Kent State University Emergency Guide | Kent Campus
Part II: Natural Disasters and Public Emergencies
Active Shooter
An active shooter emergency involves one or more persons with a firearm engaged in a random or systematic shooting spree.
During an Active Shooter Emergency
Call 911 at the first safe opportunity
If indoors and not within the immediate vicinity of a shooter, shelter-in-place:
- Remain there – do not leave the safety of your shelter
- Lock all exterior doors and windows
- Go to a shelter room (preferably without exterior doors or windows) – lock all interior doors leading to the shelter room
- If accessible, monitor the KSU Website at http://www.kent.edu and local broadcast media for emergency information and instructions
- Do not leave the safety of the shelter room until notified by authorities
If within the immediate vicinity of the shooter:
- Stay calm and avoid panic
- Get out or away at the earliest opportunity, if possible
- Leave your belongings behind
- Avoid being seen or heard by the shooter
- Hide, preferably behind a safe barrier in a place with an alternative escape route
- If in a room, lock and/or barricade the door
- Be still and silent
- Trust your instinct
Information for the Police
- The shooter’s location
- Your location
- Number of shooters
- Shooter description(s) (gender, race, height, weight, hair, clothing)
- Type and number of weapons (handgun, rifle, automatic)
- Number of casualties and severity of injuries
The Police Response, What to Expect
Police will enter buildings and search interior rooms with guns drawn. They do not know who the shooter is and will probably point their weapons at innocent persons. Remain calm and follow their instructions.
The first priority of the police is to protect human life by finding and stopping the shooter as soon as possible. The police will not immediately attend to the injured or otherwise assist persons. When the shooter is stopped, medical and other assistance will come quickly and persons will be helped from the scene.
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Biological agents are bacteria, virus, or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock, and crops.
Delivery Methods
- Aerosols - biological agents are dispersed into the air forming a fine mist that may drift for miles. Inhaling the agent may cause disease in humans and animals.
- Animals – insects and animals such as fleas, mice, flies, mosquitoes, and livestock spread some diseases.
- Food and water contamination – some pathogenic organisms and toxins may persist in food and water supplies. Most microbes are killed, and toxins deactivated, by cooking food and boiling water for three minutes.
- Person-to-person – a few infectious agents, such as smallpox, plague, and the Lassa viruses, can spread through human contact.
Precautions for Known or Suspected Exposure
- Move away from the agent quickly
- Remove and bag contaminated clothes and items
- Wash with soap and water
- Contact public health authorities
- Monitor local broadcast media for emergency information and instructions
- Seek medical attention if symptoms appear – public health instructions may include avoiding others or quarantine
Additional information on Biological Threats is available on the following websites:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security http://www.dhs.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/
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Receiving the Threat
- Get a pen and paper for notes, if possible
- Do not hang up
- Remain calm – be polite - attempt to get information from the caller and assess the validity of the threat
- Ask questions, such as:
- When is the bomb going to explode?
- Where is it right now?
- What does it look like?
- What kind of bomb is it?
- What will cause it to explode?
- Why did you place the bomb?
Assess the caller’s voice, accent, slang, and speaking style
Be attentive to background sounds and noise
Note unusual speech characteristics
Describe the type of language used
When the call ends, call the police @ 911
Wait for the police to arrive and provide them information
Automatic Building Evacuation
- Do not attempt to evacuate the building without authorization and assistance from the police. In the very unlikely event that there is a bomb, people are likely to be safer where they are:
- Steel-framed walls, doors, closets and desks provide reasonably barriers against the concussion and projectiles from a blast
- Automatic evacuation means channeling persons into hallways and stairwells that have not been searched by the police
- The actual threat, or a secondary explosive device, may exist outside where there is little effective barrier protection
Chemical Threat
Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids, and solids that have a toxic effect on people, animals, and plants. Some chemical agents are colorless and odorless and the harmful effects they produce can be immediate (a few seconds to a few minutes) or delayed (2 to 48 hours).
Signs of a chemical threat include people having difficulty breathing, experiencing eye irritation, losing coordination, becoming nauseated, or having a burning sensation in the nose, throat, and lungs. The presence of an unusually high number of dead insects or birds may indicate a chemical agent release.
