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PREFACE
This University Emergency Response Plan has been designed for Neumann University administrators, faculty and staff as a guide to proper protocols to be followed by University personnel in campus emergency situations. While this manual does not cover every possible situation, it does supply the basic administrative guidelines necessary to cope with most campus emergencies.
The Neumann University policies and procedures herein are to be followed by all University personnel whose responsibilities and authority cover the operational procedures found in the Manual. Campus emergency operations will be conducted within the framework of these University guidelines.
All requests for procedural changes, suggestions, or recommendations should be submitted in writing to Campus Safety. All changes recommended by the Director of Campus Safety will be submitted in writing to the Vice President for Human Resources & Risk Management for review and recommendation to Executive Council.
PURPOSE
The emergency procedures outlined in this document are intended to provide for the protection of lives and property through effective use of Neumann University campus and community resources. Whenever an emergency affecting the campus reaches proportions that cannot be handled by routine measures the President, or designee appointed by the president, will declare a state of emergency, and the University Emergency Response Plan will be implemented.
There are many types of emergencies that may result in the implementation of this plan. These include natural and humankind events. Specific examples are described below. Since an emergency often occurs suddenly and without warning, these procedures are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate response contingencies of varying magnitude.
For the purpose of this Plan and to assist University personnel in determining the appropriate response, the categories of emergencies are defined as follows:
MINOR EMERGENCY: Any incident, actual or potential, which is not likely to seriously affect the overall functional capacity of the University.
MAJOR EMERGENCY: Any incident, actual or potential, which affects one or more buildings, and which will disrupt the overall operations 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 from the University Administration during these incidents.
DISASTER: Any event or incident that has occurred and has seriously impaired or halted the operations of the University. In rare 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 will be manned by University administrators to assure the emergency plans are properly implemented.
Any incident which fits one of the definitions above and concerns campus resources, and/or instrumentalities of the University immediately should be reported to the Office of Campus Safety at ext. 5555 (on campus) or 610 558 5555 (off campus). Campus Safety will immediately notify the appropriate Unit Vice President and/or the President of the incident.
SCOPE
The response procedures in this document apply to all Neumann University personnel and to all the buildings and grounds owned and operated by the University.
The University Emergency Response Plan includes response protocols for the following types of emergencies:
ASSUMPTIONS
The University Emergency Response Plan is based on a realistic approach to the kinds of problems likely to be encountered on the campus during an emergency or disaster. The plan is based on the following assumptions:
DECLARATION OF CAMPUS STATE OF EMERGENCY
The authority to declare a campus state of emergency rests with the University President or designee, appointed by the President, as follows:
During the period of any campus major emergency, the Campus Safety Office will immediately place into effect the appropriate procedures necessary to meet the emergency, safeguard persons and property, and maintain facilities. The Director of Campus Safety, and Director of Facilities will immediately consult with the Vice President for Human Resources & Risk Management regarding the emergency and the possible need for a declaration of a campus state of emergency. The Vice President for Human Resources & Risk Management will consult with the President. The Vice President of University Advancement will be notified of the President's decision. When the President or designee makes this declaration, only those persons authorized by the University administration will be allowed on campus. Persons who cannot show proper identification and those who do not have urgent business on campus will be asked to leave the premises.
Unauthorized persons remaining on campus may be subject to arrest in accordance with the law.
CAMPUS EMERGENCY RESOURCE TEAM (CERT)
DESIGNATED MEMBERS AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The University shall establish and maintain a Campus Emergency Resource Team (CERT), which consists of the following personnel and areas of responsibility:
CERT members will cooperate with the Emergency Director and Emergency Coordinators for implementation and coordination of the University Emergency Response Plan according to their assigned areas of responsibility.
The Emergency Coordinators will keep the President and Vice Presidents informed throughout an emergency situation. CERT members are to be in constant communication with the Emergency Operations Center. General responsibilities of the CERT members are listed below.
In the case of any declared emergency, the CERT members will assemble at the designated Emergency Operations Center. (RAB 4th Floor Board Room, BMB Bevilacqua Board Room).
