Quick Reference Guide

The following sections provide information on what to do during an emergency. Being prepared may make all the difference when seconds count.

BIOLOGICAL ATTACK

Biological agents are bacteria and toxins that can cause disease in people. Depending on the biological event, you may need to be immunized, evacuated or "sheltered-in-place." Listen to the radio and wait for authorities to provide further instructions.

If you become aware of a suspicious substance, follow these steps:

Get away from the substance.
Protect yourself by covering your mouth and nose with layers of fabric or paper towels that will filter air but still allow breathing.
Wash your body with soap and water.
Contact authorities.
Listen to radio for news and information.
If you become sick, get medical attention.

If you are exposed to a biological agent:

Get away from substance.
Remove clothes and put in a sealed plastic bag.
Wash skin with a solution of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach. Do not use bleach solution on open wounds!
Seek medical attention.

BOMB THREAT

In most cases, you will receive notice of a bomb threat from the Emergency Operating Center or Incident Commander, however, you could receive a phone call or piece of mail containing a threat. Take all bomb threats seriously and respond immediately.

Phone Threat

LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, while on the phone, about the bomb's appearance, its location, the planned time of detonation, and why it was placed at or sent to the office/school.
COMPLETE THE BOMB THREAT CHECKLIST below and try to determine the profile of the caller, such as gender, possible age, vocal characteristics and his or her familiarity with the building.
CALL 911 without delay. Identify yourself and indicate your location.
REPORT the threat to your supervisor.

Mail Threat

REPORT THE THREAT to your supervisor. Minimize handling of such mail.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ITEMS to your supervisor. Do not touch them.

Notification from the Emergency Operating Center/ Incident Commander

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS from the Emergency Operating Center Director/Incident Commander.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ITEMS immediately to the Emergency Operating Center/Incident Commander. Do not touch or attempt to remove them.

CHEMICAL ACCIDENT

Chemical spills may result from tank truck or railroad car accidents. In rare cases they may originate inside the building. If you discover a chemical spill, call 911 and inform the Emergency Operating Center Director/Incident Commander.

Accident Outside

WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS from the Emergency Operating Center Director/Incident Commander.
DO NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING unless instructed to do so. If you are instructed to evacuate, take care to avoid fumes.

Accident Inside

Evacuate the building. Avoid the area where the chemical spill occurred.
Don't light matches, candles or other fires.
ASSEMBLE without delay in your designated area.
– Report all absences to the Staffing Deployment Team.
– Report for duty if you are a member of an emergency team.
WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS from the Emergency Operating Center Director/Incident Commander.
DO NOT return to the building before it has been declared safe.

CHEMICAL ATTACK

A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid into the environment.

Signs of chemical attack

Watery eyes
Twitching
Problems breathing
Choking
Losing coordination
Many sick or dead birds, fish or small animals are cause for suspicion.

If you see signs of a chemical attack, follow these steps.

Quickly get away from the contaminated area.
If the chemical is inside the building, exit the building without passing through the contaminated area.
If you can't get out of the building, find clean air without passing through the contaminated area.
Move as far away as possible from the contaminated area and shelter-in-place.
If you are outside, go the closest place where you can get clean air.

Using a facemask for protection during a chemical attack

A facemask or barrier can help protect from air contaminants. Here are a few ideas for creating a facemask or barrier.

Improvise with available materials and create a barrier to protect eyes, nose, mouth and cuts in the skin.
Use fabric that fits snugly over nose and mouth – achieve best fit possible for children.
Include facemasks in disaster planning kit.

If you are exposed to a chemical agent, you will be given orders by the local authorities to evacuate or shelter-in-place.

If exposed, here are the steps for decontamination:

Remove clothing and place in sealed plastic bag
Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Seek medical attention.

EARTH QUAKE

Earthquakes occur without warning. The initial tremor is usually the most severe, however aftershocks may also be severe.

Inside Building

DROP - COVER - HOLD

DROP to the floor.
Take COVER under a sturdy desk or table, or against an interior wall. Avoid windows, tall furniture or hanging objects.
HOLD onto the furniture and HOLD your position until it is safe to move.
EVACUATE THE BUILDING after the tremor stops. Do not run.
ASSEMBLE without delay in your designated area.
- Report all absences to the Staffing Deployment Team.
- Report for duty if you are a member of an emergency team.
WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS from the Emergency Operating Center Director/Incident Commander.
DO NOT return to the building before it has been declared safe. Don't light matches, candles or other fires.

Outside Building

MOVE away from buildings, trees and other hazards.
DROP to the ground.
COVER your head and neck with your arms.
HOLD your position until earthquake is over.
Follow steps 5-7 from "Inside Building" instructions.

In a vehicle

PULL OFF to the side of the road away from buildings, overpasses and power lines.
SET THE BRAKES AND TURN OFF IGNITION.
WAIT until quake is over. Do not leave the car unless unsafe conditions warrant. Never leave car if power lines are down nearby or have fallen over the vehicle.
CHECK the road and surrounding terrain for safe conditions.
PROCEED when conditions are safe.

Date last updated: March 31, 2010