LACC Emergency Plan & Procedures

Emergency Procedures Booklet:

Emergency Operations Plan:

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(PDF Format)

  Index:

	EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Emergency Telephone Numbers

Campus Public Pay Phones ...................................... #3
Accidents/Injuries ............................................... #3 or 323-662-5276
Sheriff’s Department* ........................................... #3 or 323-662-5276
Safety Hazards ................................................... 2431
Utility Hazards ................................................... 2441
General Information............................................. 2030
Administration ................................................... 2082

*Please enter the Sheriff’s Department phone number (323-662-5276) into your personal cell phone as a speed dial.                                                                                                                         Revised 3/17/08 ake
 

 INTRODUCTION

This informational guide is being disseminated to assist LACC’s employees and students in responding to different emergencies that they may confront in the course of their duties or while attending classes. This guide is a summary of the college’s overall Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), a copy of which should be located in each department office. This guide should be posted in a visible area in each department where it will be immediately available should one of the identified emergencies occur.

Please become familiar with the contents of this guide. In the event of an emergency it will serve as a quick reference for effective action. New employees and students should be made familiar with it as part of the departmental orientation program.

The names of Building Marshals and Floor Monitors as well as qualified First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) personnel working within your department and/or building should be listed where indicated on the “Serious Accident/Injury” page. Other informational blanks should also be filled in properly.

The LA County Sheriff’s Department is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to respond to any emergency which may occur. The Sheriff’s Department is primarily responsible for emergencies that occur within the boundaries of the campus. The Sheriff’s Department may still be called for emergencies that occur off-campus and will assist by contacting the appropriate agency.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT/ INJURY

Identify the location(s) of the department First Aid Kit(s): ________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

CRIME IN PROGRESS/CIVIL DISTURBANCE

1. Do not attempt to apprehend or interfere with the criminal except in the case of self protection.
2. If safe to do so, stop and take time to get a good description of the criminal. “Be a Good Witness.”  Note height, weight, sex, race, approximate age, clothing, method and direction of travel, and his/her name, if known. All this takes only a few seconds, and is of the utmost help to the investigating officers. If the criminal is entering a vehicle, note the license plate number, make and model, color and outstanding characteristics.
3. Call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276. Give your name, location, and department. Advise dispatcher of the situation and stay on the line until told to do otherwise. Remain where you are until contacted by an officer.

CIVIL DISTURBANCE OR DEMONSTRATION

1. Do not interfere with those persons creating the disturbance or with authorities on the scene.
2. Whenever a civil disturbance/demonstration becomes unlawful, call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276. To avoid escalating the situation, use a private office to place this call whenever possible.
3. Calmly alert all employees in the area to the situation.
4. Continue with the normal routine as much as possible. If the disturbance is outside, stay away from doors and windows.
5. If a threat to person or property is evident, cease operation and plan to evacuate the area.  Lock all doors; secure all files, documents, and equipment.

SEVERE WINDS

1. The best protection in severe winds is the permanent building of the campus. As a result, steps will be taken to ensure the safety of students/employees within the buildings rather than to evacuate. Time permitting, students and employees in temporary structures will be moved to permanent buildings/structures. Insofar as is practical, the Sheriff’s Department will follow up on warnings by making room-to-room inspections of all temporary structures.

3. Immediately after the cessation of severe winds, college personnel will inspect all areas for damage.

EARTHQUAKE

2. After the Earthquake:
   · Evacuate buildings if the earthquake seemed serious enough to cause structural damage by moving quickly to
     the evacuation point shown on the Emergency Exit Plan posted in each room.
   · Expect aftershocks. Move carefully and use extreme caution when moving around damaged buildings because
     aftershocks can cause further damage.
   · Check for injuries, trapped persons and disabled persons in your vicinity.
   · Check for fires. If you can, extinguish with a fire extinguisher. If not, leave the area and call the Sheriff’s
      Department at #3 or 323-662-5276.
   · Clean up spilled chemicals or other potentially harmful materials, if safe to do so.
   · Do not use electric equipment. Turn electrical switches off and do not light matches.
   · Do not touch downed power lines, other exposed wires, or objects touched by downed lines.
   · Do not use telephone unless an emergency requires it.
   · Check closets and storage shelf areas. Open doors carefully and watch for falling objects.
   · Listen for damage reports and evacuation information. Do not spread rumors.
   · Do not return to an evacuated building until instructed to do so by emergency personnel.

FIRE

1. Before a fire situation arises:
    A. Know the location of the extinguisher in your area, as well as how to use it.
    B. Become familiar with the Emergency Exit Plan for your department.
2. Upon discovering a fire:
    A. Close the door to the room where the fire is located. Immediately sound the building fire alarm.
    B. Call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276. Give your name, department, and location of fire.
    Do not hang up until the Dispatcher tells you to do so.

