Emergency Management
Emergency Procedure
The following are protocols for emergency situations:
Harassment, Threats & Potential Violence on Campus
Harassment, threats and violent behavior are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. All reports of harassment, intimidation, threats and physical violence will be investigated and responsible individuals will be referred to the community standards committee and/or prosecution.
Understanding how to respond to all Emergency Procedures will assist the DePauw community in making clear and well informed decisions in the event of an emergency. Proactively planning for emergencies may include steps such as:
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Considering that although unlikely potential emergencies including violence can occur at DePauw
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Plan possible responses
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Learn about ways in which warning signs are expressed by potential aggressors
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Know that early reporting is a valuable tool in prevention and intervention
Every potentially violent situation is different! Each person on campus must rely on his/her best judgment and evaluate the situation to the best of their ability based on the information available at the time and respond accordingly. Utilize the following information to be prepared. Safety on campus is everyone's responsibility.
Harassment-Situations in which a person is receiving harassing communications and/or unwanted attention, such as personal visits, stalking or other forms of physical harassment may be a scenario for potential violence on campus. In the event that you are being harassed or know of a harassing situation:
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Do not tolerate verbal or physical harassment from anyone.
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Do not ignore the behavior in hopes that it will stop. Students, Faculty and staff should report concerns to Public Safety by calling 765-658-4261.
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Do not give out personal information via personal websites.
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Do not give out other's information when requested by unfamiliar subjects
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If you have a civil order of protection ("No Contact Order" or "Restraining Order") issued by a court, notify Public Safety and provide a copy of the order
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Learn more about DePauw University's Harassment Policy
Public Safety can assist anyone in the DePauw community with developing a safety plan and accessing the need to alert the campus of potential violence.
Suspicious Persons-Suspicious persons on campus may also be scenario in which violence on campus may occur. In the event that you encounter an individual on campus that just doesn't fit, seems out of place or exhibits suspicious behavior (walking aimlessly, starring, etc.) notify Public Safety immediately by dialing either 911 or 765-658-4261.
If non-threatening, you may also:
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Establish eye contact and ask if you can help him/her. They may be a visitor or be in need of assistance.
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Do not give access to a building or office that is locked or restricted.
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Keep a safe distance and do not physically confront anyone
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Make a mental note of the description of the person, for example:
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gender
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age
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race
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weight
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height
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clothing
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noticeable skin markings, tattoos or scars
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direction of travel
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Threats-Treat all threats or rumor of violence as serious. Call 911 in instances where you are in immediate danger or if you observe a weapon, are informed of someone that has a weapon on campus, or if you are told of someone's intent to bring a weapon to campus.
Again, every potentially violent situation is different! Each person on campus must rely on his/her best judgment and evaluate the situation to the best of their ability based on the information available at the time and respond accordingly. Safety on campus is everyone's responsibility.
Hostile Confrontation-You may be confronted by a hostile or disgruntled individual that may or may not be armed. Individuals that are not allowing others to leave an area and/or threatening violence are certainly scenarios in which violence may occur. In these types of situations:
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Remain as calm as possible
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Be cooperative and patient, time is on your side
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Offer to listen, but don't judge or argue with their perceptions
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Treat each concern as important and valid. A person in crisis will only respond to someone who is willing to listen in an understanding, respectful, and non-judgmental way
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Maintain polite eye contact
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Keep gestures and body language open and non-threatening Use a low soft, slow voice when you speak. Ask or tell the person before you make any moves.
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Be truthful-to lose credibility can be catastrophic. Assure the person you will do everything you can to resolve his/her grievances in a fair manner.
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Ask the aggrieved party to suggest a solution. A person in crisis will be more accepting of a solution that he/she has helped formulate.
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Always look for a way to give the aggrieved party to retain their dignity
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Be observant. Note as much as possible about the aggressor, including type and number of weapons, state of mind and specifics about what they've said. In the event that you are released or escape this information will be helpful for the emergency personnel responding.
If you hear gunshots or witness an armed person:
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Isolate yourself and others from the suspect. Close, lock and barricade doors if possible and lie on the ground. If you are in an open space, hide to the maximum extent possible-get behind something solid (a wall, planter, etc)
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If it is safe to do so, call 911 and provide as much detail as you can.
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Follow instructions of emergency personnel that will be responding to the area, but do not expose yourself or others until you are notified by police that the danger has passed. Do not assume that the danger is over.
