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EMERGENCY & DISASTER GUIDE

For Southern Methodist University

Main and Satellite Campuses

Provided by :

POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

PREFACE

This guide is designed to provide an overview of campus emergency operations and help prepare the faculty, staff and students for certain emergencies. While it does not cover every conceivable situation, it does supply basic guidelines to help cope with the ones identified herein.

These recommended procedures should be followed by all faculty and staff and students. Emergency operations will be conducted within the framework of the University guidelines. Any deviations from these crisis procedures will be conducted by or with the approval of those university administrators directing and/or coordinating the emergency operations.

All satellite campuses/facilities must follow the designated guidelines established for their respective venues.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Purpose

The basic emergency procedures outlined in this guide are for the protection of lives and property through the most effective use of university and surrounding community resources.

Whenever an emergency affecting the campus reaches proportions that cannot be handled by routine measures, the President or in his/her absence, the Vice President of Executive Affairs or other designee may declare a state of emergency and implement the University Emergency Management Plan.

There are three general categories of emergencies that may result in the implementation of this plan.

These are:

  1. Natural Disasters (flood, tornadoes, hailstorm)
  2. Technological Disasters(hazardous materials, explosions, fire)
  3. Manmade Disasters (acts of terrorism, civil disorder, mass murder)

Since an emergency may be sudden and without warning, these procedures are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate contingencies of various magnitudes.

2. TYPES OF EMERGENCIES COVERED IN THIS GUIDE ARE:

  1. Severe weather

  2. Medical

  3. Fire

  4. Utility failure

  5. Criminal incident

  6. Hazardous material (HAZMAT)

SEVERE WEATHER

Definitions:

  1. Severe Weather Watch or use of the word "watch" indicates that the weather service is requesting the public and all public service agencies to be on the lookout for any signs of a storm.

  2. Severe Weather Warning means that a severe storm is in the area or has been sighted and/or is imminent and due to arrive in the area within a specified period of time.

  3. Tornado Watch is issued for areas in which they may occur. The weather service normally issues tornado watches for areas approximately 100 miles wide and 350 miles long. The intent is to alert the public that conditions exist which could lead to the formation of a tornado.

  4. Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted in a specific area or its presence has been detected by radar. The warning will indicate where the tornado was sighted or observed on radar and the area through which it is expected to move.

  5. Snow Closing decisions by the President to close the Main Campus will be relayed by News and Information during normal business hours. After hours and weekends, you are to listen to TV and radio stations for update information. You can also dial SMU-INFO (768-4636) and listen to a recorded message regarding closing or class cancellation.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE POLICE DISPATCHER!

In the event of a tornado warning, occupants of buildings should go to the interior hallways or the lowest level in the structure. Stay away from windows and exterior doorways.

MEDICAL

  1. If serious injury or illness occurs on campus immediately dial 911. Give your name and describe the nature and severity of the medical problem and the campus location of the victim.

  2. In case of a minor injury or illness provide basic first aid measures and keep the victim comfortable.

  3. In case of serious injury or illness:

    1. DIAL 911. Keep the victim calm and comfortable. Do not move the victim.
    2. Ask the victim "Are you okay?" and "What is wrong?"
    3. Check breathing and pulse. Give CPR if trained.
    4. Control serious bleeding by direct pressure on the wound.
    5. Continue to assist the victim until help arrives.
    6. While waiting for appropriate emergency person(s) to respond obtain as much information as possible pertaining to victim and/or circumstances.
    7. If possible, have someone stand outside of the location/building to guide EMS personnel to the victim.
    8. Every office should have a person trained in first aid and CPR.  Training is available through the local American Red Cross.  Contact the Wellness Department regarding first aid and/or CPR training.

FIRE

  1. Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and alarm pull stations in your area, and know how to use them.
  2. If a minor fire appears controllable, IMMEDIATELY dial 911. Then promptly direct the charge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
  3. If an emergency exists, initiate the building fire alarm by activating one of the pull stations. CAUTION: The building fire alarm may ring locally in some buildings, thus you MUST also report the fire by dialing 911.
  4. For large fires, IMMEDIATELY notify the Police/Fire Department by dialing 911 or ext. 8-3333 on the main campus. Then evacuate all rooms. If time permits, close all doors and windows to confine the fire and reduce oxygen – DO NOT LOCK DOORS!

