EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Department of Public Safety
734.487.1222

For campus emergencies,
dial 911 from a campus phone
or 734.487.1222 from a cell phone.

 

Introduction

This emergency response flipchart was designed to provide readily available emergency procedures to protect people and property during an emergency or disaster.

This flipchart has been developed to ensure:
Employees are aware of emergency procedures.
Facilities are evacuated during a fire, hazardous material spill or other emergency.
Prompt response to medical emergencies.
Movement to a shelter area in case of severe weather conditions.

Please post this emergency procedure flipchart in a visible location in your office/lab.

Campus Violence

Campus violence includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• assaults
• civil disturbances/riots/demonstrations
• looting
• protests
• disruptive and/or threatening behavior
• presence of a weapon
• terrorist activities.

  1. Dial 911 (734.487-1222 from a cell phone) immediately.
  2. Report as much information regarding the incident as possible

• location
• number of individuals involved
• Injuries

The Department of Public Safety will determine what protective actions should be taken.

Active Shooter
EMERGENCY ACTION GUIDELINES – ACTIVE SHOOTER
The response to an active shooter is dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter. It is not possible to provide instructions in advance that will apply to every situation, as the specific circumstances in every incident are different. The following are general guidelines for an active shooter situation:
• Call 911 from a campus phone, 734.487.1222 from a cell phone and provide:
• Your name, location and report “we have an active shooter on campus, gunshots fired.”
• Give a description of the shooter(s) and identity – if known.
• Report the location and number of victims.
• Report any suspicious devices and provide the location and description, if possible.
• Report the location of any fires or explosions.
• Remain calm.
• Warn other faculty, staff, students and visitors to seek shelter immediately.
• Proceed to a room that can be locked or barricaded.
• Lock and barricade doors and/or windows.
• Turn off lights.
• Close blinds.
• Block windows.
• Turn off radios or other devices that emit sound.
• Remain out of sight and take adequate cover/protection, i.e. concrete walls, thick desks, filing cabinets.
• Silence cell phones.
• Depending on the circumstances, exit from ground floor windows or doors as safely and quietly as possible.
• Do not respond to voice commands until you can verify with certainty that they are being issued by a police officer, first responder, CERT member or Crisis Management Team member; unfamiliar voices may be the active shooter trying to lure you from safety.
• Wait patiently until a uniformed police officer, first responder, CERT member or Crisis Management Team member provides the “all clear.”
If an active shooter enters your office or classroom:
• Remain calm.
• Do not provoke the active shooter.
• As a last resort where there is no possibility of escape or hiding, make a personal choice to negotiate with or overpower the assailant(s).
• Barricade the room or proceed to a safer location if the active shooter(s) leaves the area.
• Call 911 from a campus phone, 734.487.1222 from a cell phone and provide the information listed under the general guidelines.
If you encounter an active shooter outdoors:
• Remain calm.
• Move away from the active shooter or the sounds of gunshot(s) and/or explosion(s).
• Move to locations for cover/protection, i.e. brick walls, retaining walls, large trees, parked vehicles or any other object that may stop bullet penetration.
• Call 911 from a campus phone, 734.487.1222 from a cell phone and provide the information listed under the general guidelines.
What to expect from responding police officers:
• Immediate engagement or containment of the active shooter(s) to stop life-threatening behavior. Keep your hands visible to police officers at all times as they do not know if you pose a threat or not. Do not make sudden movements towards officers.
• Identification of other threats such as improvised explosive devices.
• Identification of persons requiring medical care.
• Identification of and interviews with victims.
• Crime scene processing and investigation.
Keeping updated:
• The University will implement its Emergency Management Plan. This plan includes sending text messages to everyone who has signed up for the emergency notification system. (Please sign up at: www.emich.edu/alerts/.)
• The University website will provide updated information and instructions.
Explosions
  • Take cover under tables, desks or other such objects, which will provide protection against flying glass and debris. 
  • Dial 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone) immediately to report the problem and location to DPS.
  • DPS personnel will determine if the building needs to be evacuated after the effects of the explosion have subsided.
  • If evacuation is ordered, exit building as directed by emergency personnel.  Provide assistance to disabled persons.
  • Upon leaving the building, proceed to the designated evacuation area.   
  • Do not re-enter the building until instructed to do so by DPS
Elevator Emergencies

