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Mississippi University for Women

 

 

Emergency Response and

Preparedness Plan

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Introduction................................................................................................................ 3

Declaration of Campus State of Emergency............................................................ 4

Direction and Coordination....................................................................................... 5

Emergency Command Post..................................................................................... 5

Field Emergency Command Post............................................................................ 6         
Campus Emergency Response Team.................................................................... 6

Responsibilities......................................................................................................... 8

University Notification System................................................................................... 9

Sources of Assistance............................................................................................ 11

Emergency Procedures Guide.............................................................................. 12

Evacuation Procedures.......................................................................................... 13

Civil Disturbance or Demonstrations...................................................................... 13

Explosion, Aircraft Crash........................................................................................ 14

Weather, Natural Disaster....................................................................................... 15

Chemical or Radiation Spill..................................................................................... 16

Medical and First Aid.............................................................................................. 16

Bomb or Bomb Threats.......................................................................................... 16

Fire........................................................................................................................... 17

Utility Failure............................................................................................................ 18

Violent or Criminal Behavior................................................................................... 19

Psychological Crisis................................................................................................ 20


 

Mississippi University for Women

Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan

 

 

Introduction

The purpose of the MUW Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan is to enhance the protection of lives and property through effective use of university and campus resources.  Whenever an emergency affecting the campus reaches proportions that cannot be handled by routine measures, the President or her 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 disorder, and (2) large scale natural or man-made disaster.  Since an emergency may be sudden and without warning, these procedures are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate contingencies of various types of magnitudes.

 

Scope

These procedures apply to all personnel, buildings and grounds, owned and operated by the Mississippi University for Women.

 

Types of Emergencies

Types of emergencies covered by this manual are:

  • Fire
  • Weather, natural disaster
  • Chemical or radiation spill
  • Explosion, downed aircraft (crash) on campus
  • Bomb or bomb threat
  • Civil disturbance or demonstrations
  • Utility failure
  • Violent or criminal behavior
  • Medical and first aid (epidemic poisoning)
  • Psychological crises

 

In addition there are sections on how to report all emergencies, building evacuation, and first aid.

 

Definitions of Emergencies

The University President, or designee, serves as the overall Emergency Director during a major emergency or disaster.  The following definitions of an emergency are provided as guidelines to assist building area coordinators in determining the appropriate response:

 

Minor Emergency: Any incident, potential or actual, which will not seriously affect the operation of the University.  Report these incidents immediately to the MUW Police Department at 241-7777

 

Major Emergency: Any incident, potential or actual, which affects an entire building or group of buildings, and which will disrupt the operation of the University.  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 for the University Administration in response to a major emergency.  Report these incidents to the MUW Police Department at 241-7777.

 

 

 

This Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan is predicated on a realistic approach to the problems likely to occur the campus during a major emergency or disaster.  The following are general guidelines:

  • An emergency or a disaster may occur at any time of the day or night, weekend or holiday, with little or no warning.
  • The succession of events in an emergency are not predictable; therefore published support and operational plans will serve only as a guide and checklist, and may required field modification in order to meet the requirements of the emergency.
  • Disasters may affect residents in the geographical location of the University; therefore, city, county and federal emergency services may be expected.
  • A major emergency may be declared if information indicates that such a condition is developing or is probable.

 

 

 

DECLARATION OF CAMPUS STATE OF EMERGENCY

 

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

During the period of any major emergency the MUW Police as required shall place into immediate effect the appropriate procedures necessary to meet the emergency, safeguards for persons and property, and maintain educational facilities.  The MUW Police Department shall immediately consult the President, or  designee, 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 on campus.  Those without legitimate business on campus or without proper identification (student or employee identification card, or other I.D.) will be asked to leave the campus.  Unauthorized persons remaining on campus may be subject to arrest in accordance with Mississippi law.

 

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

 

In the event of earthquakes, aftershocks, fires, storms, or major disasters occurring in or about the campus, or which involve University property,  MUW Police Officers will be dispatched to determine the extent of any damage to University property.

 

 

 

DIRECTION AND COORDINATION

 

 

 

Emergency Coordinator

All emergency operations shall be coordinated by the Chief of Police or his/her designee alternate.  The direct operational control of the campus major emergency or disaster is the sole responsibility of the Chief of Police or his/her designee.  The coordination of campus emergency resource teams is the responsibility of the Chief of Police who will coordinate all on-campus emergency functions as directed.

 

EMERGENCY COMMAND POST

 

When a major emergency occurs, or is eminent, it shall be the responsibility of the MUW Police Department to set up and staff the appropriate Emergency Command Post as directed.  The regular department facilities in the Hogarth Building are to be kept fully operational at all time, if possible.  If the emergency involves a large part of the campus, the Command Post is to be set up at the Police Department in the Hogarth Building.  If this site is unavailable, the Emergency Coordinator is to select an alternate location.  At least one uniformed officer or dispatcher is to staff the Command Post at all times until the emergency situation ends.  A marshal area for outside and local agency assistance shall be established by the Police Department for operations of the combined on-site emergency team.  A conference room with facilities for emergency teams or media crews, and which is designated to accommodate multiple telephone and/or electrical appliances is desirable


 

 

 

FIELD EMERGENCY COMMAND POST

If the emergency involves only one building or a small part of campus a patrol vehicle is to be places as near the emergency scene as is reasonably possible.  AT least one uniformed officer or dispatcher 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:

  • Barricades, barrier tape, and signs for the scene
  • Two portable hand-held radios
  • Portable public address system
  • First aid kit
  • Campus and local telephone directory

 

 

CAMPUS EMERGENCY RESOURCE TEAM

 

In addition to establishing an Emergency Command Post as necessary, the MUW Police Department shall immediately begin contacting all members of the Campus Emergency Resource Team, which consists of the following:

            Emergency Coordinator:  Chief of Police

            Damage Control:  Director of Physical Plant

            Campus Security:  All MUW Police Department personnel

            Public Information:  Director of Public Affairs

            Environmental Health and Compliance:  Director of Human Resources

Team members may coordinate as necessary with the Emergency Coordinator (Chief of Police) for implementation and coordination of campus operation 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:

 

Emergency Coordinator:

  1. Is responsible for the overall coordination of the University Emergency Response;
  2. Determines the type and magnitude of the emergency and establishes the appropriate Emergency Command Post;
  3. Initiates immediate contact with the President and University Administration, begins assessment of the University’s condition;
  4. Notifies and utilizes MUW Police, local agencies, and if necessary, student aides in order to maintain safety and order;
  5. Notifies the members of the Emergency Resource Team, advises them of the nature of the emergency;
  6. Insures that appropriate notification is made to off-campus staff when necessary;
  7. Performs other related duties as may be directed by virtue of the campus emergency; and
  8. Prepares and submits a report to the President appraising the final outcome of the emergency.

 

Damage Control:

  1. Provides equipment and personnel to perform shutdown procedures, hazardous area control, barricades, damage assessment, debris clearance, emergency repairs, and equipment protection;
  2. Provides vehicles, equipment and operators for movement of personnel and supplies, assigns vehicles as required to the Emergency Resource Team for emergency use;
  3. Obtains the assistance of utility companies as required for emergency operations;
  4. Furnishes emergency power and lighting systems as required;
  5. Surveys habitable space and relocates essential services and functions;
  6. Provides facilities for emergency regenerator fuel during actual emergency or disaster periods;
  7. Provides for storage of vital records at an alternate site; and
  8. Coordinates with building and area coordinators for liaison and necessary support.

 

Campus Security and Communication:

  1. Maintains the Police Department in a state of constant readiness;
  2. Notifies University Administrators of major emergencies;
  3. Monitors campus emergency warning and evacuation systems;
  4. Takes immediate and appropriate action to protect life, property, and safeguard records as necessary;
  5. Provides traffic control, access control, perimeter and internal security patrol and fire prevention services as needed; and
  6. Provides and equips an alternate site for the Emergency Command Post.

