Campus Emergency Procedures

General Information Weekend/Evening Building Problems Water Leaks Medical Emergencies Chemical Release Power Outage Inclement Weather Reporting a Crime Motor Vehicle Accident Evacuation Explosion Elevator Malfunction Earthquakes Tornado/Severe Weather Fire Crime Prevention Bomb Threat Suspicious Packages Emergency Lockdown Active Shooter Emergency Communications

1

General Information on Reporting Emergencies

Emergency situations can be triggered by a variety of factors, which in most instances cannot be anticipated.  Knowing what to do and perhaps more importantly what not to do is paramount in dealing with the crisis at hand. In many instances it’s just a question of notifying the proper individuals or campus department.   Sometimes, however, certain immediate action on your part may be necessary.   Whichever the case, it is important to remain calm and   not panic.  Take a few seconds to compose yourself to avoid acting irrational.  Those first few seconds are important, since most injuries and deaths occur because of irrational or illogical first response.   This easy to use guide has been developed to help you deal with most emergency situations that might occur on campus.   Rest assured that there are many trained individuals to give you direction and to assist, but they need to be notified and supplied with the proper information.   Keep this CAMPUS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES GUIDE nearby to assist you in dealing with emergency situations. Also, remember that people with disabilities may need special assistance.  Preplan the assistance needed if a disabled individual is part of your department or in your class.

The following general information is important when reporting emergencies on campus.   Remember---STAY CALM, DON’T PANIC, HELP IS ON THE WAY.  NEVER PUT YOURSELF AT RISK!

Call YSU Police at (330)941-3527 or from a campus phone, dial 911. If fire or ambulance response is needed, dial 911 on a campus phone, this will

connect you to the University Police Emergency number. If you dial 911 on a non-university phone you will be connected to Youngstown

City’s 911 Emergency Response Center. WHEN POSSIBLE USE A UNIVERSITY PHONE AND GO THROUGH THE YSU

POLICE DEPARTMENT.

When reporting an emergency be sure to speak in a clear voice and be sure to give the following information.

Your name and your location A brief description of the emergency situation If there are people injured Any additional information which might be beneficial

DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY THE DISPATCHER

2

Evening/Weekend Facilities Problems For heating/air conditioning, water, electricity or other utility problems encountered in buildings after 5:00 pm on weekdays and on weekends contact YSU Police at ext. 3527.

Inform YSU Police of the problem, they will dispatch Maintenance personnel to the area.

Water LeaksFrom 7:30am to 5pm weekdays contact Facilities Maintenance at ext. 3232.

After hours or on weekends contact YSU Police at ext. 3527.

Give the location of the leak, the severity and any damage that can be seen.

Remove from the area any equipment that can be moved safely or cover equipment with plastic.

Do not attempt to move items that are plugged into an electrical outlet and are already wet.  These items will be removed once the power is shut down to the area.

Evacuate the area if there is a threat that the water could cause harm such as falling wet ceiling tiles or if an electrocution hazard is present. 

3

Medical Emergencies If someone is ill or injured and requires assistance:

Call YSU Police at (330)941-3527 or by dialing 911 from a campus phone.  If an ambulance is needed, tell the dispatcher at the beginning of your conversation.

Give the dispatcher the following information: o The location of the person.  Include the building and the room

number. o The illness or injury of the person. o Whether the person is conscious. o Any other information that is known, such as existing health

conditions. Do not hang up until you are told to do so by the dispatcher. Administer first aid if you have the proper training. Do not move the person. Assure the person that help is on the way. Remain on the scene until the Police arrive to give any further

information they may require.

Chemical Release Sound the fire alarm to evacuate the building if deadly fumes are

present. Contact YSU Police at  (330)941-3527 or by dialing 911 from a campus

phone. Give YSU Police a complete description of the incident. Describe the

type of accident: fire, explosion, chemical spill, leaking drum.   If the incident is a chemical spill, and you know the name of the chemical, inform YSU Police.

Identify the building where the incident occurred and the room number or location of the incident.

If the incident involves a chemical spill give the approximate amount of the spill.

Give your name and the telephone number from which you are calling. Note any injuries: Are you or anyone else in the building injured? Tell

YSU Police of the injuries. Don’t hang up until told to do so by the dispatcher. At a safe distance, await the arrival of YSU Police.   Provide any

additional information that they may require.

4

Power Outage

PrePlan:

Departments should have flashlights available that are tested periodically to assure that they work.  Flashlights can be obtained from Central Stores at ext. 3248.

