Emergency Management Guide

Evacuation Procedures

• Familiarize yourself with your surroundings.
• Know the locations of all exits from your area or building in case fire or debris should block one.
• Know the location of fire alarm pull stations.
• Know the location of fire extinguishers.
• Building evacuations will occur whenever a fire alarm sounds and/or upon notification by a public safety officer.
• When the building fire alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest safe, marked exit, and alert others to do the same.
• Whenever possible, assist those with disabilities in exiting the building.
• Do not use the elevators in case of fire.
• Once outside, proceed to a clear area at least 200 yards away from the affected building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
• Do not return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by a public safety officer, a police officer or the Fire Department.

Protocol for Animal Housing Facilities

The Emergency Protocol for Animal Housing Facilities (PDF) describes the procedures that will be followed in the event that a major power outage affects the animal research facilities on campus.

Disabled Person Evacuation

The following guidelines are intended to help evacuate people with physical disabilities.

• Evacuating a disabled or injured person by yourself is the last resort. Consider your options and the risks of injuring yourself and others in an evacuation attempt, which could make an emergency situation worse.
• Evacuation is difficult and uncomfortable for both the rescuers and the people being assisted. Some people have conditions that can be aggravated or triggered if they are moved incorrectly. Remember that environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, debris, loss of electricity) will complicate evacuation efforts.

The following guidelines are general and may not apply in every circumstance:

• Staff members should be invited to volunteer ahead of time to assist disabled people in an emergency. If a volunteer is not available, designate someone to assist who is willing to accept the responsibility.
• Volunteers should obtain evacuation training for lifting techniques.
• Two or more trained volunteers, if available, should conduct the evacuation.
• Do not evacuate disabled people in their wheelchairs. This is standard practice to ensure the safety of disabled people and volunteers. Wheelchairs will be evacuated later if possible (use a stair chair specifically designed for emergency rescue operations).
• Always ask someone with a disability how you can help before attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask how they can best be assisted or moved, and whether there are any special considerations or items that need to come with them.
• If the situation is life threatening, call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.

Bomb Threats

If you receive a threatening call (bomb, other physical harm, etc.), do not hang up. Have someone else call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445 from a different extension. Attempt to engage the caller in a conversation and obtain as much information as possible. Take the following notes:

Details about the caller:

• Male or female?
• Young or old?
• Calm? Angry? Stutter? Accent?
• What sounds are in the background?
• Record the caller’s exact words, if possible.

If it is a bomb threat, ask these questions as well:

• When is the bomb going to explode?
• What does it look like? What kind is it?
• What will cause it to explode?
• Where is the bomb?
• Who placed the bomb?
• Why was the bomb placed?

The decision to evacuate will be made by Office of Campus and Community Safety Services, based on an assessment of the information and circumstances surrounding the threat.

Evacuation

Once the decision to evacuate has been made and specific instructions for the evacuation are issued, try to remain calm and avoid panic. Do the following:

• Walk to the nearest exit.
• Make sure that others (students, faculty and staff) are evacuating.
• Evacuate at least 200 yards away from the area containing the bomb. If you see something that appears to be an explosive, or if a bomb is found, do not move it, or jar or touch the object or anything attached to it. Leave it for specially trained police officers to remove. Tell a public safety officer immediately if you find something that looks suspicious

In any bomb threat situation:

• Look in your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items; report them to the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Leave doors and windows open; do not turn light switches on or off.
• Use stairs only; do not use elevators.
• Move well away from the building.

Fire

Building occupants are required by law to evacuate a building when the fire alarm sounds. If you hear alarm bells, report to the nearest fire exit and proceed to leave the building. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 200 yards away from the affected building.

In all cases of fire, the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services must be notified immediately at extension 5444 or 5445.

• If there is a fire, activate the nearest red fire-alarm pull box.
• Do not panic.
• Immediately evacuate and close doors.
• Walk quickly to the nearest exit and alert others to do the same.
• Use stairs only. Do not use elevators.
• Stay near the floor where the air is less toxic.
• If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat) outside the window as a marker for rescue crews. If there is no window, stay near the floor where the air is less toxic.
• Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location.
• Use your cell phone to identify your location to emergency responders.
• Do not return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by the a public safety officer, a police officer or the Fire Department.

