Introduction
This Emergency Response Reference is applicable to all campus personnel, facilities, and operations. The basis for this Response Reference is the Peninsula College Health and Safety Plan, which can be obtained from Campus Safety (6559) or Human Resources (6212).
Disasters are difficult to predict and may not provide adequate warning. Therefore, the importance of effective advanced planning to cope with natural disasters, fire, industrial accidents, mechanical failure, and bomb threats cannot be stressed too strongly.
Emergency Numbers
Medical/Fire/Police Emergency: CALL 911 from your cell, or Dial 9911 from Any Campus Phone
A free phone is available on campus at the Student Activities Desk in the Pirate Union Building (PUB)
Pay Phone locations: (911 from any pay phone is a FREE Call)
· North side of U building located on Northeast Side of Campus by Visitor Parking.
· Bus stop on Lauridsen Blvd.
Call Campus Safety (417-6559) immediately after placing 911 calls. Security will dispatch College staff to help with the emergency.
Other Important Contacts:
President’s office 417-6200
Vice President Administrative Services 417-6202
Vice President of Instruction 417-6246
Vice President Student Services 417-6225
Director of Auxiliary Services 417-6442
Director of Physical Plant 417-6553
Campus Switchboard 452-9277
School Information for 911 Dispatch:
Peninsula College
1502 East Lauridsen Boulevard
Major Cross Street: Ennis
Main Campus Phone Number: 452-9277
Medical Emergencies
Serious Injuries or Illness
1. Apply approved first-aid procedures (if you are trained)
2. Call 911 and Campus Safety at 417-6559
3. Stay on the line with the 911 emergency dispatcher until instructed by the dispatcher to hang up
4. Stay with the victim and ask someone to call security or support services to guide rescue and ambulance personnel to the scene
Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in a life threatening situation. Assess the person’s injuries and make them as comfortable as possible.
College employees should never attempt to transport a seriously injured or ill person in a personal or campus vehicle. Seriously injured or ill persons should only be transported from campus by emergency vehicle or other means arranged by the injured or ill person. Paramedics and ambulance should be requested if:
1. The victim is unresponsive,
2. There is massive bleeding,
3. The victim requests an ambulance.
Stay on the line with the 911 emergency dispatcher until you are instructed to hang up. Stay with the victim and ask someone to call Campus Safety to guide rescue and ambulance personnel to the scene.
Minor Injuries
· Minor injuries, not requiring emergency care, may be treated by first-aid certified personnel.
· If no first-aid trained individuals are available, call Campus Safety for assistance.
· First-aid kits are available in one or more locations in each building.
· Employees should familiarize themselves with locations of first-aid kits for their area.
Evacuation Procedures
Alarm Systems
The College has a Fire Alarm System. activated by smoke detectors or by pulling building alarm stations. Other emergency instructions may be given by Campus Safety.
Building Evacuation
1. Evacuate buildings when fire alarms sound and/or if directed to do so by Campus Safety or Physical Plant personnel. Move briskly with the traffic flow.
2. Remain calm. Do not panic. Leave the building by the nearest clear exit and ask others to do the same. Keep aisles and doors open for passage.
3. Assist persons with disabilities in exiting the building.
4. Check restrooms, elevators, and other isolated areas if time and situation permit.
5. Proceed to a clear area away from the affected building(s) and keep streets, fire lanes, fire hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
6. Return to building(s) only when declared safe to occupy.
7. Any door with an automatic closure must not be prevented from closing by means of stops or blockages. These doors are part of the firewalls and must be able to close to prevent or slow down the spread of fire from one area to another.
College Evacuation
Evacuation of all or part of the College grounds will be announced by the President or designee.
Inclement Weather
Peninsula College will be open on all scheduled work days unless, in the judgment of the College President, or in the President’s absence, a designated administrator, it is determined that maintaining the work schedule would constitute a real and present danger to the safety and welfare of the college employee, or conditions make it impossible to continue the regular work day (Board Policy 265).
The procedures outlined below are intended as prescribed guidelines to be followed during heavy snowfall or other inclement weather.
