Introduction

An emergency situation could occur at any moment and cause panic and confusion. A well-coordinated effort among those affected by the emergency can prevent the spread of chaos and facilitate an eventual return to a peaceful existence.

California State University, Fresno has established a multi-hazard emergency operation plan that defines responsibilities and delineates use of campus resources in order to respond to emergency situations.

This handbook is a brief guide to familiarize university students, faculty and staff with procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. Its content is not all-inclusive but is designed to highlight emergency conditions that may occur.

As stated previously, a coordinated effort by the entire university community will be necessary if a major disaster occurs on the campus. Buildings may need to be evacuated and must be done so in a safe and orderly manner. In case of a region-impacting event, it may be necessary to stay on campus for a period of time. It is also feasible that large numbers of students, faculty, staff, and families from the surrounding community may assemble on campus and require information, food, and shelter.

The following checklists will assist in responding to emergency situations. They should be reviewed before an emergency occurs.

The University Police Department is always available to assist and can be reached in an emergency by dialing 9-1-1 from a campus phone or 278-8400 from a cell phone.

Note: if you dial 9-1-1 from a cellular phone the call is answered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) dispatch center. Be sure you inform the CHP dispatcher of your location and emergency need.

Any questions concerning emergency preparedness should be directed to the University Police Department.

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University Response - Incident Command

University resources will respond to an emergency with a variety of resources, both internally and externally. Therefore a coordinated effort is essential. In compliance with state mandates, university personnel will use the Incident Command Structure (ICS) protocol. Basically, ICS has five major components:

1. Incident Command

2. Operations

3. Planning/Intelligence

4. Logistics

5. Finance

Briefly, Incident Command is concerned with the overall responsibility for the event; Operations coordinates the tactical response; Planning/Intelligence collects, analyzes and evaluates data; Logistics coordinates the support needs such as supplies, personnel, etc.; and Finance tracks the costs related to the Emergency Operation. University staff members are aware of the responsibilities relating to ICS. Members of the university may be asked to assist during any emergency.

Campus Evacuation Procedures

Notification

Notification of a campus evacuation will be transmitted through the campus Parking Information Radio System. The air raid siren will sound signaling that radios should be tuned to 1040 on the AM dial for information concerning the emergency. The Campus Emergency Response Team, Facilities Management, Safety Coordinators, University Police and faculty may also be involved in notification. If instructed to evacuate, do so immediately.

Assembly Point Evacuation

Assembly points will be used during a disaster if leaving campus could be dangerous. Remember, even in an emergency faculty exert a great deal of influence over their students. They should provide calm leadership to their students. If an assembly point evacuation is ordered, proceed to a designated assembly area (See map)

Immediate Danger Evacuation

At times it may be impractical to evacuate to an on-campus assembly point. Evacuation to an assembly point away from the campus may be better advised. If an "immediate danger" evacuation is declared, remain calm and quickly proceed off campus in an orderly manner. Remind others to remain calm. Encourage others to assist in transporting pedestrians away from danger. Within a 2-mile radius of campus tune your radio to 1040 on the AM dial to monitor the event and evacuation status.

Evacuate Safely

When necessary, faculty members will be responsible for evacuating all students immediately and safely. Likewise, managers in offices will ensure that members of their staff are evacuated from the premises. Ensure that students are informed to leave by the nearest exit or as advised by emergency personnel. If emergency personnel are not present, but the circumstances dictate an evacuation is prudent, faculty should take charge of their own class and proceed with the appropriate type of evacuation. Familiarize yourself with the exits of the buildings in which you teach and the campus evacuation plan. Know when to use Assembly Point Evacuation or Immediate Danger Evacuation. Know the location of the nearest assembly points.

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Group Responsibilities During Evacuation

Building Emergency Coordinators

Building Emergency Coordinators will be the primary points of contact and coordination for an orderly evacuation. Building Emergency Coordinators will be responsible for notifying all individuals (not under direction of a faculty or staff member) of an evacuation order.

