Public Safety / Security - What to Do in An Emergency

The college has established the following procedures to help prevent or minimize injury to Renton Technical College (RTC) students, employees and visitors in the event of a fire, medical emergency, earthquake, or other crises. Students and employees are encouraged to review and learn the steps for each emergency scenario, as well as familiarize themselves with the location of all first-aid stations, manual fire alarm boxes, and fire extinguishers.

Emergency maps are posted in classrooms and offices pointing out the location of these items as well as the evacuation routes and assembly areas. Employees at college sites other than main campus should call 911 first and the RTC Public Safety Department second in any potentially life-threatening situation.

Armed Intruder
Bomb Threat
Earthquake
Evacuations
Fire
Hazardous Material Release
Shelter in Place
Illness/Injury
Power Outage

ARMED INTRUDER

If an armed or threatening individual comes onto Renton Technical College owned or leased main or off-campus property it is very important that staff and/or students report it immediately and take protective actions.

If a person sees an armed intruder come on to campus they are to:

Call 911 – if possible stay on the line
Call Public Safety at 7871 (425-235-7871)

Go to a SAFE area to call.  Note and report what the person is wearing, sex, height, weight, and any other items that are particular to the individual. Note and report what kind of weapon they are carrying and direction of travel or building entered.

AT NO TIME WILL ANY STAFF OR STUDENT CONFRONT AN ARMED INTRUDER.

Public Safety’s responsibilities:

The public safety department will insure that 911 has been called. They will try to maintain a safe observation point to monitor the path of the intruder and keep the police informed of activities of the intruder.  Public safety will try to prevent people from going into harms way and, if necessary, lock down buildings to prevent an intruder from entering.

Evacuation Coordinators responsibilities:

If possible, evacuation coordinators will lock down their building and prevent people from leaving.  Again, if possible, go through the building and notify persons in the building to stay in the building keep away from windows and lock their classrooms and/or office doors until notified that it is safe to leave.

Hostile intruder (s) in a campus building

While there are no set procedures for handling this type of problem, steps can be taken to minimize the threat.

When a hostile person (s) is actively causing death or serious bodily injury or the threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury to person (s) within a building, the following procedures should be implemented:

•  If possible, employees should immediately lock the students/staff in the classroom/office.
• If a telephone is available, call 911 and stay on the line if possible.
• Do not sound the fire alarm.  A fire alarm would signal the occupants to evacuate the building and thus place them in potential harm as they attempted to exit.
• Close blinds or curtains.
• Stay away from windows.
• Turn off lights and all audio equipment.
• Try to remain as calm as possible.
• Keep everyone together.
• Keep classrooms/offices/buildings secure until police arrives and gives you directions.
• If you are not in a room, try to get to a classroom or an office.
• Stay out of open areas and be as quiet as possible.

Hostile intruder (s) on the college grounds

• Run away from the threat if you can, as fast as you can.
• Do not run in a straight line.
• Stay near vehicles, bushes, trees and anything that could possibly block your view from the hostile person (s), while you are running.
• If you can get away from the immediate area of danger, call 911 and warn others.
• If you decide to hide, take into consideration the area in which you are hiding.  Will I be found here?  Is this really a good spot to remain hidden?
• If the person (s) are causing death or serious physical injury and you are unable to run or hide, you may choose to play dead if other victims are around you.
• If the intruder catches you do not look them in the eyes and obey all commands.
• When the police arrive, obey all commands.

There is no training guide that can cover every possible situation that might occur.  This information is a tool that could reduce the number of injuries or death if action is taken as soon as a situation develops.

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BOMB THREAT

NOTE: No two bomb threats are exactly the same.  Every threat will be reviewed and handled on the facts and information available at the time.  It is the policy of Renton Technical College that the best decision at the time will be made.

After receiving the bomb threat, the employee will immediately call public safety, which will call law enforcement and report the threat.  If unable to contact public safety, call 911 immediately.

The individual who received the threat will fill out the Bomb Threat Form.

The decision to evacuate needs to be made by the college administration.  Law enforcement may assist by offering advice based on their experience and training.

If the decision is made to evacuate, law enforcement may offer advice on following:

• Areas that need to be evacuated.
• Employees and students should be evacuated at least 500 feet away from the building Unless, depending on the layout, substantial and adequate cover is available.
• Assist with traffic control.
• When the building (s) can be reoccupied.

Two-way radios, pagers and cellular telephones should not be used within 500 feet of the area.