In the event of a power outage in your building, initiate the following:

Remain Calm Between the hours of 7:30am and 5pm, call Facilities

Maintenance at ext. 3232.   After 5pm, call YSU Police at ext. 3527.

If you have a flashlight, go to an area of the building that is lighted or has emergency lighting.

Provide assistance to those in your area who do not have a flashlight and/or may be unfamiliar with the area.

Remain calm.  In most instances power will be restored in a short matter of time. However, if you are instructed to evacuate the building, proceed cautiously to the nearest exit.

Note:  Individuals with disabilities may need assistance.

Exit signs are on emergency power and should rema in lit during an outage.

5

Inclement Weather On occasion, during the winter months, the University may be forced to close, delay opening, or cancel classes due to severe weather conditions.   If weather conditions are severe, listen to WYSU-FM (88.5) radio.   It is the official source regarding closing or canceling of classes. Also visit the YSU home page at www.ysu.edu or call 330-941-2222, the university’s Emergency Information Line. All area news media will also be contacted and asked to announce any weather-related closings/delays.

All departments should have in place a telephone tree listing the names, office/home/cell telephone numbers of all individuals in the department.   This telephone tree can be activated by the department head when he/she is notified of any changes to the normal work schedule due to closings.

Reporting a CrimeIf a crime or disruptive behavior occurs on campus (assault, robbery, theft, etc.), contact YSU Police immediately.  Dial ext. 3527 for the Dispatcher, or if immediate police response is essential, dial 911 from any campus phone, (330)941-3527 from a cellular phone, or use any emergency phone on campus.

Furnish any pertinent information:

Location Nature of incident Description/Identity of those involved Whereabouts of perpetrators Whereabouts of victims Description of what transpired Any related information

When reporting an incident of crime on campus, all information will be treated with appropriate confidentiality.  Please identify yourself to YSU Police.  Your identity will be afforded all due confidentiality.  We encourage members of our campus community to report any criminal activity promptly.  Safety and security on campus is a cooperative effort.

Upon receipt of notification of a crime occurring on campus, YSU Police Officers  will respond immediately and investigate.

6

Motor Vehicle Accident

If you are involved in an accident, do the following:

Stop at once!  Check for personal injuries and request an ambulance if needed.  Do not leave the scene.  Ask for assistance of a bystander.

Protect the scene.  Set emergency flashers to prevent further injury or damage.

Secure assistance of a Police Officer when possible.   Record the name and badge number of the officer.   If accident occurs on or near campus, call YSU Police at ext. 3527.

Record names and addresses of all witnesses and occupants of involved vehicles.  Record the vehicle license number.

Do not argue!  Make no statement except to proper authorities.   Sign only official police reports.  Do not plead guilty or admit fault.

If you are driving a University-owned vehicle fill out the “ON THE SPOT” ACCIDENT REPORT which is found in the glove box of every University-owned vehicle.

If you are driving a rental vehicle, these reports can be obtained from the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (EOHS) located in room 2046 Cushwa Hall or at ext. 3700.

As soon as possible report the accident to EOHS at ext. 3700.

7

EvacuationPrePlan:                          

Know at least 2 exits out of the building. Also, know at least 2 different ways of leaving the University should streets and intersections be blocked off.

Have a pre-designated meeting place for all those in your office. Know who is not present for the day so that they can be accounted for at the designated

meeting place.

The building can be evacuated either by the fire alarm being sounded, by verbal indication to leave by YSU Police or other emergency response personnel, or through the University telephone emergency network.

Remain calm.  Leave your area quickly by WALKING to the nearest exit of the building. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS!!!    Individuals with disabilities may need assistance.

Only take essential personal possessions when leaving the building. Take items such as car keys and handbags in case the building is shut down and you are not able to re-enter the building.

Close doors behind you when leaving.   Check to make sure everyone is out of the room before closing the door.

Go to your department’s pre-designated meeting place at least 200 feet from the building. Await further instruction from YSU Police or other emergency response personnel. If a building is going to remain closed, you will be given instructions as to where to go to

obtain information regarding the closing. If instructed to leave campus, follow the instructions given by YSU Police. You will be told

if certain roads are going to be closed and if you need to exit in a certain direction.

Evacuation of Individuals with Disabilities: Departments employing individuals who have any physical impairment (permanent or temporary) which might cause them to need assistance from the building should establish a contingency plan for aiding those individuals in the event of an emergency.    Ask for volunteers (at least three) to stay and assist these individuals in leaving the building.   If the individual cannot use the stairs to exit the building ask for volunteers to notify emergency personnel of the location of the individual.

