Emergencies: What You Should Do

What is an Emergency?

What is an Emergency?

An emergency is any immediate threat to life and/or property that requires immediate response from police, fire, or ambulance personnel. Your judgment often determines whether an incident is an emergency. If you consider a situation to be an emergency, then it is an emergency and the procedures in this booklet should be followed. If in doubt, err on the side of safety!

You Should Call (480) 784-0911 in ALL Emergency Situations.

What To Do If...

  1. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone).
  2. When reporting an emergency:
    • Stay on line with the dispatcher.
    • Provide the address, location and a description of the emergency.
    • Provide the complete phone number at your location.
    • Provide a thorough description of the incident to ensure the appropriate resources are dispatched.
  3. If evacuation is required, pull fire alarm.
  4. Follow normal evacuation route. Follow alternate route if normal route is too dangerous.
  5. Gather in designated locations. Supervisors (and faculty) take headcount.
  6. Missing personnel and last known location to be immediately relayed to the Public Safety Department/Evacuation team.
  7. Refer public inquiries to information posted on web: www.gatewaycc.edu/alert-response
  8. Refer media to MEMS PIO: (602) 286-8227

Animals are not allowed on premises. The only exception is assistance animals. In the case of rabid or dangerous animals:

  1. Ensure the safety of students, employees and visitors
  2. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 40911 from a campus phone) if necessary.
  3. If possible, leave the area.
  4. Provide a description of the animal(s) and the location.
  5. If possible, seal off the area if animal(s) still present.

Upon receiving a message that a bomb has been planted on the premises:

  1. Use bomb threat checklist.
  2. Ask:
    • Where is the bomb is located?
    • When will the bomb go off?
    • What materials are in the bomb?
    • Who is calling?
    • Why is the caller doing this?
  3. Listen closely to caller's voice and speech patterns. Listen to noises in background.
  4. After hanging up phone, immediately dial 9*57 to trace call.
  5. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone).
  6. When reporting an emergency:
    • Stay on line with the dispatcher.
    • Provide the address, location and a description of the emergency.
    • Provide the complete phone number at your location.
    • Provide a thorough description of the incident to ensure the appropriate resources are dispatched.
  7. Notify your department supervisor or instructor and the Public Safety Department: (602) 286-8911 (68911 from a campus phone)

Weapons of mass destruction likely to be employed by terrorists fall into four basic categories:

  1. Nuclear
  2. Conventional
  3. Biological
  4. Chemical

Follow these procedures to protect human life:

NUCLEAR & CONVENTIONAL

Defense against nuclear weapons depends primarily on distance from the point of detonation. If responding to the threat of an imminent conventional or nuclear blast nearby:

  • Move people to specifically identified rooms. Interior hallways may be used as an alternate.
  • Close all doors leading into hallways to minimize flying glass.
  • All people assume the duck, cover and hold position on the ground.
  • Shelter in place to protect from fall-out if attack is far enough away.
  • Account for all employees - keep people inside buildings. Allow individuals (employees or guests) to leave at their own discretion once cleared to do so by police/fire, Public Safety Department, emergency management, or military authorities.

BIOLOGICAL

Defense against biological attacks is difficult. Awareness is usually not possible for days or weeks. The first signs may emerge as personnel notice a higher than usual incidence of various symptoms. Should a biological attack be discovered while work/classes are underway:

  • Reverse-evacuate all people into site/school buildings.
  • Shelter-in-place.
  • Close all doors and windows.
  • Seal doors, windows, and vents with plastic and duct tape.
  • Keep students and employees inside buildings. Allow people to leave at their own discretion, or parents to pick up young children, once cleared to do so by police/fire, Public Safety Department, emergency management, or military authorities.

CHEMICAL

  • Reverse-evacuate all people into school buildings.
  • Shelter-in-place
  • Close all doors and windows.
  • Seal doors, windows, and vents with plastic and duct tape.
  • Be prepared to treat those who experience a reaction to chemical agent.

The decision to evacuate should be made after consulting with police/fire, Public Safety, emergency management, or military authorities.

If the site/college is the target:

  • Follow evacuation procedures.
  • Evacuate to a pre-determined off site location(s).

  1. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone), if situation is dangerous to people or property. Follow reporting emergency guidelines.
  2. Evacuate the area if advised by emergency personnel or Public Safety Department.
  3. Keep other students/staff calm.
  4. Lock classroom/office doors.
  5. If in lockdown, do not allow students/staff to leave the classroom/office until you receive an all-clear signal from police/fire or Public Safety Department.
  6. Make a list of students/staff that are missing. Relay this information to the Public Safety Department/Emergency personnel as soon as possible.

DRIVER/MONITOR:

  1. First ensure the safety of students and employees.
  2. Call (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone), if necessary.
  3. Notify (college Notify the Public Safety Department first)
  4. Prepare Traffic Accident Incident Form.
  5. Exchange insurance information with other involved drivers.