  • If the fire is small, you may wish to fight it with a fire extinguisher or building hose. Be sure you are using the
     proper extinguisher for the type of fire you are fighting.
  • If the fire is large, very smoky, or rapidly spreading, evacuate the building immediately. Inform others in
     the building who may not have responded to the alarm to evacuate immediately. Warn others who may enter
     the building after the alarm stops.
  • Walk; do not run, to the nearest exit.
  • When fire alarm sounds, do not use elevators. An elevator may become inoperative and a trap. Give
     assistance to (if necessary) to all disabled persons in using the stairs. An Emergency Evacuation Chair (Evac-
     U-Trac) is placed in buildings that are two-stories or higher to accommodate safe evacuation of individuals
     who can not be escorted safely down the stairwell. These Evac-U-Trac chairs are normally placed next to the
     elevator and stairwell at the highest floor of the building.
  • Evacuate to a distance of at least 500 feet from the building and stay out of the way of emergency personnel. 
     Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by emergency personnel, college administrator, or
     Building Marshal.
  • Notify emergency personnel or Building Marshal on the scene if you suspect someone may be trapped inside
     the building.

Identify the location of the nearest fire alarm:  
_______________________________________________________

Identify the location of the nearest Evac-U-Trac:
_______________________________________________________

1. If a chemical spill occurs:
  A. If toxic chemicals come in contact with your skin, immediately flush the affected area with clear water. Use
      chemical showers, if available. 
  B. Call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276.
  C. Notify your supervisor/instructor of the extent and location of the spill, if possible.
  D. If there is any possible danger, evacuate the area immediately.

2. If a chemical fire occurs:
  A. Upon discovering a chemical fire, close windows and doors where the fire is located and immediately sound
      the building alarm.
  B. Call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276.
  C. If the fire is large, very smoky, or rapidly spreading, evacuate the building immediately. Inform others in the
      building who may not have responded to the alarm to evacuate immediately. The alarm may not sound
      continuously. If the alarm stops, continue to evacuate. Warn others who may enter the building after the
      alarm stops.
  D. Walk; do not run, to the nearest exit.
  E. When fire alarms sound, do not use elevators. An elevator may become inoperative and a trap. Give
      assistance (if necessary) to disabled persons using the stairs. Use the Evac-U-Trac (Emergency Evacuation
      Chair) for those individuals who can not use the stairs for safe exiting of the building.
  F. Evacuate to a distance of at least 500 feet from the building and stay out of the way of emergency
      personnel.  
  G. Notify emergency personnel and/or Building Marshal on the scene if you suspect someone may be trapped
      inside the building.

Identify the location of the nearest fire alarm:  
_______________________________________________________

Identify the location of the nearest Evac-U-Trac:
_______________________________________________________

FLOODING

Should a flooding situation occur, an orderly evacuation of the area should be initiated. Call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276. Sheriff’s personnel will notify the appropriate college personnel and dispatch personnel to the area.

WATER DAMAGE

Serious water damage can occur from a number of sources: broken pipes, clogged drains, broken skylights or windows, or construction oversights.  Requests for repairs of leaky pipes and broken faucets are not a flood situation. They are to be reported by sending a work request form to Facilities Administration for notification of needed repair.

If a serious water leak occurs:
1) Call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276. Advise the dispatcher of the exact location and severity of the leak. Indicate whether any valuables are involved or are in imminent danger.
2) Notify your supervisor of the extent and the location of the leak, use extreme caution. If there is any possible danger, evacuate the area.
3) If you know the source of the water and are confident of your ability to stop it (i.e., unclog the drain or turn off the water), do so cautiously.
4) Be prepared to assist as directed in protecting college property and valuables that are in jeopardy. Take only essential steps to avoid or reduce immediate water damage.

EVACUATION

Individuals in the hazardous area should be notified/warned and directed to leave the affected area. Do not enter an area that has been flooded until told to do so by emergency personnel. Employees are not to leave the campus until authorized to do so by an authorized administrator or Sheriff’s personnel.

BOMB THREATS

1. Bomb Threats:
  A. Bomb threats are usually received by telephone.
  B. The person receiving the bomb threat should remain calm and attempt to obtain as much information as
      possible from the caller by using the checklist on the following page. (copies of the checklist should also be
      kept at employee work stations)
  C. Call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276. Give your name, location and telephone number. 
      Inform the dispatcher of the situation, including any information you have as to the location of the bomb,
      time it is set to explode and the time when you received the call.
  D. Inform your supervisor and/or department head.

2. Suspicious Object or Package:
In the event of a suspicious object/package is observed on campus, do not handle the object, immediately clear the area and call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276.

3. Evacuation of the Area:
  A. If instructed to evacuate, move a minimum of 300 feet away from the building.
  B. If inclement weather conditions exist, move to another building a safe distance away.
  C. Do not return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by emergency personnel.