Explosions

Explosions can have a variety of causes (gas leaks, chemical accidents, bombs, etc.) Approximately 70 percent of terrorist events involve the use of explosives. Explosives can be used to disperse other hazardous materials. Types of explosions are:

• Mechanical
• Chemical
• Nuclear/Radiological

If you receive a written, e-mail, verbal or call-in explosion threat, or upon discovery of a potential explosive device:

• Stay calm.
• Notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services immediately at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Do not operate radios or electronic equipment.
• Evacuate the building, leaving doors open as you exit.
• Do use elevators, matches or lighters.
• Use the nearest or safest exit.
• Move at least 200 yards away from the building.
• If possible, ensure that staff and students in your area are accounted for.
• Report any staff or student not accounted for to the first responder on the scene.
• Do not re-enter the building until the all-clear is given by a public safety officer, a police officer, or the Fire Department.

Suspicious Package / Letter Bomb

A suspicious-looking box, package, object or container in or near a work area could be a bomb or explosives. Do not handle or touch the object. Move to a safe area and call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445. Use a telephone in a safe area. Do not operate any power switch.

Some characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes include the following:

• Inappropriate or unusual labeling
• Excessive postage
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
• Misspelling of common words
• Strange return address or no return address
• Incorrect titles or title without a name
• Not addressed to a specific person
• Marked with restrictions, such as “Personal,” “Confidential” or “Do Not X-ray”
• Marked with threatening language
• Postmarked from a city or state that does not match the return address
• Powdery substance on the package or envelope
• Oily stains, discolorations or odor
• Lopsided or uneven envelope
• Excessive packaging material, such as masking tape, string, etc.
• Excessive weight
• Ticking sound
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil

If a package or envelope appears suspicious, do not open it! Also:

• Do not shake or empty the contents.
• Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others, or allow others to examine it.
• Do not sniff, touch, taste or look closely at it or at any contents that may have spilled. Immediately call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Notify your supervisor immediately.
• Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope. Leave the area, close any doors, and take action to prevent others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.
• Wash hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin.
• If possible, create a list of persons who may have also handled this package and describe suspicious person(s) who may have been seen in the area recently. Give this list to the public safety officer who responds to the area.

Emotionally Disturbed Person and Mental Health Emergency

A mental health emergency is any situation involving individuals in distress who are unable to appropriately manage themselves.

A mental health emergency or psychological crisis may include:

• Suicidal behavior
• An individual threatening harm to himself, herself and/or others
• A psychotic break (sudden loss of contact with reality and/or bizarre behavior)
• An unusual or prolonged reaction to traumatic event(s)
• Any behavior that is unreasonably disturbing to the academic, work or living environment

For quick responses:

• Call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Call the Office of Personal Counseling, extension 5363 (Monday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.)

For any unusual or potentially dangerous situation:

• Never try to handle a situation that is potentially dangerous to you or others. Call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Clearly state that immediate assistance is needed. Give your name, location and the nature of the problem.
• All suicide attempts need to be reported to the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services so that proper procedures can be followed to ensure the safety of those involved.

Avoiding Violent Situations

Inform your supervisor or the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services about any individual(s) deemed to be threatening or dangerous, or exhibiting unusual behavior or disorganized thoughts (e.g., yelling, using profanity, waving arms and fists, pounding on a door or desk, damaging property, throwing objects).

Eliminate opportunities for violence by:

• Alerting the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Knowing your escape route.
• Placing a barrier between yourself and the aggressor.
• Using effective people/communication skills to defuse aggression.
• Having a second person with you.

Reacting to Violent Situations

• Maintain eye contact with the aggressor.
• Do not touch or approach a person who may become violent.
• Keep the person talking as you maintain a controlled, calm demeanor.
• Show concern yet maintain a safe distance; avoid being alone with the person.
• Call, or have someone else call, the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.

Death on Campus

• Ensure the area is safe to approach the victim.
• Identify the problem and the location, then secure and isolate the area.
• Call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services immediately at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Assist public safety officers, BC EMS and other first responders in locating and identifying possible suspect(s)/victim(s).
• Discourage large crowds from forming.
• When possible, obtain witness names for public safety officers.
• Notify the victim’s immediate supervisor.
• Ascertain emergency contact information to notify family members.
• Provide EMS and the police with emergency information.

