Emergency Procedures

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Fire | Tornado | Earthquake | Medical and First Aid | Chemical or Radiation Spill | Biological Threat | Bomb Threats | Explosion | Violent or Criminal Behavior | Civil Disturbance or Demonstrations

Fire

A continuing emphasis is placed on fire prevention at Samford University.  However, when prevention fails we must be prepared for evacuation to assure survival.  A clear understanding of the characteristics of fire and smoke is essential for escape in a fire situation.

Fire is hot and heat rises; therefore, at ceiling levels temperatures are hottest.  Oxygen is burned at high levels first, so air is available on the floor.  Smoke that is produced banks down to knee level and hovers there, even in serious fires.  If you remain in a prone position or crawl, chances are you will be able to breathe and even see across the floor to a fire exit or area of refuge.

Should the need arrive to evacuate a building because of fire, follow these procedures:

1. Go to your door.  Using the back of your hand, feel the door from top to bottom for heat.  Comment:  If it's hot, don't open it.  If it's cool, go to step 2.  If the door is hot, go to step 8.
2. Brace yourself behind the door and open it slowly.  Comment:  Just because the door isn't hot doesn't mean there isn't fire or heavy smoke on the other side.  To stand up and open the door could mean instant death due to the on-rush of superheated air into your lungs.  Crouching behind the door prevents it from being blown open due to the pressure created by fire, and keeps you relatively safe from the fire.  If the environment outside isn't favorable, close the door and go on to step 8.
3. Enter the hallway, and make your way to the nearest exit.  Comment:  Know your exits and weigh the situation.  Can you make it to the nearest exit?
4. Handicapped - Proceed to designated assistance and holding areas.
5. Exit the building via stairwells.  Comment:  Do not use elevators.  You could become trapped or an overheated circuit may bring you to the floor of the fire.
6. If your assigned stairwell is blocked by smoke and heat, go to an alternate exit.  Comment:  However, if you choose to leave and there's no indication of smoke in the corridor, close your door and leave it unlocked as you may be forced to return to your room by heavier smoke and heat.
7. Once you have exited the building, stand away from it and wait for the order to return.
8. If both your exits are blocked, go back to your room or area of refuge.  Comment:  Remember, if you have closed your door and left it unlocked, the environment in your room should be relatively free of smoke.
9. Pack the doorframe with wet towels, sheets, whatever you have on hand to retard smoke from migrating into your room.  Comment:  Keep a towel to cover your face as well.
10. Stay close to the floor.  Proceed to your window and open the top and bottom.  Comment:  The smoke will escape through the upper portion and you'll be able to obtain fresh air through the lower portion.
11. Let everyone within hearing distance be aware that you are trapped.  Comment:  Yell and wave a towel outside the window; and most of all, stay near the window.  Go to the designated assembly area.

• If indoors, seek refuge in a doorway, interior hallway, under a desk or table.  Stay away from windows and exterior doors.  After the tornado has passed, evacuate the building.
• If outdoors and unable to get to shelter, seek a ditch or depression in the ground and lie flat on the ground.  Caution:  Avoid power or utility lines as they may be energized.
• If in an automobile, stop as quickly as safety permits, exit the vehicle and seek shelter in a ditch or depression in the ground.  Lie flat on the ground.  Caution:  Avoid power or utility lines as they may be energized.
• After the tornado has passed, notify the Campus Safety  Department of the situation and any immediate emergency action which may be necessary.

• If indoors, seek refuge in a doorway, under a desk or table.  Stay away from glass windows, shelves and heavy equipment which may fall.
• If outdoors, move quickly away from buildings, utility poles and other structures.  Caution:  Always avoid power or utility lines as they may be energized.
• 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.
• After the initial shock, evaluate the situation and if emergency help is necessary call the Campus Safety Department.  If indoors, evacuate the building.  Protect yourself at all times and be prepared for aftershocks.
• Report damaged facilities to the Campus Safety Department and Facilities Services.  Caution:  Be alert for gas leaks and power failures which create special hazards.

Medical and First Aid

Emergency telephone numbers:

If serious injury or illness occurs on campus, immediately call the Campus Safety Department and the Homewood Paramedics.  Give your name, location of the victim and describe the medical problem.

• Keep the victim still and comfortable.  Do not move the victim.
• Ask victim, "Are you okay?"  and "What is wrong?"
• Check breathing and give artificial respiration / CPR if necessary.  This should be by trained personnel only.
• Control serious bleeding by direct pressure on the wound.
• Continue to assist the victim until help arrives.
• Look for emergency medical ID, question witnesses and give all information to the paramedics.

Chemical or Radiation Spill

Any spillage of a hazardous chemical or radioactive material is reported immediately to the Campus Safety Department and the Homewood Fire Department.  When reporting, be specific about the nature of the involved material and exact location.

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 Campus Safety personnel or other authorized authorities.

Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill should avoid contact with others as much as possible, remain in the vicinity and give their names and other information to authorities.  Required first aid and cleanup by specialized authorities should be started at once.