In response to the Virginia Tech tragedy, DePauw Public Safety will continue to review our emergency response policies and procedures to collaboratively work with other campuses to implement the best practices to protect and inform our community.
Public Safety Response-Our Critical Incident Command structure is modeled on the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This protocol is designed to ensure that agencies and jurisdictions work together to address emergency situations. Staff members in public safety, facilities services and physical plant have been trained under NIMS response procedures. This enables a unified and efficient response with local emergency services. We are fortunate that we have never faced a situation such as Virginia Tech; however our process has been effective in the past when responding to situations such as the rare bomb threat, fire or weather emergency. When there has been a concern on campus we have used a variety of resources to communicate alerts, including e-mail blasts, network messages, public address and our campus media resources. We are also pursuing a text messaging alert system to assist us with sending out alert information.
We proactively train our public safety officers in up-to-date in emergency response techniques. In June we will co-host a two-day training program for all Putnam County enforcement agencies to practice their skills in a unified command setting. We will continue to assess the incident at Virginia Tech and utilize lessons learned to evaluate and update our training, response protocols and emergency procedures.
Please help us by taking time to use this website as a resource to stay updated and prepared with the crime alert, prevention and emergency procedure information.
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Building Evacuation
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All building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds continuously and/or upon notification by emergency personnel. If necessary or if directed to do so by a designated emergency official, activate the building alarm.
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Be aware of people with disabilities in your area who might require assistance in an emergency evacuation. Be prepared to render assistance if necessary. It is suggested that people with disabilities prepare for emergencies by learning the locations of exit corridors and enclosed stairwells and by informing coworkers, professors, and/or classmates of the best methods of assistance during an emergency.
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If you have a disability and are unable to evacuate, stay calm and take steps to protect yourself. If there is a working telephone, call 911 and tell the emergency dispatcher where you are or where you will be going. If you must move, we recommend that you move to an exterior enclosed stairwell. Ask persons exiting on the stairway to notify the emergency personnel, such as a firefighter or police officer, of your location. As soon as practical, move onto the stairway and wait for emergency personnel.
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Do not use elevators during an emergency evacuation. Emergency personnel may use an elevator for evacuation after review of the circumstances.
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When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by a designated emergency official, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
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Once outside, move clear of the building, allowing others to exit. In extreme cases you may be directed to relocate or reassemble at an alternate location.
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Do not return to an evacuated building until advised to do so by emergency personnel.
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Explosion
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In the event of an explosion or similar emergency:
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Immediately take cover under tables, desks, etc., which will provide protection from falling glass or debris. Safely move away from heat sources, smoke and fire.
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Phone 911 and give the dispatcher the following information:
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Location.
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Area where explosion occurred.
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Cause of explosion, if known.
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Injuries.
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Before you hang up, make sure the emergency services dispatcher has all of the necessary information.
Evacuate the area as soon as it is safe to do so, following established building evacuation procedures.
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Fire
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Fire Safety Preparedness
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Learn your building's exiting system.
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Know at least two separate exit routes from your area to an exit or exit stairway.
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Know the location of your building's fire alarms and learn how to use them.
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Know that 911 is the emergency telephone number for the area.
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If you have a disability that could delay your escape, let someone in authority know about it. Be sure that there is a plan to assist you.
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Never block fire exits, doorways, corridors, or stairways.
In Case of Fire
In all cases, when a faculty, staff, student, or visitor becomes aware of fire and/or smoke, the Greencastle Fire Dept. must be notified immediately.
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Go to the nearest safe location and activate the fire alarm system at the pull station, or shout the alarm as you evacuate the building. If possible, telephone 911 and provide the following information:
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Name of the building.
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Location of the fire within the building.
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A description of the fire and (if known) how it started.
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Follow instructions from emergency services personnel, Resident Assistants, and other resource staff.
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Evacuate the building following the established building evacuation procedures. (See Building Evacuation).
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Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and alarm systems in your area and know how to use them. Do not fight a fire if you have not been trained. Make sure the fire department has been called and the building alarm has been sounded. In all cases, avoid possible injury and excessive risks. In all cases the building should be evacuated until an “All Clear” is issued by Safety personnel.
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If you become trapped in a building during a fire:
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Stay calm and take steps to protect yourself.