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
EMERGENCY DIRECTOR
EMERGENCY COORDINATORS
UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS, FACULTY, AND STAFF
All employees are responsible for following established evacuation procedures and other protocols. In order to prevent and minimize accidents and to reduce incidents involving hazardous materials, work order requests, when necessary, should be promptly submitted to the Facilities Department.
In Emergency Situations:
BUILDING/FACILITY COORDINATOR
CAMPUS SAFETY
PUBLIC INFORMATION/MEDIA RELATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND COMPLIANCE
Director of Campus Safety, in cooperation with the Health Services nurse, will inspect the Campus facilities to determine if any environmental health problems have occurred. They will report their findings to the Emergency Director.
INJURIES/HEALTH SERVICES
The Health Services nurse will provide any medical assistance to campus and community officials and shall act as a liaison to medical facilities stationed at the campus and in the local area.
GENERAL PROTOCOL FOR REPORTING EMERGENCIES
IN AN EMERGENCY:
CALL CAMPUS SAFETY AT EXT. 5555 (on campus) or 610 558 5555 (off campus).
LIFE THREATENING SITUATIONS:
CALL POLICE/FIRE/EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AT 911
IMPORTANT:
FIRE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROTOCOL
REPORTING A FIRE
RESPONSE TO A FIRE ALARM WHEN YOU ARE IN THE AREA OF THE FIRE
RESPONSE TO A FIRE ALARM WHEN FIRE IS LOCATED IN ANOTHER AREA OF THE UNIVERSITY
BACHMANN MAIN BUILDING POINT OF REFUGE AREA
In the event of an emergency evacuation, there are designated areas on the 2nd and 3rd floors where any students, faculty, staff, or visitors with mobility difficulties should relocate. Red emergency phones which are connected directly to Campus Safety have been installed on the 2nd and 3rd floors near the F stairwell and the A stairwell in the hallway outside the Science labs on the 3rd floor and near the elevator on the 2nd floor. Directly above the phones are red signs identifying the location of the phone being used. Any students, faculty, staff, or visitors with mobility difficulties should pick up the phone and notify Campus Safety of their exact location and need for assistance. Campus Safety will respond and alert emergency services personnel for evacuation assistance. Campus Safety shall check the building and the stairwells for remaining occupants and will remain with anyone in the point of refuge area until the emergency has been resolved or an evacuation by fire department personnel is required.
ROCCO A. ABESSINIO BUILDING POINT OF REFUGE AREA
In the event of an emergency evacuation, the stairwells in the Rocco A. Abessinio Building are to be used for a point of refuge for any students, faculty, staff, or visitors with mobility difficulties. The elevators should not be used. Campus Safety shall check the building and the stairwells for remaining occupants and will remain with anyone in the point of refuge area until the emergency has been resolved or an evacuation by fire department personnel is required. The Rocco A. Abessinio Building is also equipped with red emergency phones that contact Campus Safety directly. These phones are located near the elevators.
UTILITY FAILURE RESPONSE
Whenever a major utility failure or phone failure occurs - either during regular business hours (Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM) or after business hours, weekends or holidays - immediately notify Campus Safety at 610-558-5555.
If there is a potential danger to building occupants, evacuate the building. Once outside, move to a clear and safe area away from the affected building. Keep the walkways, fire lanes and hydrants clear for emergency personnel.
Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a University official.
RESPONSES TO SPECIFIC TYPES OF UTILITY FAILURE:
Electrical
Water
Plumbing Failure/Flooding
Gas Leak
Steam Line Failure
Ventilation System Failure
If smoke odors come from the ventilation system, immediately notify Campus Safety at 610-558-5555. Campus Safety will contact Facilities at 610-361-5217. If necessary, cease all operations and vacate the area.
Severe Weather Information:
Be prepared by listening to local news and weather reports from organizations like National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In the event of an injury or life threatening situation for any severe weather event contact Campus Safety at 610-558-5555 or call 911.