 

Public Affairs:

  1. Establishes liaison with the news media for dissemination of information as requested by the President;
  2. Establishes liaison with the local radio and television service for public announcements;
  3. Arranges the photographic and audio visual services;
  4. Advises the President or designee of all news concerning the extent of disaster affecting the campus; and
  5. Prepares news releases for approval and release to the media concerning the emergency.

 


 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

President

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

 

 

Administrators, Division and Department Heads

Every administrator, division and department head may appoint a specific person as Building/Facility Coordinator for every activity under their control, and has the following responsibilities before and during the emergency:

 

Emergency Preparedness

  1. Building evacuation information shall be distributed to all employees with follow up discussions, on-the-job training or explanation as required;
  2. Time shall be allowed for training employees in emergency techniques such as fire extinguisher usage, first aid, CPR and building  procedures; and
  3. Contact campus Police for assistance.

 

Faculty and Staff Supervisors:

Each faculty and staff supervisor has the responsibility to:

  1. Educate students and employees concerning University emergency procedures as well as evacuation procedures for their building and activity;
  2. Inform their students and staff of an emergency and initiate emergency procedures as outlined in this guide;
  3. Evaluate, survey and estimate their assigned building facility or activity in order to determine the impact a fire or tornado could have on their facility; report all safety hazards to the MUW Police Department; work submit work orders to reduce hazards and to minimize accidents to the Physical plant promptly; and
  4. Inform all students, staff and faculty to conform to building evacuation guidelines during any emergency and to report a designed campus assembly area outside the building where a head count can be taken.

 

 


 

UNIVERSITY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

 

The telephone is the primary means of emergency notification at Mississippi University for Women.  This system is intended for the immediate transmission of specific information regarding an emergency to all affected areas on campus.

 

Patrol Officer on Duty

The MUW Police Department is the focal point for two-way transmission of official emergency telephone communications to university administrators.  Each university administrator, upon receiving notification of a campus emergency, is to pass the same information along to those departments/offices under his/her direction.

 

IMPORTANT:  During an emergency campus phone lines must be restricted to university official notification only.  In the absence of hone service the MUW Police Department may provide runners for emergency notification (contingent on available personnel).


 

 

MUW NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

 

 

 

 

MUW POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President’s Office

 

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ON/OFF CAMPUS SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE DURING EMERGENCIES

 

On Campus Assistance

MUW Police Department:   241-7777      

Hours of Operation:                         24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays

 

Maintenance:                        329-7436       Trouble/Service                    

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm and on short notice at other times.  They are capable of providing the following emergency services:

            Utilities: Repair to water, gas, electric and sewer systems.

Structures: Repairs to structures and mechanical equipment therein, including heating and cooling systems.

Equipment: Portable pumps, generators, floodlights, welders, air compressors, tractors, backhoes, forklifts, etc.

Transportation: Sedans, light trucks, dump trucks and tractors

 

After 4:00pm and weekends, contact the MUW Police Department at 241-7777.

 

 

Purchasing Department:     329-7223

            Emergency procurement of materials and services can be arranged in direct support of any contingency.  During a major emergency, items will be received at the Physical Plant.

 

 

NOTE:  In the event of a disaster in which major structural damage is sustained, it is advisable to turn off hazardous utilities; electricity and natural gas are of primary concern.

 


 

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 Evacuations

Civil Disturbances or Demonstrations

Explosion, Aircraft Crash on Campus

Weather, Natural Disaster

Medical and First Aid

Chemical or Radiation Spill

Bomb Threat

Fire

Violent or Criminal Behavior

Utility Failure

Media Relations

Psychological

 

 

Reporting Emergencies

 

To report an emergency      241-7777 MUW Police Department

 

When calling to report an emergency: stay calm, give your name and carefully explain the problem and location.  DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL TOLF TO DO SO.

 

Keep Calm and help keep others calm!

 

Senior Building Coordinator: __________________________________________

Location: _________________________________________________________

Telephone:________________________________________________________

 

Building Emergency Team Members:

_______________________________________________________           

IMPORTANT:

After an evacuation, report to your designated assembly point.  Stay there until an accurate head count has been taken.  The Senior Building Coordinator will take attendance and assist in accounting for all building occupants

 

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

 

In an emergency call the MUW Police Department 241-7777

 

Building Evacuation

  1. All building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds and/or upon notification by the MUW Police Department or the Building Coordinator.
  2. When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  3. Assist handicapped individuals in exiting the building!  Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped persons.  DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS IN CASES OF FIRE AND/OR TORNADO.
  4. Once outside proceed to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep street, fire lanes, hydrant access, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and traffic.  Know your assembly points.
  5. Do NOT return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a university official.

 

IMPORTANT:

After an evacuation, report to your designated assembly point.  Stay there until an accurate head count has been taken.  The Senior Building Coordinator will take attendance and assist in accounting for all building occupants

 

Campus Evacuation

  1. Evacuation of all or part of the campus grounds will be announced by the MUW Police Department as described.
  2. All persons (students and staff) are to immediately vacate the area in question and relocate to another part of the campus grounds as directed.

 

 

CIVIL DISTURBANCE OR DEMONSTRATIONS

 

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 as a result of the demonstration:

  • Interference with the normal operations of the University
  • Prevention of access to office, buildings or other university facility
  • Threat of physical harm to persons or damage to university facilities

 

In any of these conditions exist, the MUW Police 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:

 

Non-disruptive Demonstrations

  1. Generally, demonstrations of this kind should not be interrupted.  Demonstrations should not be obstructed or provoked and efforts should be made to conduct university business as normally as possible.
  2. If demonstrators are asked to leave, but refuse to leave by regular facility closing time:
    1. Arrangements will be made by the Chief of Police to monitor the situation during non-business hours, or
    2. Determination will be made to treat the violation of regular closing hours as a disruptive demonstration.

 

Disruptive Demonstrations

  1. In the event that a demonstration blocks access to the university facilities or interferes with the operation of the university:
  2. Demonstrators will be asked to terminate the disruptive activity by the Chief of Police or designee.
  3. If demonstrators persist in the disruptive activity they will be apprised that failure to discontinue may result in disciplinary action including suspension, expulsion or arrest.  Except in extreme emergencies the President will be consulted before such disciplinary actions are taken.
  4. Efforts should be made to secure positive identification of demonstrators in violation to facilitate later testimony, including photographs/video if deemed necessary.
  5. After consultation with the President, Chief of Police, and Vice President for Student Affairs, the need for an injunction and arrest will be determined.
  6. If determination is made to arrest the demonstrators, they should be so informed and warned of the intention of arrest.

 

EXPLOSION OR AIRCRAFT CRASH ON CAMPUS

 

  1. In the event a mishap occurs such as an explosion or aircraft crash on campus:
  2. Immediately take cover under tables, desks and other objects that will give protection against falling glass or debris.
  3. After the effects of the explosion and/or fire have subsided, notify the MUW Police Department at 241-7777.  Give your name, location and nature of the emergency.
  4. If necessary, or when directed to do so, activate building alarm.  THERE IS NOT A BUILDING ALARM IN ALL BUILDINGS – you must report the emergency by telephone in buildings without it.
  5. When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  6. Assist handicapped individuals in exiting the building!  Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped persons.  DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS IN CASES OF FIRE AND/OR TORNADO.
  7. Once outside proceed to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep street, fire lanes, hydrant access, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and traffic.  Know your assembly points.
  8. DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a university official.