In the classroom, instructors should also develop a contingency plan for physically impaired individuals.  At the first two meetings, instructors should announce that those who feel they may need help in an emergency  evacuation should see the instructor privately to discuss an evacuation contingency plan The contingency plan should consist of asking for student volunteers (at least three) to assist with the evacuation of the individual(s) from the building.   Volunteers should be solicited as soon as a person with a disability is identified as being in the classroom.  In the event that the classroom is located in an area that makes removal of disabled individuals extremely difficult (i.e. mobility-impaired individuals), the instructor should ask for a room change to a ground floor location.   Room changes should not be made without assistance from the Registrar's office.  If a room change is not possible and the individual cannot use the stairs to exit the building, ask for volunteers to notify emergency personnel of the location of the individual.

8

Explosion

Explosions can occur from natural gas leaks, chemicals, boilers or other items that are under pressure.

If an explosion occurs and you are in the immediate area, take cover under a sturdy object such as a desk. Be prepared for further explosions.

 Try to remain calm. Stay away from windows, objects that may fall on you, and

electrical equipment. Evacuate the building as soon as you feel it is safe to do so.  

Watch for falling objects while you are evacuating the building. Note:  Individuals with disabilities may need assistance. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS Do not move seriously injured victims unless they are in

immediate danger such as fire or the building collapsing. Contact YSU Police to inform them of the explosion.   Call

(330)941-3527 or from a campus phone, dial 911. Give YSU Police all pertinent information regarding the

explosion. o Location o If anyone is injured and the extent of the injuries o Your name

Await the arrival of YSU Police.

9

Elevator Malfunction

If you are trapped in a stalled elevator initiate the following:

STAY CALM If the elevator is equipped with an emergency phone, pick it up and you

will be connected to YSU Police who will dispatch a maintenance person to the area to assist.

If no phone is present in the elevator press the RED EMERGENCY button and let it ring until you hear someone respond to the alarm.

In most instances individuals confined in elevators are assisted within 15 minutes.

Remember you cannot suffocate in a stalled elevator nor will the elevator fall to the bottom.

If you hear an emergency alarm ring in an elevator do the following:

Go to the elevator door on the floor that you are on and shout to the individual that is confined in the elevator to assure them that you have heard the alarm and are going to dispatch help for them.

From 7:30am to 5pm call Facilities Maintenance at ext. 3232. After 5pm call YSU Police at ext. 3527.

Report the problem by giving the name of the building and the location of the elevator (Example: north end of building, second floor).

Go back to the door of the elevator and reassure the person in the elevator that help is on the way.

10

Earthquakes - Keep in mind that most earthquakes are of a short duration and that

injury usually occurs from falling objects.  With that in mind, the following procedures can assist you in the case of an earthquake.

If inside a building:

Remain calm. Stay inside the building. Find cover under a sturdy object such as a desk or in a door frame. Watch for falling objects. Stay away from windows and any other objects, which may fall on you.

If you are outside:

Go to an open, area free of trees, power lines and away from buildings. Cover your head and watch for falling objects.

After the earthquake is over:

Expect aftershocks so remain protected. Remain calm. Follow the instruction of YSU Police and evacuate the building if told to

do so. When evacuating, watch for falling objects and walk carefully as the

floor or steps may be damaged. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS!!!! Note:  Individuals with disabilities may need assistance. Do not move seriously injured persons unless there is danger from fire

or building collapse. Do not re-enter the building. Do not light cigarettes, matches, lighters  or use cellular phones as this

may cause an explosion if natural gas is present in the immediate area.

11

Tornado/Severe Weather PrePlan:

Know that a CONTINUOUS alarm signals a tornado. Identify the appropriate place in your building to seek shelter should a tornado

occur. Stay indoors, be alert to falling objects. Immediately walk to the designated tornado shelter area.   The location of the

shelter in each building on campus   has been selected based on tornado safety criteria.

Note:  Individuals with disabilities may need assistance.

If you are in a building you are unfamiliar with:

Go to the lowest level of the building; find an interior area (e.g., interior hall, closet, or bathroom).  Seek refuge under a table or desk kneeling face down with your hands covering your head to reduce injury.   If available, cover yourself with a coat or other such material.

Avoid areas that have a large roof span that may collapse:   auditoriums, gymnasiums, etc.

Stay away from windows and glass, and unsecured objects such as filing cabinets or bookcases.

DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.

If you are outside:

Lie flat on the ground in a depression and cover the back of your head and neck with your hands.