If you are trapped in an elevator:

  1. Remain calm and verify that the stop button has not been inadvertently pushed.
  2. Check for the telephone.  These phones ring directly into the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and provide the dispatcher with your location.
  3. Call out for help.

If you discover someone trapped in an elevator:

  1. Reassure the trapped person(s) and remind them to stay calm.
  2. If possible, send one person to call DPS (734.487.1222 from landline or cell phone) while another person remains outside the elevator with the trapped individual(s)
Hazardous Spills

Hazardous spills include chemical, biological and radiological materials.

  • Notify others working in the area of the spill and evacuate the area immediately.
  • Close the doors leading to the spill area and restrict access to the spill area.
  • Assist contaminated persons to a safety shower or eyewash station.  Avoid contaminating yourself.
  • Dial 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone) to report the spill and location to DPS.  Report any medical emergencies; also report if the spill has entered the air, ground sanitary, storm sewers or surface water.
  • Immediately notify your supervisor.
  • Only members of a hazardous materials response team shall clean up hazardous material spills.
  • After the clean up is complete, an incident report of how the spill occurred should be written to Risk Management
Suspicious Package

If you receive or discover a suspicious package, notify DPS at 734.487.1222.

Be cautious of:

  • Foreign mail, air mail and special deliveries
  • Restrictive markings such as “confidential” or “personal”
  • Excessive postage
  • Handwritten or poorly typed address
  • Incorrect titles
  • Oily stains or discolorations on package
  • Excessive weight
  • Protruding wires or tinfoil
  • Excessive tape or string
  • Visual distraction
  • No return address

If you are suspicious of a mailing and are unable to verify the contents with the sender:

  • Do not touch or move the article
  • Do not open.
  • Isolate the mailing
  • Dial 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone) for assistance
Evacuations

The purpose of any evacuation is to empty a building or area of all occupants as quickly and safely as possible.

Building evacuation: In cases requiring the evacuation of one building (fire, explosion, bomb threat) occupants should proceed to the designated meeting area.

General evacuation: When orders are given to evacuate one building or multiple buildings after a major disaster, occupants should proceed to the evacuation meeting area as directed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

DPS and/or other emergency personnel will be available to direct occupants to safe areas.

Evacuation of disabled and injured persons will be given the highest priority and evacuated in the most expeditious and safest means available.

Occupants should gather in the predetermined meeting assembly area and await further instructions.

______________________ meeting areas are (please list):

(Department)

________________________________________

________________________________________

Do not re-enter the building(s) until instructed to do so by DPS.

Bomb Threat

If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb, do not handle or go near the object.

Clear the immediate area and call 911 (or 734.487.1222 from a cell phone).

Do not evacuate the building until it has been deemed necessary by the police.

Do not activate the fire alarm.

Bomb threats may be received in offices via telephone, e-mail, facsimile, mail or as a message.
Always call 911 (or 734.487.1222 from a cell phone).

If threat is received by mail - once it’s discovered, it should not be handled.

This preserves fingerprints and protects individuals from potential harm.

If an e-mail threat is received - do not erase or delete it.

Persons receiving a telephone bomb threat should try to gather as much information as possible about the caller, the alleged bomb and its location.

(Refer to the attached Bomb Threat Call Information form.)

