RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE

 

PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE MANUAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED:_____________________________

                        DR. JAMES B. MCNEER

                        PRESIDIENT

                        January 2006

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PURPOSE                                                                                                      3

 

DIRECTION AND COORDINATION                                                       6

 

EMERGENCY COMMAND POST                                                            7

 

CAMPUS EMERGENCY RESOURCE TEAM                                           8

 

RESPONSIBILITIES                                                                                    10

 

COLLEGE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM                                                      11

 

PROCEDURES                                                                                             12

 

EVACUATION PROCEDURES                                                                  14

 

CIVIL DISTURBANCE OR DEMONSTRATION                                   15

 

EXPLOSION                                                                                                 17

 

SEVERE WEATHER                                                                                    18

 

MEDICAL AND FIRST AID                                                                       19

 

CHEMICAL OR RADIATION SPILL                                                       20

 

BOMB THREAT                                                                                          21

 

VIOLENT OR CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR                                                   22

 

FIRE                                                                                                               23

 

UTILITY FAILURE                                                                                      24

 

MEDIA RELATIONS                                                                                  25

 

PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISIS                                                                        26

 


MAJOR EMERGENCY GUIDELINES

 

1.     PURPOSE

 

The basic emergency procedures outlines in this guide are to enhance the protection of lives and property through effective use of college and campus community resources.  Whenever an emergency affecting the campus reaches proportions THAT CANNOT BE HANDLED BY ROUTINE MEASURES, the President, or his designee may declare a state of emergency, and these contingency guidelines may be implemented.  There are two general types of emergencies that may result in the implementation of this plan.  These are (1) large-scale disorders, and (2) large-scale natural/man-made disasters.  Since an emergency may be sudden and without warning, these procedures are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate contingencies of various types or magnitude.

 

2.     SCOPE

 

These procedures apply to all personnel, buildings and grounds owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and operated by Richard Bland College.

 

3.     TYPES OF EMERGENCIES

 

1.     Fire

2.     Severe Weather

3.     Chemical Spill

4.     Explosion/Bomb

5.     Civil Disturbances or Demonstrations

6.     Utility Failure

7.     Violent or Criminal Behavior

8.     Medical and First Aid

9.     Media Relations

10. Psychological Crisis

 

In addition there are sections relating to the procedures for reporting all emergencies, building evacuations, and first aid instructions.

 

4.     DEFINITIONS OF AN EMERGENCY

 

The Dean of Administration and Finance serves as the overall Emergency Director during any major emergency or disaster.  The following definitions of an emergency are provided as guidelines to assist building and area coordinators in determining the appropriate response:

 

1.     MINOR EMERGENCY:  Any incident, potential or actual, which will not seriously affect the overall functional capacity of the College.  Report immediately to the Business Office at Extension 26200 (862-6200).

 

2.     MAJOR EMERGENCY:  Any incident, potential or actual, which affects an entire building or buildings, and which will disrupt the overall operation of the College.  Outside emergency services will probably be required, as well as major efforts from campus support services.  Major policy considerations and decisions will usually be required from the College Administration during times of crises.  Report to Dean of Administration and Finance at Extension 26213 (862-6200).

 

3.     DISASTER:  Any event or occurrence which has taken place and has seriously impaired or halted the operations of the College.  In some cases, mass personnel casualties and severe property damage may be sustained.  A coordinated effort of all campus wide resources is required to effectively control the situation.  Outside emergency services will be essential.  In all cases of disaster, an Emergency Control Center will be activated, and the appropriate support and operational plans will be executed.

 

In addition, any incident which has the potential for adverse publicity concerning campus resources should be promptly reported to the Dean of Administration and Finance or Security (during non-business hours).

 

5.     ASSUMPTIONS

 

The College Emergency Contingency Plan is predicated on a realistic approach to the problems likely to be encountered on a campus during a major emergency or disaster.  Hence, the following are general guidelines:

 

1.     An emergency or a disaster may occur at any time of the day or night, weekend or holiday, with little or no warning.

 

2.     The succession of events in an emergency is not predictable, hence, published support and operational plans will serve only as a guide and checklist, and may require field modification in order to meet the requirements of the emergency.

 

3.     Disasters may affect residents in the geographical location of the College; therefore, City, County and Federal emergency services may not be available.  A delay in off-campus emergency services may be expected.

 

4.     A major emergency may be declared if information indicates that such a condition is developing or is likely to occur.

 

6.     DECLARATION OF CAMPUS STATE OF EMERGENCY

 

The authority to declare a campus state of emergency rests with the College President or his designee as follows:

 

            During the period of any campus major emergency, the Dean of Administration and Finance as required shall place into immediate effect the appropriate procedures necessary to meet the emergency, safeguard persons and property, and maintain educational facilities.  The Dean of Administration and Finance shall immediately consult with the President regarding the emergency and the possible need for a declaration of a campus state of emergency.

