Welcome to Georgia State University

XVI. Specific Hazard / Incident Response Procedures

A. Fire
Follow General Evacuation Procedures as soon as you hear the fire alarm. A building occupant is required by law to evacuate the building when the fire alarm sounds.
If there is an actual fire or visible smoke in your work area:

First, notify the Fire Department by pulling the nearest fire alarm (pull station) and, from a safe distance, call the University Police at 404-413-3333 or 911 to provide details of the situation.

If you have been trained in the use of a portable fire extinguisher and are able to safely extinguish the fire, you may do so. Be sure you have a safe exit from the area and leave if one extinguisher does not put out the fire.

Evacuate the building as soon as the alarm sounds and report to Unit/Facility Emergency Coordinator or supervisor (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above).

On your way out, warn others nearby.

Move away from fire and smoke. Close doors and windows if time permits.

Touch closed doors. Do not open them if they are hot.

Use stairs only; do not use elevators.

Move well away from the building and go to your designated Assembly Area (AA).

Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so by the emergency responders.

B. Hazardous Materials Spill or Release & Suspicious Packages
General Information
If you witness a hazardous material spill, evacuate the spill site and warn others to stay away. Call University Police at (404) 413-3333 if you believe the spill may be life threatening. If you can determine that the spill is not life threatening, follow the procedures outlined below.
If you are a hazardous material user, you should be trained by your supervisor on proper use and storage of hazardous materials. This training should include hazard information, proper procedures for preventing spills, and emergency procedures when a spill happens.

If You Spill A Hazardous Material or Materials:

Leave the area of the spill first and proceed to a safe location nearby. Then assess if you have the proper training and protective gear to clean up the spill.

If you are able to clean up the spill, follow proper cleanup procedures and use proper personal protection. Manage the generated waste as appropriate. Consult your supervisor if necessary.

Isolate the spill area to keep everyone away, and post signs as necessary.

If you require assistance to clean up the spill:

Call University Police at (404)-413-3333. University Police will call the Office of Research Integrity (ORI).

If you suspect or witness a release of a hazardous material to the environment (air, water, ground) call University Police at 404-413-3333. University Police will contact the Office of Research Integrity (ORI). Appropriate agencies will be notified if the situation can not be handled with internal capabilities or if the situation poses a threat to life safety.

Mail
How to Handle Threats of Anthrax or Other Biological Agents

DO NOT PANIC

Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or lungs. To do so, the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from person to person.

For anthrax to be effective as a covert agent, it must be aerosolized into very small particles. This is difficult to do and requires a great deal of technical skill and special equipment. If these small particles are inhaled, life-threatening lung infection can occur, but prompt recognition and treatment are effective.

For Suspicious Unopened Envelopes or Packages Marked with Threatening Messages:

Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.

Place any suspicious envelope or package in a plastic bag or other type of container to prevent the contents from leaking.

If you do not have a container, cover the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.

Leave the room and close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).

Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any substance to your face.

Report the incident to University Police at (404) 413-3333 and notify your building officials or an available supervisor.

If possible, list all people who were in the room or area when the envelope or package arrived. Give this list to responding authorities.

For Envelopes or Packages That Have Been Opened and Contain Powder:

Do not try to clean up any powder. Cover any spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.

Leave the room and close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).

Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.

Report the incident to University Police at (404) 413-3333 and notify your building officials or an available supervisor.

Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag or other container that can be sealed. Give this clothing to responding emergency personnel.

Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other type of disinfectant on your skin.

If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder. Give this list to responding authorities.

Follow the instructions of responding agency officials

If There Is Question of Room Contamination
(e.g., a device is triggered or a warning is received that a ventilation system is contaminated or that a biological agent has been released in a public space):

     1.Turn off local fans and ventilation units in the area.
     2.Leave the area immediately.
     3.Close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
     4.Report the incident to University Police at (404) 413-3333 and notify your building officials or an available supervisor.
     5.If possible, shut down the ventilation system in the building.
     6.If possible, list all people who were in the room or area. Give this list to responding authorities.

How to Identify Suspicious Envelopes or Packages
A suspicious envelope or package might include the following:

Excessive postage
Handwritten or poorly typed address
Incorrect title
Title without name
Misspelling of common words
Oily stain, discoloration, or odor
No return address
Excessive weight
Lopsided or uneven envelope
Protruding wires or aluminum foil
Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
Visual distractions
Ticking sound Restrictive endorsements, such as "personal" or "confidential"
City or state in the postmark that does not match the return address

C. Natural Disasters

1. Tornado Watch and Warning:
Definitions of Tornado Watch and Tornado Warning:

Atornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in the area.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar in the area.

