Emergency Procedures Handbook

Introduction

• Don’t Panic
• Use common sense
• Follow procedures or directions given until assistance arrives.

Fire

1. Alert others: Yell loudly! Pull nearest alarm.
2. Evacuate: Close all windows and doors as you leave. Turn off lights. Be sure everyone in your area has left. Check restrooms. Assist anyone who is disabled, if possible, to the nearest "area of refuge." If area is full of smoke, stay low to floor and exit as quickly as possible. Don’t use elevators.
3. Report it: Dial 911.
4. Extinguish: Attempt to put out the fire only if very small. Use the right type of extinguisher.
5. If trapped: Close off area, stand near a window, and signal for help by hanging a piece of clothing or material out the window.
6. Stay out: Do not re-enter the building until given permission to do so by the Fire Department.

Medical Emergency

1. Report it. If a medical emergency exists, call for an ambulance by dialing 911. If not an emergency, call the Health Center (5281) or the person’s personal physician.
2. Don’t touch. Do not move the victim if you don’t have to. Keep the victim comfortable. Be cautious--it’s better to call an ambulance and find out later that it wasn’t an emergency.
3. First aid: Only apply as much as you have been trained to do. Attempt to find a person trained in first aid, if it is possible for you to leave the injured person.
4. Remember: All injuries, minor or serious, must be reported. Call Security (5777) or the Health Center (5281).
5. Drug overdose: First dial 911. Give the dispatcher all the information you have.

Power Failure

1. Report it. Call the Physical Plant (5999) during regular business hours (M-F 8-4:30). Call Security (5777) at all other times.
2. Unplug all electrical equipment and note any damage.
3. Conserve heat. Close all windows and drapes.
4. Observe. Watch for signs of fire and report it immediately.

Flooding & Water Damage

Serious water damage may result from a variety of causes: heavy rainstorms, broken pipes, clogged drains, leaky roofs, broken windows or skylights, sprinklers, etc.

If a water leak or flood occurs:

1. Remain calm.
2. If there is any threat of personal injury, dial 911 to summon assistance.
3. Call the Physical Plant (5999) during regular business hours or Security (5777) at all other times. In particular, indicate if any valuable objects, art collections, books, or equipment are affected or are in imminent danger.
4. Notify your supervisor or co-workers or housemates.
5. If there are electrical appliances or electrical outlets near the flood/leak, use extreme caution. If there is any possible danger, evacuate the area.
6. If you know the source of the water and are confident of your ability to stop it (i.e., unclog a drain, turn off water, etc.), do so cautiously.

Weapons: Dangerous or Concealed

1. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISARM THE PERSON(S).
2. Do not attempt to apprehend or interfere with the individual.
3. If the person is unknown to you or is acting in a threatening way or if you believe there is imminent danger, call the police immediately (911). If possible, describe the weapon to the emergency dispatcher. Also indicate the number of people involved.
4. If the person is known to you and is not acting in any threatening manner, notify Security (5777) that a person is suspected of being in possession of a weapon.
5. If possible, warn other people in your immediate area.
6. If possible get description of person(s) (height, clothing, etc.) and/or vehicle, including license number and state.
7. Protect yourself.

Hostage Situations

1. Evacuate the area if possible.
2. Immediately notify the police (911). Be prepared to provide as much information about the situation as possible.
3. Respond to immediate needs of people involved in the crisis.

Basic Guidelines if taken hostage:

1. Do not negotiate; trained negotiators from the Walla Walla Police Department will conduct negotiations.
2. Remain calm.
3. Be cooperative.
4. Do not make threats.
5. Be a good listener.
6. Observe all you can.
7. Avoid heroics.