After an evacuation is completed, Building Emergency Coordinators will check all exit corridors and stairwells for anyone who may be trapped. They may request that a faculty member or staff person aid in the evacuation process. Building Emergency Coordinators must be alert for the presence of the visually or hearing-impaired and physically challenged persons. Particular attention must be paid to isolated public areas of buildings such as restrooms, study areas, basements, and closets when completing final clearances.

Faculty/Managers

Faculty members will be responsible for the orderly evacuation of all students in their classes. Managers will be responsible for the orderly evacuation of staff personnel. After receiving an order to evacuate, or upon hearing audible alarms, faculty members will instruct students to proceed to the nearest exit.

Faculty members have primary responsibility to assist individuals with a disability under their charge in the evacuation process. Faculty members are advised to review basic emergency response and evacuation procedures (including aid to anyone with a disability) with their classes each term.

University Police Department Staff

Police and fire personnel will be responsible for providing assistance in an evacuation process. They are trained to remove mobility-impaired individuals from multi-floored buildings.

Police department staff will communicate instructions and conduct final building checks for individuals with disabilities. After business hours, police department officers will function as Building Emergency Coordinators. All physically challenged faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to file a class schedule each semester with the office of Services to Students with Disabilities.

Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

Persons with mobility difficulties should observe the following procedures:

• All persons shall move towards the nearest marked EXIT. As a first choice, physically challenged persons may use the building elevator — but never in an earthquake or fire.

• As a second choice, when the physically challenged reach an obstruction such as a staircase, they should request assistance from others in the area.

• Physically challenged individuals should prepare for an emergency ahead of time by instructing faculty and classmates on how to assist them in an emergency. They should know the location of the designated evacuation stairway.

• Hearing or visually impaired persons working alone in isolated areas such as study rooms and labs should notify nearby building staff or University Police of their location.

• If assistance is not immediately available, physically challenged persons should stay near the wall in the exit corridor, in the designated stairwell, or on the designated landing. They should continue to call for help until rescued. People who cannot speak loudly should carry a whistle or have other means of attracting the attention of others.

• Services to Students with Disabilities have message pagers available for students with hearing impairments. The pagers will be used to notify the user of emergency procedures.

• Life Sliders are available in multi story buildings to assist those who cannot move down staircases. A powered "EVACU-TRAC" is also available for this purpose.

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Fire - Explosions - Hazardous Materials Leaks/Spills

Fire

The Fresno Fire Department Responds to all fire related calls at the University.

 Upon Discovery of a Fire, you should:

Call 9-1-1. 

1. Evacuate if fire is an immediate threat to safety. Activate a building fire alarm. Look for physically challenged persons in the area and provide assistance. In the upper floors of multi-storied buildings, assist them to assemble at the pre-designated points. 

2. Do not use elevators to evacuate the building. 

3. Make sure all main hallways and fire doors from all offices are closed to prevent spread of fire. 

4. If evacuated, proceed to a safe point at the exterior of the building. Account for all persons you believe were in the building.

Fire extinguishers should be used to aid escape only. 

IF YOU SUSPECT A FIRE, YOU SHOULD: 

1. Call 9-1-1. Give specific information about why you suspect a fire. 

2. Check the area for fire unless told otherwise. 

3. Follow the dispatcher’s directions. 

4. Do not open closed doors without first feeling for heat. Do not open if hot to the touch.

5. Remain in the building and meet emergency personnel.

Explosions 

In the event of an explosion in the building, you should:  

1. Take cover under tables, desks, or other such objects that will give protection against flying glass and debris.

2. Call 9-1-1.

3. After the effects of the explosion have subsided, the police department will determine if evacuation is necessary.

4. If evacuation is ordered, exit the building as directed by emergency personnel. Look for any physically challenged persons and provide assistance to them.

5. Proceed to your specified assembly point (see map) and await further instruction.

For further information, contact the University Police Department — 278-8400

Hazardous Materials Leaks/Spills

• In the event of a hazardous materials emergency that may pose an immediate danger to the ROOM OCCUPANTS:

• Evacuate the room and lock the door. 

