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.

d.     Once outside, proceed to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep streets, firelanes, hydrant areas and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.  Know your assembly points.

e.     DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a College official.

 

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

 

2.     CAMPUS EVACUATION

 

a.     Evacuation of all or part of the campus grounds will be announced by the Dean of Administration and Finance as described.

b.     All persons (student, faculty and staff) are to immediately vacate the site in question and relocate to another part of campus grounds as directed.

 

The Following are Campus Buildings and their Evacuation locations.

       (Buildings)                                                     (Locations)

(Statesman Hall & Student Center)                            ( Football Field)

(Ernst Hall)                                                      ( Entrance to Parking Lot next to

                                                                            Johnson Road)

(H&SS & Maze Hall )                            ( Pecan Grove in Front of Deans Residence)

(Center For Student Affairs)                ( Pecan Grove in Front of Deans Residence)

Directions for the second evacuation locations or campus evacuation will be given at the above locations.

 

 

 


CIVIL DISTURBANCE OR DEMONSTRATION

 

Most campus demonstrations such as marches, meetings, picketing and rallies will be peaceful and non-obstructive.  A student demonstration should not be disrupted unless one or more of the following conditions exists:

 

1.     INTERFERENCE with the normal operations of the College.

2.     PREVENTION of access to office, buildings or other College facilities.

3.     THREAT of physical harm to persons or damage to College facilities.

 

If any of these conditions exist, the Dean of Administration and Finance should be notified and will be responsible for contacting the President.  Depending on the nature of the demonstration, the appropriate procedures listed below should be followed:

 

1.     PEACEFUL, NON-OBSTRUCTIVE DEMONSTRATION

 

a.  Generally, demonstrations of this kind should not be interrupted.  Demonstrations should not be obstructed or provoked and efforts should be made to conduct College business as normally as possible.

 

b.   If demonstrators are asked to leave but refuse to leave by regular facility closing time, arrangements will be made by the Dean of Administration and Finance to monitor the situation during non-business hours, or determination will be made to treat the violation of regular closing hours as a disruptive demonstration.

 

2.     NON-VIOLENT, DISRPUTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

 

In the event that a demonstration blocks access to College facilities or interferes with the operation of the College:

 

a.     Demonstrators will be asked to terminate the disruptive activity by the Dean of Administration and Finance or his designee.

b.     The Dean of Administration and Finance will consider having a photographer available.

c.      Key College personnel and student leaders will be asked by the Dean of Administration and Finance to go to the area and persuade the demonstrators to desist.

d.     The Dean of Administration and Finance or his designee will go to the area and ask the demonstrators to leave or to discontinue the disruptive activities.

e.     If the demonstrators persist in the disruptive activity, they will be apprised that failure to discontinue the specified action within a determined length of time may result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion or possible intervention by civil authorities.  Except in extreme emergencies, the President will be consulted before such disciplinary actions are taken.

f.       Efforts should be made to secure positive identification of demonstrators in violation to facilitate later testimony, including photographs if deemed advisable.

g.     After consultation with the President, the need for an injunction and intervention of civil authorities will be determined.

h.     If determination is made to seek the intervention of civil authorities, the demonstrators should be so informed.  Upon arrival of the State Police, the remaining demonstrators will be warned of the intention of arrest.

 

3.     VIOLENT, DISRUPTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

 

In the event that a violent demonstration in which injury to persons or property occurs or appears eminent, the President and the Dean of Administration and Finance will be notified.

 

a.     During Business Hours

 

1.     Dean of Administration and Finance will contact State Police.

2.     If advisable, the Dean of Administration and Finance will alert the President, who will then call a photographer to report to an advantageous location for photographing the demonstrators.

3.     The President, in consultation with the Dean of Administration and Finance, will determine the possible need for an injunction.

 

b.     After Business Hours

 

1.     Security should be immediately notified of the disturbance or call 911.

2.     Security will investigate and notify the Dean of Administration and Finance.

3.     The Dean of Administration will:

a.     Report to the President

b.     Notify key administrators

c.      Arrange for a photographer

d.     If necessary, call the State Police

 

Note:  The Dean of Administration and Finance reserves the right to call for police assistance without counsel from others if it is deemed to be of paramount importance to the safety of persons involved.

 


EXPLOSION

 

In the event an explosion occurs on campus, take the following action:

 

1.     Immediately take cover under tables, desks, and other objects which will give protection against falling glass or debris.

2.     After the effects of the explosion and/or fire have subsided, call 911.  Give your name and describe the location and nature of the emergency.  Then call the College business office at 26213.

3.     If necessary, when directed to do so, activate the building alarm. 

4.     When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by College officials, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.  Take all personal belongings with you.

5.     Assist the handicapped in exiting the building.  Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped persons.  Do not use elevators in case of fire.  Do not Panic.