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If possible, move to a room with an outside window.
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If there is a telephone, call 911 and tell the police dispatcher where you are. Do this even if you can see fire department personnel from the window.
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Stay where rescuers can see you through the window and wave a light-colored item to attract their attention.
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Stuff clothing, towels, or paper around the cracks in the door to help keep smoke out of your refuge.
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If possible, open the window at the top and bottom. Be ready to shut the window quickly if smoke rushes in.
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Be patient. Rescue of occupants within large structures will take time.
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Fire Safety Equipment
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Portable fire extinguishers at DePauw University are intended for use by trained individuals. Most such extinguishers are appropriate for only small, contained fires, such as fire in a wastebasket. Some extinguishers will not work on flammable liquids, combustible metals, or electrical fires. Do not fight a fire if you have not been trained, if you are unsure about the type of extinguisher or how to use it, or if the fire is spreading or blocking your escape.
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Sprinkler systems and water-flow detection devices are present in some buildings on campus.
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Smoke detectors are provided where required. Residential facilities — battery-powered detectors that sound a low battery signal (a chirping sound at approximately one-minute intervals) should be reported to Residence Hall management.
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Manually activated pull stations are located at exit points in buildings that have fire alarm systems. If any sprinkler, heat detector, or pull station is activated, an alarm will sound throughout the building. Some smoke detectors also will activate the building alarm. In most cases the location of device that was activated will be indicated on the central station monitoring equipment in the DePauw Public Safety Department. No matter what type of monitoring or detector system is in place ALWAYS call “911” from a safe location. This will reduce the amount of time spent locating the emergency area and expedite emergency response.
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Elevator fire control may cause the building elevators to come to a halt at the main floor when the fire alarm system is activated. The elevators then can be accessed by emergency personnel using a key override. Do not attempt to use the elevators to evacuate any building.
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Emergency lighting is provided in some buildings. The lighting will activate automatically in a power failure and will last for at least 20 minutes.
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Illuminated exit signs are provided throughout the buildings.
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Hazardous Material Spill/Release
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For spills, releases, or incidents requiring special training, procedures and/or equipment that are beyond the abilities of present personnel, take the following steps:
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Immediately notify affected personnel and evacuate the spill area. Pull the fire alarm if building evacuation is required.
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Call 911 or use the emergency call box and report the incident. Give the operator the following information:
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Your name, telephone number, and location.
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Time and type of incident.
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Name and quantity of the material, if known.
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Extent of injuries or damage, if any.
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The key person on site should evacuate the affected area at once and seal it off to prevent further contamination of others until the arrival of emergency personnel.
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Anyone who is contaminated by the spill should avoid contact with others as much as possible, remain in the vicinity, and give his/her name to the emergency personnel. An effort to wash off contamination and to administer any required first aid should be started immediately.
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No effort to contain or clean up spills and/or releases should be made except by trained and appropriately equipped personnel.
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Take appropriate steps to make sure no one evacuates through the contaminated area.
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If an evacuation alarm sounds, follow established building evacuation procedures. (See Building Evacuation).
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If, due to dangerous air quality outside, you are required to shelter in place rather than evacuate, follow that procedure. (See Shelter in Place.)
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A campus emergency command post may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the command post unless you have official business. Do not re-enter the area until directed by emergency personnel.
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Shelter in Place
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Shelter in place simply means seeking immediate shelter inside a campus building or residence hall. This course of action may need to be taken during any emergency situation (i.e. act of violence, weather emergency, chemical spill, etc...) as directed by emergency personnel. Sheltering in place keeps you inside an area that offers more protection. Always follow directions of emergency personnel that will be "incident specific" pursuant to the emergency situation at hand.
Means of Alert
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Severe weather alert sirens.
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Radio or television, campus e-mail and network alerts.
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You observe or sense dangerous conditions.
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You receive notification from residence hall or building staff.
Additional Actions
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Close all doors and windows to the outside.
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Do not use elevators because they may pump air into or out of the building.
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If possible, close and/or seal vents and ducts.
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Do not go outside or attempt to drive unless you are specifically instructed to evacuate.
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Remain in place until police, fire, or other emergency response officials tell you it is safe to leave or until information is announced through radio or television broadcasts informing you that it is safe to leave.
Information Sources
Tune to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) station on your radio or television for further information.
