Emergency Procedures

Download as PDF

Jump to section

Central Alabama Community College is committed to the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff who can help the college safe guard the campus by taking preventive measures to ensure safety and by referencing this guide in the event of an emergency. The following guidelines are not intended to be a comprehensive list of instructions, rather a reminder of the basic steps that should be taken to minimize the risks associated with a given hazard. Since emergencies can vary greatly, the instructions provided by Central Alabama Community College and emergency personnel at the time of the incident may change or even conflict with those listed in these procedures.

Safety Tips

  • Always follow the instructions of college and emergency personnel.
  • If you smell or see smoke or fire, pull the nearest fire alarm.
  • Trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Leave.
  • Avoid shortcuts and isolated areas when walking after dark.
  • Don’t walk alone after dark. Early evening to late evening, travel only in groups of three or more in well-lit and heavily traveled areas.
  • When traveling in your vehicle, keep windows up and doors locked. If approached, don’t resist a robber - especially if he/she has a weapon.
  • Never venture into or through dark or undesirable neighborhoods.
  • Don’t carry large sums of cash.
  • If attacked or approached by someone suspicious, contact the police immediately by calling 911.
  • Get a good description of the person and direction of travel.

Active Shooter

General Tips

  • Call 911 as soon as possible and relay the following information:
    • Location of the incident
    • Type of incident
    • Subject’s physical description, location, and/or direction of travel
    • Weapon information
    • Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher.
  • If you cannot speak, dial 911 and leave the line open to allow the dispatcher to hear what is going on at your location.
  • Trust your instincts.
  • If you can evacuate, do so
  • If you are unable to evacuate:
    • Take shelter in the nearest room, office, closet (preferably somewhere with a lockable inward opening door).
    • Lock and barricade the door with anything you have available (desks, file cabinets, other furniture).
    • Cover any windows that may be in or near the door.
    • Look for alternate escape routes (windows, additional doors, etc.).
  • If jumping from a window is a safe or viable option.
    • Break the window if necessary.
    • Make an improvised rope from clothing, belts, etc. if necessary.
    • Hang by your hands to minimize the distance you will fall.
  • Stay low to the ground and remain as quiet as possible remembering to silence your cell phone.
  • Do not answer the door for anyone.
  • Taking out the shooter is a serious decision ONLY YOU can make - maintain a survival mindset.
  • Position yourself in a location that will allow for the element of surprise if the shooter enters.
  • Prepare yourself to attack the shooter should he/she enter by identifying improvised weapons.
    • Throw items at the shooter’s face to cause a distraction and disrupt his aim.
    • Attack in a group creating multiple points of opposition.
    • Swarm the shooter and control his/her extremities and head to control him/her; pin him/her to the ground.
    • Continue the fight until you are certain he/she is no longer a threat.
  • Once the shooter is incapacitated call 911 and advise the police
    • Move weapons away from the shooter and use a trash can or other container to control it (do not pick up the weapon).
    • Raise your hands and drop your knees obeying any commands from responding law enforcement.
    • Provide first aid to injured victims.

Bomb Threat

Telephone Threat

  • Remain calm.
  • Do not hang up; keep the caller on the line as long as possible and listen carefully
  • Obtain as much information as possible.
  • Use the bomb threat checklist.
  • Ask questions such as:
    • When is the bomb going to explode?
    • Where is the bomb right now?
    • What kind of bomb is it?
    • What does it look like?
    • What will cause it to explode?
    • Why did you place the bomb?
    • What’s your name?
  • Take notes about the call, such as:
    • Identity: male/female and age
    • Voice: loud, soft, high-pitched, deep, raspy, hoarse, nasal, pleasant
    • Background noise: office, factory, street, traffic, train, airplane, animals, party, music
    • Speech: accented, deliberate, fast slow, lisp, slang, taped/recorded, stuttered, slurred
    • Manner: calm, angry, rational, irrational, coherent, incoherent
    • Time of call
    • Exact words
    • Phone Number: check caller ID if available
    • Any other pertinent information
  • Call, or have someone else call, CACC Police Department or 911
    • State your location and report the information you noted.
    • If you are unable to speak to the police dispatcher, call 911 and leave the line open to allow the dispatcher to listen in on the conversation.

Written Threat

  • Call 911 (depending on the situation),
    • State your location and report the information in the written threat,
    • Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher.
  • Don’t touch or move the letter; it should NOT be altered or destroyed.
  • Prevent others from handling or going near the letter.

Epidemic or Pandemic

Definitions

  • Epidemic - New cases of a disease, in a given population, that exceeds normal expectations.
  • Pandemic - Epidemic of infectious disease that is spreading through human populations across a large region (i.e. a continent or worldwide).

Minimizing Disease Transmission

  • Wash hands often with soap and water.
  • Wash before eating or drinking, applying make-up, inserting contact lenses.
  • Wash after you sneeze or cough.
  • Wash after touching frequently touched surfaces (i.e. doorknobs, phones, etc.).
  • Stay home; avoid crowded areas or public gatherings if possible.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, drink fluids and avoid tobacco products.
  • Cover all new and existing cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressing.

Preventing the Spread of Diarrheal Diseases

  • Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Sanitizing gels/foams/wipes are an adequate substitute when soap and clean water are not available.
  • Maintain a clean living environment.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene, including:
    • Follow good hygienic practices when preparing food.
    • Do not share eating utensils or drinking containers.
    • Do not share items such as toothbrushes or towels.
  • Disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently (i.e. doorknobs, phones, computers, etc.).
    • Wipe surfaces with a disinfectant such as diluted household bleach

Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Diseases

  • Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Sanitizing gels/foams/wipes are an adequate substitute when soap and clean water are not available.
  • Cover your cough and sneeze.
    • Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm.
    • If you use a tissue, immediately place the used tissue in a waste basket.
  • Disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently (i.e. doorknobs, phones, computers, etc.).
    • Wipe surfaces with a disinfectant such as diluted household bleach.

Hand Washing

  1. Wet your hands with clean, warm, running water and apply soap.
  2. Rub hands together to make lather and scrub all surfaces.
  3. Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds (imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice).
  4. Rinse hands well under running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.
    • If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.
  6. When should you wash your hands?
    • Before preparing or eating food.
    • After going to the bathroom.
    • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom.
    • Before and after attending to someone who is sick.
    • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • After handling an animal or animal waste.
    • After handling garbage.
    • Before and after treating a cut or wound.

Disinfecting

  • Diluted household bleach (1/4 cup of bleach to a gallon of clean water) may be substituted if disinfectants are not available.
  • Use only unscented products.

Extreme Heat

Definitions

  • Heat Cramps - Muscle pains or spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are usually the first signal that the body is having trouble with heat.
  • Heat Exhaustion - Occurs when people exercise or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost via heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to vital organs, which can result in a form of mild shock. If left untreated the victim’s body temperature will keep rising and he may suffer heat stroke.
  • Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) - Occurs when the victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweat, stops working. The body temperature can rise high enough to cause brain damage or death, if the body is not cooled quickly.

General Tips

  • If possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
  • Stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun.
  • If outside, apply sunscreen uniformly to cover all exposed areas for 15 minutes before exposure.
  • Sunscreen should be applied every two hours.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Stay on a building’s lowest floor, out of the sun, if air conditioning is not available.
  • Eat well-balanced meals; avoid using excess salt.
  • Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much of your body as possible.
  • Protect face and head by wearing a hat.
  • Consider scheduling outdoor events for cooler times of the day.

Call 911 immediately if you (or a victim) are experiencing the following symptoms: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, vomiting, or fainting.

  • Tell the dispatcher:
    • Your location
    • Victim’s type of injury or illness
    • Victim’s status (conscious, breathing, or bleeding)
    • Victim’s age
    • Stay on the line until released by the dispatcher.

Fire

General Tips

  • Become familiar with emergency escape routes before an accident (i.e. note locations of stairwells and emergency doors).
  • If the fire is small, and you are properly trained, use a fire extinguisher to control the fire.
  • If you smell or see smoke or fire, pull the nearest fire alarm.
  • Evacuate the building via the stairs - DO NOT use the elevators.
  • Exit quickly, only take essential items.
  • If possible, close door behind you as you exit to confine the heat or smoke.
  • Feel the door with the back of your hand before opening it - DO NOT open a door that is hot.

Cool Door

  • Open slowly and ensure fire or smoke is not blocking your route. If escape route is blocked, immediately shut the door and find an alternate escape route.
  • If route is clear, leave immediately through the door and close it behind you. Be prepared to crawl, if necessary.

Call 911:

  • State the location of the fire.
  • Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher.

Once Outside

  • Move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the building.
  • Keep the streets, fire lanes, fire hydrants, and all walkways clear.
  • Return to the building only when emergency personnel allow.

Staff Members

  • Bring class or building roster with you.
  • Take inventory of all personnel evacuated from the building.
  • Report missing persons (and their last known locations) to emergency personnel on scene.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

  • If the fire is small, and you are properly trained, use a fire extinguisher to control the fire.
  • Always keep your back to the exit; never place the fire between you and the exit.
  • Discharge the entire extinguisher on the base of the fire.
  • Remember PASS
    • P = Pull the pin
    • A= Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
    • S = Squeeze the trigger
    • S = Sweep the fire extinguisher on the base of the fire
  • If you catch on fire, DO NOT RUN. STOP, DROP, and ROLL.

If Caught in Smoke

  • Drop to your hands and knees crawling toward the exit.
  • Stay low.
  • Hold your breath as much as possible.
  • Breathe shallowly through your nose; use a shirt or towel as a filter.

If Forced to Advance through Flames

  • Hold your breath.
  • Move quickly.
  • Cover your head and hair.
  • Keep your head down and your eyes closed.

If You Are Trapped and CANNOT Evacuate

  • Wedge wet towels or other cloth materials along the bottom of the door to keep smoke out.
  • Close any doors between you and the fire.
  • If you are trapped and need air, break the window, but only as a last resort.
  • Hang a towel or cloth material from the window. (This signals firefighters that you are trapped.)
  • If you are disabled and cannot use the stairs, get to the stairwell keeping doors closed; notify emergency personnel of your exact location.

Flash Flood

Definitions

  • Flash Flood Watch - Issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for flash flooding in the area.
  • Flash Flood Warning - Issued by the National Weather Service when flash flood is in progress, imminent, or highly likely.

General Tips

  • Do NOT walk or drive through flooded areas.
  • Avoid downed power lines.
  • Turn Around: Don’t Drown!

Hazardous Materials

Evacuate

  • Leave the area immediately and move approximately 1/2 mile away (8 to 10 blocks).
  • Keep others away from the affected area.
  • STAY UPSTREAM, UPHILL, and UPWIND OF THE ACCIDENT.
  • Do not walk into or touch any spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits.
  • Turn off all ignition and heat sources.
  • Try not to inhale gases, fumes, or smoke.
  • Cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.
  • Those contaminated by the spill should avoid contact with others and remain in a safe location nearby to receive medical assistance. 

Call 911 and tell the dispatcher:

  • Location of the leak or spill
  • Type of substance
  • Amount spilled/leaking
  • Any injuries

Wet Chemicals

  • Flush with water and soap, if possible, being sure not to rub the chemical into your skin.

Dry Chemicals

  • Using gloves, brush away from skin.
  • Remove all contaminated clothing.
  • Once the chemical is removed, flush skin with cool water.
  • Those with information on the chemical should leave immediate area but remain in a safe, nearby location to direct emergency personnel to the affected area.
    • Assist with providing information about the incident, chemical involved, applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and chemical common use.
  • Follow evacuation instructions from emergency personnel.
  • Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
  • Return to the spill/leak site only when permitted by emergency officials.
  • If you are unable to evacuate, or if you are instructed to stay indoors, follow “Shelter in Place” instructions below.

Shelter in Place (Instructed to Stay Indoors)

  • Close and lock all exterior doors and windows.
  • Close vents and as many interior doors as possible.
  • Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems.
    • In large buildings, set ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside air is drawn into the building.
    • If this is not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off.
  • Go to a pre-selected shelter room above ground; select a room that has the fewest openings to the outside.
  • Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels, plastic sheeting and duct tape. Use material to fill cracks and holes in the room, such as those around windows and air conditioning units.
  • If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel.
  • Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated.
  • Call 911 to report your location.

If in a Vehicle

  • Stop and seek shelter in a safe building.
  • If you must remain in your car, close windows and air vents, and shut off the air conditioner.
  • Breathe through a cloth covering your mouth.

Hurricanes

Definition

  • Hurricane Watch-Issued by the Nation Weather Service when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.
  • Hurricane Warning-Issued by the National Weather Service when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected within 24 hours or less

General Tips

  • Immediately move to an interior hallway on a higher level in the middle of the building.
  • Stay away from all windows and glass doors.
  • DO NOT use the elevators.
  • Close and lock all windows and exterior doors as securely as possible.
  • Close all window shades, blinds, or curtains.
  • Unplug all electrical devices from outlets.
  • Open air vents.
  • DO NOT leave your location until advised or storm warning ends.

Call the CACC Police Department or 911 and tell dispatcher:

  • Your location
  • Type of injury or illness of victim
  • Victim’s status (conscious, breathing, or bleeding)
  • Victim’s age
  • Stay on the line until released by the dispatcher.

In Your Vehicle

  • Immediately get out of your car and find the nearest, high-level room of a building or storm shelter.

Outside

  • Find shelter immediately.
  • DO NOT seek shelter under a bridge or overpass.
  • Beware of flying debris and flooding.

Medical Issues

General Tips

  • Call 911, request medical assistance, and tell the dispatcher:
    • Your location
    • Type of injury or illness of victim
    • Victim’s status (conscious, breathing, or bleeding)
    • Age of victim
  • Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher.
  • Check the scene for any danger or hazards like exposed electrical wires, broken glass, or chemicals before providing aid.
  • If properly trained, administer basic life support (CPR or first aid), otherwise wait for professional help.
  • DO NOT attempt to give ANY medical advice or assistance unless properly trained.
  • DO NOT move the victim unless he/she is in immediate danger.
  • DO NOT jeopardize your health or the health of the victim.

Heart Attack

  • Check to see if victim’s airway is open, if he/she is breathing, and if he/she has a heartbeat.
  • If you are trained to do so, administer CPR if needed.
  • If you are trained to do so, locate and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Burns

  • Remove the victim from cause of burn.
  • Be careful not to contaminate or injure yourself.

Thermal Burns

  • Flush the wound area with cool water; DO NOT use ice.
  • DO NOT apply any creams or lotions.

Dry Chemical Burns

  • Brush the chemical from the skin using gloves.
  • After brushing chemical off the skin, flush the area with cool water.

Bleeding

  • Use gloves and other protective gear.
  • Apply firm, gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Immobilize the wound.
  • If you come in contact with any blood or bodily fluids, wash with soap and water, then seek medical attention.

Power Outage

General Tips

  • Remain calm, and stay where you are.
  • Evacuate ONLY if instructed to do so by emergency personnel or supervisor.
  • Turn off all electrical devices such as computers; damage can occur once power is restored.
  • Laboratory personnel should secure all experiments and unplug electrical equipment before leaving and all chemicals should be returned to their proper storage place.
    • Provide proper ventilation by opening all windows and doors
    • Evacuate immediately if you are unable to provide appropriate ventilation for chemicals; call 911.
  • DO NOT open cold-rooms, refrigerators, or other temperature-sensitive areas Call 911 (depending on the situation) and tell the dispatcher:
    • Your location
    • What areas are affected by the power outage
    • How long the power has been out
    • Any significant water damage, flooding, gas leak, or any other major utility failure
    • Any injuries
    • Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher.

Do not use elevators.

If caught inside an elevator during a power outage:

  • Remain calm.
  • DO NOT attempt to open the elevator door by shaking, jarring, or prying open the elevator door unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.
  • Press the emergency button or call 911 and tell the dispatcher:
    • Your location
    • What floor you are near
    • Any injuries
    • Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher.

Severe Thunderstorms

Definition

  • Severe Thunderstorm - A storm capable of producing wind gusts over 55 mph and/or hail 3/4” or larger in diameter.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Issued by the National Weather Service when severe weather conditions are possible in the area.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Issued by the National Weather Service when severe weather has been sighted in the area.

General Tips

  • Find a safe shelter.
  • Monitor local news media and the College website for closings/delays.
  • DO NOT call 911 unless there is an emergency or you need immediate assistance.
  • Use a corded telephone ONLY for emergencies; cordless or cell phones are safe to use; lightning can travel through telephone lines.
  • Cancel/relocate outdoor activities.
  • Secure all objects that could blow away or cause additional damage.
  • Keep all exterior doors closed and stay away from windows.
  • Close all windows and blinds.

Avoid the Following

  • Natural lightning rods like tall trees in an open area.
  • Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on water.
  • Isolated sheds or other small structures in large, open areas.
  • Metal objects - motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, bicycles, etc.

If Outside

  • Immediately find a safe indoor shelter or a hard-top automobile.
  • If you are unable to find a safe shelter, and are trapped outdoors, lie in a ditch or any low-lying area with few trees, or crouch near a strong building for shelter.
  • Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning.

Suspicious Activity

General Tips

  • Remain calm.
  • DO NOT let anyone into a locked room or building without proper authority.
  • DO NOT engage in a physical confrontation with the person.
  • DO NOT block the person’s exit.

Signs of Suspicious Activity

  • Anything out of the ordinary.
  • A person(s) running or leaving quickly - as if he/she were being watched or chased.
  • A person(s) hauling property - lab equipment, laptops, books, bikes - at an unusual time or location.
  • A person(s) going door to door in a residence hall or office.
  • A person(s) pulling on multiple doorknobs or trying to open residence hall/office doors
  • A person(s) pulling on car handles or looking into multiple vehicles.
  • A person(s) forcibly entering a locked vehicle or door.
  • Car or person(s) repeatedly circling an area.
  • A person(s) being forced into a vehicle.
  • Strange noises - arguing, yelling, gunshot, etc.
  • A person(s) who photographs, videotapes, sketches or asks detailed questions about power plants, buildings, bridges, hospitals, utility infrastructure, etc.
  • A person(s) who doesn’t belong attempting to gain or gaining access to a restricted area.
  • Call 911 (depending on the situation) and tell the dispatcher:
    • Your location
    • Person’s behavior
    • Person’s physical description
    • Person’s location and direction of travel
    • What you saw
    • Where and when it happened
    • Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher.

Suspicious Package

Characteristics of a Suspicious Package

  • Package or envelope with suspicious powdery substance.
  • Unexpected package sent by someone unfamiliar to you.
  • Excessive postage.
  • Poorly written or typed address.
  • Incorrect title(s) with no names.
  • Misspelling of common words or names.
  • Addressed to someone no longer at the address.
  • Outdated postmarks.
  • No return address or one that can’t be identified as legitimate.
  • Return address not consistent with postmark.
  • Unusual weight, given package size; lopsided; or oddly shaped.
  • Unusual amount of tape, string, or other wrapping material.
  • Marked with restrictive labels like “fragile,” “personal,” “confidential,” or “rush-do-not-delay”.
  • Strange odor, stains, or noises (i.e. rattling, clicking, ticking, etc.).
  • Appears to contain electrical wire or aluminum foil.
  • Mailed from foreign country unfamiliar to recipient.

General Tips

  • Remain calm.
  • Stay away from the package.
  • DO NOT allow anyone to handle or go near the package.
  • If a suspicious package is discovered while handling, avoid dropping, throwing, or any other abrupt movement; gently set the package down in a secluded area that has been evacuated.
  • DO NOT use any cell phones, radios, or other wireless devices around the package.

Call 911 (depending on the situation)

  • State the location of the package and provide a description.
  • Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher.
  • If you touched the package, immediately wash your hands, arms, etc. with soap and water for 15 minutes.

Tornado

Definition

  • Tornado Watch - Issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes to form in or around the area.
  • Tornado Warning - Issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been sighted or indicated in the warning area.

General Tips

  • Immediately move to an interior hallway on a lower level in the middle of the building.
  • Stay away from all windows and glass doors.
  • DO NOT use the elevators.
  • Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
  • Close all window shades, blinds, or curtains.
  • DO NOT leave your location until advised or storm warning ends.

Call the CACC Police Department or 911 and tell dispatcher:

  • Your location
  • Type of injury or illness of victim
  • Victim’s status (conscious, breathing, or bleeding)
  • Victim’s age
  • Stay on the line until released by the dispatcher.

In Your Vehicle

  • Immediately get out of your car and find the nearest, low-level room of a building or storm shelter.
  • NEVER try to outrun a tornado, especially in a congested or urban area.

Outside

  • Find shelter immediately.
  • If no shelter is available, find the nearest low-level ditch and lie flat with your hands covering your head.
  • DO NOT seek shelter under a bridge or overpass.
  • Beware of flying debris and possible flooding.

Winter Weather

Definitions

  • Winter Storm Watch - Issued by the National Weather Service when a winter storm is possible in the area.
  • Winter Storm Warning - Issued by the National Weather Service when a winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in the area.
  • Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes upon hitting the ground by creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
  • Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet can create moisture on the roads that freezes, becoming slippery.
  • Frost/Freeze Warning - Issued by the National Weather Service when below freezing temperatures are expected in the area.

General Tips

  • Monitor local news media for weather reports and emergency information.
  • Look to the College website at www.cacc.edu for class cancellations/College closings.
  • Stay clear of dropped or sagging power lines.
  • Avoid areas with many trees; snow or ice may cause tree limbs to fall.
  • Stay inside if possible.
  • Use extreme caution when walking outside or driving.
  • If you must travel:
    • Travel during the day.
    • Stay on main roads; avoid back-road shortcuts.
    • Carry emergency supplies or kits.
    • Dress warmly to prevent frostbite or hypothermia.

General Information