    *IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE BUILDING EVACUATION PLAN:

  5. When the building fire alarm is sounded, an emergency exists. Walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  6. Assist the handicapped in exiting the building. Avoid using elevators in cases of fire. Do not panic! Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.
  7. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
  8. If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
  9. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by the Police.

NOTE: If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for rescue crews. If there is no window, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location. DO NOT PANIC!

UTILITY FAILURE

In the event of a major utility failure immediately notify the maintenance department during normal business hours. After hours, individuals on the main campus may call the SMU police at 768-3388.

ADDITIONAL UTILITY INFORMATION & PROCEDURES

ELECTRICAL/LIGHT FAILURE

The natural lighting in buildings may not provide sufficient illumination in corridors and stairs for safe exiting. It is, therefore, advisable to have a flashlight and portable radio available for emergencies. Emergency lighting does provide limited illumination.

ELEVATOR FAILURE

If you are trapped in the elevator, use the emergency telephone within the elevator. If there is no telephone within the elevator, turn on the emergency alarm (located on the front panel) which will signal for help. Periodically shout for help if none of the above seems effective.

PLUMBING FAILURE/FLOODING

Cease using all electrical equipment. Notify building maintenance (off main campus) or the Physical Plant at 8-5270 (during normal business hours) and if necessary, immediately evacuate the area.

SERIOUS GAS LEAK

Cease all operations. DO NOT SWITCH ON LIGHTS OR ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. If lights are already on, leave them on. Remember electrical arcing can trigger an explosion! Call 911.

STEAM LINE FAILURE (Main Campus Only)

Immediately notify the Physical Plant at 8-3266 during normal business hours. If necessary, evacuate the area.

VENTILATION PROBLEM

If smoke odors come from the ventilation system, immediately dial 911. If necessary, cease all operations and evacuate the area.

CRIMINAL INCIDENT

BOMB THREAT

  1. If you observe a suspicious object or package, DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT. Clear the area and immediately call 911.

  2. Any person receiving a bomb threat by telephone should try to ask the caller:

    1. When is the bomb going to explode?

    2. Where is the bomb located?

    3. What kind of bomb is it?

    4. What does it look like?

    5. Why did you place the bomb?

  3. Keep talking to the caller as long as possible and record the following:

    1. Time of call

    2. Age and sex of caller

    3. Speech pattern, accent, possible nationality, etc.

    4. Emotional state of caller

    5. Background noise

  4. Immediately notify the Police by dialing 911.

  5. Emergency personnel will conduct a bomb search. Employees are requested to make a cursory inspection of their area due to familiarity for suspicious objects and to report the location to the Police. DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT! DO NOT open drawers, cabinets or turn lights on or off. Keep radios off.

  6. When told to leave, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and tell others to do the same.

  7. Assist the handicapped in exiting the building. Never use elevators in cases of fire. DO NOT PANIC!

  8. Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.

  9. If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.

Don’t return to the building until told to do so by emergency personnel.

 

HOSTAGE SITUATIONS

This information could prove helpful if you find yourself a hostage:

  1. Be patient. Time is on your side. Avoid drastic action.

  2. The initial 45 minutes are the most dangerous. Follow instructions, and be alert. The captor is emotionally unbalanced. Don’t make mistakes that could jeopardize your well being.

  3. Don’t speak unless spoken to and then only when necessary. Don’t talk down to the captor, who may be in an agitated state. Avoid appearing hostile. Try to maintain eye contact with the captor at all times, but do not stare. Treat the captor as friendly as possible.

  4. Avoid speculating. Comply with the instructions as well as you can. Avoid arguments. Expect the unexpected.

  5. Be observant. Try to remember all distinguishable characteristics of your captor (tattoo, scar, teeth missing, etc.). You may be released or escape. The personal safety of others may depend on your memory.

  6. Be prepared to answer the police on the phone should a line be patched through to your location. Be patient, wait. If medication or first aid are needed by anyone, say so. The captor(s) in all probability won’t harm persons held by them. Such direct action further implicates the captor(s) in additional offenses.

 

OTHER CRIMINAL INCIDENTS

(Suspicious person, fight, theft in progress, etc.)

