Emergency Procedures

The #1 priority is to GET YOURSELF OUT OF HARM’S WAY.

AVOID, DENY, or DEFEND

BE PREPARED

AVOID starts with your state of mind

• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Have an exit plan.
• Move away from the source of the threat as quickly as possible.
• The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better.

DENY when getting away is difficult or maybe impossible

• Keep a distance between you and the source.
• Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you.
• Turn the lights off.
• Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects and silencing your phone.

DEFEND because you have the right to protect yourself

• If you cannot Avoid or Deny, be prepared to defend yourself.
• Be aggressive and committed to your actions.
• Do not fight fairly.
• THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL.

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in the bloodstream. They can cause many diseases such as AIDS, Hepatitis, Syphilis, and more. Bloodborne Pathogens have been found in many bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, vomit, breast milk, saliva, urine, and tears.

Helping the Injured or Sick

• Assume ALL bodily fluids are infectious and avoid contact with these fluids.
• Upon the discovery or notification of blood, vomit, or other bodily fluid contamination, isolate the area.
• Contact Campus Police and a trained individual with proper personal protection equipment will be requested to clean the contaminated area.

Use "Universal Precautions" when you are exposed to blood or other bodily fluids by taking necessary protective measures. It is extremely important to use personal protective equipment to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens. If a person is injured or sick, immediately contact Campus Police. Comfort the person but avoid contact with blood and other bodily fluids.

If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus, DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT! Clear the area immediately and call Campus Police.

1. Any person receiving a telephone call bomb threat should follow the bomb threat guide to obtain as much information as possible. Print the guide and keep near a telephone for easy access. It is understandable that all questions may not be answered but try to obtain as much information as possible.
2. The Campus Police Department, in conjunction with others, will conduct a detailed bomb search. Employees are requested to make a cursory inspection of their area for suspicious objects and to report the location to Campus Police. DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT! Do not open drawers, cabinets, or turn lights on or off.
3. Upon notification of a bomb threat, notify Campus Police and walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
4. Guide students. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. USE STAIRWAYS.
5. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected buildings(s). Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
6. If requested, assist emergency crews, as necessary.

Disruptive behavior can include any of the following: Verbal Abuse, Physical Abuse or Threats, Willful Damage to Personal or College Property, Use of Drugs and Alcohol on College Premises, Harassment, or Disruption of a Classroom, Administrative Office, or Campus Activity.

Inform the Individual:

• Of the appropriate standard of behavior.
• That the behavior will not be tolerated.
• That they will be reported to the appropriate office if the behavior continues.
• To leave the area.
• If dealing with a student, refer them to the Vice President for Student Services.
• If dealing with an employee, refer them to the Office of Human Resources.

Incidents of disruptive behavior are to be reported so that the College can monitor and utilize appropriate intervention to minimize the occurrences of disruptive behavior. Be specific and concise. Verbal reports must be followed up in writing.

• Drop and take cover under a strong, sturdy object.
• Cover your head with your hands.
• Hold on to whatever you might be underneath. If it moves, you will want to move with it.
• Seek other support if you cannot find protection under something sturdy. Get next to an interior wall and make yourself as small as possible, covering your head to protect yourself while the shaking continues.
• IF OUTDOORS - move quickly away from buildings, utility poles, and other structures.
• If emergency help is necessary or there is damage to a building, call the Campus Police Department.
• Protect yourself at all times and be prepared for aftershocks.
• Evacuate damaged buildings, keeping streets, fire lanes, fire hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency responders.

• Become familiar with your surroundings.
• Remain calm. Follow emergency guidelines and directions given by emergency personnel.
• If an alarm is activated, go to the nearest stairwell, or exit door and leave the building immediately.
• Once outside, proceed to a clear area that is at least 200 feet away from the affected building(s). Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
• DO NOT re-enter the building unless directed to by emergency response personnel.

• If fire or smoke is detected, notify Campus Police immediately.
• Go to the closest stairwell or exit door (close all doors behind you) and leave the building immediately.
• Pull the fire alarm as you leave the building.
• Do Not Use the elevators.
• Proceed to an area at least 500 feet away from the building. Do not block roadways.
• DO NOT re-enter the building unless directed to by emergency response personnel.

Evacuate the building and notify Campus Police.

Each laboratory and shop area shall have a spill kit. Small chemical spills must be contained and cleaned up immediately.

All flames should be extinguished if able and spark-producing equipment turned off if capable; activate the fire alarm via the fire alarm pull station. Campus Police will take steps to ensure that the spill site is contained and does not spread any further if able to do so safely.

Do not re-enter the building until the fire department, Environmental Health and Safety or Campus Police ensures that the atmosphere is breathable and nonflammable/ignitable.

Personal Injury: Have someone call Campus Police and retrieve the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for Emergency Medical Services responders.