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Bomb Threat
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All bomb threats must be treated as a serious matter. To ensure the safety of the faculty, staff, students, and the general public, bomb threats must be considered real until proven otherwise. In most cases, bomb threats are meant to disrupt normal activities; however, building evacuation is not a decision to be made by anyone but the proper authorities. The procedures described below should be implemented regardless of whether the bomb threat appears real or not.
If a suspicious object or potential bomb is discovered, do not handle the object. Clear the area and call 911. Be sure to include the location and appearance of the object when reporting.
If a phone call bomb threat is received, ask the caller the following questions and record the answers:
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When is the bomb going to explode?
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Where is the bomb located?
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What kind of bomb is it?
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What does it look like?
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Why did you place the bomb?
Talk to the caller as long as possible and try to determine and record the following information:
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Time of call.
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Age and sex of the caller.
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Speech pattern, accent, possible nationality, etc.
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Emotional state of the caller.
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Background noise.
If an evacuation alarm sounds, follow established building evacuation procedures.
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Medical Emergency
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Putnam County Operation Life personnel are trained and certified emergency medical technicians. They will respond to medical emergencies on campus. Any injury occurring as a result of an existing hazardous condition should be reported to “911”. Do not move the patient unless safety dictates such a move.
Illness or Injury to Students
During operational hours students are eligible for full care at the Student Health Center. Students with minor illnesses or injuries may be referred to the DePauw University Student Health Center. If on-campus students are not able to get to the health center on their own, obtain transportation assistance by calling the DePauw Public Safety Department at 658-4261.
Illness or Injury to Faculty and Staff
Emergency treatment for job-related injury or medical illness may be obtained by calling “911”. The 911 Center will dispatch the appropriate emergency response personnel.
An Employer’s Report of Injury/Illness of Employee form must be completed for all incidents of job-related illness and injury. For forms and assistance, please call the DePauw University Human Resources Office at 658-4181.
Illness or Injury to Visitors and Guests
Request emergency medical assistance by calling “911” and notifying the DePauw University Public Safety Department at 658-4261.
First Aid
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If you provide first aid, ask yourself: Is immediate action needed in order to save a life? Will I place myself in harm or jeopardy?
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First aid is first aid only. Do not jeopardize your health or the health of the patient. Wait for professional help if you are not able to provide first aid safely.
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To obtain prompt professional emergency medical treatment, you should request an ambulance by telephoning “911” and providing the following information:
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Your name and telephone number.
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Location of the emergency (building and room number).
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The extent of the accident/injury and the number of people involved.
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Location where someone will meet the ambulance for directing personnel to the injured.
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Stay on the phone with the dispatcher and answer as many questions as possible regarding the condition of the injured person so that information can be forwarded to the responding emergency personnel.
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Tornado
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Weather in Central Indiana can be dangerous. Please take time to be informed and make preparations prior to a weather emergency. The following information is on the website www.wthr.com, Surviving the Storm:
National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Remember that tornadoes are spawned from severe thunderstorms.
Watch A Watch indicates the possibility of severe weather in a relatively broad area. For instance, a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Go about your normal routines, but watch for threatening weather.
Warning A Warning is issued when severe weather is actually occurring. For instance, a tornado warning means a tornado has actually been sighted or has been indicated by radar. The warning usually encompasses a relatively small geographic area. If a warning is issued for the area in which you live, take cover immediately!
Remember that you can help, too, by reporting all severe weather to your local county sheriff or state police, dial 911.
Tornadoes aren't the only reason to stay alert ......Strong winds of 55 mph or more can cause significant damage even though no tornado is present.
"Downbursts" are columns of air that slam to the earth and spread high winds in many directions. Downbursts can be just as damaging as tornadoes; if such conditions are present, take the same precautions as you would for a tornado.
Lightning claims more lives every year than tornadoes. When lightning is a threat, stay indoors and don't use electrical appliances. If you're caught outside, keep a safe distance from tall objects, and try to stay lower than anything nearby. A safe distance from a tree is twice its height.
Tornado Information
A tornado is defined as a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 miles per hour or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one-mile wide and 50 miles long. Tornadoes may occur with little or no advance warning or siren activation.
Mid-afternoon through early evening is the most likely time for a tornado, but they can strike at any time. They can travel at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. Sometimes an approaching tornado will sound like the roar of a train or airplane.
