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Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Reference Guide

Reporting Emergencies

Office of Public Safety (from campus phone): 911*
Fire: 911
Ambulance: 911

1. For help with any type of emergency, call the Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety (OPS) at (309) 298-1949.
2. Explain the problem and location to the OPS dispatcher. Do not hang up until told to do so.
3. For additional emergency procedures information, speak with your building emergency coordinator. A list of building emergency coordinators can be obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Administrative Services.

*NOTE: Dialing 911 from a cell phone, even while on campus, will most likely connect the caller to McDonough County 911. Then they must contact OPS. To be sure you reach OPS directly, dial (309) 298-1949 or 911 from a campus phone. If you dial 911 from a campus phone, there will be a pause (approximately 10 seconds), and then your call will go directly to OPS.

General Evacuation Procedures

1. Building evacuations occur when a fire alarm sounds continuously and/or if people inside the building are notified to do so by OPS.
2. Know the marked exits for your building.
3. Know the most direct exit route from your work area or classroom.
4. If necessary or directed to do so by OPS, activate the building alarm.
5. Leave the building immediately if alarm sounds or if directed by OPS.
6. If individuals cannot exit the building using the stairs, they should proceed to an Area of Safe Refuge to await further assistance.
7. Do not use elevators in the case of fire.
8. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building.
9. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
10. If requested, assist OPS.
11. Do NOT return to an evacuated building until directed to do so by OPS.

Civil Disturbance or Demonstration

1. Most campus demonstrations are peaceful. Carry on business as normally as possible. Avoid provoking or obstructing the demonstrators.
2. If a disturbance occurs the following actions should also be taken:
   1. Contact OPS at (309) 298-1949. To avoid controversy call from a private space.
   2. Alert all individuals in the area of the situation.
   3. Lock doors, secure files, documents and equipment.
   4. If necessary, cease operations and evacuate.

Explosion, Aircraft Crash, or Similar Incident

1. Immediately take cover under tables, desks, or anything that will give protection against falling glass or debris.
2. Notify OPS at (309) 298-1949 when it is safe to do so. Give your name and describe the location and nature of the emergency.
3. If told to leave the building by OPS, walk to the nearest exit and advise others to do the same.
4. If individuals cannot exit the building using the stairs, they should proceed to an Area of Safe Refuge to await further assistance.
5. If a fire breaks out, do not use the elevators.
6. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
7. If requested, assist OPS.
8. Do not return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by OPS.

Tornado

1. If indoors, go to the lowest level of the building. Interior hallways or rooms are preferable, away from glass windows.
2. If outdoors, go to the nearest ditch or depression, away from power lines, building, and trees.
3. DO NOT STAY IN A CAR AND/OR ATTEMPT TO OUTRUN THE TORNADO.
4. After the tornado has passed, evaluate the situation and if emergency help is needed, contact OPS at (309) 298-1949.
5. Be aware of dangerous structural conditions and evacuate the building if necessary once the storm has passed. Report damaged facilities to OPS.
   
   NOTE: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards. Please refer to the "Utility Failure" section.
6. If individuals cannot exit the building using the stairs, they should proceed to an Area of Safe Refuge to await further assistance.
7. If fire breaks out, do not use the elevators.
8. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
9. Do NOT return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by OPS.

Earthquake

1. If indoors, seek refuge in a doorway or under a desk or table. Stay away from glass windows, shelves, and heavy equipment.
2. During an earthquake, exit the building ONLY AFTER THE SHAKING HAS STOPPED.
3. If outdoors, move away from utility poles and buildings. Always avoid power or utility lines as they may be live.
4. After the initial shock, evaluate the situation and if emergency help is necessary, call OPS at (309) 298-1949.
5. Report damaged facilities to OPS.
   
   NOTE: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards. Please refer to the "Utility Failure" section.
6. After shaking has stopped, if individuals cannot exit the building using the stairs, they should proceed to an Area of Safe Refuge to await further assistance.
7. If a fire breaks out, do not use the elevators.
8. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected buildings. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel. If requested, assist OPS.
9. Do not return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by OPS.

