Critical Incident Management Plan

Emergency Action Plan

Download Emergency Action Plan

The Following Emergency Action Plan (EAP) will assist members of the UMHB community as they respond to emergent situations.

Procedures for Reporting an Emergency

UMHB is concerned about all criminal acts, fires, medical emergencies, and other emergent situations that occur on or near campus. Members of the UMHB community and our guests are encouraged to report all emergencies as soon as possible by contacting the UMHB Police Department.

• Fire, Medical, Police Emergency: 911
• UMHB Police Department Non-Emergency (from a campus telephone): 5555
• UMHB Police Department Non-Emergency (from off-campus or cell phone): 254-295-5555
  
  

If you call to report an emergency, please provide the following information:

• Your name.
• The location of the emergency.
• The type of emergency.
• If you can safely do so, provide a description of the scene, persons, and vehicles (including license plate numbers) involved.

Evacuation/Shelter in Place Procedures

When an evacuation becomes necessary, individuals will move from a potentially dangerous environment to a safe environment. Examples include the evacuation of a building during a fire. In an extreme situation (e.g., a HazMat accident), evacuation of large portions of the campus or the entire campus may be required.

An evacuation notification may come from several sources, including the fire alarm system, Police Department, University Staff, or other authorities.

Always evacuate:

• If the fire alarm sounds
  
  
• If special evacuation announcements are made, and/or
  
  
• When you are directed to evacuate.
  
  

When it is safe to do so, address any special circumstances that exist within the room/area you are evacuating prior to departure (securing/capping hazardous chemicals, switching off machinery, etc.).

When evacuating:

• Do not delay evacuating a facility upon hearing an alarm or other official announcement.
  
  
• If time permits, turn off lights and computers.
  
  
• Exit the building in an orderly manner and move to the designated Emergency Assembly Point. Instruct students/visitors to do the same.
  
  
• Close but do not lock office/classroom doors.
  
  
• Communicate the need to evacuate to anyone not following the evacuation plan’s protocol.
  
  
• Do not use elevators during an evacuation.
  
  
• Use designated corridors and fire exit stairs that lead to the ground level.
  
  
• Aid people not physically able to evacuate via the stairs by assisting them to the nearest enclosed stairwell; immediately notify 911 of the following:
  
  

o Name

o Specific location

o Individual details (gender, approximate weight, restrictions (wheelchair, crutches, etc.)

• Follow instructions of emergency response personnel and Building Coordinators.
  
  
• To the best of your ability, account for those who were occupying the building as well as those located at the Assembly Point.
  
  
• Until accounted for, do not leave the area unless the emergency requires immediate relocation. Upon reaching safety, contact your supervisor.
  
  
• Do not reenter the building until told to do so or you receive an “All Clear.”

Emergency Assembly Point(s)

An Emergency Assembly Point is the location to which all building occupants should report following a building evacuation. Although the University has identified primary points for assembly, some incidents may require the relocation of an established Assembly Point. Emergency Assembly Points consist of Exterior Assembly Points (fair weather evacuations), Protected Assembly Points (foul weather evacuations), and Interior Shelter locations when sheltering due to a storm event (i.e., tornado).

Each year, the University publicizes general information pertaining to emergency response and evacuation procedures as part of the University’s Clery Report. This information is also available on the Police Department’s webpage located at https://www.umhb.edu/resources/police/policies-reports#1845 .

Shelter-in-Place

• When the direction to shelter-in-place is given, everyone should move indoors.
  
  
• Locate an appropriate Shelter-in-Place room. When possible, interior shelters should be an interior room, at the lowest level, and without windows or with the least number of windows. Utilize as many rooms as necessary to accommodate the number of people in the building. Shut and lock the door(s) or otherwise secure the door.
  
  
• To the best of your ability, account for those who were occupying the building as well as those located at the Assembly Point.
  
  
• Monitor the CruAlert system for emergency information and/or further instructions.
  
  
• Take refuge until evacuated by emergency responders or you receive an “all clear.”

Other than University Police Officers, no member of the faculty/staff works in a position that prevents evacuation from a location at the time an evacuation order is given.

Seeking Shelter - Individuals with Mobility/Impairments or Physical Disabilities

• During an evacuation, individuals should be alert to and escort individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities, bringing them to safety during an evacuation.
  
  
• You may use elevators to transport individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities, and their escorts, to a safer location (if possible, this should occur prior to the issuance of a warning).
  
  
• Escort visually and hearing impaired individuals downstairs and when moving in crowded staircases.
  
  
• In the event of a power failure, individuals who are unable to use the stairs and their escorts should move to an interior location without windows and call the UMHB Police Department at 295-5555.

Situational Awareness

• Conduct initial and periodic self-inspection of your work area and surroundings.
  