Before the Storm
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Locate an accessible basement or corridor location in your building. Stay informed through local media sources on days when severe weather is expected. WGRE and DePauw Television Announcements will post information as promptly as possible about potential severe weather
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Obtain a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery backup to receive warnings, and keep a good reliable flashlight in your office/work area.
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Contact the Department of Public Safety or refer to the department web pages for severe weather information guidelines.
During the Storm (possible indicators of a tornado):
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Dark, often greenish sky.
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Large hail.
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Loud roar, similar to a train.
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Cloud of debris (the tornado may not be visible).
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Wind becomes calm and still.
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Frequent lightning.
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Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a storm.
When Taking Shelter
Seek shelter inside, preferably below ground level. Do not waste time opening windows; tornado-force winds will "open" the windows well before the pressure difference can cause any structural damage. Above all, protect your head and lie flat.
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Proceed to the basement of any building that has a basement or subwalk. Position yourself in the safest portion of the area away from glass. Be prepared to kneel facing a wall and cover your head.
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In high-rise buildings (four stories or more), vacate the top floors and move to a lower floor or to the basement. Position yourself in an interior corridor away from glass. Be prepared to kneel facing the wall and cover your head.
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Occupants of wood-frame or brick buildings with wood floors should leave the building and go directly to a more substantial concrete building, preferably with a basement.
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If you have no basement, go to a first floor. Look for a bathroom, closet or room at the center of the structure. If possible, get under heavy furniture and cover your head with blankets or pillows.
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Avoid auditoriums, gyms and other areas with wide, free-span roofs.
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Do not use elevators.
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Do not go to your car. If you are in your car when a tornado is seen, move away from the approaching tornado at right angles, if possible. If there is not time to move or find suitable shelter, leave your car and lie flat in a ditch or depression. Avoid large trees, metal poles and other electrical conductors.
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Mobile homes and trailers should be abandoned immediately! If there is no reinforced building or underground shelter nearby, take cover in a ditch or depression. 40% of tornado-related deaths occur in mobile homes.
Warning Signals
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Although warning sirens are a helpful tools in alerting us of potential danger, everyone is personally responsible for preparation and awareness of potentially severe weather.
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Outdoor sirens will sound for a period in excess of two minutes. The sirens are located in Robe Ann park and other locations within Greencastle. When this occurs, tune in to local radio and TV stations to determine the nature of the emergency.
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The "all clear" signal is announced by radio and television stations. The sirens remain silent.
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Again, Tornadoes are often associated with the trailing edge of the storm, be sure that the "all clear" has been given before coming out of shelter.
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Earthquake
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Unlike other emergencies, the procedures to deal with an earthquake are much less specific. Since the magnitude of an earthquake cannot be predetermined, everyone must initiate emergency precautions within a few seconds after the initial tremor is felt, assuming the worst possible case. The best earthquake instruction is to take precautions before the earthquake (e.g., secure or remove objects above you that could fall during an earthquake).
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During an earthquake remain calm and act – don’t react. If indoors, seek refuge under a desk or table or in a doorway, and hold on. Stay away from windows, shelves, and heavy equipment. If outdoors, move quickly away from buildings, utility poles, overhead wires, and other structures.
Caution: Avoid downed power or utility lines, because they may be energized. Do not attempt to enter buildings until you are advised to do so by the proper authorities. If you are in an automobile, stop in the safest place available, preferably an open area away from power lines and trees. Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle for the shelter it provides. -
After the initial shock, be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are usually less intense than the main quake but can cause further structural damage. Protect yourself at all times. Evaluate the situation and call 911 for emergency assistance, if necessary. Do not use lanterns, torches, lighted cigarettes, or open flames, since gas leaks could be present. Open windows, etc., to ventilate the building. Watch out for broken glass. If the earthquake resulted in a fire, implement the fire procedures. (See FIRE). Determine whether or not anyone has been caught in the elevators or trapped by falling objects. If so, call 911. If the structural integrity of the building appears to be deteriorating rapidly, evacuate.
Do not use the telephone unless it is absolutely necessary for emergencies. Heavy use of the telephone will tie up the lines and prevent emergency calls from going out.
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Report damaged facilities to Public Safety. Note: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards.
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If an emergency exists, call 911.
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If the evacuation alarm sounds, follow established building evacuation procedures (See Building Evacuation)).