    • Keep the caller on the telephone as long as long possible and record as much information about the caller you can. (Refer to the attached Bomb Threat Call Information form.)
    •  
    • If an evacuation is deemed necessary, employee should report to the designated evacuation meeting area where they will receive further instructions.
    •  
    • _______________________ designated meeting areas are (please list):  
    •                       (Department)
    • 1. __________________________________________
    • 2. __________________________________________
    • Personnel should remain outside until Department of Public Safety gives the all clear.
Bomb Threat Call Information

If a telephone bomb threat is received, remain calm and note the information the caller provides.

If possible, questions to ask:
When is the bomb to explode?
Where is the bomb located?
What kind of bomb is it? 

What does it look like?
Why was the bomb placed?
What will cause the bomb to explode?
What is your name and address?

Caller's Voice:
      Calm                   Laughing                   Lisp                                        Disgust
      Angry                  Crying                       Raspy                                    Accent
      Excited                Normal                      Deep                                     Familiar
      Slow                    Distinct                      Ragged
      Rapid                   Slurred                      Clearing throat
      Soft                     Nasal                       _Deep breathing
      Loud                    Stutter                       Cracking voice

If voice familiar, who did it sound like? _________________

Background Sounds:
      Street Noises              House Noises              Factory Machinery                 Local
___Long Distance             Motor                           Animal Noises                         Crockery
      Voices                         Office                          Clear                                       Booth
      Other (if any other please list)_____________________________________________

Threat Language:
___Well spoken (well educated)        ___Foul           ____Incoherent
      Irrational                                             Taped

Remarks:
Time received:___________                                                  Date:_____________
Person received threat:_______________________            Position/title:_______________________
Phone number:_____________________________

Utility Failures and Floods

Power outage:

Remain calm, as most power failures are only momentary outages.

Staff in labs, machine shops and/or offices should turn off and/or secure all experiments, activities, or equipment that may present a danger if electrical power is off or may create a danger by the return of power later.

Emergency lighting is only designed to assist person in exiting the building and generally will only last for about 30 minutes.

If evacuation of the building is required, provide assistance to disabled persons.

If power is not quickly restored, dial 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone) to report the problem to DPS.

Steam leaks

Dial 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone) to report the problem and location to the DPS.

Keep people out of the area.

Moisture sensitive equipment needs to be moved or protected only if it can be done safely.

Gas line rupture/release/leak:

Dial 911(734.487.1222 from a cell phone) from a safe area to report the gas line emergency to DPS.

Keep people out of the area, evacuate if necessary.

Eliminate sources of ignition. Do not turn switches on or off. This could cause a spark.

Floods/water main break:

Dial 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone) to report the problem and location to DPS.

It may be necessary to evacuate the building and meet at the designated meeting location.

Do not enter into an area with water on the floor unless authorized by an incident commander. If equipment and/or outlets are energized electrical shock is possible
Extreme Weather/Natural Disasters

Tornado:
A tornado watch means tornados could develop and a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted. If a tornado warning is issued, DPS will sound the tornado siren (a 3 minute continuous siren).

In most buildings, the shelter area is posted. It is generally the lowest level of the building. Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.

If a basement is unavailable, get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk on a lower floor in the building.

Stay away from windows and doors. Keep away from overhead fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases and electrical equipment.

Avoid upper level floors, auditoriums, cafeterias or areas with large wide span roofs.

Thunderstorm, hail and lightning:

Remain inside and away from windows, water faucets, sinks and bathtubs.

Do not use telephones and unplug computers, televisions and other appliances/equipment that could be damaged if struck by lightening.

If outdoors do not seek shelter under a tree.  Find a low spot that is away from trees, fences, poles and is not prone to flooding (i.e., drainage ditches).

Winter weather advisories:

University personnel in conjunction with Washtenaw County Emergency Operations monitor then weather closely. If conditions warrant closing the University, only the President or his/her designee makes that decision. Notification of the cancellation is communicated by the following:

  1.             Local radio stations             WEMU 89.1 FM, WJR 760 AM, WWJ 950 AM, WAAM
  2.             Local TV stations                 Channels 2, 4, 7, 50, 62
  3.             EMU Website                        www.emich.edu
  4.             EMU Newsline                     734.487-2460
  5.             EMU DPS                              734.487-1222
  6.             EMU Switchboard                734.487-1849

Flooding:

If flood warnings/watches have been issued, stay away from low-lying areas, head for higher ground.

