6.1     INTRODUCTION

It is the responsibility of all University administrators, department chairs, supervisors, and faculty, to be aware of and to follow the emergency procedures established in this chapter and the university-wide emergency plans administered by the Department of Public Safety.  It is also their responsibility to ensure that all employees and students under their direction know and comply with these procedures.  In order to minimize injuries and property damage, it is the intention of the University that these published emergency procedures and plans be followed in all critical situations.

The primary system for handling any kind of on-campus emergency is to telephone the Department of Public Safety at ext. 96600.

The Public Safety officers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and are professionally prepared to respond to any type of campus emergency.    For non-emergency situations call 678-839-4974.  Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety personnel are on duty or on call 24 hours a day.  During normal business hours, they can be reached at 678-839-6277; after normal business hours, contact Public Safety for their assistance in contacting the appropriate safety/maintenance person on call.

DO NOT CALL OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES YOURSELF - CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

6.2     REPORTING EMERGENCIES

The quickest and easiest way to obtain professional help for any type of emergency is to call Public Safety at ext. 96600.  Prepare to give your name, location, and the nature of the problem.  For medical emergencies, if you are trained in first aid, offer as much assistance as necessary and stay with the victim until emergency responders arrive.  See section 6.11 at the end of this chapter for specific numbers.

1.         When calling, stay calm and carefully explain the problem and location to the dispatcher. If the emergency number is busy, call the campus operator at 678-839-5000.

2.         Notify your supervisor or instructor of the emergency and begin to take the appropriate action warranted by the situation.


6.3     BUILDING EVACUATION

All employees shall:

1.         Be aware of all the marked exits from your area and building.

2.         Become familiar with posted building evacuation maps, primary & secondary routes of egress, designated meeting places, and the locations of fire extinguishers and pull stations.

3.         Recognize the evacuation alarm in your building - often loud continuous bell or horn or a high-pitched warbling tone.

4.         Know how to activate the building alarm system by pulling the handle on one of the red boxes located in the hallway or near the exits, if available.

When the building evacuation alarm is sounded, or when directed to leave by Public Safety:

1.         Walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.

2.         Assist the handicapped and injured in exiting the building or reaching areas of safe refuge. 

3.         Once outside, immediately notify emergency responders if any handicapped/injured people are waiting in an area of safe refuge inside the building, then proceed to the designated meeting area or if not designated, a clear area that is at least 150 feet from the affected building.  Keep walkways and streets clear for emergency vehicles.  Report your status to your supervisor.

4.         Without re-entering the building, be available to assist Public Safety, the fire department and RM/EHS personnel in their attempts to determine that everyone has been evacuated safely.

5.         Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have important information to report.

6.         Do not return to the building until you are told to do so by the Public Safety, the fire department, or RM/EHS.

6.4     FIRE

1.         All departments should train their personnel in fire prevention techniques, the use of portable fire extinguishers and basic first aid.  For assistance in training, contact Public Safety or RM/EHS.

                                                                                                                 

2.         If a fire appears minor and controllable, immediately call Public Safety at 678-839-6000.  Activate the building alarm if necessary. If you have been trained in the use of fire extinguishers, locate the nearest one and extinguish the fire yourself.  Otherwise, leave the area and wait for emergency personnel to respond, even if the fire appears to be small.

3.         On large fires, immediately call Public Safety, activate the building alarm, and follow evacuation procedures.  If you are able, close all doors on the way out - but do not lock them.  Alert people as you go.  Exit the building and go to the evacuation assembly point designated for your building.

6.5     TORNADO SAFETY

Public Safety will notify the campus community of tornado watches/warnings by 1) The public siren, and, 2) Campus all-staff email.  Report tornados, funnel clouds, or wall clouds to Public Safety at ext. 96600.

A TORNADO WATCH means that conditions are favorable for tornados to develop.

A TORNADO WARNING means that a tornado has actually been sighted and you should seek shelter immediately.

When a tornado approaches, or is likely to approach:

1.         In Office/Academic Buildings: go to the designated shelter area for that building.  If one has not been designated, stand in an interior hallway on a lower floor, preferably in the basement.

2.         In Small Buildings: Go to the basement or to an interior part of the lowest level (a closet, bathroom, or interior hall). Try to get under something sturdy.  Cover your head with your hands, a cushion, or mattress.

3.         Outside:  Seek shelter inside, preferable in a steel-framed, reinforced concrete building or substantial construction.  Go to the center of the building on the lowest floor, and stay away from windows.  If you can’t seek shelter inside, crouch against a building or crouch in a low-lying area.  Cover your head with your hands.

4.         In Your Vehicle:  Get out of your vehicle and follow the instructions in the preceding paragraph.

6.6     EXPLOSION

In the event an explosion occurs on campus that could render a building area unsafe, take the following actions:

1.         Immediately take cover under tables, desks or other such objects that will give protection against glass or debris.

2.         After the effects of the explosion have subsided, immediately notify Public Safety at ext. 96600.

3.         If necessary or directed to do so by Public Safety, activate the building alarm system and follow the building evacuation procedures.

- Be aware of structural damage.

- Stay away from glass doors and windows.

- Do not touch or move any suspicious object.