If the spillage is in a building, follow evacuation procedures and evacuate the building.  As may be necessary, follow the instructions of Campus Safety officers or other authorities to evacuate part or all of the campus.

Biological Threat

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock and crops. The three basic groups of biological agents which would likely be used as weapons are bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

BACTERIA
Bacteria are small free-living organisms that reproduce by simple division and are easy to grow. The diseases they produce often respond to treatment with antibiotics.

VIRUSES
Viruses are organisms which require living cells in which to reproduce and are intimately dependent upon the body they infect. Viruses produce diseases which generally do not respond to antibiotics. However, antiviral drugs are sometimes effective.

TOXINS
Toxins are poisonous substances found in, and extracted from, living plants, animals, or microorganisms; some toxins can be produces or altered by chemical means. Some toxins can be treated with specific antitoxins and selected drugs.

There are many ways to implement a biological attack, the following agents are some of the most feared:

ANTHRAX
Anthrax is a bacteria, but contains a spore that is able to get into the lungs, reproduce and create a toxin which is fatal.

SMALLPOX
Smallpox is a virus. It was a major killer until being controlled by vaccinations in the 20th century. It has been eradicated world-wide; however, terrorists could release new strains.

BOTULIN TOXIN
Botulin bacteria produce the botulin toxin. This toxin inhibits the release of chemicals in nerve cells that cause muscle contractions and paralysis.

EBOLA VIRUS
This virus spread through direct contact and can be fatal in some individuals.

WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE FOR A BIOLOGICAL ATTACK

The best protection against a chemical and/or biological attack would come from being prepared and getting quick medical attention. It is recommended that a disaster kit be available and include the following:

1. Battery-powered commercial radio with extra batteries.
2. Non-perishable food and drinking water.
3. Roll of duct tape and scissors.
4. Plastic for doors, windows and vents for the room where individuals will be sheltered. This should be a room where air can be blocked which could contain biological and/or chemical agents.
5. First aid kit.
6. Sanitation supplies including soap, water and bleach.

WHAT TO DO DURING A BIOLOGICAL ATTACK

It is recommended that the following guidelines be adhered to during a biological attack:

1. If in a residence hall, follow the instructions of Residence Hall Supervision. If supervision is not available, contact the Office of Campus Safety for instructions; 726-2020 (If in a classroom, follow the instructions of the faculty/staff member for advice of where to go). If possible, turn off all ventilation, including furnaces, air conditioners, vents and fans. Seek shelter in an internal room, preferably one without windows. Remain in protected areas where toxic vapors are reduced or eliminated, and be sure to take your battery-operated radio with you. If you are caught in an unprotected area, you should; attempt to get up-wind of the contaminated area, attempt to find shelter as quickly as possible, and listen to the radio for official instructions.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A BIOLOGICAL ATTACK

In many biological attacks, individuals will not know they have been exposed to an agent. In such situations, the first evidence of an attack may be when you notice symptoms of the disease caused by an agent exposure, and you should seek immediate medical attention for treatment.

In some situations, like the Anthrax letters sent in 2001, individuals may be alerted to a potential exposure. If this is the case, pay close attention to all official warnings and instructions on how to proceed. The delivery of medical services for a biological event may be handled differently to respond to increased demand. Again, it will be important for you to pay attention to official instructions via radio, television, and emergency alert systems.

If your skin or clothing comes in contact with a visible, potentially infectious substance, you should remove and bag your clothes and personal items and wash yourself with warm soapy water immediately. Put on clean clothes and seek medical assistance. The Office of Campus Safety is designated as Samford University's official emergency office for the entire campus.

Bomb Threats

There are only two reasonable explanations for a call reporting that there is a bomb in a particular location:  (1) The caller has knowledge or believes that an explosive device has been placed in the location and he/she wants to minimize personal injury or property damage.  (2)  The caller wants to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic to disrupt normal activities.

The vast majority of bomb threats turn out to be a hoax; however, it is practically impossible to determine immediately whether the threat is real or a hoax.  Therefore, for the safety of people, buildings should be evacuated when a bomb threat is received.

When a bomb threat is called in:

• Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.  Ask him to repeat the message.  Record every word spoken by the person.
• If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, you should ask him for this information.
• Inform the caller that the building is occupied and detonation of a bomb could result in death or serious injury to many innocent people.
• Pay particular attention to peculiar background noises such as motors running, background music, and any other noise which may give a clue as to the location of the caller.
• Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited), accents and speech impediments.
• Report this information immediately to the Campus Safety Department.  The person receiving the call should complete the Bomb Threat Report Form (attachment).
• Campus Safety officers and other authorities will conduct a detailed bomb search.  Employees are requested to make a cursory inspection of their area for suspicious objects and if any are found to report their location to Campus Safety.  DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT!  Do not open drawers, cabinets, or turn lights on or off.