COLLEGE PERSONNEL:

  1. Notify the Public Safety Department: (602) 286-8911 (68911 from a campus phone).
  2. Identify location(s) to which injured have been taken.

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone)
  3. From a safe distance, write down or make a mental note of as much information as possible (i.e., suspect description, clothes worn, vehicle description and license plate number).

Whenever you observe or are the subject of unruly or disruptive acts by an individual:

Outside the building/classroom:

  1. Notify the Public Safety Department: (480) 784-0911 (40911 from a campus phone).
  2. Wait for responding officer.
  3. Describe the incident to the responding officer.

Inside the building/classroom:

  1. The employee/instructor should immediately contact the Department of College Safety (480) 784-0911 (40911 from a campus phone).
  2. The employee/instructor should calmly address the situation with the disruptive person to defuse the incident.
  3. Wait for responding officer.
  4. Describe the incident to the responding officer.
  5. Classroom: Prepare and forward a "STUDENT CONDUCT DISRUPTION/DISCIPLINE REPORT"

DO NOT TAKE MATTERS INTO YOUR OWN HANDS.

  1. Ensure the safety of students, employees and visitors first.
  2. Dial (480) 784-0911 (40911 from a campus phone) if necessary.
  3. Evacuate the area.

(Intruder: an unauthorized person who enters District/college property)

  1. Notify the Public Safety Department: (480) 784-0911 (40911 from a campus phone).
  2. DO NOT APPROACH.
  3. Provide detailed description of intruder.
  4. Be prepared to evacuate area and assist with evacuation.

If taken hostage:

  1. Follow instructions of hostage taker.
  2. Try not to panic. Calm students if they are present.
  3. Treat the hostage taker as normally as possible.
  4. Be respectful to hostage taker.
  5. Ask permission to speak and do not argue or make suggestions.

  • Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone) if an unauthorized weapon is suspected to be in on site.
  • DO NOT APPROACH SUSPECT.
  • If suspect threatens you with a weapon, do not try to disarm them. Back away with your arms up.
  • Remain calm

In the event of fire or smoke:

  1. Activate fire alarm. (Fire Department/Public Safety respond to all fire alarms.)
  2. Evacuate to an assembly area (See map, back page).
  3. Follow normal evacuation drill route. Follow alternate route if normal route is too dangerous.
  4. Supervisors and faculty take a head count after being evacuated.
  5. Report missing personnel/students to evacuation team/Public Safety Department. The last known location of personnel/students will be relayed.
  6. No one may re-enter building(s) until entire building(s) is/are declared safe by fire/police.
  7. Evacuation team/Director of Public Safety Department notifies employees/students when situation is clear and normal operations may resume.

If gas odor has been detected in the building:

  1. Notify Facilities (602) 286-8240 or (623) 242-3428 (College: also Notify the Public Safety Department - (480) 784-0900 or 4-0900 from a campus phone)
  2. Do not pull fire alarm.
  3. When advised, evacuate employees/students to a safe distance outside of building.
  4. Follow normal fire drill route. Follow alternate route if normal route is too dangerous.
  5. Supervisors/faculty take headcount.
  6. Missing personnel and last known location will be relayed to Evacuation Team/emergency personnel.
  7. No one may re-enter building(s) until fire or police personnel declare entire building(s) safe.
  8. Facilities notifies employees/students upon termination of emergency. Normal operations may resume.

If gas odor has been detected outside the building:

  1. Notify Facilities (602) 286-8240 or (623) 242-3428 (College: also Notify the Public Safety Department - (480) 784-0900 or 4-0900 from a campus phone)

  2. Notification will be made whether to shelter-in-place or evacuate at fire/police direction.
  3. If evacuated, no one may re-enter building(s) until fire/police declare entire building(s) safe.
  4. Facilities notifies employees/students upon termination of emergency. Normal operations may resume.

If the fire alarm is activated, follow evacuation procedures; otherwise:

  1. If in a meeting room or class, remain in the room until directive is clear (alarm, bullhorn, text, etc.) Then follow directive (evacuate, shelter-in-place, lockdown, etc.)
  2. If in an elevator, use the emergency phone to notify facilities/fire/Public Safety.
  3. Provide assistance to those in need (i.e. visitors, handicapped).

Incident occurred on site/campus:

  1. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone)
  2. Notify Facilities (602) 286-8240 or (623) 242-3428.
  3. As directed by authorities: evacuate, lockdown or shelter-in-place.
  4. Fire officer in charge will recommend shelter or evacuation actions.
  5. Follow normal evacuation or sheltering procedure.
  6. Supervisors/faculty take headcount.
  7. Missing personnel and last known location will be relayed to fire/police.
  8. Resume normal operations only after approval from fire officials.

Incident occurred near site/college property:

  1. Fire or police will Notify the Public Safety Department/Facilities/Chancellors Office.
  2. Fire officer in charge of scene will recommend shelter or evacuation actions.
  3. Follow procedures for sheltering or evacuation.
  4. Resume normal operations only after approval from fire officials.