Severe Thunderstorm/Lightning
Stay away from open doors and windows.
Hurricane or Tornado
Flooding
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Extreme Heat
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
In the event of heat exhaustion or heat stroke contact Campus Safety at 610-558-5555 or 911.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
In the event of a medical emergency incident involving an injury or illness on campus, call Campus Safety at 610-558-5555. If the injury or illness is life threatening, call 911 first, then contact Campus Safety and do the following:
There are Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) located in the following places on Campus:
1 in the Patrol 1 vehicle
1 in the Patrol 2 vehicle
1 in the Rocco Abessinio Building main lobby
1 in the Bachmann Main Building behind the main lobby next to the library entrance
1 in the Bruder Life Center by the Cashier
4 in the Mirenda Center, two on the ground floor and two on the 1st floor located on opposite sides of the main gym in the Mirenda Center Athletic Department
1 in the Buoni Building by the Campus Safety desk
1 in the Child Development Center in between the main classrooms
1 in LLC 1 by the Campus Safety Desk
1 in LLC 2 by the Campus Safety Desk
1 in LLC 3 by the Campus Safety Desk
VIOLENT OR CRIMINAL INCIDENT RESPONSE PROTOCOL
If you observe a criminal act or whenever you observe a suspicious person on campus, notify Campus Safety at 610-558-5555 immediately and report the incident, including the following information: 1. Nature of the incident. 2. Location of the incident. 3. Description of person(s) involved. 4. Description of property involved. 5. Type of weapon, if any. Note: If the incident poses a danger of death or bodily injury, call 911 first.
Timely Warnings When the Department of Campus Safety becomes aware of criminal incidents that, in the judgment of the University’s senior leadership, constitute an ongoing threat to the campus community, the Department of Campus Safety issues a Crime Alert to notify the community. These Crime Alerts are disseminated via the Department of Campus Safety. Depending on the particular circumstances, a timely warning will be issued without delay by the Department of Campus Safety and the information may be disseminated by using one or a combination of the following: e-mail distribution, Neumann University website, campus publications and postings and/or activation of the externally hosted emergency notification Campus alert system to advise the community of the situation. Neumann University withholds as confidential the names of victims.
HOSTILE INTRUDERS
When an intruder in a campus building is actively causing serious bodily harm or the threat of imminently serious bodily harm:
Unless the specific circumstances present a more dangerous situation by staying in the building than in attempting to escape. When an intruder is actively causing serious bodily injury or the threat of imminently serious bodily injury to people on the campus grounds:
Additional Information - Active Shooter
An active shooter is a person who appears to be actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. In most cases active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.
What to report:
Shelter in place - A process by taking immediate shelter. Originally defined for weather, a chemical incident or terrorist attack. Also implemented as a response to armed events.
When University Authorities order a “Shelter-in-Place” they want everyone to take immediate action and building occupants are to remain indoors secured in a sheltered area.
Lockdown - The external and internal securing of buildings in the wake of an incident involving potential assailants possessing firearms with a hostile intent. Includes Shelter in place.
When University Authorities order a “Lockdown” they want everyone to take immediate action and building occupants are to remain indoors secured in a sheltered area and the exterior doors to the buildings shall be locked to prevent intrusion.
Do not leave the building until directed by Campus Safety or a police officer unless the specific circumstances present a more dangerous situation by staying in the building, than in attempting to escape.
CIVIL DISTURBANCE AND DEMONSTRATIONS RESPONSE PROTOCOL
Most campus demonstrations such as marches, meetings, picketing or rallies will be peaceful and non-obstructive. A demonstration should not be interfered with unless one or more of the following conditions exists as a result of the demonstration.
If any of these conditions exists or the suspicion of such a disturbance exists, Campus Safety should be notified at ext. 5555 (on campus) 610-558-5555 (off campus). Campus Safety will inform the Vice President for Human Resources & Risk Management or the President.