DEPARTMENT OF CAMPUS SAFETY
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
BOMB THREAT REPORT FORM

THREATENING PHONE CALL

Date:_______________________                              Time:____________________

Exact words of person placing call:_______________________________________

Questions to ask caller:

1.      When is the bomb going to explode?__________________________________

2.      Where is the bomb right now?_______________________________________

3.      What kind of bomb is it?____________________________________________

4.      What does it look like?_____________________________________________

5.      Why did you place the bomb?_______________________________________

DESCRIPTION OF CALLER'S VOICE:

Male:_____     Female:_____     Age:_____     Young:_____    

Middle Age:_____     Old:_____    

Tone of Voice:_______________     Accent:_______________

Is voice familiar?____________    If yes, who did it sound like?______________

Background noises:__________________________________________________

Remarks:___________________________________________________________

PERSON RECEIVING/MONITORING CALL:___________________________

Department:_______________     Telephone Number:_______________

Authorities notified of threat:_______________     Time:_______________

 Explosion

In the event of an explosion, take the following actions:

• Immediately take cover under tables, desks or other objects which will give protection from falling glass or debris.
• After the effects of the explosion have subsided, notify the Campus Safety Department.  Give your name, the location and nature of the damages.
• If necessary, or when directed to do so, activate the building alarm system.  The alarm system may only alert persons in the building; you must still report the emergency by telephone.
• When the building evacuation alarm sounds or when told by authorized officials to leave the building, do so by following established evacuation procedures.

Violent or Criminal Behavior

The Campus Safety Department is located in Room 210, Beeson University Center and provides 24 hour, 7 day a week help and protection.

Emergency Number:  726-2020

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, AVOID RISKS: be observant to details for later reporting.

If you observe criminal behavior, suspicious persons or suspicious activities on campus, promptly report this information to the Campus Safety Department at 726-2020.

Assist the officers when they arrive by supplying them with all additional information and ask others to cooperate.

In the unlikely situation if you are 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 unstable.  Don't make mistakes which could jeopardize your well-being.
3. Don't speak unless spoken to and then only when necessary.  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 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 police on the phone.  Be patient.  Attempt to establish rapport with the captor.  If medications, first aid, 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 them in additional offenses.

Civil Disturbance or Demonstrations

A student demonstration should not be disrupted unless one or more of the following conditions exist as a result of the demonstration:

1. Interference with the normal operations of the University.
2. Prevention of access to office, buildings or other University facilities.
3. Threat of physical harm to persons or damage to University facilities.

If any of these conditions exist, Campus Safety should be notified and will be responsible for contacting and informing appropriate University officials.  Depending on the nature of the demonstration, the appropriate procedures listed below should be followed:

Peaceful, Non-Obstructive Demonstrations

1. Generally, demonstrations of this kind should not be interrupted.
2. If demonstrators are asked to leave but refuse to leave by regular facility closing time:  (1) Arrangements will be made by the Director of Campus Safety 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.

Non-Violent, Disruptive Demonstrations

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

1. Demonstrators will be asked to terminate the disruptive activity by the Director of Campus Safety or other designated officials.
2. Key University personnel and student leaders will be asked to go to the area and ask the demonstrators to desist.
3. If the demonstrators persist in the disruptive activity, they will be apprised that failure to discontinue may result in disciplinary action or possible intervention by civil authorities.
4. After consultation with the President and other officials, the need for an injunction and intervention of civil authorities will be determined.

Violent, Disruptive Demonstrations

In the event that a violent demonstration in which injury to persons or property occurs or appears imminent, the President and other appropriate University officials will be notified.

During Business Hours

In coordination with appropriate University officials, Campus Safety will contact the Homewood Police Department.  The Campus Safety Department will establish a communications link with the Homewood Police Department.

After Business Hours

The Campus Safety Department should be immediately notified of the disturbance.  Campus Safety will investigate the disruption and notify the Director, Campus Safety, and the Dean of Students.  The Dean of Students will report the circumstances to the President and notify key administrators as appropriate.  In coordination with the President, Director of Campus Safety and other officials, determine the need for police assistance.

Note

The Director of Campus Safety has the authority to call for police assistance without counsel from others if it is deemed to be of paramount importance to the safety of persons involved.

Attachments

A.   Directive to immediately terminate demonstration.

B.   Directive to immediately terminate demonstration with the assistance of police.           

ATTACHMENT  A
DIRECTIVE TO IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE DEMONSTRATION

(Identify Self)

This assembly and the conduct of each participant is seriously disrupting the operations of the University and is in clear violation of the rules of the University.  You have previously been called upon to disperse and terminate this demonstration.  Accordingly, you are directed to terminate this demonstration.  If you have not done so within 15 minutes, I will, under the authority of the Board of Trustees, take whatever measures are necessary to restore order -- including calling for police assistance.  Any student who continues to participate in this demonstration is subject to immediate suspension and possible arrest.

ATTACHMENT B
DIRECTIVE TO IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE DEMONSTRATION WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF POLICE

(Identify Self)

You have previously been directed to terminate this demonstration and you have been put on notice as to the consequences of your failure to do so.  Since you have chosen to remain in violation of the rules and regulations of the University, each of you is hereby suspended, subject to later review.  The police will now be called to assist in dispersing this assembly.  Those who fail to leave immediately will be subject to arrest.

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