices, residence hall
rooms and public buildings.
Cooking Policy
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Students may not cook in their residence hall rooms, except with an approved
microwave.
Hazardous Materials Policy
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Students may not have hazardous electrical appliances with open heating
elements, halogen lamps, cooking appliances, decorative lights, concealed
extension cords or multiple outlet adapters. Multiple strip outlets (fused with at
least 14 gauge wire, grounded cord) are allowed when needed to power electronic
devices. UL approved coffee makers are allowed.
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Spark producing items such as candles, incense burners, oil burning lamps and
lanterns are prohibited in residence hall rooms and apartments. Students may not
possess or set off firecrackers, fireworks, or any explosive materials.
INTERRUPTION OF FIRE ALARMS
 No one may shut off any fire protection or
alarm system during a fire emergency
incident without the permission of the fire
department officer in charge.
 No person may shut off any fire protection
or alarm system during a bomb threat
emergency without the permission of the
DPS officer in charge.
 Any person desiring to interrupt service to
any fire protection or alarm system must
obtain permission from Facilities personnel
and Public Safety.
Fire Fighting in Pesticide Storage Areas
Fires in pesticide storage areas can be very
dangerous because of the hazards of poisons
combined with fire.
 Do not attempt to extinguish a fire in a
pesticide storage area unless you have
received special training.
 Leave the area immediately and call 911.
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Policy Statement
All members of the College community, including faculty, staff, and students, as well as visitors to
Dickinson College, are prohibited from possessing firearms, explosives or weapons (hereafter collectively
referred to as “weapons”) on the premises of the College or in any building under College control or at
any College–sponsored event without the explicit authorization of Dickinson College, whether or not a
federal or state license to possess the same has been issued to the possessor.
Policy/Procedures
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It is prohibited to possess weapons on property owned or controlled by Dickinson College or at any
College-sponsored event without the explicit authorization of the College, whether or not a federal or
state license to possess the same has been issued to the possessor. The only exceptions to this policy are
as follows:
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Commissioned law enforcement officers to the extent they are legally permitted to possess weapons in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Carlisle Borough;
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Persons in the military in performance of their official duties to the extent they are legally permitted to
possess weapons in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Carlisle Borough; and
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Faculty or staff legally permitted to possess weapons in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Carlisle
Borough, may do so on College property only to the extent that such possession in necessary as part of
an academic or research activity. Such use must have received prior written approval by the Chief,
Department of Public Safety.
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College sanctioned groups or events where a particular weapon(s) is a required part of the curriculum or
activity, i.e. martial arts classes/clubs; fencing classes/clubs; theatrical events, etc. Such use must have
received prior written approval by the Chief, Department of Public Safety.
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Anyone possessing a weapon other than those in the exception categories will be asked to remove them
from the campus or event immediately. They may also be subject to arrest and/or disciplinary action as
discussed below. Exceptions to this policy may be requested in writing to the Chief, Department of Public
Safety. The Chief will review the request with the Vice President for Campus Operations and General
Counsel. Only under the most unusual circumstance would an exception be granted. Questions about the
applicability of this policy to specific items may also be directed to the Chief, Department of Public Safety.
Any student, faculty or staff member violating this policy shall be subject to the disciplinary policies and
procedures applicable to students, faculty or staff. Additionally, possession of unlicensed firearms or
weapons may lead to criminal prosecution by the appropriate jurisdiction.
Complete language for this policy is posted on the Public Safety web page.
If you receive a bomb threat (via the telephone)
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Stay calm and keep your voice calm
Pay close attention to details. Talk to the caller to obtain as much information as possible
Take notes. Ask questions:
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Pay attention to the caller’s:
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Speech patterns (accent, tone)
Emotional state (angry, agitated, calm, etc.)
Background noise (traffic, people talking and accents, music and type, etc.)
Age and gender
Write down other data:
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When will the bomb explode?
Where is it right now?
What does it look like?
What kind of bomb is it?
Where did you leave it?
Did you place the bomb?
Who is the target?
Why did you plant it?
What is your address?
What is your name?
Date and time of call
How threat was received (letter, note, telephone)
Call DPS and submit your notes from the telephone call or the bomb threat letter or note
to DPS
Follow DPS instructions
A suspicious-looking box, package, object
or container in or near your work area
could be a bomb or explosive material.
 Do not handle or touch the object.