6.7     BOMB THREAT/IMPLIED ACTS OF TERRORISM

All bomb threats shall be treated seriously.  Notify Public Safety of all actual or implied threats of terrorism.

1.         If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus, DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT.  Clear the area and immediately call Public Safety.   Follow the building evacuation procedures in this chapter.

2.         If you receive a phone call that a bomb or other explosive device has been placed on campus, gather as much of the following data that you can and report this information to Public Safety.  Follow the building evacuation procedures in this chapter, taking the notes from the phone call with you.  Information to be obtained from bomb threats/acts of terrorism

Date/Time of call:

Exact words of caller:

Questions to Ask Caller:

When is the bomb going to explode?

When did that time start?

What time is it now by your watch?

Where is the bomb right now?

What kind of bomb is it?

What does it look like?

Where did you place the bomb?

Why did you plant the bomb?

What is your name?

6.7     BOMB THREAT/IMPLIED ACTS OF TERRORISM (continued)

Description of the Caller's voice:

Male or Female?

Age of Caller (young, old, etc.)

Caller's accent?

Speech pattern.

Background noises (trains, planes, highway noises)

Does the voice sound familiar?  If so, who did it sound like?

What time did caller hang up?

Remarks?

4.         If the bomb threat is received by mail, do not handle the letter, envelope or package any further.  Vacate the area at once, call Public Safety and follow the building evacuation procedures in this chapter.

5.         The Department of Public Safety will handle the situation now.

6.         If necessary, Public Safety will evacuate the building.

7.         Evacuate the building and follow the procedures as listed under Building Evacuation.

8.         Remember, do not return to the building until directed to do so.

6.8     VIOLENT OR CIVIL DISTURBANCE

Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe and peaceful place to carry on business as normally as possible.  However, disturbances sometimes do occur and everyone should be aware of action to be taken.

1.         A threatening disturbance should be reported immediately to the Public Safety and the following action taken:

- Alert all employees in the area of the situation.

- Lock all doors; secure all files, documents and equipment.

- If necessary, cease operations and evacuate the building.

2.         If you are the victim or are involved in any on-campus violation of the law such as assault, robbery, theft, overt sexual behavior, etc.  DO NOT TAKE ANY UNNECESSARY CHANCES!  Notify Public Safety and provide the following information:

- Nature of incident

- Campus location

- Description of person(s)

- Description of property

3.         Avoid provoking or obstructing anyone participating in a disturbance or demonstration.

4.         Assist Public Safety when they arrive by supplying them with all additional information and ask others to do the same.

5.         If a class or lecture is disrupted, request the offending person or persons to leave.  If they refuse, call Public Safety.

6.9     CHEMICAL SPILL

Any campus spillage of a dangerous chemical must be reported immediately to the Office of Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety and Public Safety. During normal office hours, call 678-839-6277; after office hours, contact Public Safety at ext. 96600.

1.         When reporting, be specific about the nature of the material involved and location of accident.  Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety and Public Safety personnel will respond immediately.

2.         Vacate the affected area at once and seal it off to prevent further contamination of other areas.  Warn everyone that approaches the area.

3.         Persons who may be contaminated because they were in the immediate area affected by the spill are to avoid contact with others as much as possible.  Remain in the vicinity and give their names to RM/EHS personnel.  Required first aid and clean up by trained individuals should be started at once.

4.         If necessary because of the danger involved, or if directed to do so by RM/EHS personnel, activate the building alarm system and follow the building evacuation procedures outlined in this chapter.

6.10   UTILITY PROBLEMS

1.         Lighting - Most major campus buildings are equipped with emergency lighting that will provide enough illumination in corridors and stairs for safe exiting.  In the event of a major utility failure contact Facilities & Grounds at ext. 6576.  It is advisable for each department to have flashlights available.

2.         Elevator Failure - All campus elevators are equipped with emergency phones or emergency bells.  Stay calm and use them.  Help will arrive shortly.

3.         Plumbing Problems – For minor plumbing problems, call the Work Information Center at 678-839-6277.  For major problems that involve flooding, cease using all electric equipment, vacate the area and notify your supervisor, or contact Facilities & Grounds at ext. 6576.

4.         Gas Leak - Cease all operations, immediately vacate the area and notify your supervisor and contact Public Safety.  If directed, activate the building alarm and follow the building evacuation procedures.

5.         Ventilation - If smoke or burning smells come from the ventilation system, contact Public Safety and report it to the RM/EHS Office at 678-839-6277.  If directed, or if there is potential danger to the building occupants, activate the building alarm and follow the building evacuation procedures outlined in this chapter.

6.11   PHONE NUMBERS

FOR ALL EMERGENCIES

(Includes medical, criminal, fire, threats or disturbances)

Department of Public Safety                   -           ext. 96600

 FOR CHEMICAL SPILLS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Department of Public Safety                  -           ext. 96600

Risk Management/                                -           678-839-6277

Environmental Health & Safety

NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS

National Poison Control                        -           800-282-5846

National Spill Response                        -           800-424-8802

FOR NON-EMERGENCY CONCERNS

Department of Public Safety                  -           ext. 94974

Risk Management/EHS             -           678-839-6277

UWG Health Services                          -           ext. 96452