  
• Be aware of the designated emergency evacuation Assembly Points.
  
  
• When moving from building to building during the performance of your duties, take a few moments to orient yourself as to the location of the nearest Assembly Point.
  
  
• Do not count on others to keep you safe; it is the responsibility of each member of the UMHB community to be aware of respective surroundings and to be prepared to act appropriately if an emergency were to arise.
  
  
• Maintain accurate contact information.

CruAlert System

The CruAlert System will notify students and staff in the event of a natural disaster, severe weather, or other type of emergency that may take place on and near the UMHB campus.

The University disseminates emergency information and instructions using one or more of the following methods:

• Text message to your cell phone (automatically opted in).
  
  
• Audio message to a cell phone or other telephone.
  
  
• Email notification to UMHB email account.
  
  
• Outdoor notification system (sirens).
  
  
• Indoor notification systems (fire alarms).

• Recorded Information on the University's Information Hotline, (866) 965-1845.

• UMHB website.
  
  

Understand the importance of your role in making this plan work effectively.

• If you receive a CruAlert, share the information with others around you.
  
  
• Notify the UMHB Police Department if you have any concerns, observe suspicious activity, and/or need to report an event that is/has taken place.
  
  
• DO NOT contact the Police Department unless you have an emergency. Your Dean, Vice President, or Director will provide updated information as it becomes available.
  
  
• Maintain current contact information.

Fire Emergency

• If a fire is observed, pull the nearest fire alarm and evacuate the building.
  
  
• Report the fire by dialing 911. Have another person contact the University Police Department by dialing 254-295-5555.
  
  
• When a fire alarm activates, all occupants of the building are to evacuate per established evacuation protocol.
  
  
• If the fire is at an incipient (small/controllable) state and you are trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, an attempt may be made to extinguish the fire when it is safe to do so.
  
  

o Note: Always activate the fire alarm (you or someone you direct) before any attempt is made to extinguish the fire.

• Follow evacuation protocols.
  
  
• Be prepared to use an alternate route if necessary due to the location of the emergency.
  
  
• Keep low as you exit the building if dense smoke is present within the corridor.
  
  

Hazardous Materials Incident

General

Hazardous materials incidents include spills or releases of chemicals, biological agents, radioactive materials, or dangerous gases.

Trained department personnel are equipped to handle small spills. If a large spill occurs on campus, a commercially licensed contractor will remediate the spill.

Spill Response

Shops, labs, and areas utilizing hazardous materials must have spill clean-up supplies on hand. UMHB personnel remediate small spills using the proper personal protective equipment, spill kits, and consultation of applicable Safety Data Sheets.

Report all potential hazards from oil spills, fuel spills, chemical spills, and other hazardous materials to the University Police and/or Safety Director. If anyone has suffered an exposure, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.

Note: Segregate contaminated personnel from others to prevent additional exposure. Exercise care in treatment to avoid improper decontamination.

In the event of a spill or release, timely decisions prevent the unnecessary spread of the contaminants and protect personnel. Use the following response chart to determine necessary response actions.

Spill Type/Size	Notification	Evacuation	Mitigation
Small Spills Low to Moderate Hazard	Supervisor/Department Head Campus Police (x5555) Safety (x4524)	Evacuate occupants to safe area.	Contain and clean up using staff and cleanup kit.
Large Spills Serious Hazard	Supervisor/Department Head Campus Police (x5555) Safety (x4524)	Evacuate personnel to primary or secondary evacuation point.	Cleanup completed by HazMat contractor.

Severe Weather – Tornado/High Winds/Flood/Earthquake

Severe Weather Watch

• Conditions are favorable for the formation of severe weather, but it does not mean that severe weather is imminent.
  
  
• Be alert to changing weather conditions and announcements.
  
  
• Be prepared to seek shelter with little or no advanced warning.

Severe Weather Warning

• Based on specific criteria and existing reports received by the National Weather Service, severe weather is imminent.
  
  
• When there is evidence of an existing storm, the National Weather Service will issue a warning.
  
  
• Be alert to changing weather conditions and announcements.
  
  
• Be prepared to seek shelter with little or no advanced warning.

Tornado Watch

• Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near a watch area.
  
  
• Review and discuss emergency plans, and check availability of pertinent supplies.
  
  
• Be ready to act quickly. If you suspect a tornado is approaching, move to shelter.
  
  
• Monitor changing weather conditions and announcements.

Tornado Warning

• Take Action! A sighted tornado or weather radar indicates tornado is approaching the area.
  
  
• University/City sirens and the CruAlert system activation occurs when there is imminent danger to life and property.
  
  
• Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows and exterior doors.
  
  
• If in a vehicle or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
  
  
• Continue to monitor weather reports/conditions via a mobile device, weather radio, etc.