 

 

  1. IMPORTANT:
  2. After an evacuation, report to your designated assembly point.  Stay there until an accurate head count has been taken.  The Senior Building Coordinator will take attendance and assist in accounting for all building occupants

 

 

WEATHER/NATURAL DISASTER

 

  1. If indoors, seek refuge in the inner most room on the lowest level (or designated safe area) away from windows and doors.
  2. If outdoors, seek shelter in the nearest building and go to the designated safe area.

 

 

CHEMICAL OR RADIATION SPILL

 

  1. Any spillage of a hazardous chemical or radioactive material is reported immediately to the MUW Police Department at 241-7777.
  2. When reporting, be specific about the nature of the involved material and exact location.  The MUW Police Department will contact the necessary specialized authorities and medical personnel.
  3. The site should be evacuated and the affected area should be sealed off to prevent further contamination of other areas.
  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 the MUW Police Department.  Required first aid and clean up by specialized authorities should be started at once.
  5. If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm.  Caution: There is not a building alarm in all buildings, you must report the emergency by telephone in the buildings without it.
  6. When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  7. Assist handicapped individuals in exiting the building!  Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped persons.  DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS IN CASES OF FIRE AND/OR TORNADO.
  8. Once outside proceed to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep street, fire lanes, hydrant access, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and traffic.  Know your assembly points.
  9. DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a university official.

 

IMPORTANT:

After an evacuation, report to your designated assembly point.  Stay there until an accurate head count has been taken.  The Senior Building Coordinator will take attendance and assist in accounting for all building occupants.

 

MEDICAL AND FIRST AID

 

  1. If serious injury or illness occurs on campus, immediately call 911.  Be prepared to give the nature of the call (describe the nature and severity of the problem), your exact location and your name.  Notify the MUW Police Department of the 911 call.
  2. In the case of serious injury or illness only trained certified personnel should assist the victim.
  3. Every office should have a person trained in first aid and CPR.  Training is available through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association

 

 

 

BOMB OR BOMB THREATS

 

  1. If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus, DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT!   Clear the area and immediately call the MUW Police Department at 241-7777.
  2. Any person receiving a phone call bomb threat should ask the caller:
    • When is the bomb going to explode?
    • Where is the bomb located?
    • What kind of bomb is it?
    • What does it look like?
    • Where did you place the bomb?
  3. Keep talking to the caller as long as possible and record the following:
  4. Time of the call
  5. Estimated age and sex of the caller
  6. Speech pattern, accent, possible nationality, etc.
  7. Emotional state of the caller
  8. Background noise
  9. Immediately notify the MUW Police Department at 241-7777.
  10. The MUW Police Department will conduct a detailed bomb search.  Employees are requested to make a cursory inspection of their area for suspicious objects and report the location to the Police.  DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT!  DO not open drawers, cabinets or turn lights on or off.
  11. If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm.  Caution: There is not a building alarm in every building, you must report the emergency by telephone in buildings without it.
  12. When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  13. Assist handicapped individuals in exiting the building!  Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped persons.  DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS IN CASES OF FIRE AND/OR TORNADO.
  14. Once outside proceed to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep street, fire lanes, hydrant access, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and traffic.  Know your assembly points.
  15. DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a university official.

 

 

IMPORTANT:

After an evacuation, report to your designated assembly point.  Stay there until an accurate head count has been taken.  The Senior Building Coordinator will take attendance and assist in accounting for all building occupants

 

FIRE

  1. Know the location of the fire extinguishers, fire exits, and alarm systems in your area and know how to use them.
  2. If a minor fire appears to be controllable, IMMEDIATELY call 911 for the Fire Department.  Notify the MUW Police Department that the Fired Department has been dispatched.  Direct the charge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
  3. On larger fires that do not appear to be controllable, IMMEDIATELY call 911 for the Fire Department.  Notify the MUW Police Department that the Fire Department has been dispatched.  Evacuate all rooms, closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen.  Do not lock the doors.
  4. If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm.  Caution: There is not a building alarm in every building, you must report the emergency by telephone in buildings without it.
  5. When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  6. Assist handicapped individuals in exiting the building!  Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped persons.  DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS IN CASES OF FIRE.
  7. Once outside proceed to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep street, fire lanes, hydrant access, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and traffic.  Know your assembly points.
  8. DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a university official.