Depending on the situation, buildings may be evacuated prior to searches.  If a decision is made to evacuate a building (s), it needs to be done quickly and orderly.  Inform the employees and students that there is a hazardous/emergency situation and they need to exit the building.  Inform them, which exit to use, and where they need to go.

Special consideration for the following areas:

Off-campus Site (OC) - If it occurs at this site, public safety will call Renton Police.  If unable to contact public safety, call Renton Police (911)  immediately.  Based on the information received, the advice of law enforcement and Renton Technical College administrators, a determination will be made whether to evacuate the building. Public Safety and other employees who have received bomb recognition training will assist with the search, if requested by Renton Police Department.  Care should be taken so as not to cause a panic situation.

• Day Care Center - Special consideration - notification of parents.
• Dental Clinic - working on patients when a threat is received.
• Cafeteria - shutting down their operations.
• Other off campus sites - Do they need to be involved in this particular incident.
• Other considerations - contractors, special meetings, events, games, graduation

Building Searches:

According to the Washington State Patrol and Renton Police Department, college employees who are more familiar with the buildings and grounds should assist with building searches.  Only college employees that have completed bomb recognition training will be involved in any type of searching.  Employees searching will look for suspicious items.  If a suspicious object, package, or briefcase is found, the employee will immediately leave the area, making sure others do the same and immediately contact law enforcement.  Under no circumstance should you touch it, tamper with it, or move it in any way.

Returning to buildings:

College administrators in conjunction with law enforcement will determine when the buildings (s) can be reoccupied.

Informing the college community and media:

The Public Information Office should handle all information about the incident, i.e., media, informing students and staff.  The Public Information Office should be informed of the hazardous situation when a decision is made to either evacuate the building (s).

Training:

Again, only employees that have completed bomb recognition training will be involved in any type of searching.  Employees need to be aware of evacuation routes.

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EARTHQUAKE

During an Earthquake:

Stay Calm. If outdoors - stay outdoors.  If indoors - stay indoors.

Indoors:

Drop, cover and hold. If indoors, take immediate cover under a heavy desk, table, or bench and hold on.

If you are in a hall move next to an inside wall.  Turn away from glass/windows.  Cover your head/neck with your arms and close your eyes.

Wheelchair – If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it and set your brake.  Move to safe cover if possible.  If possible cover your head with a book or your arms and close your eyes.

Again, keep away from windows, tall bookcases and objects that might fall.

Hang onto whatever you are hiding under to keep it from moving away from you.

Remember after shocks may occur anytime.  Power might be out, water pipes may have broken; fire alarms may be going off - use caution.

In a crowded place:

Move away from heavy overhead objects.

Do not rush for a doorway - others will have the same idea.  If you are in a theater or gymnasium, stay in your seat, protect your head with your arms or get under the seat if possible.  Do not attempt to leave until the shaking stops.

Outdoors:

If you are outside, move to a clear area, away from trees, light poles, signs, buildings or downed wires.

In a vehicle:

If you are driving, slowly pull over to the side of the road and stop.  Avoid overpasses, power lines, light poles, underpasses and other hazards.  Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

After an Earthquake:

Check for injuries: Give first aid.  Do not move seriously injured people unless there is danger of further injury.

Evacuate damaged buildings: After shocks could cause additional damage or buildings can collapse.  Do not reenter until declared safe.  Go to your designated assembly areas.  Report injured or trapped individuals to the building evacuation coordinator.  Supervisors and instructors will take roll of staff and students.  Report missing individuals to the building evacuation coordinators.

Emergency operation center: Report injuries, individuals trapped, fires, gas leaks, damaged areas or buildings to the emergency operation center (security office).  If the security office is unusable, a note will be posted where the center is located.  The center will also provide information where injured persons should go, be able to contact rescue personnel and provide as much information and assistance as possible.

Looking for hazards: If building exits are blocked or there is a hazard, use caution tape (located in security vehicle, disaster kit, evacuation coordinators and security office) to block off area.  Use the buddy system (two people).  Start outside - do not put yourself at risk.

Do not use elevators: Elevators might have been damaged during the earthquake.  Evac-chairs to assist people down stairs are will be located in buildings to be designated.

Do not use the telephone: Except for emergencies.  If the power is out use the emergency telephones, cellular phones or pay phones.

Check for fires: Use fire extinguishers on small fires only.

Check utilities: Gas, electrical, and water lines may be broken.  Do not use matches, candles, open flames or electrical switches in buildings that have gas.

Gas: If you smell gas, exit the building immediately.  Have others do the same.  Shut off main gas valves outside, if possible.

