Emergency Procedures–Quick Reference Guide

TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY:

860.768.7777 cell phone

7777 campus phone

Use the LiveSafe app

INTRODUCTION

This guide provides recommended emergency responses for your quick reference. Faculty, staff, and students should make themselves familiar with the information and procedures outlined in this guide. More detailed procedures can be found on the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, hartford.edu/publicsafety.

CAMPUS EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

The University of Hartford maintains an Emergency Notification System, providing communication on various platforms when emergency alerts or communications are required. All employees and students are automatically included in the system, and the end user is prompted via the network to update their contact information on a regular basis. Please visit hartford.edu/alert for more information on our emergency alert system.

FIRE ALARM—FIRE IN A CAMPUS BUILDING

IN CASE OF FIRE

• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.

• Evacuate the building by the nearest fire exit.

• Contact Public Safety at 860.768.7777.

IF THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS WHEN IN A BUILDING

• If the door handle is not hot, open the door cautiously.

• Help others leave the building in an orderly fashion.

• Do not use the elevator.

• In the case of smoke, crawl and keep low to the floor.

• Close all doors when you exit.

IF YOU ARE TRAPPED

• Seal cracks around the door to prevent smoke from entering.

• Signal from a window but DO NOT break the glass unless absolutely necessary as outside smoke may be drawn in.

• Open the window a few inches for fresh air and hang a brightly colored cloth out the window to signal the fire department.

ONCE OUTSIDE

• Do not re-enter the building.

• Follow the instructions of the on-scene emergency responders.

• If possible, keep your class together for a head count.

INJURED OR ILL PERSONIN CLASSROOM OR OFFICE

Immediately call the Department of Public Safety at ext. 7777 or 860.768.7777. DPS personnel are State of Connecticut certified Emergency Medical Responders trained in First Aid/CPR/AED who can triage and stabilize medical emergencies.

PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

• Exact location of the victim.

• Call back information (your name and phone number) in case you are disconnected.

• Gender and approximate age of victim.

• Nature of injury or illness.

• Pertinent medical history, if known.

WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

• Remain calm.

• If available, send someone to meet the officer.

• Keep victim still and comfortable. DO NOT move the victim unless he/she is in immediate danger.

• Ask the victim, “Are you okay?” and “What is wrong?” Does the victim respond?

• Check breathing and check for a pulse. If there is no pulse and you have been trained, perform CPR or use an AED.

• Control serious bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound.

ACTIVE SHOOTER OR OTHER VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

If you receive an emergency notification or observe someone with a weapon with intent to cause harm, please:

EVACUATE

• Have an escape route plan in mind. Leave your belongings.

• Keep your hands visible.

• Help others escape, if possible.

• Prevent people from entering an area where the active shooter may be.

HIDE OUT

• Block entry to your hiding place, lock or barricade all doors.

• Close blinds, cover windows, and turn off lights.

• Silence cell phones.

TAKE ACTION

• This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, it could be your last option.

• Attempt to incapacitate the suspect.

• Act with physical aggression and throw items at the suspect.

When it is safe to do so, call DPS at 860.768.7777

if you witness an active shooter or other violent behavior.

LOCKDOWN ON CAMPUS

If you receive emergency notification of a lockdown on campus, please do the following:

REMAIN CALM

• If you’re outside during a lockdown, seek cover in the nearest unlocked building.

• If that is not possible, seek cover, move to another building, or leave campus if it is safe to do so.

• Once inside, find an interior room and lock or barricade the doors.

• Turn off lights, silence phones, close curtains and blinds, and move away from windows.

• Await further instruction.

WAIT FOR THE “ALL CLEAR”

• Public Safety will send an “All Clear” message over emergency notification when it is safe to leave.

• Stay calm and be patient.

• Follow all instructions from law enforcement; do your best to cooperate.

• After evacuation, stay in secure areas until instructed otherwise.

SHELTER IN PLACE

Shelter-in-place events are usually weatherrelated emergencies, but may be triggered for HAZMAT incidents or other emergencies. When it is necessary to shelter in place, you will be safest by moving inside to a building space that protects you from the danger.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE BASICS

• Immediately seek shelter inside the closest sturdy building.

• Do not lock doors behind you.

• Stay away from windows, glass, and unsecured objects that may fall.

• Seek shelter in interior rooms and corridors.

• Avoid large, free-standing expanses such as auditoriums and gymnasiums.

• Do not use elevators.

• Do not leave until an “All Clear” is received.

IN CASE OF A TORNADO OR SEVERE WEATHER

• Seek lowest level possible.

• Crouch near the floor and seek additional shelter under a sturdy desk or table, or cover your head with your hands.

IN A HAZMAT SITUATION

• Many toxic chemicals have a vapor density greater than that of air, and will seek lowest ground. Do not shelter below grade.

• Close windows.

• Secure ventilation systems.

BOMB THREAT

Most bomb threats are made by callers who want simply to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic—but all calls must be taken seriously. If you receive such a threat, remain calm. Attempt to transfer the call to the Department of Public Safety at ext. 7777. If that is not possible:

ASK QUESTIONS

• Where is the bomb?

• When is the bomb going to go off?

• What kind of bomb is it?

• What does the bomb look like?

• What will cause the bomb to go off?

RECORD WHAT YOU HEAR

• Take notes on everything said.

• Note observations about background noise, voice characteristics, caller’s emotional state, etc.

Trained emergency personnel will advise you if evacuation is necessary. Follow instructions given by emergency personnel.

If an explosion occurs at any time, immediately report the explosion by dialing 7777 on a campus landline or dial 860.768.7777 on your cell phone. You may also use the LiveSafe app.

RESOURCES

Center for Student Success

860.768.4999

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

860.768.4482

Department of Public Safety

860.768.7777 (emergency)

Facilities

860.768.7925

Human Resources Development

860.768.4666