Basic criteria for seeking shelter pertaining to a severe weather warning at or near your location (Tornado, Severe Thunderstorm, High Winds, etc.) include:

• Seeking inside shelter, moving to the lowest level in the building.
  
  
• Assisting anyone needing special assistance in getting to the designated severe weather assembly area. Notify employees or emergency responders if additional help is required.
  
  
• Seek refuge in identified severe weather assembly areas.
  
  
• Seek interior rooms on the lowest floors without windows and outside wall exposure (interior classrooms, restrooms, offices, etc.).
  
  
• If possible, avoid single story wide-span roof areas such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias, etc. If located in a structure of this nature, stay away from the outside walls and windows.
  
  
• Attempt to stay calm and follow instructions communicated through the CruAlert system.
  
  
• Use your arms to protect head and neck.
  
  
• Remain sheltered until the threat passes.
  
  
• Report any damage you observe to Physical Plant personnel at 254-295-4586.

Flood

If indoors:

• Be ready to evacuate as instructed by the CruAlert system, designated officials, and/or emergency responders.
  
  
• Follow evacuation routes (primary/secondary) given at the time the action becomes necessary.
  
  
• If evacuation is not an option due to conditions, move to higher floors within the structure.
  
  
• Notify the UMHB Police Department at 254‐295‐5555 of your location. Create an accountability list so that a record of who is in the building is available.
  
  
• Remain calm and only relocate when conditions make remaining at your present location unsafe or an All Clear is given.
  
  
• To ensure accurate and timely information is being disseminated, monitor communications with the UMHB Police Department.

If outdoors:

• If time permits, evacuate to a safe area outside of the flood zone.
  
  
• Climb to high ground and stay there until it is safe to relocate.

• Avoid walking and driving through floodwaters.

Earthquake

• Stay calm and await instructions from the CruAlert system or a designated official.
  
  
• Keep away from overhead fixtures, windows, unsecured cabinets/shelves/stacked objects, and any other hazard that may pose a threat.
  
  
• Assist individuals with special needs in finding a safe place.
  
  
• If necessary, evacuate the building.

Snow and Ice

• Remain indoors and do not drive if hazardous conditions exist.
  
  
• Follow the instructions provided by the CruAlert system.
  
  
• DO NOT contact the UMHB Police Department regarding University scheduling/closure.

Active Shooter

Specific circumstances will dictate how you respond to an active shooter encounter. If you find yourself involved in an active shooter situation, try to remain calm and call 911 as soon as possible.

Run, Hide, Fight

• What will you do to survive?
  
  
• Will you GET OUT?
  
  

o Is there a path of escape?

• Will you HIDE OUT?

o Is there a chance to get to where the shooter may not find you?

• Is your only option to FIGHT the shooter?

Run!

• Move quickly, leaving belongings behind.
  
  
• Survival chances increase if you are not in the vicinity of the shooter.
  
  
• When it is safe to do so, call 911.

Hide!

• If you cannot get out of the area because the shooter is between you and the only exit, then hide.
  
  
• Move out of the hallway and look for a well-hidden and well-protected room.
  
  
• Avoid places that might trap you or restrict movement.
  
  
• Secure the area.
  
  
• If the main exterior level of your building remains unsecured, you should be prepared to secure the next interior level such as an office suite, classroom, or other space.
  
  
• When available, utilize door locks to secure the space, or try to barricade or block the door with heavy furniture or objects.
  
  
• Turn off lights and noise producing devices; stay silent.
  
  
• Spread out.
  
  
• Call 911 if you can do so without alerting the intruder(s).

Fight!

• Assume the shooter's intentions are lethal.
  
  
• Do whatever it takes to neutralize the threat.
  
  
• Throw things, yell, and make use of improvised weapons.
  
  
• If there are two or more people in the room, make a plan to overcome the shooter.
  
  
• Choose to survive.

Staff Rescue and Medical Response Duties

When it is safe to do so, individuals should aid others when evacuating. Unless exigent circumstances exist, do not move injured individuals who are immobile. Contact 911 for assistance evacuating an immobile individual.

No member of the faculty/staff should enter a hazardous environment unless they are trained and equipped in a manner mitigating potential exposure.

Render first aid within the scope of training.

Staff Emergency Action Plan Contacts

For assistance in developing a localized emergency response plan, contact the Safety Director,

Chief of Police, or your division’s/college’s Safety Coordinator.

Safety Coordinators

Safety Coordinators serve as an important liaison between occupants of their building, the Safety Department, the University Police Department, and emergency responders. Safety Coordinators are responsible for assisting with the coordination of prompt and safe action of employees and students within their designated areas during emergencies and drills. Safety Coordinators are selected campus wide among faculty/staff and receive additional training, equipment, and instructions.