 

 

IMPORTANT:

After an evacuation, report to your designated assembly point.  Stay there until an accurate head count has been taken.  The Senior Building Coordinator will take attendance and assist in accounting for all building occupants.

 

NOTE:

If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for 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

 

  1. In the event of a major utility failure occurring during the regular working hours (7:00am – 4:00pm, Monday through Friday) immediately notify Physical Plant at 329-7396.
  2. If there is potential danger to the building occupants, or if the utility failure occurs after hours, weekends or holidays, notify the MUW Police Department at 241-7777.
  3. If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm.  Caution: There is not a building alarm in every building, you must report the emergency by telephone in buildings without it.
  4. When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  5. Assist handicapped individuals in exiting the building!  Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped persons.  DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
  6. Once outside proceed to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building.  Keep street, fire lanes, hydrant access, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and traffic.  Know your assembly points.
  7. DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a university official.

 

IMPORTANT:

After an evacuation, report to your designated assembly point.  Stay there until an accurate head count has been taken.  The Senior Building Coordinator will take attendance and assist in accounting for all building occupants

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

It is advisable to have flashlights and a portable radio available for emergencies.

 

If you are trapped in the elevator use the emergency phone to call the MUW Police Department.  If the elevator does not have an emergency phone, turn on the alarm that will signal for help.

 

IN THE CASE OF:

Plumbing failure/flooding: cease using all electrical equipment.  Vacate the area if necessary.

Serious gas leak: cease all operations.  Do not turn on any lights or other electrical equipment (electrical arcing could cause trigger explosion).

Steam line failure: vacate the area if necessary.

: if smoke odors come from the ventilation system, cease all operations and vacate the area.

 

VIOLENT OR CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

 

  1. Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situation and promptly reporting them.
  2. Notify the MUW Police Department at 241-7777 as soon as possible to report the incident and be prepared to provide the following information:
    • Nature of incident
    • Location of incident
    • Description of person(s) involved
    • Description of property involved
  3. If you observe a criminal act or suspicious person(s) or activity, call the MUW Police Department immediately to report the incident.
  4. Assist the officer by supplying necessary information and encourage others to cooperate.
  5. Should gunfire or discharged explosives hazard the campus, you should take cover immediately using all available concealment.  After the disturbance seek emergency first aid if necessary.

 

WHAT TO DO IF TAKEN HOSTAGE

  1. Be Patient.  Time is on your side.  Avoid drastic action.
  2. The initial 45 minutes are the most dangerous.  Follow instructions, be alert and stay alive.  The captor is emotionally unbalanced.  Don’t make mistakes that could hazard your well-being.
  3. Don’t speak unless spoken to and only when necessary.  Agree with the captor, avoid using the word “No”.  Don’t talk down to the captor who may be in an agitated state.  Avoid appearing hostile.  Maintain eye contact with the captor at all times if possible, but do not stare.  Treat the captor like royalty.
  4. Try to rest.  Avoid speculating.  Comply with instructions as best you can.  Avoid arguments.  Expect the unexpected.
  5. Be observant.  You may be released or escape.  The personal safety of others may depend on your memory.
  6. Be prepared to answer the mediator on the phone.  Be patient, wait.  Attempt to establish a rapport with the captor.  If medications, or first , or restroom privileges are needed by anyone, say so.  The captors in all probability do not want to harm persons held by them.  Such direct action further implicates the captor in additional offenses.

 

 

PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISIS

 

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

 

If a psychological crisis occurs:

Never try to handle a situation you feel is dangerous on your own.

Notify the MUW Police Department of the situation.  Clearly state that you need immediate assistance, give your name, location and the area involved.