Call Police for any emergency – 911

Main Campus (non-emergency: 8-3388)

SMU-in Legacy (non-emergency: 3-3416)

  1. Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert for suspicious persons or activity and promptly reporting them.

  2. Notify the Police Department by dialing 911 as soon as possible, and report the incident, including the following:

    1. Nature of the incident

    2. Location of the incident

    3. Description of person (s) involved

    4. Description of property involved.

  3. If you observe a criminal act or whenever you observe a suspicious person on campus, immediately report the incident to the Police.

  4. Assist the officers when they arrive by supplying them with all additional information and ask others to cooperate.

  5. Should there be gunfire or an explosion, you should take cover immediately, using all available forms of protection. After the disturbance, seek emergency first aid if necessary.

CIVIL DISTURBANCE & DEMONSTRATIONS

  1. Peaceful demonstrations may take place on campus provided that:

    1. A permit is obtained from the director of student activities three (3) days prior to the demonstration to ensure the rights and safety of all involved.

    2. The normal function of the University is not disrupted.

    3. Respect for others is maintained.

  2. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use the proper channels to seek audiences to express grievances. Appropriate persons and officials are encouraged to discuss the grievances of demonstrators with the group or its representatives.

  3. Visitors to the SMU campus normally will be welcomed; however, all guests must abide by all University and civil regulations. The University reserves the right to order from the campus any demonstrators disrupting the campus.

    Any questions or appeals of decisions regarding permits should be directed to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

  4. Report gatherings of individuals who appear to be hostile or protesting to the Police Department immediately.

  5. Secure doors and windows to buildings and remain in the building to avoid confrontations.

  6. If violence erupts, leave the area immediately. Make sure police are notified.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL

  1. Any escape leakage or exposure of a hazardous or radioactive material is to be reported immediately to the Police Department by dialing 911.

  2. When reporting, be specific about the nature of the involved material and exact location. The above resource persons will contact the necessary specialized authorities and medical personnel.

  3. The key person (responsible person in charge) on site should vacate the affected area at once and seal it off to prevent further contamination of other areas until the arrival of emergency personnel.

  4. Persons who may be contaminated by the exposure are to avoid contact with others, remain in the vicinity, and give their names to Emergency Response Personnel. Required first aid and clean up by specialized authorities should be started immediately.

  5. If necessary, or when directed to do so, activate the building fire alarm by utilizing a pull box station. CAUTION: The building alarm will ring only in that specific building locally. If possible, report the emergency by telephone to the Police Department if a fire is on the main campus.

  6. When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by officials; walk quickly to the nearest marked exit, and tell others to do the same.

  7. Assist the handicapped in exiting the building! Never use elevators in cases of fire. DO NOT PANIC!

  8. Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.

  9. If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.

  10. An Emergency Command Post may be set up near the disaster site. Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.

  11. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by the Police Department.

LEARN THE BUILDING EVACUATION PLAN

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

  1. Building Evacuation: (Main campus and Satellite facilities)

    1. All building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds AND/OR upon notification by the authorities or other staff/faculty member.

    2. When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same. Follow the building evacuation plan.

    3. Assist the handicapped in exiting the building.

    4. Never use elevators in case of fire.

    5. Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.

    6. DO NOT return to an evacuated building UNLESS told to do so by the Police or Fire Department.

  2. Campus Evacuation:

    1. Evacuation of all or part of the Main Campus grounds will be announced by the Police Department as described, after directed by the President of the University.

    2. All persons (faculty, staff and students) are to evacuate the site in question immediately and relocate to another part of the Campus grounds or an on-site area as directed.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Call the University Office of Public Affairs if you need assistance during normal business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 214-768-7650. After business hours, the voice mail system at this number will list an emergency contact number for Public Affairs.

The University has two basic guidelines to observe when dealing with the media in crisis situations:

  1. Only authorized spokesperson(s) of the University will meet or talk with the media. These spokespersons are determined by the Office of Public Affairs in consultation with the appropriate University officer.

  2. Only factual information approved by the Office of Public Affairs is released; no speculation is to be offered.

Other Guidelines:

  1. All University personnel must report media questions to SMU Public Affairs. Also, these same personnel are reminded not to speak to media on behalf of the university.

  2. All calls from the media are to be referred directly to SMU Public Affairs at 214-768-7650.