6.     Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.  Know your assembly points.

7.     If REQUESTED, assist Emergency crews as necessary.

8.     A Campus Emergency Command Post may be set up near the disaster site.  Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.

9.     DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO BY A COLLEGE OFFICIAL.

 


SEVERE WEATHER

 

During severe weather, remain calm and quickly follow the steps outlined below:

 

1.     IN DOORS seek refuge in the inner portion of your building.  Stay away from glass windows, shelves, heavy equipment.

2.     OUTDOORS move quickly away from utility poles and other structures.  Caution: Always avoid power or utility lines as they may be energized.  Know your assembly points.

3.     If in an automobile, stop in the safest place available, preferably away from power lines and trees.  Stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle for the shelter it offers.

4.     After the severe weather has subsided, evaluate the situation and if emergency help is necessary, call 911.  Protect yourself at all times and be prepared for additional severe weather.

5.     Damaged facilities should be reported to the Business Office.  NOTE:  Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards.  Please refer to the section on Utility Failure.

6.     If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm and report the emergency by phone.

7.     When the building evacuation alarm is sounded, walk to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.

8.     Assist the handicapped in exiting the building.  Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped persons.  Do not use elevators in case of fire.  Do not panic.

9.     Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep streets, firelanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.

10. IF REQUESTED, assist Emergency crews as necessary.

11. A Campus Emergency Command Post may be set up near the emergency site.  Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.

 


MEDICAL AND FIRST AID

 

1.     If serious injury or illness occurs on campus, immediately dial 9-911.  Give your name, describe the nature and severity of the medical problem and the campus location of the victim.  Then call the Business Office at 26213 and report the injury or illness.

2.     In case of minor injury or illness, call the College Business Office, extension 62613 and request assistance.

3.     In case of serious injury or illness, only Red Cross trained personnel should provide first aid treatment, following the steps listed below:

 

a.     Keep the victim still and comfortable.  DO NOT MOVE THE VICTIM.

b.     Ask victim, “Are you OK?” and “What’s wrong?”.

c.      Check breathing and give artificial respiration if necessary.

d.     Control serious bleeding by direct pressure on the wound.

e.     Continue to assist the victim until help arrives.

f.       Look for emergency medical I.D., question witness (es) and give all information to paramedics.

 


CHEMICAL OR RADIATION SPILL

 

1.     Any spillage of a hazardous chemical or radioactive material is to be reported immediately to the Business Office at extension 26213.

2.     When reporting, be specific about the nature of the involved material and exact location.  Business Office will contact the necessary specialized authorities and medical personnel.

3.     The key person on site should vacate the affected area at once and seal it off to prevent further contamination of other areas until the arrival of safety personnel.

4.     Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill is to avoid contact with others as much as possible.  Remain in the vicinity and give their names to safety personnel.  Required first aid and cleanup by specialized authorities should be started at once.

5.     If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm.

6.     When the building evacuation alarm is sounded, an emergency exists.  Walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.

7.     Assist the handicapped in exiting the building.  Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped use.  Do not use elevators in case of fire.  Do not panic.

8.     Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building(s).  Keep streets, firelanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.

9.     IF REQUESTED, assist Emergency crews as necessary.

10. A Campus Emergency Command Post may be set up near the emergency site.  Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.

11. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a College official.

 


BOMB THREAT

 

If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus, DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT.  Clear the area and immediately call the College Business Office at 26213.

 

Any person receiving a phone call bomb threat should:

 

1.     Immediately after receiving the anonymous or threatening call, press and release the receiver (switch hook) or flash button.

2.     When you get a dial tone, press *97 on your touch tone phone.

3.     Listen for the confirmation announcement and hang up.  It will let you know if the trace was successful.

4.     Call the College Business Office at 26213 to report the incident.  The Business Office will need to know the phone number to which the call came, and the date and time that the Call Trace was activated.

5.     Bomb threat:  Once you have followed the above steps, pull the nearest fire alarm and evacuate the building.  Take all personal belongings and close doors as you leave.  Alert others as you leave.

6.     After being notified of the BOMB THREAT call, the College Business Office shall place a RADIO TRANSMISSION OF CODE 20 which will start the BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES. The College Business Office should contact the VIRGINIA STATE POLICE  at once, giving them the information that they request.

 

*Alternative instructions to be implemented only by instruction from the Dean of Administration & Finance or the President.

 

       The following Buildings will be searched and cleared by the VIRGINIA STATE

                                                                                                                POLICE                         

Maze Hall

    Humanities and Social Sciences

Student Center/Library

Ernst Hall

Gymnasium

Art Building

Truck Shed

Barn Theatre

Maintenance Building

Student Affairs

 

DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUTED BUILDING UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO BY THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE NO EXCEPTION


VIOLENT OR CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

 

Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations and promptly reporting them.