Medical and First Aid

1. If serious injury or illness occurs, call OPS at (309) 298-1949. Give your name, describe the medical problems, and provide the campus location of the victim.
   
   NOTE: OPS has a direct line to paramedics and ambulance service and can render first aid and CPR.
2. In case of minor injury or illness, provide first aid care. Use the first aid materials located in the building (if available).
3. In case of serious injury or illness, quickly perform the following steps:
   1. Keep victim still and comfortable. DO NOT MOVE VICTIM.
   2. Ask victim, “Are you okay?” and “What is wrong?”
   3. Check breathing conditions of victim.
   4. Control serious bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound.
   5. Provide assistance to the victim until help arrives.
   6. Look for emergency medical ID, question witnesses, and give all information to OPS.

NOTE: Be sure to restock first aid kits as materials are used.

In all cases below…call OPS at (309) 298-1949 first; then attempt to administer first aid as appropriate.

Poisoning and Overdose:

1. Determine what substance is involved and how ingested.
2. Stay with victim and assist as necessary until medical assistance arrives.

Fainting, Unconsciousness and Shock:

1. Have victim lie or sit down to rest.
2. Keep victim comfortable, not hot or cold.
3. Ask or look for emergency medical ID.

Burns, Thermal and Chemical:

1. Flood chemical burn with cool water.
2. Cover burn with dry bandage
3. Keep victim quiet and comfortable.

Severe Bleeding and Wounds:

1. Apply direct pressure on wound with clean cloth or hand.
2. If necessary, apply pressure to blood vessel.
3. Elevate body part.
4. Add more cloth if blood soaks through.
5. Keep pressure on wound until help arrives.

Choking:

1. Check victim’s mouth and clear it of foreign matter.
2. If necessary, administer the Heimlich Maneuver® (i.e., abdominal thrusts).
   1. From behind, wrap your arms around the victim's waist.
   2. Make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist against the victim's upper abdomen, below the ribcage and above the navel.
   3. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into their upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Do not squeeze the ribcage; confine the force of the thrust to your hands.
   4. Repeat until object is expelled.
3. For an unconscious victim, or when rescuer cannot reach around the victim,...
   1. Place the victim on back.
   2. Facing the victim, kneel astride the victim's hips.
   3. With one of your hands on top of the other, place the heel of your bottom hand on the upper abdomen below the rib cage and above the navel.
   4. Use your body weight to press into the victim's upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust.
   5. Repeat until object is expelled. If the Victim has not recovered, proceed with CPR.
   6. Do not slap the victim's back. This could make matters worse.

Source: Heimlich Institute (2008) - http://www.heimlichinstitute.org/page.php?id=34

Heart Attack:

1. Place victim lying down on back.
2. Give resuscitation or CPR as necessary.
3. Keep victim comfortable, not hot or cold.
4. Ask or look for emergency medical ID.

Fractures and Sprains:

1. Keep victim still.
2. Keep injured area immobile.

NOTE: Professional medical care should be sought after first aid care is given.

Chemical or Radiation Spill

1. Report chemical or radioactive material spill immediately to OPS - 911 or (309) 298-1949.
2. If directed to do so by OPS, activate the alarm.
3. When reporting, be specific about the nature and location of spilled material. OPS will contact the necessary authorities.
4. Persons not trained in spill techniques should immediately evacuate the area.
5. If individuals cannot exit the building using the stairs, they should proceed to an Area of Safe Refuge to await further assistance.
6. If a fire breaks out, do not use the elevators.
7. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected buildings. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel. If requested, assist OPS.
8. Do not return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by OPS.
9. Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill should avoid contact with others.