BOMB THREAT CALL CHECKLIST

Fill out completely and immediately after bomb threat:

Sex of Caller_________   Age______   Race_________   Time of Call_________   Duration of Call_________

Background Sounds: (check all that apply)

Threat Language:

UTILITY

Utility failures can occur at any time. The most common utility failures experienced at the college are electrical power outages that are usually brief and generally do not disrupt activities for more than a few moments at any given time. In the event of a major or potential danger to members of the college community, all or part of the college will be closed. Employees are not to leave the campus until authorized to do so by an authorized administrator or Sheriff’s personnel. If you are in an unlit area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights or evacuate the building. Provide assistance to students, visitors and staff in your immediate area.

1. Electrical/Light Failure:
Most campus buildings are equipped with an emergency lighting system designed to provide enough illumination in corridors and stairs for safe exiting. In the event of electrical failure, call Facilities Administration at Ext. 2410 or 2441. A representative will notify the Sheriff’s Department when assistance in evacuating an area is needed. If an administration representative is not available contact the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276. Give your name, location, and department and advise them of the situation. If you are in an unlit area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights or evacuate the building. Provide assistance to students, visitors and staff in your immediate area.

2. Elevator Failure:
All elevators are equipped with emergency alarms. Stay calm. Use the intercom telephone or the emergency button. College personnel will be dispatched to the elevator for assistance.

3. Plumbing Failure/Flooding:
Cease using all electrical equipment, vacate the area and call Facilities Administration at Ext. 2410 or 2444. If unavailable contact Sheriff’s Department #3 or 323-662-5276.

4. Ventilation:
If smoke or burning smells come from the ventilation system, vacate the area and immediately call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276.

5. Telephone System Failure:
Should a telephone instrument become inoperable during the course of the routine workday send a Work Request by e-mail to IT (Information Technology), AD107 at Ext. 2049.
Should college telephones become inoperable during an emergency situation such as that associated with an earthquake, a number communication has been established. When dispatching a runner, the primary point of contact should be the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) (President’s Office, AD214) In the event the President’s Office is damaged; temporary EOC will be established at a location to be determined.

EVACUATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

It is suggested that the wheelchair occupant or person with mobility impairment prepare for emergencies ahead of time by instructing a classmate or instructor of how to assist him/her in the case of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, persons in wheelchairs and other disabled individuals should observe the following evacuation procedures:

1. Flash lights intermittently to alert deaf or hard of hearing persons.
2. All persons should move toward the nearest marked exit.
   A. As a first choice, the wheelchair occupant or person with mobility impairment may use building elevators, but never in the case of fire or earthquake.
   B. As a second choice, when a wheelchair occupant or other person with mobility impairment reaches an obstruction such as a staircase, he/she should request assistance from others in the area.
   C. If assistance is not immediately available, the wheelchair occupant or person with mobility impairment should stay in the exit corridor, or the stairway or landing, or in the smoke tower. He/she should continue to call for help until rescued. A person who cannot speak loudly should carry a whistle or have other means of attracting the attention of others.

An Emergency Evacuation Chair (Evac-U-Trac) is placed in buildings that are two-stories or higher to accommodate safe evacuation of individuals who can not be escorted safely down the stairwell. These Evac-U-Trac chairs are normally placed next to the elevator and stairwell at the highest floor of the building. Rescue, fire and/or police personnel, and Building Marshal will first check all exits, corridors and exit stairwells for trapped persons.

Faculty, staff and students with a disability are encouraged to file an Emergency Work Station/Class Schedule with the OSS (Office of Special Services) located in Clausen Hall 109.

Identify the location of the nearest Evac-U-Trac:
_______________________________________________________

VERBAL OR WRITTEN THREATS

Verbal Threats

1. If you witness or overhear a verbal threat advocating violence towards another person, treat this incident as a Crime in Process.
2. Do not attempt to apprehend or interfere with the criminal except in the case of self-protection.
3. If safe to do so, stop and take time to get a good description of the criminal. “Be a Good Witness.” Note height, weight, sex, race, approximate age, clothing, method and direction of travel, and his/her name if known. All this takes only a few seconds and is of the utmost help to the investigating officers. If the criminal is entering a vehicle, note the license plate number, make, model, color, and any outstanding characteristics of the vehicle.
4. Call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276. Give your name, location, and department. Advise the dispatcher of the situation and stay on the line until told to do otherwise. Remain where you are until contacted by an officer.

Written Threats

1. A written threat can be anything from a note passed in class, a statement written on a chalkboard, or an email or text message.
2. If a written threat is received, Call the Sheriff’s Department at #3 or 323-662-5276. Give your name, location, and department. Advise the dispatcher of the situation and the nature of the threat. Provide details such as if the person who passed/uttered the threat is known or present and if the intended target is known or present.