Number: 247
Subject: AMBERTON UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY PLAN
The emergency plan for Amberton University is designed to address procedures to be followed during emergency situations. An emergency is present anytime life or property is in danger. An emergency could be as minor as a sprained ankle or as severe as a collapsed facility because of storm or explosion.
In case of an emergency, the first duty is to protect life. Following the preservation of life and safety, efforts to prevent loss of records, equipment, funds, and/or assets are to be considered.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
At any time, an employee of the University could be confronted with or contacted by an individual reporting an emergency or incident that has occurred on the campus. In order that an emergency is handled properly, the following information and instructions are provided.
I. The Reporting of an Accident
A. Automobile on University property.
1. Determine if anyone is hurt.
2. If no one is hurt, call the Garland Police Department(972/485-4840)or Frisco Police Department (972/292-6010.
3. If someone is injured, call 911.
B. Pedestrian on University property or accident in the facility resulting in injury.
1. Determine the location and nature of the accident.
2. Call 911.
II. Disaster (explosion, fire, wind, water)
Amberton University facilities are extremely secure buildings (Garland Campus and Frisco Center). The buildings are constructed of concrete and steel walls and ceilings. The building exteriors are fire resistant (contents, however, can burn). The chief danger is the glass on the outer walls of the building. When wind or hail is a danger, people should be moved away from the outer glass walls. The halls, elevators, restrooms, and spaces away from glass are the safest areas.
A. If the likelihood of a disaster by wind or hail is imminent, instruct all personnel and students to move to the previously identified safe areas. Do not encourage people to leave the building--the building is the safer place. If any portion of the building is damaged or if anyone is reported injured, call 911.
B. In case of explosion or fire, evacuate the building immediately and call 911.
C. In case of damage that breaches the security of the facility, maintain vigilance, assuming it is safe to do so, until relieved by a University administrator.
III. Bomb Threats/Hoax
Most bomb threats are a hoax; however, take all bomb threats seriously. Most threats to a university come from disgruntled students or someone who does not want to take a test. Listen carefully to the tone of the voice as well as the words expressed. When a telephone threat is received, try to follow these guidelines.
A. Maintain a firm voice; tell the caller you are sorry but you did not understand what he or she was saying and ask the caller to repeat the message.
B. Firmly ask the caller if she/he is really serious.
C. Ask when the disaster (bomb) is to happen.
D. Ask where or in what area of the University's facility will the disaster be found (bomb be found). Suggest two locations, the student center or auditorium.
E. Thank the caller for giving you the message and affirm the threat one more time.
F. If classes are not in session, forward the threat immediately to a University administrator for immediate resolution.
G. If classes are in session:
1. If sufficient time is allowed, forward the threat to a University administrator for resolution.
2. If insufficient time is available, empty the building and call 911.
IV. Robbery/Burglary/Armed Intruder
Robbers and/or burglars usually want money or assets that can be quickly converted to cash. Neither money nor assets are worth human harm.
A. If involved in a robbery, give the robber what he/she wants. Any employee confronted by a criminal is to take a non-aggressive posture. A criminal who tries to exit is not to be detained. Respond to all criminal acts by calling the police. Do not risk life or bodily harm for things. Resist only when losing your life (and perhaps the life of others) is an acceptable alternative.
B. If when reporting to work you realize that the facility has been burglarized, do not enter the facility. Retreat and call the police--911.
C. Should an armed intruder enter the facility and pose a threat to students and/or to employees, first take action to protect life. Such action may include a facility lock-down or facility evacuation. Do not confront the person. Help others to escape and run away if you can. Otherwise, conceal yourself. Fight back if you have no choice. If you encounter police officers, follow their instructions immediately without hesitation. As soon as possible or when safely away from the threat, call the police and report the situation giving the last location of the intruder, description, etc. Contact an administrator and forward information as soon as possible.
V. The Receiving of Emergency/Disaster Information
A. Anytime an emergency is encountered, immediate action is to be taken to protect life.
B. Following the immediate action required in response to the emergency, contact an administrator and forward all information.
VI. The Distribution of Emergency Information
A. Once an emergency has been identified, an administrator will inform the appropriate people of the facts.
B. Never distribute information concerning an emergency until it has been authorized and checked by an administrator.
C. Never distribute information directly to any news agency, media or external source. Forward all news agency requests or inquiries to the Chief Executive Officer or his/her public information designee.
D. Once information has been authorized and verified, the University’s internal email system will be used by an authorized administrator to inform students and personnel of the emergency as appropriate.
FACILITY EVACUATION
In case the facility is evacuated, all personnel capable of movement will gather in the northeast parking lot of the facility (Garland Campus) for an accounting. Frisco Center personnel will gather in the front parking area. The University will immediately establish an emergency relief office to coordinate emergency efforts. It will be the responsibility of the Administration to oversee emergency procedures.
PRESERVATION OF RECORDS
All University offices should take regular precautions to preserve the records of the institution. All permanent records, legal records and pertinent financial records are to be preserved nightly. Copies of all important University records will be made weekly and preserved off campus.
Should the University receive some warning of disaster, all records will be protected as time will allow, but safety of personnel will take precedent over any efforts to preserve records or assets of the University.
ANNUAL REVIEW
Annually the administration of the University will review its emergency procedures and policy statements and make modifications as needed. The Vice Presidents will maintain contingency plans as to how the University would continue its duties if its present facilities were made unavailable.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
At times, emergencies such a severe weather, fires, power failures, or earthquakes, can disrupt university operations. In extreme cases, these circumstances may require the closing of the University’s facilities. In the event that such an emergency occurs during nonworking hours, the University's automated telephone system will announce the closing and information will be posted on the University’s website. Students and personnel will also receive notification through the University’s internal email system. If the University's telephone system, website and email system are inoperative, the emergency notice will be given to both the major radio and television stations in the Dallas metropolitan area.
When the decision to close is made after the workday has begun, employees will receive official notification from their immediate supervisor. In these situations, time off from scheduled work will be paid. When the decision to close is made BEFORE the workday has begun, time off from scheduled work will be unpaid. However, with supervisory approval, employees may use available paid leave time, such as unused vacation benefits. Employees in essential operations may be asked to work on a day when operations are officially closed. In these circumstances, employees who work will receive regular pay. Once the decision has been made to close after the workday has begun, the University's automated telephone system will announce the closing and information will be posted on the University’s website. Students will also receive notification through the University’s internal email system.