 Move to a safe area and call Public Safety
immediately at 245-1111 or 1111.
 Use a telephone in a safe area. Do not
operate any power switch, and do not
activate the fire alarm.
If you are told by emergency responders to
evacuate the building:
 Walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and
advise others to do the same.
 Move well away from the building and follow
instructions from emergency responders.
 Use stairs only. Do not use elevators.
 Assist those with disabilities in exiting the
building!
 Tell emergency respondesr if you notice an
unfamiliar item in your work area.
 Take personal belongings when you leave
 Leave doors and windows open; do not turn
light switches on or off
If There Is An Explosion
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When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when you are
told by College officials to leave, move well away from the site
of the hazard to a safe location
Once outside, move to a clear area that is 500 feet or more
away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways
clear for emergency vehicles and crews. Report to your
Emergency Assembly Area as soon as possible.
If you cannot evacuate safely, take cover under a table, desk, or
other object that will give protection against falling glass or
debris
Do not light matches
A Command Post may be set up near the disaster site. Keep
clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.
Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so
by a College official.
Most campus demonstrations are peaceful and people not
involved should attempt to carry on business as usual. Avoid
provoking or obstructing demonstrators. Should a disturbance
occur, call the Department of Public Safety at extension 1111, or
at 717-245-1349.
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As a private institution, demonstrations involving nonCollege members are prohibited.
If a disturbance seems to threaten the occupants of the
building, report it immediately and take the following actions:
Alert all persons in the area of the situation
Lock all doors and windows
Close blinds to prevent flying glass
If necessary to evacuate, follow directions from Public Safety
If evacuation occurs, meet at the location designated as your
building’s Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) and wait for
additional instructions and information.
ANGRY/BELLIGERENT/VIOLENT INDIVIDUALS
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Use the following steps when communicating with an angry or
potentially violent individual:
Be courteous and confident
Remain calm
Allow the opportunity for the person to express feelings and
concerns. Listen respectively and objectively.
Alert Public Safety or dial 9-1-1 if an imminent threat exists.
DO NOT:
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Corner or crowd the hostile individual
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Attempt to touch the individual
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Blame anyone
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"Blow off" the hostile individual
Sample Defusing Questions:
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How can I help you?
Tell me more about this.
What is your goal?
Further action may include:
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Keep at a safe distance
Move to a neutral location with more than one exit, if
possible
Leave door open and/or have another person join you
Alert counseling or advising staff who may help with the
person’s concern, maintaining professional confidences
Provide additional support services as indicated
Definition:
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Suspect(s) activity is immediately causing death or serious bodily injury.
The activity is not contained and there is immediate risk of death or
serious injury to potential victims.
Weapons confiscated by DPS
What should you do if you are involved in an active
shooter incident?
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In general, how you respond will depend on the
situation at hand
If you are involved, the most important thing is to
remain calm
If the shooter is outside your building:
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Go to a room that can be locked and secure the doors
and windows
Turn off all the lights
Get everyone on the ground, move away from the door,
make sure no one can be seen from outside the room
and remain very quiet
Call 911, explain the situation, give your location and
the number of people with you
Remain in the secure area until the room is entered by
police
If the shooter is inside your building:
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If the room you are in can be locked, secure the doors and
windows
Turn off all the lights
Get everyone on the ground, move away from the door, make
sure no one can be seen from outside the room and remain
very quiet
Call 911, explain the situation, give your location and the
number of people with you
Remain in the secure area until the room is entered by police
If the room you are in cannot be locked you
must determine if it safe to move to another
room nearby
If it safe to escape do so whenever possible
If the shooter enters your room:
If possible dial 911 and alert police, if you
can’t talk, leave the line open
 If you can’t hide or escape you have to
confront the shooter
 Attempting to negotiate with them is an
option. If that is not possible, attempting to
overpower them may be your last resort
 If you make the decision to overpower the
shooter, do not stop until this is completed
 If you gain control of the shooter, call police
as soon as possible
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When you are confronted by the police:
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Do not carry anything
Keep your hands over your head with your fingers
spread
Do exactly what the police ask and do not speak unless
you are asked questions
What to expect from police:
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They will be very focused so remain calm
They will point their guns at you. You are not in danger
if you follow their instructions.
They may go past you looking for the shooter and
bypass wounded people.
Do not attempt to follow them. Moving in the direction
that they came from will be your best avenue of
escape.