 

            When this declaration is made, only registered students, faculty, staff and affiliates (i.e. persons required by employment) are authorized to be present on campus.  Unauthorized persons remaining on campus may be subject to arrest in accordance with the Penal Code.

 

            In addition, only those faculty and staff members who have been assigned emergency resource team duties or issued an emergency pass by the campus Safety Officer will be allowed to enter the immediate disaster site.

 

            In the event of earthquakes, after shocks, fires, storms, or any major disaster occurring in or about the campus, or which involves College property, Safety Committee members will be dispatched to determine the extent of any damage to college property.

 


DIRECTION AND COORDINATION

 

1.     EMERGENCY DIRECTOR

 

All emergency operations shall be directed by the President or his designee as listed below:

 

            The Dean of Administration and Finance

 

In the absence of the President or his designee, the Provost shall assume operational control of the emergency until relieved.

 

2.     EMERGENCY COORDINATOR

 

All emergency operations shall be coordinated by the Dean of Administration and Finance or delegated alternate.  The direct operational control of the campus major emergency or disaster is the sole responsibility of the College Emergency Coordinator or his designee.

 

 


EMERGENCY COMMAND POST

 

When a major emergency occurs, or appears eminent, it shall be the responsibility of the Dean of Administration and Finance or his designee to set up and staff an appropriate Emergency Command Post as directed.

 

1.     FIELD EMERGENCY COMMAND POST

 

            If the emergency involves only one building or a small part of the campus, a security/maintenance vehicle is to be placed as near the emergency scene as is reasonably possible.  At least one safety committee member is to staff the command post at all times or until the emergency ends.  A small office with a desk, chairs, and a telephone may also be required near the scene.

 

            Field Emergency Command Post Equipment to include:

 

a.     Barricades and barrier tape and signs for the scene.

b.     Portable two way radios.

c.      First Aid Kit.

 

2.     GENERAL EMERGENCY COMMAND POST

 

            If the emergency involves a large part of the campus, the Command Post is to be set up in the Administration Building Business Office.  If this site is unavailable, the Emergency Coordinator is to select an alternate site.  At least one member of the Safety Committee is to staff the Command Post at all times until the emergency situation ends.  An area for outside and local agency assistance shall be established by the Dean of Administration and Finance for operations of the combined on-site emergency resource team.  A conference room with facilities for emergency teams or media crews, and which is designed to accommodate multiple electrical appliances is desirable.

 


CAMPUS EMERGENCY RESOURCE TEAM

 

 

In addition to establishing an Emergency Command Post, the Dean of Administration and Finance shall immediately begin contacting all necessary members of the Campus Emergency Resource Team, which consists of the following personnel:

 

            Emergency Director:  President, Richard Bland College or his designee

 

            Emergency Coordinator:  Dean of Administration and Finance

 

            Damage Control:  Maintenance Supervisor and Grounds Supervisor and

                                          Housekeeping Supervisor

 

            Public Information:  President, Dean of Adminstration and Finance or

                                               designee

 

            Environmental Health and Compliance:  Safety Officer

 

Team members may coordinate as necessary with the Emergency Coordinator for implementation and coordination of the campus operational plan and support as it pertains to their areas.

 

Team members are to be kept  in constant communication with the Emergency Command Post.  General responsibilities of the team members are listed below:

 

1.     EMERGENCY DIRECTOR:  President, Richard Bland College or his designee.

 

a.     Is responsible for the overall direction of the College Emergency response.

b.     Works with the Dean of Administration and Finance and others in assessing the emergency and preparing the College’s specific response.

c.      Declares and terminates, when appropriate, the campus state of emergency as provided for in the Introduction of this manual.

d.     Notifies and conducts liaison activities with the College Administration, governmental agencies, Emergency Resource Team and others as necessary.

 

2.     EMERGENCY COORDINATOR:  Dean of Administration and Finance:

 

a.     The coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination of the College Emergency Response.

b.     Determines the type and magnitude of the emergency and establishes the appropriate emergency command post.

c.      Initiates immediate contact with the President and College Administration, and begins assessment of the College’s condition.

d.     Notifies and utilizes police and Safety Committee in order to maintain safety and order.

e.     Notifies the members of the Emergency Response Team, and advises them of the nature of the emergency.

f.       Notifies and conducts liaison activities with an appropriate outside organization such as fire, police, Office of Emergency Services.

g.     Insures that appropriate notification is made to off-campus staff when necessary.

h.     Performs other related duties as may be directed by virtue of the campus emergency.

i.       In conjunction with the Environmental Health and Compliance Officer, prepares and submits a report to the President appraising him of the final outcome of the emergency.

j.       Monitors campus emergency warning and evacuation systems.

k.     Provides traffic control, access control, perimeter and internal security patrols and fire prevention services as needed.

l.       Provides and equips an alternate site for the Emergency Control Post.