 

If you are a victim or a witness to any on-campus offense, promptly notify the College Business Office at extension 26213 or call 911.  Report the following:

 

1.     Nature of the incident

2.     Location of the incident

3.     Description of the person(s) involved

4.     Description of property involved

 

If you observe a criminal act or suspicious person on campus, immediately notify Security or the College Business Office and report the incident.

 

Assist the officer when he arrives by supplying him with all information and ask others to cooperate.

 

Should gunfire or discharged explosives occur on the campus, you should take cover immediately using all available concealment. 

 


FIRE

 

1.     Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits and alarm systems in your area and know how to use them.

2.     If a minor fire appears controllable promptly direct the charge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the fire.  IMMEDIATELY contact the Business Office or Security.

3.     If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm, and report the emergency to the Business Office.

4.     On large fires that do not appear controllable, IMMEDIATELY DIAL 9-911; then notify the College Business Office.  Evacuate all rooms, closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen.  DO NOT LOCK DOORS. 

5.     When the building evacuation alarm sounds, take personal belongings.  Walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.

6.     Assist the handicapped in exiting the building.  Do not use elevators during a fire.  Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.

7.     Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.

8.     IF REQUESTED, assist Emergency crews as necessary.

9.     A Campus Emergency Command Post may be set up near the emergency site.  Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.

10. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a College official

 

NOTE:  if you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing outside the window as a marker for the rescue crews.  If there is no window, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.  Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location.  Do not Panic!

 


UTILITY FAILURE

 

In the event of a major utility failure occurring during regular working hours (8AM through 5PM, Monday through Friday), immediately notify the Business Office at 26213.  If there is potential danger to building occupants, or if the utility failure occurs after hours, weekends or holidays, notify Campus Security.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

 

Always observe above procedures whenever the following utility emergencies arise:

 

ELECTRICAL/LIGHT FAILURE:

 

At present, the campus has installed Emergency Lighting that should provide sufficient lighting to exit buildings.  However, it is suggested that you have a flashlight available for emergencies.

 

ELEVATOR FAILURE:

 

If you are trapped in the elevator, use the emergency phone to report your emergency.

 

PLUMBING FAILURE/FLOODING:

 

Cease using all electrical equipment.  Notify the Business Office at extention 26213.  If necessary, vacate the area.

 

GAS LEAK:

 

Cease all operations.  DO NOT SWITCH ON LIGHTS OR ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.  Remember, electrical arcing can trigger an explosion.  Notify the Business Office at extension 26213.

 

VENTILATION PROBLEM:

 

If smoke odors come from the ventilation system, immediately notify the Business Office at extension 26213 and if necessary, cease all operations and vacate the area.


MEDIA RELATIONS

 

CALL THE DEAN OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE.

 

The College has two basic guidelines to observe in crisis situations:

 

1.     Only authorized spokespersons will meet or talk with the media.

2.     Only factual information is released; no speculation is to be offered.

 

OTHER GUIDELINES:

 

1.     All executive and supervisory personnel are notified to report emergencies to the President and to the spokesperson.  They should also be reminded not to speak to outsiders, especially the media, on behalf of the College.

2.     The President and other top administrators and the Director of Advancement are informed immediately of existing emergencies.  Complete details are made available to them, including what it is, how it began, who is involved, what is happening now and what help has been called for.

3.     The President and Director of Advancement and any other person involved shall confer and decide on the appropriate action.

4.     All calls from the media are referred directly to the President or the Director of Advancement.

 


PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISIS

 

A psychological crisis exists when an individual is threatening harm to himself/herself or to others, or is out of touch with reality due to severe drug reactions or a psychotic break.  A psychotic break may be manifested by hallucinations or uncontrollable behavior.

 

If a psychological crisis occurs:

 

1.     Never try to handle a situation you feel is personally dangerous.

2.     Notify the Business Office of the situation.  Clearly state that you need immediate assistance, give your name, your location and the area involved.

3.     In extreme emergencies, call 911.

 


2006-2007 SAFETY COMMITTEE

 

 

Dr. Mary Gurnick                                                                  Ernst Hall

 

Dr. Timothy Evans                                                                 Humanities/Soc. Sciences

 

Mr. Steve Jenkins                                                                 Maintenance

 

Ms. Karen O’Daire                                                               Student Affairs Building

 

Ms. Amy Shay                                                                       Student Center

 

Mr. David Majewski                                                             Div. Chairman

 

Mr. Steve Martin                                                                  Div. Chairman

 

Mr. Cham Pritchard                                                               Statesman Hall

 

Mr. Ralph Ketcham                                                               Chair

 

Mr. Bill Wamsley                                                                  Grounds

 

Ms. Karen Peffer                                                                   Maze Hall

 

Dr. Russell Whitaker                                                            Ex-Officio