• Director of Physical Plant or designee will evaluate conditions. Director will contact necessary personnel or agencies to access and direct steps for solutions.
• President or designee will be made aware of all problems and informed of all actions throughout the adverse conditions. Problems or weather conditions which may require closure will be brought to the attention of the President or designee at the earliest possible time.
• Vice President for Instruction or designee will contact all Instructional Deans to start a phone tree to notify all personnel who need to be informed by means other than the media.
• Vice President for Administrative Services or designee will contact all Directors and lead persons to start a phone tree to notify all personnel who need to be informed by means other than the media.
• Public Information Director or designee will contact all Media or other information dissemination sources to inform them of the closure, the reason for the closure, and any other pertinent information.
• Director of Physical Plant or designee will contact the necessary person or agency to take care of any situation which could cause closure including:
· Snow or other inclement weather condition
· Bomb threat
· Power outage
· Natural disaster
Closure during school hours will require Administrative Staff to make personnel contacts throughout the campus. The Public Information Officer will be required to call all media and information sources.
Fire
1. Upon discovering a fire or smoke in a building, activate the building fire alarm. The fire alarm automatically notifies the fire department. Leave the building immediately.
2. After sounding the alarm, call Campus Safety 417-6559. Provide: Building Name/Number, Room Number, and Type of Incident.
3. After sounding the alarm, attempt to contain a small fire by utilizing available fire extinguisher if you are trained to do so.
If fire is beyond control or involves potentially explosive materials, evacuate the building.
4. When the fire alarm sounds, complete evacuation is required.
· Walk; do not run, to the nearest exit.
· All personnel assemble in a predesignated area for roll call.
· Treat all fire alarms as a “REAL” fire.
· Leave the building and move away from it, leaving walks and drives open for fire fighters.
5. The alarm may not sound continuously. If the alarm stops, continue the evacuation and warn others who may attempt to enter the building after the alarm stops.
6. Campus Safety will meet the fire department. Notify Campus Safety or fire fighters on the scene if you suspect someone may be trapped inside the building.
7. Everyone must follow the orders of the fire and police departments when they arrive. Do not return to the building until directed to do so by police, fire, or Campus Safety.
Chemical Spills/Gas Leaks
CHEMICAL SPILLS (immediate danger)
If a chemical spill takes place which, in the opinion of the person(s) responsible for such material, poses a threat to themselves or other building occupants, the following steps should be taken:
HAZARDOUS GAS LEAKS (flammable, toxic, corrosive, oxygen, cryogenic)
Suspected gas leaks or suspicious odors should be reported to Campus Safety so that appropriate departments can be notified and the source of the odor investigated.
If a gas cylinder or gas piping should begin leaking and they present any danger to building occupants, the following steps should be taken:
1. Sound the building fire alarm to begin building evacuation.
2. Call Campus Safety 417-6559
Provide Building name; number; room number type of incident; and name of specific gas involved , if known
3. Notify your supervisor/departmental administrative office.
4. Evacuate building to safe area, leaving access for emergency personnel.
Do not return to the building until instructed to do so.
Blood-borne Pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms, such as Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), that are present in human blood and may cause disease in humans.
Universal Precautions:
Exposure to blood-borne pathogens may occur by: skin, eyes, mucous membranes, or coming in contact with blood or body fluids.
Often, one of the more unfortunate results of emergencies/natural disasters is injured persons. First aid/spill clean-up procedures involving blood/body fluids can potentially put responders at risk to exposure to blood borne pathogens.
The following precautions will greatly reduce the risk of exposure during first aid or spill clean-up procedures.
Treat all blood and body fluids as if they are infectious.
1. Use barrier protection, such as latex gloves, CPR mask, goggles, face masks, etc., to prevent contact with blood and body fluids. Clean-up kits are available in the Physical Plant, the gymnasium, and cafeteria.
2. Use rigid, puncture proof, nonporous containers—referred to as “sharps” containers—for used needles, contaminated sharp medical/first aid instruments, and contaminated broken glass.