Do not seek cover in an automobile or under a tree.

If driving a vehicle:

Get out and seek shelter in a building or low area; never try to outrun a tornado. Remain in the safe area until you receive an “all clear” message from  YSU Police

or their designees.

Departments employing individuals with physical disabilities (permanent or temporary) which might cause them to need assistance to a tornado shelter should establish a contingency plan for aiding those individuals in the event of severe weather.   Ask for volunteers (at least three) to assist these individuals to the tornado shelter.

In the classroom, instructors should also develop a contingency plan for individuals with physical disabilities.  At the first two meetings, instructors should announce that those who feel they may need help in getting to the tornado shelter in the event of severe weather should see the instructor privately to discuss a contingency plan.   The contingency plan should consist of asking for student volunteers (at least three) to assist

12

the individuals with disabilities to the tornado shelter.   Volunteers should be selected as soon as an individual with physical disabilities is identified as being in the classroom.

FirePrePlan:                    

Know that an INTERMITTENT alarm signals a fire. Know the location of the fire alarm pull stations. Know the closest exit out of the building and at least 2 other means of exiting

the building. Leave the building immediately when the fire alarm is sounded. Have a pre-designated meeting place for all those in your office. Know who is not present for the day so that they can be accounted for at the

designated meeting place.

If you should spot a fire:

Sound the fire alarm to get everyone out of the building. Dial 911 from a campus phone to contact YSU Police. If dialing from a

cellular phone, contact YSU Police by calling 330-941-3527. Give your name, the name of the building and the location of the fire within

the building. Only take essential personal possessions when leaving the building. Take

items such as car keys and handbags in case the building is shut down and you are not able to re-enter the building.

Close all doors behind you if you are the last one out of the room WALK!!!! to the nearest exit. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS!!! Note: Individuals

with disabilities may need assistance. Go to your department’s pre-designated meeting place at least 200 feet from

the building. Cooperate with emergency personnel and YSU Police. Follow all instructions

when given. Do not re-enter the building until you are told to do so by YSU Police or other

emergency personnel.

Never fight a fire if it could block your escape route.

If the fire is small and your safety is not compromised and you know how to use a fire extinguisher, an attempt to put out small fires should be made. Remember the word PASS:

P  -  Pull the pin

13

A  -  Aim low at the base of the fire S  -  Squeeze the handle S  -   Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire

Crime Prevention: Here are a few suggestions for what you might do to prevent a crime in your area.

In Your Office:

Lock your door, even if you are just going down the hall.   It takes a thief ten seconds or less to enter an open room and steal your property.

Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you are away and when you will be back.

If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to place the call for them instead of allowing them access.

Do not put your address on your key ring. Do not leave keys in hiding places. Call YSU Police at (330)941-3527 to report suspicious persons or

activity.

When Walking:

Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary. Walk purposefully, know where you are going, and project a no-

nonsense image.

Protecting Your Auto or Bicycle:

Always lock your car. Lock bikes to immovable objects or bike racks with hardened-alloy locks

and chains or U-shaped locks. Do not leave tempting valuable or property visible inside the car.   Lock

these items in the trunk.

Protecting Yourself When Driving:

Look into your car before getting in.   Lock doors and roll up windows once inside for protection.

Do not stop to help occupants of stopped or disabled vehicles.   Continue driving to the nearest phone or call assistance for them.

14

Raise the hood, and then lock yourself into your car if it breaks down.   If someone stops and offers you help, remain in your car and ask them to phone for help.  Do not worry about seeming rude.

15

Bomb Threat*

Youngstown STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Instructions: Be calm. Be courteous. Listen. Do not interrupt the caller. Notify supervisor immediately.

1. When is the bomb going to explode? 2. Where is the bomb right now?

3. What does the bomb look like? 4. What kind of bomb is it? 5. What will cause the bomb to explode? 6. Did you place the bomb? 7. Why? 8. What is the address? 9. What is your name?

EXACT WORDING OF BOMB THREAT:

Sex of Caller Race:Age: Length of call: Telephone number at which call is received:

Time call received: Date call received: / /

CALLER’S VOICECalm Nasal Soft Angry Stutter Loud Excited Lisp Laughter Slow Rasp Crying Rapid Deep

Normal DistinctSlurred Whispered Ragged Clearing Throat Deep Breathing Cracking Voice Disguised Accent Familiar (If voice is familiar, who did it sound like?)