Bomb Threat

1. If you observe a suspicious object that may be a potential bomb on campus,
2. DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT!
3. Clear area and immediately contact OPS at 911 or (309) 298-1949.
4. Any person receiving a telephone call indicating that a bomb or other explosive device has been placed on campus should find out as much information from the caller as possible. Report to OPS:
   1. DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE THAT THE CALL CAME IN ON. IF POSSIBLE, USE ANOTHER PHONE TO CALL 911.
   2. Time of call and phone line on which threat was received
   3. Description and location of bomb
   4. Perceived age of person
   5. Noticeable speech pattern, accent, etc.
   6. Description of any background noise
   7. Why bomb was placed on campus (motive)
5. OPS will conduct a bomb search. DO NOT TOUCH ANY SUSPICIOUS OBJECTS!
6. If directed to do so by OPS, activate the building alarm.
7. When the building evacuation alarms have been sounded, or when told to leave by OPS, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
8. If individuals cannot exit the building using the stairs, they should proceed to an Area of Safe Refuge to await further assistance.
9. If a fire breaks out, do not use elevators.
10. Once outside, move to an area away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel. If requested, assist OPS.
11. Do not return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by OPS.

Fire

1. Know the location of fire extinguishers in your area and how to use them. Training information is available through OPS at (309) 298-1949.
2. With a minor fire that appears controllable, contact OPS at 911 or (309) 298-1949. Direct the charge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
3. If necessary or if directed by OPS, activate the building alarm.
4. On large fires that do not appear controllable, contact OPS. Evacuate all affected rooms closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen. Do NOT lock doors.
5. When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by OPS, leave through the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
6. If individuals cannot exit the building using the stairs, they should proceed to an Area of Safe Refuge to await further assistance.
7. Do not use elevators during a fire.
8. Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire. So, stay near the floor where air will be more breathable.
9. 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 emergency personnel. Call OPS at 911 or (309) 298-1949. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency personnel to your location.
10. Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected building. Keep the streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel. If requested, assist OPS.
11. Do not return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by OPS.

Violent or Criminal Behavior (Including Active Shooter)

General Information

1. Be alert to suspicious situations or people and report to OPS (309) 298-1949.
2. If you are a victim or witness to any on-campus violation of the law, such as assault, robberies, or theft, contact OPS.
3. Notify OPS as soon as possible and provide the following information:
   1. Nature of incident
   2. Location of incident
   3. Description of person involved
   4. Description of property involved

Active Shooter

It is impossible to set forth the exact procedures that people should follow in every situation as every situation is different. It is important to remain calm and exercise good judgment in applying these guidelines to specific incidents.

1. If a gunman is firing a weapon on or near campus, get out of the immediate area if it is safe to do so. Call 911 as soon as feasible.
2. Take cover using any available cover or concealment.
3. Secure the immediate area:
   1. Lock and barricade the door (if possible).
   2. Turn off lights.
   3. Close blinds.
   4. If the shooter is outside the building, cover the windows (if possible).
   5. Turn off radios and computer monitors.
   6. Keep occupants calm, quiet, and out of sight.
   7. Take adequate cover/protection (e.g., concrete walls, thick desks, filing cabinets, etc.) to be out of the way of stray bullets.
   8. Silence cell phones and pagers.
   9. Place signs/markers in exterior windows to identify location of injured persons or occupied rooms.
4. Unsecure an area:
   1. Consider all risks before un-securing a room
   2. Remember the shooter will most likely not stop until engaged by an outside force or until taking his or her own life.
   3. Attempts to rescue people should only be made if it can be accomplished without further endangering those inside a secured area.
   4. Consider the safety of masses versus the safety of a few.
   5. If doubt exists for the safety of the individuals inside the room, keep the area secured.
5. Contact police:
   1. OPS emergency number is 911 if calling from a campus phone.
   2. OPS can also be reached directly by calling (309) 298-1949.
6. What to report:
   1. Specific location – building name, floor, office/room number
   2. Injuries – number injured types of injuries, etc.
   3. Assailants – location, number of suspects, descriptions, types of weapons, names (if known)

Utility Failure

1. In the event of a utility failure, notify the Physical Plant at (309) 298-1834.
2. If there is danger to building occupants, or if the utility failure occurs after 4:30 p.m., weekends, or holidays, call OPS at 911 or (309) 298-1949.
3. If individuals cannot exit the building using the stairs, they should proceed to an Area of Safe Refuge to await further assistance.
4. If a fire breaks out, do not use the elevators.
5. Once outside the building, move to a clear area away from the affected building. Keep walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
6. Do not return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by OPS.