Suggestions for pre-planning within campus buildings:

Pre storm

Identify and clearly post the location of safe sheltering areas throughout your facilities

Review and update telephone tree information for faculty and staff working in your building

Make sure all building or departmental NOAA severe weather radios are functioning and have back-up batteries

Conduct tornado drills each tornado season (spring and fall). The annual State Severe Weather Drill conducted in mid-February is an ideal time to practice

Inform all students, faculty, and staff of actions to take in the event of a tornado warning

Subscribe to a weather related Internet site that sends email weather updates for your zip code (examples include: Weather.com, Breaking Weather.com, WeatherBug, etc.)

Contact the University Office of Emergency Management at (404)-413-0776 if you need assistance with the emergency plan and safe sheltering areas within your building

When a tornado watch is issued

Monitor your NOAA severe weather radio for emergency broadcasts or severe weather updates

Remind students, faculty, and staff of the safe locations within your building

Listen to a local television news station or radio to obtain up-to-date weather information

When a tornado warning is issued

Activate any emergency notification systems for your building (public announcements, telephone tree, etc.)

Follow the instructions issued from the Outdoor Emergency Broadcast System � horns and sirens will sound if forewarning is provided due to a Tornado Warning in the local area.

Make sure messages are delivered to classrooms, labs, athletic facilities, meeting rooms, etc. in your facility

Move to the safe sheltering areas in your building. If time permits, take a flashlight, first aid kit, and your NOAA weather radio so you can hear the �all clear� announcement.

Suggestions for students, faculty, and staff:

Sheltering during a storm if inside a building

Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level of the building

Take your personal belongings if time permits (laptops, purses, book bags, etc.)

Secure your work computer if time permits (logoff and shut down to minimize damage and potential loss of data)

Lock offices and secure sensitive or confidential items (grade books, financial records, etc.) when time permits

Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, theater style rooms, cafeterias, large hallways, or gymnasiums

Stay away from exterior windows and doors as well as display cases, shelving, or wall mounted audio visual equipment that could collapse on top of you

Get under a piece of sturdy furniture (if available) such as a workbench, heavy table, or desk, and hold on to it

Use your arms to protect your head and neck

Sheltering during a storm if outdoors, in a vehicle, or on a campus bus

Get inside a building if possible

Follow the instructions of your bus driver if you are riding campus transit or a city bus

Lie in a ditch, low-lying area, or crouch near a strong building if shelter is not available or if there is no time to get indoors

Be aware for the potential for flash flooding

Use your arms to protect to your head and neck

Post storm suggestions

Help injured, trapped, or persons with disabilities or special needs

Give first aid when appropriate. Don't try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call the University Police at (404) 413-3333 or 911 for help.

Watch out for downed power lines and other damaged utilities when evacuating

Turn on a radio or television to get the latest emergency information

Stay out of damaged buildings. Return only when campus officials deem the building(s) to be safe

Use telephones for emergency calls only after severe weather

Avoid spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, or other flammable liquids. Do not attempt to clean up spills without proper equipment.

Leave the buildings if you smell gas or chemical fumes and notify the University Police at (404) 413-3333

Severe weather internet resource list:

National Weather Service

Georgia Office of Homeland Security

Federal Emergency Management Agency

National Readiness Web Site

American Red Cross

2. Winter Storm:

The major dangers of winter storms are intense cold, power outages and breakdown of transportation due to poor visibility and road conditions.

One of three announcements will be made:

University is open and operating on a regular schedule

University is closed

University will delay opening or specific events until a specific time

Announcements will be distributed in the following ways:

Posting to the University home page (www.gsu.edu)

All-campus e-mail (primary method)

Announcement through local media

Connect-Ed Mass Notification System (not yet active as of the date of this draft � 26MAR08)

3. Lightning:

Inside:

Unplug all unnecessary electronics before a thunderstorm and lightning approaches

Do not stand by open windows or doors during a thunderstorm

Do not use the telephone except in emergencies, because electrical current can travel through the line and cause injuries

Outside:

Do not stand under or near an isolated tree or a group of trees

Avoid open areas. If caught in an open area away from buildings, go to the nearest ditch for safety. Be aware of possible flash flooding.