Medical Emergency

If there is a medical emergency in the work area:

• Notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445 and stay on the phone until instructed to hang up.
• Be prepared to give as much information as possible, such as nature of injury, cause of injury and any hazards that may be present.
• If properly trained, render first aid.
• Make the ill or injured person as comfortable as possible and try to be reassuring.
• Direct any onlookers away from the area of the ill or injured person.
• Clear the area of any objects that might impede rescue or interfere with emergency personnel.
• Notify the victim’s immediate supervisor as quickly as possible of any on-the-job injury or illness.

Reporting a Suspicious or Threatening Individual

• Notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services immediately at extension 5444 or 5445 if you believe an intruder is on the premises.
• Be prepared to give an accurate description of the individual’s race, age, gender, appearance and location.
• Be prepared to describe the direction of travel in which he or she was headed.
• Report any new information that becomes available.
• Report solicitors immediately to the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.

For your own safety do not approach or engage the individual(s) yourself. Go to the nearest phone and call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.

Threatening Individual

A threatening individual is any person who you determine to be a threat to you or those around you. The individual may have a weapon or just make you feel uncomfortable. The person may be acting aggressively or appear under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Trust your instincts and keep yourself safe by creating distance between you and the person(s).

• Notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445 (whether the individual poses an immediate threat to you or not) and be prepared to provide a situation assessment.
• Be realistic about your ability to protect yourself. Stay calm and avoid conflict. If possible, seek protection in a classroom or office that locks and has phone access.

Remember, the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services encourages you to report suspicious activity, whether or not it ends up being a true crime in progress.

Active Shooter / Armed Subject / Hostage Situation

If There Is a Shooter

• Take immediate cover.
• Remain calm; do not panic.
• Drop to the ground and out of the line of fire.
• Do not draw attention to yourself.
• Get into the nearest room, out of sight of the shooter.
• Lock all doors.
• Pull window shades down and then keep away from the windows.
• Hide in far corner or under desks.
• Keep still.
• Stay silent and listen.
• Note and remember physical characteristics of the shooter, direction of travel, multiple shooters, type of weapon, etc. Convey that information as soon as possible, without compromising your own safety, to the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445, or to the police via 911.
• If possible, maintain the attendance record of your students and convey that information to the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services or the police.
• If in a safe location away from the shooting, remain there, use cover and hide, if possible.
• “Cover” means putting a solid barrier between yourself and the shooter. This can be a solid wall, a thick wooden desk, an engine block in a car, or anything solid enough to stop bullets from penetrating.
• If an opportunity presents itself to escape, be willing to act quickly to run away from the scene.
• If you can safely do so without drawing attention to yourself, call 911.
• If injured, try to stop bleeding wounds by applying and maintaining direct pressure.
• Only if you feel your life is in imminent danger should you consider trying to overpower the shooter.

Contacting Authorities

• Call 911.
• Call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.

Be aware that the 911 system will likely be overwhelmed. Program Brooklyn College emergency numbers (718.951.5444 / 5445) into your cell phone for emergency use.

What to Report

• Your name and address
• Your building name, office/room number, and specific location
• Number of people at your specific location
• Injuries — number and types
• Assailant(s) — location, number of suspects, race/gender, clothing description, physical features, type of weapons (long gun or handgun), backpack, shooter’s identity if known, separate explosions from gunfire, etc.

If a Weapon Is Found

• Isolate the area.
• Do not touch the weapon.
• Police will secure the weapon for evidence.

If Subject Is Visible

• Stay calm and do not approach subject.
• Do not attempt to confiscate the weapon.
• Communicate and cooperate with the subject.
• Stay calm if a suspect threatens you with a weapon.
• Follow the suspect’s directions.
• Do not try to be a hero.

Hostage Situation

• If the shooter is unaware of your presence, remain quiet and hidden. Do not draw attention to yourself.
• Try to remain calm until police arrive.
• Do as the shooter demands.
• If the shooter asks you a question, answer directly and concisely.
• Do not look at the shooter directly but try to remember any physical characteristics.
• If the shooter demands money or other valuables, give them up quickly with no hesitance or resistance.
• Upon arrival of the police, drop to the floor; do not run.