• Call 9-1-1. State your name, department, and the location and description of the emergency. DO NOT hang up until instructed to do so. 

• If safe, remain in the area until police personnel arrive.

In the event of a hazardous materials emergency that may be an immediate danger to the ENTIRE BUILDING OCCUPANTS:

• Evacuate the building. Sound the building fire alarm as you exit. 

• If possible, call 9-1-1. State your name, department, and the location and description of the emergency. DO NOT hang up until instructed to do so. 

• Evacuate to a safe distance at least 500 feet upwind from the building. Do not return to the building until instructed it is safe to do so. If you have not yet called 9-1-1, do so from a nearby safe phone. 

• Suspected gas leaks or suspicious odors should be reported to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 278-7422 during regular office hours so that appropriate action may be taken. Please contact the University Police Department at 278-8400 during all other hours.

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Workplace Violence - Bombs: Threats

When threatened by an individual, take these steps in defusing hostility and aggression: Remain calm and non-threatening. When given the opportunity, call 9-1-1. State your name, department, and the location of the threat. Keep at least 3 to 6 feet from the individual. Avoid any type of challenging stance (hands on hips, face to face, etc.). Speak clearly with a moderate tone, volume, and rate of speech. Listen to what the person says. Appear supportive and empathic.

Do not point at the individual. Do not threaten, argue, or treat the individual in a disrespectful manner. Develop a code with co-workers that signals the need for a University Police response. If a weapon is involved:

Explain your movements at all times — DO NOT make any quick moves. Speak softly and clearly. Cooperate fully with all demands. Attempt to negotiate increased distance between yourself and the individual. Withdraw and summon assistance when able. Call 9-1-1. State your name, department and location.

Bomb Threats

Notify the Campus Police Department by Calling 9-1-1

Do Not Evacuate the Building!

If a bomb threat is received by phone, ask:

• When is the bomb going to explode or go off?

• Where is the bomb right now?

• What kind of bomb is it?

• What does it look like?

• Why did you place the bomb?

• Why are you doing this?

Remember—keep the caller on the phone as long as possible.

RECORD THE FOLLOWING FOR THE POLICE:

• Time of call.

• Date of call.

• Exact words/phrases of person making the call.

• Age, gender.

• Speech pattern such as accent, slurred speech, lisp or stuttering.

• Background noises, if any.

• Any names mentioned.

If a bomb threat is received by mail:

• Do not handle the envelope or package.

• Call 9-1-1 and stop anyone from entering the area where the package is located.

• Lock all doors, post "DO NOT ENTER," and then leave the area.

If a suspicious object is recovered:

• Do not attempt to touch or move the object.

• Evacuate the immediate area.

• Call 9-1-1. DO NOT use a cellular phone or a two-way radio. Radio signals may activate remote controlled devices.

• Await further instructions from police personnel.

Bombs: Searches - Earthquake

An Employee Who Discovers a suspected bomb should immediately notify the University Police Department by calling  9-1-1.

A search of the area by employees is the best method to determine if there is a suspicious object in the area since employees are familiar with their work area and will recognize something that is out of place. Police personnel will assist employees during a search. Employees will not be forced to search an area.

Office personnel should only search their immediate work area. Convey results of the search to the police department. Searches of other building areas will be carried out by police teams.

Explosives can be packaged in a variety of containers and will most likely be camouflaged. The container may be a common article, such as a backpack, book, box, grocery bag, athletic bag, airline flight bag, attaché case, etc. Look for the unusual or something that appears to be out of place. It is important that someone familiar with the area assist with the search in order to note something unusual or alien to the surroundings. Anything that does not belong or cannot be adequately explained is a suspicious object! DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT!

For further information, please contact the University Police Department at 278-8400.

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Earthquake

DUCK, COVER, AND HOLD!

DUCK or drop to the floor. TAKE COVER under a sturdy desk, table, or other furniture. If that is not possible, seek cover against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors or tall furniture. If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD on and be prepared to move. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS TO EVACUATE THE BUILDING.