Crime in Progress

1. PROTECT YOURSELF. Do not try to apprehend or interfere with the individual except to protect yourself. If necessary, pull a fire alarm to protect yourself.
2. Call the police. Dial 911.  Stay on the phone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.
3. Call Campus Security (5777) to advise them of the situation
4. Be observant. Try to get a good description of the individual(s)

Earthquake

1. STAY CALM. DO NOT PANIC!
2. If you are indoors:
3. Stay inside: Get under a desk or table or stand in an interior doorway or along an inner wall. Avoid windows and outside doors. Move away from shelves containing objects which may fall.
4. Do not use elevators.
5. After shock subsides, get out of doors. Stay well clear of buildings, trees, and power lines.
6. Be prepared for additional aftershocks. While they are typically smaller in intensity than the major quake, they may cause substantial damage to already weakened buildings.
7. If you are outdoors, stay outside. Get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.
8. Be aware of the potential danger from gas leaks, downed power lines, broken glass, and other hazards caused by the earthquake. Do not use matches, lighters, or lighted cigarettes until you are advised that it is safe to do so.
9. Call 911 to report damage, injuries, gas leaks or water leaks. Use a pay phone or other phone in a safe place.
10. Limit phone use to emergency use only.

Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

1. Be aware of persons in your area with special needs (i.e. impaired vision, impaired hearing, impaired mobility).
2. Alert them to the emergency (i.e. inform hearing impaired of the alarm) and give assistance if asked.
3. Persons with impaired mobility have four basic options for evacuation , in the following order:
4. Evacuate using building exits to the outside at ground level, or go to an unaffected wing of multi-building complexes
5. Evacuate to the designated "Area of Refuge" away from the area of danger. The "Area of Refuge" is a pre-determined location on each floor of each building. The person should go to the area and notify emergency personnel of their location. Emergency personnel will determine if further evacuation is necessary.
6. Stay in place: unless danger is imminent, remain in a room with an exterior window, a telephone, and a solid or fire resistant door. Call 911. Report your location. If the phone lines fail, signal from the window by waving a cloth or other visible object.
7. Evacuate using steps to reach ground level.
8. NOTE: Trained professionals should conduct stairway evacuation of wheelchair users. Only in situations of extreme danger should untrained people attempt to evacuate wheelchair users.
9. Immediately notify emergency personnel of the precise location and needs of individuals with disabilities who need assistance with evacuation.

Sexual Assault

Emotional Support: One of the most important actions to take following a sexual assault is to find someone who can provide you with emotional support. Once you feel that you are being listened to and supported, other decisions are easier to make. Choose someone who will support and respect your decisions.

Medical Attention: Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt medical attention may prevent unwanted pregnancy, STD’s and detect hidden injuries. Additionally, evidence can be gathered at this time for use in the future should you decide to press charges. Do not bathe, or shower prior to seeking medical attention. It is also helpful to maintain any articles that could be used as evidence, such as clothing, by placing them in separate bags.

Reporting: Report sexual assaults to any of the following:

• Police - 911 (from a residence hall) or 9-911 (from other campus telephones)
• Security - 5777
• Health Center - 5295
• Counseling Center - 5195
• YWCA Sexual Assault Center (24-hour confidential crisis services) - 529-9922
• Kazi Joshua, Dean of Students - 5158
• Cassandre Beccai, Title IX Coordinator - 509-522-4314

The Sexual Misconduct Report Form is an anonymous, confidential way to report incidents of sexual misconduct. These forms are available in locations across campus and may be downloaded from the web at

https://whitman-advocate.symplicity.com/public_report/index.php/pid113603

Completed forms will be maintained in a secure, confidential file.

Bomb Threat

1. DO NOT PANIC!
2. Use the Bomb Threat Checklist to try to gather information about the exact location of the bomb, the detonation time, description of the bomb, and type of explosive.
3. Keep the caller talking. Keep the line open--do not hang up the phone even if the caller does. Try to get the attention of someone else who can call 911 and Security at 5777.
4. Do not touch or move suspicious objects. Notify bomb squad and clear area.
5. If notified to evacuate the building:

• Walk quickly but calmly to exits. Reserve use of elevators for persons with disabilities. Provide assistance to persons with disabilities as necessary.
• Leave doors and windows open to minimize damage in the event of a blast.
• Leave the building and move to a safe distance (at least 300 feet away).
• Do not re-enter the building until you are told that it is safe to do so.

Bomb Threat Checklist

6. Did you place the bomb?
7. Why?
8. What is your address?
9. What is your name?

Disguised

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Dial 911 from residence halls
Dial 911 from all other campus buildings