Depending on the nature of the demonstration, the appropriate procedures listed below should be followed:
PEACEFUL, NON-OBSTRUCTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS:
Generally, demonstrations of this kind should not be interrupted nor the participants provoked. Efforts should be made to conduct University business in as normal a way as possible. If demonstrators are asked to leave but refuse to vacate at the end of the normal business day:
NON-VIOLENT, DISRUPTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
In the event that a demonstration blocks access to University facilities or interferes with the operation of the University:
VIOLENT, DISRUPTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
In the event that a violent demonstration in which injury to persons or property occurs or appears imminent, the President or designee will be notified.
1.During Business Hours - (Mon - Fri) 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
2. After Business Hours, Weekends, Holidays
BOMB THREAT RESPONSE PROTOCOL
1. If the threat is received by telephone, encourage the caller to talk. The person receiving the bomb threat should ask specific questions such as: a. When is the bomb going to explode? b. Where is the bomb located? c. What kind of bomb is it? d. What does the bomb look like? f. Why did you place the bomb?
2. Keep talking to the caller as long as possible and record the following information: a. Time of call. b. Approximate age and the gender of the caller. c. Speech pattern, accent, other distinguishing vocal traits. d. Emotional state of the caller. e. Background noises.
3. Notify Campus Safety at 610-558-5555 and state that a bomb threat has been received including the location of the device and related information. After the caller hangs up, do not hang up your phone - attempt to use another phone to call.
4. Campus Safety will then call 911 for a police response. Campus Safety will coordinate informing occupants of the building(s) involved to evacuate to a safe area.
5. If a suspicious object or potential bomb is observed on campus, Do Not Handle It! Clear the area and immediately and notify Campus Safety at 610-558-5555.
6. Do not activate the building's fire alarm system, do not touch light switches, Do not close open windows.
7. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a University official. Suspicious packages are any items capable of concealing or containing harmful substances that has been left unattended and/or visibly shows indicators of posing a potential threat.
Characteristics of Suspicious Packages
Key Appearances
Additionally, items such as briefcase, gym bag, suitcase, etc. may be deemed suspicious solely because it is discovered unattended in a public place or near a sensitive facility.
What to Do with a Suspicious Package, Letter or Container
Do not use radios or cell phones.
Carefully follow the instructions provided by law enforcement and health officials.
EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE PROTOCOL
PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISIS INCIDENT RESPONSE
A psychological crisis exists when an individual is threatening harm to himself or herself or others. This type of incident also includes incidents when individuals are not acting in a rational manner. This could include uncontrollable behavior, hallucinations and the inability to effectively communicate with others. Such effects can be caused by a reaction to alcohol, drugs, or illness - physical or mental.
If a psychological crisis occurs:
UTILIZATION OF UNIVERSITY FACILITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DURING NATURAL OR MANMADE EMERGENCIES
GENERAL
Because of the housing and eating facilities available, the Township of Aston may request the use of these facilities during natural or humankind disasters. The request may be initiated by anyone in authority from the community (police, fire, Aston community management, and Red Cross, Federal or State authorities.) The call may be made to anyone in authority at the University. The person receiving the call will direct the call to the Office of the President. The President will make the final decision. If the decision to support is made, the President will inform the Vice Presidents. The Vice President for Human Resources & Risk Management will direct the Campus Safety and Facilities department to initiate contact with the requesting authority. At this time the President will institute a state of emergency and all normal University activities will cease. Students may be sent home, if necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES
FACILITIES AND RESIDENCE LIFE
Directors of Facilities and Residence Life will provide assistance in support of the community and will assist in providing oversight of the facilities that may house community personnel. The dining facility will respond to the direction of the Director of Facilities who will report directly to the agency head designated by the President and will direct the support operation and all University personnel.
CAMPUS SAFETY
The Director of Campus Safety will:
PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENTS
The President will provide guidance to the Director of Facilities on support to the requesting agency. The President may deny a specific request from the requesting agency. The Vice Presidents will provide staffing of the Emergency Operations Center as needed or requested by the President.
PUBLIC INFORMATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS
The Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations will implement the Crisis Communication Plan and: