92-100-1

BOT 06-21-12

Oglala Lakota College

Emergency Response Plan

For Board Presentation
Emergency Response Plan

Organization

1.  General Evacuation Procedures

2.  Fire

3.  Weather

a.  Winter

b.  Tornado/ Severe

4.  Bomb Threat

5.  Hazardous Materials

6.  Medical/Health

7.  Crimes in Progress

a.  Theft

b.  Assault

c.  Kidnapping/Hostage

8.  Missing student protocol

Section 1

Evacuation

Various emergency situations may require an evacuation of the building. These situations include, but are not limited to fire, gas or chemical leak, power failure and bomb threat.

The decision to evacuate will be made by the Center Director, Building Manager or highest administrative officer present in the college facility.

If an evacuation is necessary, exit in an orderly manner and do not panic. Move quickly out of and away from the building.

Do not use an elevator in an emergency evacuation.

Assist persons with special needs.

The location of the fire or emergency will determine the best route to be used for building evacuation. Some guidelines-

ü  Plan the route and method for your building now, do not wait until something happens. Have several alternatives.

ü  Post a diagram in all rooms showing the preferred route to exit the building.

ü  Do a head count before and after the evacuation?

ü  Identify a rally point to account for any missing students or employees.

ü  Close, but do not lock, all doors and fire curtains upon leaving.

ü  Meet with staff and faculty to explain the procedures to them.

ü  Head Starts should have regular “fire” drills to help students learn the procedure. It also reduces their fear and apprehension if an actual event should occur.

ü  Be aware that EMS will need access to the building. Do not obstruct them.

Do not re-enter the building until instructed to do so by the appropriate personnel.

Section 2

Fire

Inside

When a fire is discovered:

1.  DIAL 911/ Activate fire alarm.

2.  Inform co-workers of the need to evacuate.

3.  Use a fire extinguisher of the proper size and type if you are trained in its use. Never attempt to fight a fire larger then a wastebasket size. Even a small fire can generate enough heat and smoke to cause serious injury. IF THE FIRE IS IN A SCIENCE LAB EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. If use of the extinguisher is ineffective leave immediately. Close the door to the room the fire is in.

4.  A co-worker should inform other departments and areas of the fire through the use of a calling tree or alarm system.

If the situation may result in serious injury or is life threatening do not attempt to extinguish the fire, evacuate immediately. Do not take any risk with your life.

Outside

(When a fire is burning in the woodlands or prairie around the colleges building.)

1.  Buildings should have a defensible green space around them.

2.  If it is not apparent by the presence of emergency personnel that they have been notified, call 911.

3.  Evacuate the building. Do not remain downwind of the fire.

4.  Make sure there is no flammable material stacked or stored against the building(s).

5.  Close all windows and doors but do not lock the doors.

The Rapid City Fire department uses a double acronym of RACE PASS—

R-rescue anyone in danger or injured

A-activate an alarm

C-contain the fire by closing doors

E-extinguish or evacuate

And PASS deals with use a fire extinguisher-

P-pull the pin

A-aim at the base of the fire

S-squeeze the handle

S-sweep back an forth

Section 3

Weather

There are two main types of weather emergencies that the college will have to contend with; hazardous weather during the winter and tornadoes.

Winter Weather

It is the procedure of the college is to have designated individuals (normally the Center Director) cancel classes if the conditions are too unsafe to travel. The decisions must be made on a location basis because of the differences there can be in the conditions between center locations. For example, Pine Ridge and Wanblee are 70 miles apart and regularly have different weather and road conditions.

Procedure;

1.  The decision to cancel should be made 2 hours before start time whenever possible.

2.  The closing should be sent in an all staff e-mail and put on the location’s telephone answering machine.

3.  Contact KILI and have a public service announcement made. In Rapid City you should also call KOTA

Tornadoes

1.  Each college center and the main building at Piya Wiconi will have a NOAA weather radio in an area that is always or close to always occupied.

2.  Each center will post a notice showing storm shelter locations.

3.  At first notification of severe weather the president’s secretary and Center Directors will log on to www.weather.gov/rapidcity. This website will help identify the threat and its location.

4.  If the warning is a “Tornado Watch” that means tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are possible. Monitor the radio and the web for updates.

5.  If there is a “Tornado Warning” that means a tornado has been detected. The area effected will adhere to the following procedure:

a.  Move all personnel to a safe area. Go to an internal, lowest (basements if possible) area of safety. if no basement go to an interior room or hallway away from exterior windows.

b.  Do not use elevators.

c.  Close all doors.

d.  Crouch near floor or under heavy, well supported objects; cover your head.

e.  DO NOT allow students or staff to leave the facility.

There has been some discussion of simply letting classes out and sending everyone home. This is a poor choice and should not occur. Automobiles are one of the worse places to be in a tornado, the other two are on foot and in a mobile home. National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Susan Sanders recommends we seek shelter in interior rooms or hallways away from windows and doors. Though the buildings do not have basements, the College Centers are similar to homes in the way they are constructed. They are safer than being out in the open.

AFTER a TORNADO...

·  Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

·  Carefully render aid to those who are injured.

·  Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity!

·  Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects.

·  Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time.

·  Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby.

·  Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.

Section 4

Bomb Threat

In all likelihood the threat will be received by phone. Please follow this procedure.

1.  Try to keep the caller on the phone as long as possible in order to obtain as much information as possible. Ask

a.  Who is calling?

b.  Where the bomb is located?

c.  What type it is or what it looks like?

d.  Why it has been placed?

Take notes while you are talking. Details can be very important. Listen for any accent or slang that may help identify the person. Is there background noise? What was their tone of voice?

2.  Try to have another person in the work area call 911 while you keep the caller on the line.

3.  Immediately dial *57 to mark the call when you hang up. DO NOT DIAL ANOTHER NUMBER before you dial *57, then call the police. Take a minute to write down what they said.

4.  If the threat is received by note or e-mail please follow the steps below. Additionally you need to save the message. If it is on paper put the document in an envelope, handling it as little as possible it on a computer leave the machine alone and let an expert try to research its origins.

5.  If the threat is immediate, evacuate the building immediately. Instructors should take roll. If the threat is not immediate, the President’s office will make a decision whether to evacuate the building.

6.  Staff members are to immediately check their work area and building for any suspicious articles, packages etc… DO NOT OPEN OR MOVE THEM!! If something unusual is found notify emergency responders of the item as soon as possible.

Section 5

Hazardous Materials

The college centers are all located near major highways or have science labs in them. These are hazards above those created by the day to day business of the college. There is the chance some type accident may release or create a substance that is harmful to humans.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are to be kept on file in the center director’s office at each center. This applies to both materials used in the science laboratories and whatever other materials may be in the building. (Cleaning supplies etc.)

If a spill or incident occurs;

1.  Evacuate the immediate area. DO NOT attempt to clean up the spill. It will be assessed by trained personal that will ensure proper clean-up techniques are employed.

2.  If there are fumes and gasses being released evacuate the building. Dial 911 and notify law enforcement.

3.  Make sure the MSDS are available for the emergency responders.

4.  Remember that evacuation should take place UP wind from the area affected.


Section 6

Medical/Health

In case of a serious medical emergency call 911. Then:

1.  Notify the Center Director that an ambulance has been called.

2.  Stay with the victim. If they are conscious, ask what the problem is. If the victim is unconscious, check their airway, breathing and if they are bleeding.

3.  Do not move the individual unless immediate threat to life exists by leaving them lie. Only trained personal should administer first aid and CPR.

4.  Keep the victim still, comfortable and warm. If they are having a seizure DO NOT restrains them. Cushion their head and move any objects they may strike.

5.  Search for any emergency identification (i.e. Medic-alert bracelet)

6.  Wait for emergency help to arrive. Never leave the victim alone if at all possible.

If the emergency is a mental health crisis (i.e. suicide attempt, disorientation, confusion, panic etc…):

1.  Call 911

2.  Notify center director.

3.  Stay with victim unless threatened. Wait for emergency responders.

4.  Stay calm and if the presence of onlookers causes problems, have them leave.


Section 7

Crimes in Progress

Our first priority in the observance of any illegal activity is to report it to the authorities. If you see a crime in progress call 911. If you are in danger, call only after you have reached safety. Do not interfere with the situation except for self protection.

If you or a student observes someone in the building or on College grounds carrying a weapon-NOTIFY the Center Director or Staff member immediately.

If you witness a crime in progress-

1.  Try to note a description of any suspects involved. Important descriptors to note are:

a.  Physical Characteristics

i.  Height and weight

ii. Sex

iii.  Age

iv.  Race

v.  Hair and eye color

vi.  Clothing

b.  Method of travel

i.  Note make, model and color of car

ii. License number

2.  Avoid discussing what you have seen with others prior to giving your statement to the police.

3.  INFORM Center staff if you have not done so already.

For crimes that are discovered after they have occurred.

1.  Call the police.

2.  Do not touch, mess with, or otherwise tamper with the area the crime has occurred. The police will want to examine the area for evidence and your presence will already have changed things.

Kidnapping/Hostage

One of the best ways to deal with such serious events is to prevent them.

If you know someone that is struggling emotionally, do not disregard their problems. Encourage them to seek professional help. The college has resources available for both students and faculty/staff. The best contact for referrals would be the center counselors. If that is not possible contact the Employee/student Assistance Program at 455-6040

Do not ignore threats or talk of harming others or themselves. While such things are sometimes said in anger or “playing head games” do not make those decisions yourself. If you know someone that is threatening suicide or raging against others talk to a counselor. If that is not possible then call the police. Most Departments have procedures for evaluating such threats.

If an event involving a hostage or violence indiscriminately aimed at the college occurs here are some recommendations:

1.  If a threat is received and it is credible follow the same procedure for a bomb threat. It shall be the decision of the President, if possible, or the center director to cancel classes.

2.  If violence occurs while classes are in session it is imperative that everyone remain in their classrooms. Be as quiet as possible. Lock the door if you are able. Do what ever you can to prevent entry to the room.