Electrical: Assume all downed or damaged lines are live.  Do not touch anything in contact with power lines.  If electrical wiring is broken, shut off a main switch, if possible.

Water: If water pipes are broken, turn off domestic lines.  Be careful not to turn off water to sprinkler systems, if the pipes are not broken.

Chemical spills: Keep people away from buildings that could have chemical spills.  Chemicals could have fallen from shelves and mixed together becoming hazardous.

Do not leave campus until – the roadways and bridges are determined safe by emergency personnel.  Listen to car radios for emergency information.  Advise your supervisor or evacuation coordinator before you leave campus.

Disaster kit: The College will have several large disaster kits located in buildings throughout the campus.  These kits should contain: rescue equipment, tools, shovel, first aid supplies, portable PA system, flashlights, blankets, stretcher and caution tape.

Other areas on campus could have their own small disaster kits (pry bar, gloves, am/fm radio (tune to AM 710 for information), light sticks, blankets and first aid kits).  In addition, Administrative Services has individual survival kits that contain: water, food, light sticks, whistle, space blanket and other items.  Additional food is located in the cafeteria, bookstore, vending room and vending machines.

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EVACUATION

Evacuations may be campus wide, by building, floor or area.  Listed below are the locations of evacuation assembly areas.

Classrooms/labs/meeting rooms/reception areas have building floor plans showing building exits and assembly areas.

Assembly areas:

Evacuation coordinators can be identified by their yellow/orange vest with the words “Evacuation Coordinator” printed on the back.  Contact the Evacuation Coordinators if you need any assistance or help.  All employees will quickly check their area or floor as they evacuate the area using the nearest cleared exit, advising others to do the same.

At the assembly areas, employees should:

Account for all individuals under their span of control
Report injuries, casualties, hazardous conditions and missing individuals to their evacuation coordinator who will report to public safety or emergency personnel

When evacuating from a building (whether it is an alarm or verbally by the evacuation coordinator):

• Follow instruction in an orderly fashion
• Exit calmly and quickly
• Assist other in your area, especially injured or disabled persons
• Do not use elevators
• Check walkways and stairwells for damage or debris
• Meet in designated assembly area
• Check in with your instruction, supervisor or evacuation coordinator before leaving campus
• Do not leave campus after earthquake; hazardous material spill; major snowstorm or similar type of disasters until roadways and bridges are determined safe by emergency personnel.  Listen to car radios for emergency information.
• Assist evacuation coordinators by advising students and visitors the location of assembly areas and keeping people from entering the building until it is declared safe to return
• Do not re-enter the area/building until advised by emergency personnel

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FIRE

NOTE: Know the location of exits and pull stations in your area.   Fire extinguishers should only be used on small fires.  Make sure the fire department has been called prior to using a fire extinguisher and you have received training on how to use a fire extinguisher.

CALL 911 TO REPORT ALL FIRES.  ALSO NOTIFY PUBLIC SAFETY, EXTENSION 7871.

When you discover a fire:

As you exit the building, pull the fire alarm as you leave (if it can be done safely).

Inform others to exit the building immediately, using the nearest cleared exit.

• Assign someone to call the fire department, 911 and public safety, extension 7871 (from another building/safe location).  Give your name, location of the fire and the extension number you are calling from.

Go to your assembly areas.  At the assembly areas, employees should:

• Account for all individuals under their span of control
• Report injuries, casualties, hazardous conditions and missing individuals to their evacuation coordinator who will report to security or emergency personnel

When a fire alarm goes off:  A continuous alarm will signal an evacuation.

• Follow instructions in an orderly fashion
• Exit calmly and quickly
• Assist others in your area, especially injured or disabled persons
• Do not use elevators
• Meet in designated assembly area
• Instructors, supervisor and employees will account for all individuals under their span of control.
• Assign someone to call the fire department, 911 and public safety, extension 7871 (from another building/safe location).  Give your name, location of the fire alarm and the extension number you are calling from.
• Assist evacuation coordinators

Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by the fire department.

Notify evacuation coordinators, campus security or fire fighters on the scene if you suspect someone may be trapped inside the building.

NOTE:  If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) on the window as a marker for rescue crews.  If there is not a window, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.  Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RELEASE

Report all spills of hazardous chemicals immediately to public safety.  Also, report suspected gas leaks or suspicious odors.  If you are unable to contact public safety, dial 911 and report the hazard.

Call 911 if the spill presents any possible risk to persons or property.