If you feel your skin tingle or hair stand on end, drop to your knees and crouch. Lying flat on the ground will cause lightning to more easily pass through vital organs if a strike is unavoidable.

Remain in hardtop vehicles as they provide better protection

4. Earthquake:
Response Actions:

Take cover immediately

Direct others to get under a desk, chair or table for shelter

Seek shelter between seating rows in a lecture hall or against a corridor wall if in a hallway

If outside, move to an open area, away from buildings

Report injuries to the University Police at (404) 413-3333

Examine your area for damage and report damages to the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700

Be alert for aftershocks, do not use elevators and evacuate carefully

Await instructions from first responders and do not reenter buildings until they are examined

D. Active Threat and/or Workplace Violence

Call the University Police Department at (404)-413-3333

In case of an immediate life-threatening event, each individual should take whatever actions are necessary to protect his or her own life.

Perpetrator(s) Inside the Building: If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so. If flight is impossible, lock (or barricade) all doors and secure yourself in a safe area.

Perpetrator(s) Outside the Building: Close and lock (or barricade) all doors and windows. If you can do so safely, get all students and staff on the floor and out of the line of fire.

Remain in place until an �all clear� is given by an authorized person or law enforcement official.

Observe and make notes of the following if this can be done safely:

Descriptions of the people involved in the act

Vehicle(s) description

Types and number of weapons

Statements and other pertinent information

1. What to expect from responding police officers
The Georgia State Univeristy Police Department has conducted numerous hours of training and purchased response equipment to deal with hostage situations, sniper situations, barricaded persons and other situations that may arise. Untrained personnel intervening in these types of acts may lead to unnecessary injury and may unduly complicate the police response.

Police officers responding to work place violence are trained in a procedure known as Rapid Deployment and will proceed immediately to the area in which the violent acts were last heard or reported;

Their purpose is to stop the violent acts as quickly as possible.

The first responding officers will normally be in teams of four (4), but may be less; they may be dressed in regular patrol uniforms, or they may be wearing external bulletproof vests, Kevlar helmets, and other tactical equipment.

The officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns, or handguns, and might also be using pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation. Regardless of how they appear, remain calm, do as the officers tell you, and do not be afraid of them.

Put down any bags or packages you may be carrying and keep your hands visible at all times; if you know where the person committing the violent acts is located, tell the officers.

The first officers to arrive will not stop to aid injured people � their primary mission is to stop the violence; rescue teams composed of other officers and emergency medical personnel will follow the first officers into secured areas to treat and remove injured persons.

Keep in mind that even once you have escaped to a safer location, the entire area is still a crime scene; police will usually not let anyone leave until the situation is fully under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned.

Until you are released, remain at whatever assembly point authorities designate.

Information relating to crime prevention and education programs offered by the Georgia State University Police Department is available at http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwupo/Safety/safetytip.htm or by calling the Police Department at 404-413-2100.

E. Criminal Activity / Unauthorized Person in the Building

Call (404) 413-3333 or 404-413-2100 for the University Police

Relay any descriptive information about the intruder to the Police Dispatcher (physical, clothing, and vehicle description)

Make sure the hallways and common areas are clear of students and staff

Put a safe distance or barrier between yourself and the perpetrator �be prepared to seek protection in a nearby room or evacuate (if it is safe to do so) if the intruder/suspicious person approaches and is visibly armed with a weapon

Monitor the location of the intruder/suspicious person, if monitoring can done safely, and report his/her location to the Univeristy Police

Initiate a building lock-down as necessary

Inform all students and staff through your phone tree to stay in their offices or classrooms and lock the door (as applicable)

Use an emergency communication system (i.e., intercom, handheld radio, call button, etc.)

Notify all personnel to resume normal activities once the situation is resolved

F. Civil Disturbance/Demonstration Procedures
Most campus demonstrations are peaceful and people not involved should attempt to carry on business as usual. Avoid provoking or obstructing demonstrators. Should a disturbance occur, call the University Police at 404-413-3333.

If a disturbance seems to threaten the occupants of the building, report it immediately to the University Police and take the following actions:

Alert all persons in the area of the situation.

Lock all doors and windows.

Close blinds to prevent flying glass.

If necessary, your department may decide to cease work operations.

If necessary to evacuate, follow directions from police.

If evacuation occurs, meet at the Immediate Assembly Area (IAA) designated by your Building Coordinator. (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above).