If a hazardous material has spilled on you, get to an emergency eye wash/shower immediately. If the material is only on the face or eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes or until Emergency Medical Services arrives. If the material is on the body, remove ALL clothing and drench the body for 15 minutes or until Emergency Medical Services arrives. Follow guidelines on the MSDS for all first aid treatment of chemical exposures.

Compressed Gas: In case of a gas leak or fire; evacuate the room/building and call Campus Police.

Do not re-enter the area until the Fire Department or Campus Police ensure that the atmosphere is breathable and non-flammable.

• Anyone taken hostage is encouraged to remain calm, avoid emotional displays, cooperate with the hostage taker, do not volunteer information but answer questions. Keep a low profile, get rid of personal effects and symbols of authority if possible; never argue, lie, confront, or provoke your abductor. Do not try to take negotiations in your own hands and follow the instructions of law enforcement officers.
• When a hostage situation is discovered, the person who can safely make the call will notify the Campus Police Department.
  • Be patient; time is on your side.
  • Follow instructions and be alert.
  • Do not speak unless spoken to.
  • Be observant.
  • Be prepared to answer the police on the phone.
  • If medications, first aid or restroom privileges are needed by anyone say so.
• If the hostage taker makes demands, no one should negotiate with him but indicate that someone who can talk to him about those demands is coming.

Life-Threatening Illness or Injury - Dial 911.

1. Answer all questions and do not hang up until told to do so.
2. Notify Campus Police of any situation that may require CPR procedure or AED use.
3. AEDs are available for use by appropriately trained personnel. AEDs are located in cabinets clearly labeled as AED units.

Injury/Illness Reporting Requirements

• Students who suffer an injury should immediately report the injury or illness to their instructor. The instructor and/or student should contact Campus Police for assistance.
• Visitors/Guests of Vol State who suffer from an injury on campus, should immediately report the injury to Campus Police.

Call Campus Police if you feel threatened.

• Project Calmness: Move and speak slowly, quietly, yet confidently.
• Be respectful.
• Be an empathetic listener, encourage the person to talk and listen carefully and patiently (this can be hard when a person is ranting). Focus your attention on the person.
• Sit close to the door, do not get right in front of the person, and maintain a relaxed posture.
• Acknowledge the person’s feelings.
• Use delaying tactics to help the person calm down. (Offer a drink of water in a paper cup). If they respond positively, use this time to call Campus Police.
• Be reassuring and point out choices.

Do not:

• Be cold or apathetic.
• Reject all demands from the start.
• Try to avoid physical contact, finger-pointing, staring, and/or invading the person’s space.

• Close and lock the classroom and other doors.
• In case of an active shooter, consider evacuating to a safe area if the shooter is near your location and you can safely leave.
• Close windows and blinds/curtains, if applicable.
• Remain quiet and do not leave the room.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Individuals in hallways should seek shelter in the nearest classroom or office.
• Individuals outdoors should immediately take cover at a safe location.

If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately in the building where you are currently located.

The safest areas within a building are:

• The lowest floor available.
• Away from glass and other loose items that could become projectiles.
• Near interior walls, and as far away from exterior walls as possible.

DO NOT pull the fire alarms, as this may lead people outside rather than keeping them in a safer, indoor environment.

TERMS TO KNOW

Tornado Watch: issued to alert the possibility of tornado development in a specific area for a specific time. It is not necessary to interrupt the normal operations during a tornado watch.

Tornado Warning: issued when a tornado has actually been sighted in the area or indicated by radar. Warnings will indicate the location of the tornado, the time of detection, the area through which it is expected to move, and the time period during which the tornado will move through the affected area. When a warning issued, the individuals should take immediate safety precautions.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

If you have a disability you should notify your instructor in each of your classes or your supervisor that you will require assistance in case of an emergency. Instructors or supervisors must notify emergency response personnel, either police or fire department, of any persons with disabilities in their classes or areas of responsibilities.

Computer Systems
System Down
Contact: Information Technology, Ext. 4357

Electrical Power, Emergency Generators Work
Many Lights are out in 
Contact: Plant Operations, Ext. 3605

Elevator Stopped Unexpectedly
Elevator Alarm Bell Sounding; Elevator stops between floors
Contact: Simply pick up telephone or press the help button which will automatically call for assistance.

Fire Alarm System
No Fire Alarms or Sprinklers
Contact: Plant Operations, Ext. 3605

Natural Gas Failure or Leak
Odor, No flames on burners, etc.
Contact: Campus Police *Dial site specific extension for Campus Police.

Sewer Stoppage
Drains Backing Up
Contact: Plant Operations, Ext. 3605

Telephones
No Phone Service
Contact: Information Technology, Ext. 4357

Water
Sinks and Toilets Inoperative
Contact: Plant Operations, Ext. 3605

Ventilation
No Ventilation, No Heating or Cooling
Contact: Plant Operations, Ext. 3605