Electrical/Light Failure

Not all buildings are equipped with an emergency light system that will provide enough illumination in corridors and stairs for safe exiting. Therefore, it is advisable for departments to have flashlights available.

Elevator Failure

If you are trapped in an elevator, use the emergency telephone to notify OPS. If the elevator does not have an emergency telephone, turn on the emergency alarm (located on the front panel) which will signal your need for help.

Plumbing Failure/Flooding

Cease using all electrical equipment. Notify the Physical Plant at (309) 298-1834. If necessary, vacate the area.

Gas Leak

VACATE THE AREA. DO NOT SWITCH ON LIGHTS OR ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. REMEMBER: Electrical arcing can trigger an explosion! Notify OPS at 911 or (309) 298-1949 and the Physical Plant at (309) 298-1834.

Steam Line Failure

Immediately notify the Physical Plant at (309) 298-1834. If necessary, vacate the area.

Ventilation Problem

If smoke or any odor comes from the ventilation system, cease all operations and vacate the area. Then, notify the Physical Plant at (309) 298-1834.

Sexual Assault

At the Office

1. Do not give out personal information while at work.
2. If working after hours, inform OPS at (309) 298-1949 and keep your door locked.
3. Do not inform others that you are alone.
4. To design a personal protection program for your office, contact OPS at (309) 298-1949.

In the Car

1. Park in a well-lighted area, and have your key ready to unlock your vehicle.
2. Carry a cellular phone with you or at least in your vehicle. While a cell phone cannot protect you, it is a useful way of communicating with authorities.
3. Check your back seat before getting in to make sure no one is hiding there.
4. Keep doors locked at all times. If your car breaks down and you do not have a cell phone, raise the hood, put on emergency lights, and lock the doors. Wait for someone to stop, stay in your locked car, and ask them to call the police or tow service.

If You Are the Victim of Sexual Assault

Your primary objective should be to survive the attack and to avoid serious injury to yourself. Look for situations you can exploit to your advantage.

Take notice of the characteristics of your assailant, his or her habits, surroundings, speech, and mannerisms. This information is invaluable for the police in trying to apprehend the criminal.

Notify OPS at 911 or (309) 298-1949.

Seek MEDICAL help.

If you have been raped, do not shower, bathe, douche, or wash or destroy any of the clothes you were wearing. Do not disturb the area where the assault occurred. If you change clothes, put clothes you wore during the assault in a paper bag and take them to the hospital or police station to enter as evidence. It is best not to change clothes before seeking medical attention.

Be sure to get medical attention for injuries and tests for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

To report a sexual assault:

OPS

911 or (309) 298-1949

Western Illinois Regional Council Sexual Assault Program (24-hour Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Hotline)

(309) 837-5555

Student Development and Orientation

(309) 298-1884

University Counseling Center

(309) 298-2453

Women’s Center

(309) 298-2242

To Report Sexual Harassment

(309) 298-1977

Numbers to Know

Office of Public Safety (OPS)

(If from a campus phone) 911

(If off campus or cell phone) (309) 298-1949

Physical Plant

(309) 298-1834

If after 4:30 pm, call OPS (309) 298-1949

Beu Health Center

(309) 298-1888

Employee Assistance Program

(866) 659-3848

Human Resources

(309) 298-1971

Illinois Arson Hotline

(800) 252-2947

Parking Services

(309) 298-1921

Psychology Clinic

(309) 298-1919

Student Development and Orientation

(309) 298-1884

Student Judical Programs

(309) 298-2436

University Counseling Center

(309) 298-2453

University Relations

(309) 298-1993

Vice President for Administrative Services Office

(309) 298-1800

Western Illinois Regional Council Sexual Assault Program (24-hour Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Hotline)

(309) 837-5555

Headlines

Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness
The Office of the Vice President for Administrative Services
Sherman Hall 200, 1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: (309) 298-1800   Fax: (309) 298-1802
Email: rmep@wiu.edu
©2012 Western Illinois University