During a Chemical Threat
If possible, leave the affected area immediately in the direction upwind from the source. If leaving safely is not possible, find indoor shelter immediately and shelter-in-place. Do not leave the protection of the shelter to assist others outdoors. Once inside:
If instructed to evacuate:
- Do so immediately
- If available, monitor local broadcast radio for emergency information on:
- Evacuation routes
- Temporary shelters
- Procedures to follow
- Follow the routes given by authorities – shortcuts and other routes may not be safe
- Carpool with others to minimize traffic congestion
- Assist those in need (children, elderly, disabled, persons without transportation)
If indoors, shelter-in-place
If outside:
- Stay upwind, upstream, and uphill
- Try to go at least one-half mile from the source
- Avoid contact with spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits
- Avoid inhaling gases, fumes, and smoke by covering the nose and mouth with cloth, if possible
- Avoid contact with exposed individuals until the hazardous material has been identified and interpersonal contact is determined safe.
If in a motor vehicle:
- Stop and seek shelter indoors
- If leaving the vehicle safely is not possible, close the windows and vents and keep the air conditioning and heater fan off.
Precautions for Exposure
Decontamination is necessary within minutes of exposure to minimize harmful health effects. A person experiencing the effects of exposure requires immediate professional medical attention. If professional assistance with decontamination is unavailable, self-decontamination is required. Self-decontamination guidelines are as follows:
- Use extreme caution when helping others who have been exposed to chemical agents
- Remove all clothing and other items in contact with the body. Clothing that would normally be removed over the head should be cut off to avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. Put the contaminated clothing into a plastic bag and seal it
- Remove eyeglasses or contact lenses and put glasses in a pan of household bleach to decontaminate them then rinse and dry them
- Flush the eyes with water
- Gently wash the face and hair with soap and water then thoroughly rinse with water
- Decontaminate other areas of the body that are likely to have been contaminated. Blot (do not swab or scrape) the skin with a cloth soaked in soapy water and rinse with water
- Change into uncontaminated clothes. Clothing stored in drawers and closets are likely to be uncontaminated
- Proceed immediately to a medical facility for screening and professional treatment.
Additional information on Chemical Threats is available on the following websites:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security http://www.dhs.gov/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/
Class order and discipline is the responsibility of the instructor. Classroom disruption is the excessive and unreasonable interference with classroom instruction.
If a disruptive student is encountered, the instructor should:
- Remain calm
- Not ignore the behavior
- Tell the person to stop
- If the behavior persists
- instruct the person to leave the classroom
- inform the chair of the incident
- meet with the student outside the class setting to set behavioral limits and assign consequences to future similar behavior
If the person refuses to leave or if behavior becomes threatening:
- Dismiss the class, leave, and report the incident to the police – it is important to document the incident
- Consider referring the student to Judicial Affairs
- Consider discussing the student’s behavior with the University CARE Team
Fire is the most common and deadliest of emergencies. Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which are preventable. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually. Understanding a few basic facts about fires and taking some simple, yet effective, precautions is essential to preventing and surviving a fire emergency.
Fire spreads quickly. Within two minutes a fire can become life threatening. Get out immediately.
Threats from Fire
Fire produces many deadly effects in addition to flames. These include:
- Heat
- Smoke
- Poisonous
- Structure collapse
- Oxygen depletion
- Explosion
Fire Prevention and Preparation
The following is a list of simple and effective precautions to prevent fires and, in the event of a fire, protect one’s self, roommates, fellow employees, and property.
- Never tamper with install smoke alarms
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Identify escape routes and practice using them during university fire drills
- Avoid the accumulation of newspapers, magazines and other flammables
- Never use gasoline, benzene, naphtha, or similar flammable liquids indoors
- Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires and loose plugs
- Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic areas
- Do not overload extension cords or outlets – use UL-approved power strips with built-in circuit breakers
During a Fire
If clothes catch on fire: Stop – Drop – and Roll
- Stop running or walking – running makes the fire burn faster
- Drop to the ground or floor
- Roll until the fire is extinguished
To escape a fire:
- Crawl low under any smoke to the exit – heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling
- Check closed doors for heat before opening them
- Use the back of the hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and the door framer before opening it. Never use the palm of the hand or fingers as they can be burnt impeding the ability to escape.
- If the door is cool, open it slowly and, if clear, escape through it shutting the door behind (closing the door helps contain the fire and reduces the oxygen available to sustain it)
- If the door is hot, do not open it – choose another door or escape through a window
- Close doors after escaping through them – this helps delay the spread of the fire
- Do not use the elevator
- Once safely out stay out – do not reenter
- Call 911
If escape is not possible, hang a white or light-colored sheet out the window alerting firefighters to your presence.