3. Wash hands after first aid or blood/body fluid cleanup procedures. Contact Campus Safety 417-6559 to facilitate the proper disposal of medical/first aid waste. Medical/first aid waste contaminated with blood/body fluids should be bagged separately and NOT placed in the regular trash.
4. Label contaminated sharps/medical/first aid waste containers with the word “BIOHAZARD” and/or the color red.
5. Contact your supervisor if you have been exposed to blood borne pathogens.
6. Call Campus Safety 417-6559 for the clean-up of blood/body fluids For any questions you may have regarding Blood-borne Pathogens or refer to the OSHA Blood-borne Pathogen Standard 29CFR 1910.1030.
Pre-Emergency Planning
At Work:
1. Know the location of fire extinguishers, telephones, exits, and fire alarm pull stations in your work area.
2. Survey your work area for potential hazards, such as overloaded or unsecured shelves/file drawers.
3. Move heavy objects from upper to lower shelves.
4. Call Campus Safety 417-6559 for suggestions/assistance in mitigating potential work hazards.
5. Facilitate contacting family members during an emergency by providing emergency numbers and contacts to supervisors and personnel.
At Home:
1. Create a “Family Emergency Plan.”
2. Establish an emergency contact number for family members so family members don’t worry unnecessarily. Out-of-state contact numbers are recommended by emergency planners as they are often easier to reach during a disaster.
3. Prepare a disaster supplies kit which includes water, nonperishable food supply, first aid kit, prescription medications, blankets, change of clothing, battery powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, fire extinguisher, water purification tablets, credit cards, cash, an extra set if keys, children’s supplies, etc.
4. Teach responsible family members to turn off utilities, such as water, electricity, water heaters, and gas.
5. Secure important family documents in waterproof, fireproof containers.
6. Plan home escape routes and/or safe locations in the home in which to take cover during an earthquake.
7. Plan a post-disaster family meeting place in case family members are separated.
Utility Failure
In case of utility failure, immediately call Campus Safety 417-6559
Be prepared to give:
1. Building name/number
2. Room number
3. Nature of problem
4. Person to contact or extension
During power failures, areas that do not have sufficient natural light to clearly see exit corridors or exit doors should be evacuated while emergency lights are on.
Do not enter buildings until power is restored. Emergency lighting is temporary and is not provided to continue normal building operations.
Safety/Security Issues
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
If you observe a crime in progress or behavior which you suspect is criminal, or if you are the victim of a crime on campus, call 911. (Dial 9911 from any campus phone)
DO NOT APPROACH OR ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND THE PERSON(S) INVOLVED.
Report as much information as possible including:
1. What the person(s) is/are doing
2. Where it is happening,
3. Physical and clothing description of those involved,
4. Whether weapons are involved; what type
5. Vehicle description and license number if appropriate,
6. Direction of travel when last seen.
· Stay on the telephone with the dispatcher and provide additional information as changes with the situation occur until the first police officer arrives at your location.
· Notify Campus Safety 417-6559
EMPLOYEE EMERGENCIES
When an employee is being threatened by another employee or a person is in danger of physical attack, the victim should attempt to use the following steps:
1. Inform the threatening person that the request cannot be carried out because of procedure, law, or other directives.
2. Direct them to contact the supervisor.
3. If the discussion rises to heated conflict, attempt to leave the workstation and /or tell the individual that you need to close the discussion.
4. Make attempts to contact your supervisor or administrators.
5. If needed, call Campus Safety 417-6559 and explain the problem/seek assistance.
6. If there is no answer or response, call police by dialing 911.
Explosions
Whether an explosion is the result of an accident, sabotage, or some other preceding disaster, we must be prepared to deal with the danger and property loss that can be expected as a consequence. The alternative to loss of life and property from an explosion is an aggressive program of prevention. Continuous awareness and caution are the best deterrents.
If an explosion occurs, these steps should be followed.
1. Call local police and fire departments – 911
2. Set up a command post and direct emergency procedures until police/fire units arrive.
3. Secure area. Coordinate/assist in further search. Follow all instructions from the fire and police departments. Be especially alert for electrical hazards and gas leaks.