Staff Response Checklist

• Secure immediate area.
• Lock and barricade doors.
• Turn off lights.
• Close blinds.
• Turn off radios and computer monitors.
• Keep occupants calm, quiet and out of sight.
• Keep yourself out of sight and take adequate cover/protection (e.g., concrete walls, walls, thick desk, filing cabinets, anything that may protect you from bullets).
• Silence cell phones.
• Place signs in exterior windows to identify the location of injured persons.
• Stay where you are.

Un-securing an Area

• Consider risks before un-securing rooms.
• Remember, the shooter will not stop until engaged by an outside force.
• An attempt to rescue people should only be undertaken if it can be accomplished without further endangering the persons inside a secured area.
• Consider the safety of many versus the safety of a few.
• If doubt exists for the safety of individuals inside the room, the area should remain secured.

Chemical Attack / Release

Chemical agents are compounds that, through their chemical properties, produce lethal or damaging effects. Chemical warfare agents are designed to incapacitate by entry through the skin. These agents (such as mustard gas and lewisite) severely burn or blister the skin and may cause permanent damage to the lungs if they are inhaled.

If a chemical attack or release is suspected, notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services, extension 5444 or 5445; the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, extension 5400; or the Office of Facilities, extension 5885.

• Stay calm.
• Advise of injuries or if anyone is in immediate danger.
• Remain in the room with doors and windows closed. Await further instructions.
• If you are instructed to evacuate the building, move at least 200 yards from the affected building. Do not block the entrance.
• Cover mouth and nose with handkerchief or other material.
• Ensure that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning are turned off (by contacting Office of Facilities, extension 5885).
• If possible, notify others in your area.
• Do not return to an evacuated building unless instructed to do so by a public safety officer, a police officer, or the Fire Department.

Indicators of Chemical Hazard

• Blisters or rash
• Unusual liquid droplets or oily film
• Unexplained odors
• Unexplained coughing, fatigue, tearing in eyes, dizziness
• Unexplained animal sickness or death

Radiological or Nuclear Attack / Release

Radiation is defined as high-energy particles or gamma rays that are emitted by an atom. The three most common types of radiation are alpha, beta and gamma. All three forms of radiation can have long-term physiological effects.

If a radiological attack or release is suspected, notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services immediately at extension 5444 or 5445 and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at extension 5400. You should also take the following steps:

• Close windows and doors.
• Do not chew gum, eat, drink or place any objects in mouth.
• Cover mouth and nose with handkerchief or other material.
• Notify others in your area.
• Evacuate the room, floor or building, as necessary.
• Pull the fire alarm, if necessary, to evacuate the building.
• Wait for further instructions from public safety officers.

Indicators of Radiological Exposure

Symptoms usually do not appear for two to six hours, even with heavy doses. These may include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache

Biological Attack, Release or Outbreak

Biological agents are more deadly than chemical agents and occur in nature as well as through manmade development. Biological agents generally fall into one of three types: pathogens (living, reproducing diseases), parasitic microorganisms (in the forms of bacteria) and viruses.

If a biological attack, release or outbreak develops, notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services immediately at extension 5444 or 5445 and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at extension 5400.

Biological Safety: Universal Precautions

• Barrier protection (e.g., disposable lab coats, gloves, and eye and face protection) should be used at all times to prevent skin and mucous membrane contamination.
• Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed.
• Avoid accidental injuries that can be caused by needles, scalpel blades and laboratory instruments.

In the Event of an Incident

• Ensure that all lab students and staff are present and accounted for.
• Consider establishing a temporary decontamination or quarantine location.