Check for Injuries

When the shaking stops, check yourself, your students and co-workers for injuries. Render first aid if possible. You should consider having a first aid kit, flashlight, and good walking shoes available at a moment’s notice. You should ensure the injured are helped from the building to assembly points. Remember to enlist students and co-workers in helping others. If you are unable to evacuate the injured, note their location and notify the police as soon as possible.

EVACUATE SAFELY: NOTE FOR FACULTY

In a classroom setting, faculty are responsible for evacuating all students immediately and safely. Instruct students to leave by the nearest exit or as advised by emergency personnel. If emergency personnel are not present and the circumstances dictate an evacuation, faculty should take charge of their own class and proceed with the appropriate type of evacuation. Familiarize yourself with the exits of the buildings in which you teach and the campus evacuation plan. Know when to use Assembly Point Evacuation or Immediate Danger Evacuation. Know the location of the nearest assembly points.

RECOVERY PHASE DUTIES

Depending on the situation, your services may or may not be needed by the university after the initial response phase. Contact your dean or vice president before leaving campus (if possible) to notify the campus you are safe and where you may be contacted if you are needed. Do not reenter buildings until the buildings have been declared safe! Do not add to the problem by becoming a secondary shock victim. Nothing in the building is more important than your safety.

Having a plan can help minimize your stress during and directly after an event. Talk to your family or loved ones about how you will contact them in an emergency and what each of you can expect from one another. Arrange for family to report their status to someone outside the immediate area because phone lines in the disaster area will be overused and should be reserved for emergency personnel.

Medical and First Aid Emergencies - Emergency Supplies

In the Event of Serious Illness and/or Injury:

1. Call 9-1-1. 

2. Do not move the victim unless absolutely necessary. 

3. In case of heart attack or if breathing has stopped, call 9-1-1. A University Police Officer will respond. University Police Officers are trained in CPR and first aid procedures. 

4. Be alert for any jewelry with an inscription indicating a medical condition (for example: epilepsy, diabetes, heart condition) or other medical information. Bring this to the officer’s attention as soon as he/she arrives on the scene. 

5. Comfort the victim as much as possible and try to keep them calm.

Emergency Supplies

Electricity, water, and gas may be out of service after a major earthquake and aid may not reach you for several days. Consider having the following items in your office: 

• Fire extinguisher: Your fire extinguisher should be easily accessible and suitable for all types of fires. 

• First-Aid kit: Your first aid kit should be in a central location and include emergency instructions. 

• Flashlight and extra batteries: Keep flashlights in several locations in case of a power failure. Battery supplies last longer if kept in the freezer. 

• Radio and extra batteries: Transistor radios will be useful for receiving emergency broadcasts and current disaster information.

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Important Telephone Numbers

LAW ENFORCEMENT

University Police (559) 278-8400

Administration Offices (559) 278-2243

Fresno Police Department (559) 498-1414

Fresno County Sheriff’s Department (559) 488-3111

California Highway Patrol (559) 441-5400

Fresno Fire Department (559) 498-1911

Clovis Police Department (559) 297-2424

MEDICAL

Health & Psychological Services (559) 278-2734

Saint Agnes Medical Center (559) 449-3000

Kaiser Permanente (559) 448-4500

University Medical Center (559) 459-5111

Poison Hot Line 1-800-876-4766

Hazardous Materials/Situations and Safety Concerns

Environmental Health and Safety (559) 278-7422

COUNSELING/SUPPORT

Employee Assistance Program (559) 278-4357

Health and Psychological Services (559) 278-2734

Fresno County Mental Health (559) 453-6616

Marjoree Mason Center (559) 237-4706

Rape Counseling Center (559) 222-7273

Child Protective Services (559) 255-8320

SEXUAL HARASSMENT (listed by category of victim)

Students:  Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students: (559) 278-2541

Faculty:  Associate Vice President for Academic Personnel (559) 278-3027

Staff:  Director of Human Resources (559) 278-2364

OTHERS

Greek Affairs Adviser (559) 278-7927

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