BACKGROUND SOUNDSStreet Noises Factory Machinery Voices Crockery Animal Noises Clear PA System Static

Music House Noises Long Distance

Local Motor Office Machinery Booth Other (Please Specify)

BOMB THREAT LANGUAGE Well Spoken (Educated) Incoherent Message

Read by Threat Maker Foul Irrational

REMARKS:

Your Name:

Your Position:

Date Checklist Completed: / /

16

Suspicious Packages

If you receive or discover a suspicious package or foreign device, do not touch it, tamper with it, or move it.

CALL CAMPUS POLICE DIAL 911 FROM A CAMPUS PHONE OR (330)941-3527 FROM CELL

OR OUTSIDE LINE.

Letter and Parcel Bomb Recognition Checklist Inspection of Packages-Look For:

Foreign mail, air mail, and special deliveries Restrictive markings such as “confidential” or “personal” Excessive postage Handwritten or poorly typed address Incorrect titles Misspellings of common words Oily stains or discolorations on package Excessive weight Rigid, lopsided, or uneven envelopes Protruding wires or tinfoil Excessive tape or string Visual distractions No return address

Handling Suspicious Packages:

Do not open or shake it Do not carry or show to others Alert others in area Leave the area, close doors and prevent others from entering by using

signs or guarding Wash hands with soap and water Create a list of persons in the room where the package was received

17

Emergency Lockdown

Those in hallways or other open areas are to immediately seek shelter in the nearest classroom, office or lockable space.

Immediately lock or barricade all doors. Close windows, blinds and any window treatments present and turn off

lights. Remain concealed as much as possible by crouching down in areas out

of sight from doors and windows. Sit on floor and do your best to remain out of view, still and quiet.

Once secured, do not open doors for anyone who cannot be clearly identified as a law enforcement officer.

Do not enter hallways or any open areas until a message has been received indicating that the emergency is over.

People in outdoor areas should immediately take cover, preferably in an area or space that can be locked or barricaded, if possible.

18

Active Shooter

If you find yourself involved in the very rare event of an active shooter situation, try to remain calm and use these guidelines to help plan a strategy for survival.

Active Shooter is OUTSIDE the Building

Go to a room that can be locked, close and lock all the windows and doors, and turn off all the lights; if possible, get everyone down on the floor and ensure that no one is visible from outside the room.

Call 911 and inform the dispatcher of your location; remain in place until the police or a campus administrator known to you gives the "all clear." Unfamiliar voices may be the shooter attempting to lure victims from their safe space; do not respond to any voice commands until you can verify that they are being issued by an official. Likewise, do not leave the room if the fire alarm is activated unless you can see smoke and flames and judge the fire to be a greater risk than the shooter.

Active Shooter is INSIDE the same Building

If your room can be locked, close and lock all the windows and doors, and turn off all the lights; if possible, get everyone down on the floor and ensure that no one is visible from outside the room.

If your room can't be locked, determine if there is a nearby location that can be reached safely and secured, or if you can safely exit the building.

Active Shooter ENTERS your Office or Classroom

Try to remain calm. Dial 911, if possible, and alert police to the shooter's location; if you can't speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen to what's taking place. Attempting to overpower the shooter with force should be considered a last resort.

Moving From Current Location

No matter what the circumstances, if you decide to flee during an active shooting situation, make sure you have an escape route and plan in mind. Do not attempt to carry anything while fleeing and leave coats and jackets behind so the police can easily see you aren't armed; move quickly, keep your hands visible, and follow the instructions of any police officers you may encounter. Do not attempt to remove injured people; instead, leave wounded victims where they are and notify authorities of their location as soon as possible. Do not try to drive off campus until advised it is safe to do so by police or campus administrators

19

Emergency Communications

YSU has several tools at its disposal to communicate to students and employees in the event of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, any or all of these tools will be activated. Students and employees should be familiar with each of these tools so they can seek out the most up to date information if an emergency on campus should occur. Among the communications tools are:

YSU Alert! is a text messaging system that allows the university to notify students via cell phone of campus emergencies. For more information on YSU Alert!, visit http://alert.ysu.edu

Campus-wide mass communications and alarm system , allows YSU to broadcast emergency announcements targeted to specific buildings from one central location.

YSU homepage, www.ysu.edu , will provide up to date information in the case of an emergency.

Emergency Information Line (330-941-2222) will include updated information related to campus emergency situations.

MyYSU portal. Through the portal, the university will post “Campus Announcements” and e-mails, providing faculty, staff, students and the entire campus community with updates in the event of an emergency.

News media. The university has a detailed news media call list that would be activated in the event of an emergency.

20