Indicators of Biological Incident

Symptoms may not present themselves for one to 20 days, depending on the agent. These may include:

• Fever, headache, chills and nausea
• Sweating, weakness and fatigue
• Respiratory distress
• Difficulty in talking or eating
• Joint and muscle pain
• Unusual number of sick or dying people and animals
• Unusual swarms of insects

Reporting Crimes in Progress or in the Past

• Notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services immediately at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Describe the situation, the suspect and the stolen item(s).
• Report any new information immediately.
• Report things that appear out of place or any suspicious activity.
• Report strangers or solicitors in your office.
• Be prepared to give an accurate description of the suspect, such as:
  • Race
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Clothing / Appearance
  • Location

Missing or Abducted Person

If an abduction is observed or suspected:

• Call 911 and the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
• If an abduction is witnessed by other students, detain the students for interviews with law enforcement.
• If an abduction occurs during class, attempt to persuade the abductor not to commit the act, if possible.
• Do not place yourself or students in harm’s way.
• Obtain a detailed description of the abductor, such as:
  • Physical appearance
  • Type and color of clothing
  • Vehicle make, model, color and license plate
• Obtain a detailed description of the abducted or missing person and contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, extension 5352, with the following:
  • Type and color of clothing
  • Time and location the person was last seen

Campus Demonstration and Office Takeover

Brooklyn College respects the right of free speech and will allow nonviolent demonstrations to occur. Notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services, extension 5444 or 5445, of all large assemblies on campus so that we may monitor the crowd as required.

The college is committed to the protection of all peaceful forms of demonstration. The campus must be open to a free exchange of ideas where diverse viewpoints may be exchanged in an atmosphere free of any recourse to physical force. In turn, Brooklyn College will insist that all demonstrations be orderly and carried out with the following regulations:

• The college prohibits the blocking of corridors or entrances to any area, and the use of loud noise to disrupt a conference, meeting, or class.
• Demonstrations may not be conducted in faculty or administrative offices, classrooms, the library or other academic/performance areas.
• Picket lines in college corridors are prohibited.

Students, faculty and other members of the college community who violate these regulations will be subject to disciplinary action.

If a demonstration or office takeover should occur on campus:

• Ask the students to leave your office.
• If possible, secure your office door immediately, then notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Do not taunt or obstruct demonstrators.
• Never provoke a confrontation.
• Continue with normal routines as much as possible, unless alternative directions are issued by public safety officers.

Severe Weather

You can receive text or voice alerts of emergencies or weather-related closings on your campus via cell or home phone and e-mail. Sign up today for the CUNY A!ert system.

A major snowfall, blackout or other extraordinary occurrence may force alteration or cancellation of college schedules. For information during these situations, call 718.951.5111, or listen to the following radio stations:

• WCBS 880 AM / 101.1 FM
• WINS 1010 AM
• WLIB 1190 AM
• WFAS 1230 AM
• WBLS 107.5 FM
• WADO 1280 AM (Spanish)

If a weather emergency, such as a hurricane, occurs:

• Move away from the perimeter of the building and any exterior glass.
• Leave all exterior offices and close the doors.
• Go to an enclosed area in the building core (e.g., an elevator lobby, corridor, restroom, stairwell).
• Sit down and protect your head.
• Do not use elevator; if in transit in the building, take the stairwell to the lobby.

Note

Upon the recommendation of college officials, or when there is a significant security concern, the safest course of action may be to set up temporary shelter on campus.

Utility Failure

• For all utility emergencies, notify the Office of Facilities at extension 5885 weekdays, and the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
• If evacuation of the building is required, exit using the stairways; do not use elevators.
• Seek out persons needing assistance.
• When mechanical ventilation is interrupted, vapors of chemicals may reach hazardous concentration levels. Laboratory personnel should secure experiments or activities that may present a danger when the electrical power is off, or when it is restored unexpectedly. Close sashes on fume hoods and clean up or put away chemicals. Notify the lab supervisor immediately.
• Do not perform procedures using hazardous materials until power is restored.

Flooding or Water Break

• In flooding occurs, stop using all electrical devices.
• Notify the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445 and evacuate the area or building.

Gas Leak

• Cease all operations immediately and evacuate the area as soon as possible, notifying others as you leave.
• Call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
• Do not switch lights on or off.
• Do not take time to open windows or close doors.
• Do not re-enter the building until cleared to do so by a public safety officer, a policy officer, or the Fire Department.

Trapped in Elevator

• If you are trapped, use the emergency phone in the elevator, push the alarm button, or use a wireless phone to call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445. Wait for help to arrive. Remain calm
• If you discover trapped people, talk to them and try to keep them calm until a public safety officer or other help arrives.
• Do not attempt to open elevator doors at any time.