4. Evacuate all survivors who can move on their own and have a Campus Safety Officer detain them for medical/police evacuation.
5. Begin an immediate search for injured and those who may have been trapped by the debris. Keep in mind there could be a second explosion.
Bomb Threats
NO BOMB THREAT IS TO BE IGNORED. TREAT EVERY BOMB THREAT AS A POTENTIAL DANGER TO HUMAN LIFE. CHECK AND DOCUMENT EVERY THREAT.
PROCEDURES:
If you receive a bomb threat , you should record as much information as possible using the form below.
· Record exact words of caller and exact date and time of call
· Listen intently for any voice or speech peculiarities and background noises.
· Be alert for repeated use of certain words or phrases.
· Pay close attention to how the caller talks.
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 all that apply)
Calm Slow Crying Slurred Stutter Deep Loud Broken Giggling Accent Angry Rapid Stressed Nasal Lisp Excited Disgusted Sincere Normal Squeaky
If the voice is familiar, whom did it sound like?
Were there any background noises?
Person receiving call
Remarks
Campus Safety will:
1. Contact Physical Plant and ask for assistance
2. Notify local police and fire departments
3. Maintain an air of calmness in order to avert panic
4. Be alert for unusual or suspicious persons, vehicles, or objects Ask persons who normally frequent the area to point out any such circumstances.
5. In evaluating the threat, Campus Safety will consider the following factors:
· Time and day of the week
· Building population and usage
· The actual nature and wording of the threat
· Any recent racial, religious, or labor problems in the area
· Receipt of any recent letters, telephone calls, or other evidence of a real/imagined grudge against some College department or member
6. Campus Safety will assist the local police and fire departments
If a device is found:
1. Do not touch the device in any way.
2. Evacuate and seal off the area using fire drill procedures
3. Call the police from a secure area(911) to alert them that a device has been found
4. Wait for a trained squad to examine and dispose of the device
5. Notify President’s Office and Public Information Office
Earthquakes
Western Washington is vulnerable to earthquakes. The major risk in the event of a strong earthquake is not the direct effect of the quake itself, but the result of PANIC and HYSTERIA. College staff members should take charge and give instructions in a firm, calm voice to reassure the nervous, thereby helping to prevent the possibility of hysteria or panic.
Preparing for an-Earthquake
Take action now to prepare for an emergency. Establish a work and home emergency plan of action.
During an Earthquake
During an earthquake, remain calm and quickly follow the steps outlined below.
Indoors
· People should be told not to run, to remain indoors, and to be alert for falling objects.
· Advise everyone to take positions against a weight-bearing wall or crawl under a desk or chair.
· Keep the head covered
· Stay away from windows, light fixtures, and suspended objects.
Experience has shown that the greatest point of danger is just outside the entrances and close to the outside walls of buildings.
Outdoors
· Move away from buildings. Avoid utility poles and overhead wires.
· If you are in an automobile, stop in the safest place available, away from power lines and trees.
· Stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle for the shelter it offers.
After the-Earthquake
· After the initial shock, evaluate the situation. If emergency help is necessary,
· Call Campus Safety 417-6559
· Protect yourself at all times and be prepared for aftershocks.
· Damaged facilities should be reported to Physical Plant (6553) and Campus Safety (417-6559).
· NOTE: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards. Please refer to the section on Utility Failures.
· ASSIST THE DISABLED IN EXITING THE BUILDING. REMAIN CALM.
· Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet from the affected building(s).
· Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
· Have a plan with your work group to have a meeting place outside the building and be sure to take roll.
· Report missing people to your supervisor, Campus Security and emergency personnel
· If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
· A campus emergency command post may be set up near the emergency site. This may be in the form of an office, a lobby, a van, or a recreational vehicle. Keep clear of the command post unless you have official business.
· DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING until instructed to do so. Re-entry to the building will be permitted only when the “ALL CLEAR” has been received by Campus Safety.
· Only authorized personnel will be allowed in buildings during inspection.
· All personnel assisting in the emergency will function under the supervision of Campus Safety, Physical Plant, or a designated representative of the President.