 

3.     PUBLIC INFORMATION:  Director of Advancement

 

a.     Establishes liaison with the news media for dissemination of information as requested by the President.

b.     Establishes liaison with local radio and TV services for the public announcements.

c.      Arranges for photographic and audio-visual services.

d.     Advises the President or designee of all news concerning the extent of the disaster affecting the campus.

e.     Prepares news releases for approval by the President and releases to media concerning the emergency.

 

 


RESPONSIBILITIES

 

 

1.     PRESIDENT

 

            The College President, or designated alternate as Campus Emergency Director, is responsible for the overall direction of campus emergency operations as outlined in the Emergency Response Team section of this guide.

 

2.     SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

 

            Safety Committee Members, acting as Building/Facility Coordinator for every activity under their control, have the following general responsibilities during an emergency:

           

a.     Inform all employees under their direction of the emergency conditions.

b.     Evaluate impact the emergency has on their activity and take appropriate action.  This may include ceasing operations and initiating building evacuation.

c.      Maintain emergency telephone communications with officials from their own activity (or from an alternate site if necessary).

 

3.     FACULTY AND SUPERVISORS

 

            Each faculty and staff supervisor has the responsibility to:

 

a.     Educate their students and/or employees concerning College emergency procedures as well as evacuation procedures for their building and/or activity.

b.     Inform their students and/or staff of an emergency and initiate emergency procedures as outlined in this Manual.

c.      Evaluate, survey and estimate their assigned building facility or activity in order to determine the impact a fire or severe weather could have on their facility.  Report all safety hazards to the Safety Committee.  Work orders to reduce hazards and to minimize accidents should be promptly submitted to the Dean of Administration and Finance.

d.     IMPORTANT:  Inform all students, staff and faculty to conform to building evacuation guidelines during any emergency and to report to designated campus assembly areas outside buildings where a head count may be taken.

 


COLLEGE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

 

The telephone is the primary means of emergency notification at Richard Bland College.  This system is intended for the immediate transmission of specific information regarding an emergency to all affected areas of the campus.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER ON DUTY:   

 

The Dean of Administration and Finance is the focal point for two way transmission of official emergency telephone communications to College administrators.  Each College administrator, upon receiving notification of a campus emergency, is to pass the same information along to those departments/offices under his direction.

 

The Dean of Administration and Finance or his designee will notify the Director of Maintenance of any campus emergency as necessary and will initiate the notification system by calling the College administrator as appropriate:

 

1.     President

2.     Provost

3.     Safety Officer

4.     Director of Advancement

 

IMPORTANT:  During an emergency, campus phones must be restricted to College official notification only.  In the absence of phone service, the Safety officer may provide runners for emergency notification (contingent on available personnel).

 


EMERGENCY PROCEDURES GUIDE

 

CAMPUS EMERGENCY GUIDELINES:

 

This section contains the recommended procedures to be followed during specific types of emergencies.  The procedures should always be followed in sequence, unless conditions dictate otherwise.

 

SPECIFIC EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

 

            Reporting Emergencies

            Building Evacuation

            Civil Disturbance or Demonstrations

            Explosion

            Severe Weather

            Medical and First Aid

            Chemical or Radiation Spill

            Bomb Threat

            Fire

            Violent or Criminal Behavior

            Utility Failure

            Media Relations

            Psychological Crisis


REPORTING EMERGENCIES

 

CAMPUS EMERGENCY SERVICE---FROM CAMPUS PHONE          9-911

 

CAMPUS EMERGENCY SERVICE—PAY PHONE                                   911

 

ONCE THE CALL HAS BEEN MADE, PLEASE REPORT THE SITUATION IMMEDIATELY TO THE COLLEGE BUSINESS OFFICE, EXTENSION 26213.

 

WHEN CALLING, STAY CALM AND CAREFULLY EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM AND LOCATION TO THE DEAN OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE.  DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO.

 

YOU MAY CONTACT THE COLLEGE BUSINESS OFFICE, 26200, IF YOU NEED SECURITY OR OTHER NON-EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.

 

 

IMPORTANT:  After any evacuation, report to your designated assembly point.  Stay there until an accurate headcount is taken.  The Building Safety Committee Member will take attendance and assist in accounting for all building occupants.

 


EVACUATION PROCEDURES

 

1.     BUILDING EVACUATION

 

a.     All building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds and/or upon notification by Safety Committee.

b.     When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.

c.      Assist the handicapped in exiting the building.  Remember, elevators are reserved for handicapped persons.  DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASES OF FIRE AND/OR SEVERE WEATHER.