  1. All staff must refer media to MEMS PIO: (602) 286-8227. Only authorized individuals may provide public comment on behalf of the institution.
  2. MEMS PIO assumes responsibility for issuing public statements during an emergency.
  3. MEMS PIO serves as college spokesperson unless he/she designates a spokesperson. If spokesperson is unavailable, an alternate will be designated.
  4. Designated liaison* acts as contact for emergency responders and assists Evacuation Team/MEMS Team with coordinating media communications.

During an emergency, adhere to the following procedures:

  1. Present all factual information to MEMS PIO.
  2. Do not argue with media.
  3. Maintain log of all telephone inquiries.
  4. Respect privacy of victim(s) and family of victim(s). Do not release names to media.
  5. Only authorized individuals may provide public comment on behalf of the institution. Refrain from exaggerating or sensationalizing crisis.

* Liaison Officer is a federal designation for an in-house delegated person to coordinate activities with outside agencies

MEDICAL EMPLOYEE

In the event that an employee needs first aid or medical assistance:

  1. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone) if necessary. Advise if blood or bodily fluids are involved.
  2. Notify Facilities (602) 286-8240.
  3. Keep the ill or injured person as comfortable as possible.
  4. Do not perform any first aid beyond your certified training.
  5. Do not move a person that has fallen or appears in pain.
  6. Report any details leading to the injury to responding officers and emergency services.
  7. Supervisor prepares necessary industrial report forms.
  8. If needed, Supervisor provides transportation to nearest healthcare facility:

Maricopa Medical Center

2601 East Roosevelt Street

Phoenix, AZ 85008

Phone: (602) 344-5011

MEDICAL - STUDENT/VISITOR

In the event that a student or visitor is ill or injured:

  1. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone) if needed. Advise if blood or bodily fluids are involved.
  2. Notify Facilities (602) 286-8240.
  3. Keep the ill or injured person as comfortable as possible.
  4. Do not perform any first aid beyond your certified training.
  5. Do not move a person that has fallen or appears in pain.
  6. Report any details leading to the injury to responding authorities and emergency services.
  7. Do not discuss possible cause of an accident or condition that may have contributed to the accident.
  8. Document or report to supervisor to which healthcare facility student/visitor was taken or if released.

MEDICAL - SERIOUS INJURY/DEATH

If incident occurred on site/campus:

  1. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone)
  2. If possible, isolate affected student/staff member.
  3. The Public Safety Department will make necessary notifications.
  4. Refer media to MEMS PIO.

If incident occurred off site/campus:

  1. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone)
  2. Follow directions of Risk Manager/Legal.
  3. Announce availability of counseling services for those who need assistance.
  4. Refer media to MEMS PIO.

MEDICAL - SUICIDE

Suicide attempt on site/campus:

  1. Verify information.
  2. Notify the Public Safety Department: (480) 784-0911 (40911 from a campus phone).
  3. Follow directions of Risk Manager/Legal.

Suicidal death/Serious injury:

  1. Verify information.
  2. Dial (480) 784-0911 (or 4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone)
  3. Notify the Public Safety Department: (480) 784-0911 (40911 from a campus phone).
  4. Follow directions of police/fire.

Post-crisis Intervention:

  1. Meet with the Public Safety Department to determine appropriate resources.
  2. Assess stress level of staff. Recommend counseling to overly stressed staff.
  3. Refer media to MEMS PIO. Do not let media question employees or students.
  4. Supervisors/faculty should follow-up with employees/students who received counseling.
  5. Resume normal routines as soon as possible.

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Do not let anyone handle item or go near it.
  3. Notify the Public Safety Department: (480) 784-0911 (4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone).
  4. The Public Safety Department Director will make the determination to call emergency services.
  5. Write down any pertinent information concerning the package (i.e. how received, when, how found)
  6. Follow evacuation procedures if told to do so.
  7. Do not shut off lights, close doors or windows.

Severe Weather Watch has been issued in an area near site/college:

  • Reverse evacuation.
  • Bring all people inside building(s).
  • Close windows and blinds.
  • Severe weather safe areas are under desks and in hallways away from windows and large rooms.
  • If possible, watch www.gatewaycc.edu/alert-response and/or local media for updates.

Severe Weather Warning has been issued in an area near site/college or severe weather has been spotted near site/college:

  • Move employees/students/visitors to safe areas.
  • Supervisors/faculty account for all students/staff. (Faculty takes class rosters.)
  • Report missing personnel to Public Safety Department: (480) 784-0911 (4-0-9-1-1 from a campus phone). Relay the last known location of missing personnel.
  • Remain in safe area until warning expires or until emergency personnel have issued an all-clear signal.
  • If possible, watch www.gatewaycc.edu/alert-response and/or local media for updates.

Authentication is required to access the Emergency Assembly Areas and Evacuation Route maps on the college intranet site called GECKO Portal.