When calling 911 provide as much information as possible:

• Exact location of the spill, including room number if inside a building
• Name of spilled material
• Quantity
• Appearance - solid, liquid, odor, color, etc.
• Injuries or physical effects to those who have been exposed
• Area of contamination
• Your name, department, and the phone number you are calling from

If it is inside a building, a determination must be made whether or not to evacuate the building.  If anyone is having problems breathing, eyes watering or any other discomforts, evacuate the building and immediately call 911.  If unsure about the hazardous material, evacuate the building to be on the safe side.

When evacuating the building, inform persons that there is an emergency situation that they need to exit the building.  Inform them which exit to use and where they need to go, i.e., parking lot or another building.  Keep upwind of the building.  Secure the building (if possible) so persons do not enter the building and/or seal the area off, using caution tape.

If the spill occurs outside and depending on the type and size of the spill, you may need to call 911.  If you are not sure if it’s a hazard or not, call 911 to be on the safe side.

If the spill occurred outside, regardless of the size, call the Department of Ecology, 24-hour Emergency Spill Response at 407-6300 and the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 to report the spill.  This applies to gas leaking from gas tanks of vehicles.

Employees must be aware for the safety of themselves and others.  We are not trained as first responders for hazardous material spills.  This is the responsibility of the fire department.

The fire department will determine when it is safe to return to a building/area.

General safety precautions at a hazardous material spill:

Think safety.  Keep upwind and upgrade of an incident.

The first priority is to isolate the scene and keep others away.

• Do not touch any container.
• Park vehicles heading away from the area (then approach on foot).
• Do not use flares (use barrier tape, traffic cones or barricades).
• Treat all hazardous materials as if they were toxic or explosive.
• Avoid inhaling any gases, fumes or smoke.
• Anticipate changes in wind direction.
• Keep contaminated, ill or injured people away from others.
• Always consider the possibility of more than one hazard being present.
• Be alert for leaking water, fuel or other fluids.
• Latex or leather gloves are not adequate protection against most hazardous materials.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke at any hazardous material spill.

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SHELTER IN PLACE

If you are in an area that has become exposed to a hazardous material, you may be instructed to Shelter in Place.  This guide describes what you need to do.

• Make sure that you are within the area that is being asked to take shelter.
• Close Off the Building’s Outside Ventilation
• Close all windows and doors.
• Turn off and close all sources of outside air, including heating/air-conditioning systems, and vents.

Prepare a Shelter Room

Go to a room on the highest floor available that has few or no windows, and preferably no door to the outside.  Bring a battery-operated radio if one is available.

Shut and seal the room’s door with duct tape (if available).  Place a damp towel or jacket at the base of the door.  Use duct tape and plastic (if available) to cover any windows, sealing over the entire window and frame.

NOTE:  Sealing the room just slows the flow of air from the outside, protecting you longer from possible exposure.
Listen for Instructions

• If you have a portable radio listen to local emergency alert station.
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, close window shades, blinds or curtains, and stay away from the window to avoid injury.
• You can provide a minimal amount of breathing protection if necessary by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth.
• Stay in your shelter until you are told that it is safe to go out or are asked to leave the area.

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ILLNESS OR INJURY

If you are injured or are reporting an injury, call public safety at extension 7871.  If you are unable to contact the public safety office, dial 911.  If you are in doubt about the severity of the injury and are not sure whether or not to call the medics (911), even if it’s a minor injury, call the medics to be on the safe side.  Provide the following information:

• Your name and telephone number - extension.
• Nature of the emergency.
• The location of the injured person.
• Provide first aid if you are qualified.
• Wait for assistance.  Appoint a person to meet the medics and direct them to the scene.

Do not move the injured person (s) unless they are in danger of further injury.

If the injury is minor, they can go to the security office or an officer can go to the scene and provide first aid.

Report all occupational illness and injuries to your supervisor as soon as possible.  An Occupational Illness and Injury Report must be completed as soon as possible after the incident.  Additional forms are available at the personnel office.

Within eight hours after the fatality or probable fatality of any employee from a work related incident or the inpatient hospitalization of two or more employees as a result of a work related incident, the supervisor shall report the incident by telephone to the Department of Labor and Industries at (360) 902-5085 or to OSHA at 1-800-321-6742 (WAC 296-24-020 (3)).

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POWER OUTAGE

Power outages may be campus-wide or isolated to one building or area.  When the power outage is campus wide, classes may be cancelled.

All buildings have emergency lighting; however there is no emergency lighting in the parking lots or walkways.

Puget Sound Energy 1-888-225-5773 (Power and Natural Gas)