If evacuation of the area is warranted, follow the suggested evacuation routes.  If you run into floodwaters turn around and find another way to leave the area. 

Listen to the radio for updated and current information on the situation and the best places to take shelter.

Fire

If the fire alarm sounds or you smell smoke, feel the door with your hand for heat. Brace it with your body in case you have to close it quickly. Open the door slowly and slightly.  If the corridor is clear, close the door behind you and leave. Take your keys as you may have to return to the room/office. If the corridor is not clear, stay in the room, close the door and see “If You Are Trapped,” below.

If you discover a fire, activate the fire alarm pull station (generally located near exits and stairwells) immediately notify others in the area and go to your department’s designated meeting area. 

If you are not near a fire alarm pull station, dial 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone) from a safe location to notify the Department Public Safety.

Seek out disabled persons in the area and provide assistance to areas of refuge, generally stairwells. 

As you evacuate, if time permits and it can be done safely, close windows and all interior doors. 

Do not use the elevators, use the stairwell as an area of refuge.  

Do not re-enter the building unless the Fire Department and/or DPS gives the all clear.

Using a fire extinguisher:

If the fire is small, you may elect to use a fire extinguisher only if you have been trained and there is minimal danger to you and others. 

If you choose to use a fire extinguisher, always pull the alarm before beginning to fight the fire.  Discontinue fighting the fire if, the fire becomes unmanageable or the fire is not extinguished within 30 seconds.

If your clothing catches on fire:

Do not panic, stop, drop and roll on the floor/ground to extinguish the fire.

If you are Trapped:

If you can , go to a stairwell not involved in the incident if you can. Stairwells are designated areas of refuge.

If access to the stairwell is not available, remain in your room/office. If possible, block the bottom of the door with wet towels or rags to reduce the amount of smoke entering the area. Also, seal off any intake air vents.

If smoke is present, stay near the floor where air is less toxic. 

Use the telephone to tell someone of your exact location.  If windows are present, place an article of clothing or bright sign in the window to alert rescue personnel. 

Do what you can to attract attention.  Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency responders of your location. 

Cover your mouth and nose with a wet towel/rag. 

Wait to the last possible moment for crisis evacuation; jumping is dangerous.

Medical Emergencies

Major injuries or illnesses:

Call 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone) to report the problem to DPS. 

Stay with the victim. 

Do not move a victim unless it is necessary for safety reasons. 

Protect the victim from unnecessary manipulation and disturbance. 

Begin CPR and other first aid measures ONLY if you are currently trained and certified.  However, you are not required to render aid to the victim. If you start CPR, you must continue care, up to your level of training, and stay with the victim until advanced medical assistance arrives.

Electrical shock:

Call 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone) to report the problem to DPS. 

Be alert for danger! Do not go near the victim unless you are certain that the electrical source has been disconnected, as the human body is an efficient conductor of electricity.  Protect yourself and others. 

Chemical exposures:
In the event of an accident in a laboratory or another area using chemicals which involves an uncontrolled fire, explosion or large release of a hazardous chemical:

Evacuate the building by activating the nearest fire alarm.

Call 911 (734.487.1222 from a cell phone)  to report the situation to DPS and give details of the accident including the location, types of hazardous material involved and whether there were any personal injuries.

If the accident involves serious personal injury or chemical contamination, follow the above steps as appropriate and the following:

Move the victim from the immediate area of the fire, explosion, or spill (only if this can be done without further injury to the victim or you). 

Remove any contaminated clothing from the victim and flush all areas of the body contacted by chemicals with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. 

Administer first aid as appropriate only if trained and certified. 

Provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to emergency responders and/or the medical care facility.

Printable PDF version can be found here: Flip Chart