G. Criminal or Violent Behavior
Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations or persons and reporting them as outlined below.

If you are the victim of, or are involved in, any on-campus violation of the law such as assault, robbery, theft, overt sexual behavior, etc., do not take any unnecessary risk. Notify University Police at 404-413-3333 as soon as possible and give them the following information:

Nature of the incident

Location of the incident

Description of the person(s) involved

Description of the property involved

If you witness a criminal act or notice person(s) acting suspiciously on campus, immediately notify University Police at 404-413-3333.

Assist the police when they arrive by supplying them with any additional information requested; ask others to do the same.

H. Explosion or Bomb Threat Procedures

Initial Actions

A suspicious-looking box, package, object, or container in or near your work area may be a bomb or explosive material. Do not handle or touch the object. Move to a safe area and call the University Police immediately at 404-413-3333. Use a telephone in a safe area. Do not operate any power switch, and do not activate the fire alarm.

If There Is An Explosion:

Take cover under sturdy furniture, or leave the building if directed to do so by emergency responders.

Stay away from windows.

Do not light matches.

Move well away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.

Use stairs only; do not use elevators.

Call University Police at 413-3333. Follow "General Evacuation Procedures" above.

If You Receive a Bomb Threat (via the Telephone):

Stay calm and keep your voice calm.

Pay close attention to details. Talk to the caller to obtain as much information as possible.

Take notes. Ask questions:
     When will it explode?
     Where is it right now?
     What does it look like?
     What kind of bomb is it?
     Where did you leave it?
     Did you place the bomb?
     Who is the target?
     Why did you plant it?
     What is your address?
     What is your name?

Observe the caller's:
     Speech patterns (accent, tone)
     Emotional state (angry, agitated, calm, etc.)
     Background noise (traffic, people talking and accents, music and type, etc.)
     Age and gender

Write down other data:
Date and time of call
How threat was received (letter, note, telephone)

Call University Police at 404-413-3333 and submit your notes from the telephone call or the bomb threat (letter or note) to University Police.

Follow University Police's or responding agency instructions.

If You Receive a Bomb Threat (via E-mail, Letter or Note):
If you receive a bomb threat via e-mail, letter or note, telephone University Police at 404-413-3333 and save note as evidence to be turned in to University Police.

In Any Bomb Threat Situation:

Check your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items; report them to University Police at 404-413-3333.

Take personal belongings when you leave.

Leave doors and windows open; do not turn light switches on or off.

Use stairs only; do not use elevators.

Move well away from the building and follow instructions from emergency responders.

I. Utility Failure/ Interruption:
Utility interruptions include:

Natural gas leaks

Electrical power interruptions

Water main breaks

Sewer system leaks

Telephone system problems

Chill water system

Steam pipe breaks

Response Actions:

Immediately report utility failures during regular work hours (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. � 5:00 p.m.) to the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700

Immediately report data network and telephone system interruptions to the IS&T Technical Operations Center at (404)-413-4444, located in Room G8, Library South (24 hours operation)

Immediately report utility failures after regular work hours, on weekends and on holidays to the University Police Department at (404) 413-3333

Gas Leaks (Indoor):

Evacuate the area immediately

Activate your phone tree to ensure everyone in the building is notified

Call the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700

and the University Police Department at (404) 413-3333 to report the problem

Do not switch on lights or any other electrical equipment. Do not smoke in the area.

Account for all building personnel once outside and wait for further instructions from the Police and/or the Atlanta Fire Department

Gas Leaks (Outdoor):

Evacuate the area immediately

Do not attempt to shut off gas or manipulate valves

Call the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700

and the University Police Department at (404) 413-3333 to report the problem

Prevent vehicular traffic and pedestrians from entering the area until the Police arrive to set up a perimeter

Do not smoke in the area or move any vehicles that are parked near the broken gas line

Follow the instructions of the Police Department and Atlanta Fire Department

Power Outage:

Report the outage to the Facilities and Services Customer Care Center at 404-413-0700 and the University Police Department at (404) 413-3333

Help co-workers in darkened areas move to safer locations

Secure current experimental work and keep refrigerators and freezers closed

Unplug personal computers, appliances and non-essential electrical equipment

Open windows for additional light and ventilation

Follow the instructions given by the Police, Facilities personnel and the Atlanta Fire Department

US Patent Numbers 7,720,998 B2, 7,836,207