Designated Meeting Place
During a building fire, firefighters must determine as soon as possible whether or not all occupants have escaped. If not, they will attempt a rescue placing themselves at great risk of serious injury. Therefore, it is important to account for all individuals and for each person to report to a designated meeting area. If a meeting area has not been designated, the following areas should be used to meet:
- Residence Halls occupants should meet in the nearest safe residence hall
- Occupants in non-residential buildings should meet outdoors on the upwind (usually west) side of the building. The meeting place should be at a safe distance and clear of emergency responders, their vehicles, and equipment. If another location is designated, building evacuees will be notified at the scene
Additional Information is available on the following website:
The National Fire Protection Association http://www.nfpa.org/
The National Weather Service classifies floods as follows:
Flood Watch
- Flooding is possible
- Monitor local broadcast media for emergency information
Flash Flood Watch
- Flash flooding is possible
- Be prepared to move to higher ground
- Monitor local broadcast media for emergency information and instructions
Flood Warning
- Flooding is occurring or will soon occur
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately
- Monitor local broadcast media for emergency information and instructions
Flash Flood Warning
- A flash flood is occurring
- Seek higher ground on foot immediately
The Power of Moving Water
Having shaped much of the earth’s surface, water is one of nature’s most powerful forces.
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and stalling.
- One foot of water will float many vehicles
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks
During a Flood
- Monitor local broadcast media for emergency information and instructions
- Monitor the Nation Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio or access the NOAA Website at: http://www.noaa.gov/
- Do not drive into flooded areas
- If floodwaters rise around a vehicle, abandon it and move to higher ground to avoid being swept away with the vehicle
Additional information on Floods is available on the following website:
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration http://www.noaa.gov/
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.
Planning and Response
Medical professionals worldwide have been studying the infection patterns of the avian flu and are watchful for human-to-human transmission. At Kent State University, University Health Services has developed the Pandemic Event Plan with input from local health and medical officials. At the first sign of flu pandemic, the State of Ohio will disseminate information to the public, and the University health Services will begin implementing contingency plans for mass treatment vaccination..
For Additional Information
Additional information on flu pandemic and avian flu is available on the following websites:
- PandemicFlu.gov http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
- AvianFlu.gov http://www.avianflu.gov/
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services http://www.niaid.hhs.gov/
Hazardous materials come in four forms:
- Explosives
- Flammable and Combustible Substances
- Poisons
- Radioactive Materials
During a Hazardous Materials Emergency
- If possible, leave the affected area immediately in the direction upwind from the source
- If leaving safely is not possible, get indoors immediately and shelter-in-place. Do not leave the safety of shelter to assist others outdoors
- Follow the instructions given by university officials
If instructed to evacuate:
- Do so immediately
- If available, monitor local broadcast media for emergency information on:
- evacuation routes
- temporary shelters
- procedures to follow
- Follow the routes given by university, and other authorities – shortcuts and other routes may not be safe
- Carpool with others to minimize traffic congestion
- Assist those in need (children, elderly, disabled, persons without transportation)
If outside:
If in a motor vehicle:
- Stop and seek shelter indoors
- If leaving the vehicle safely is not possible, close the windows and vents and keep the air conditioning and heater fan off.
If indoors, shelter-in-place:
Precautions for Exposure
If exposed to hazardous chemicals:
- Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities
- Authorities may advise to shower thoroughly or to avoid contact with water and follow another procedure
- If experiencing symptoms of exposure, seek immediate medical attention
- Place contaminated clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers avoiding contact with other items
- Advise others with whom personal contact was made of the exposure so that they can also take precautions or seek medical treatment
Additional information is available on the following website:
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrationhttp://www.phmsa.dot.gov/
All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Other hazards associated with thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding.
Facts About Thunderstorms
- They may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines
- Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended period of time
- Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period of 30 minutes to an hour
- Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorms development
- Approximately 10% of thunderstorms are classified as “severe” – one that produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado
Facts about Lightning
- Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property
- Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles from any rainfall
- “Heat lightning” is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away to be heard
- Most deaths from lightning occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon or evening
- The chances of a person being struck by lightning are estimated at 1 in 600
- Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be helped immediately
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm watch when severe thunderstorms are likely to occur.Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A warning indicates imminent danger to life and property of those in the path of the storm.During a Thunderstorm
- Get inside a home, building, or hardtop vehicle. Although injuries may occur if a vehicle is struck, a person is much safer inside the vehicle than outside it.
- Avoid showering or bathing as metal bathroom plumbing and fixtures can conduct electricity causing shock or electrocution
- Use a corded phone only for emergencies – cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use
- Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers, stereos, televisions and air conditioners – power surges can cause serious damage
- Use a battery-operated radio for weather updates
If outdoors:
- Avoid objects that can act as a lightning rod
- Seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ravine of valley
- Be alert to the possibility of flash floods
- If on open water, get to shore and find shelter immediately
- Remember that when hair stands on end (anywhere on the body) it is an indication that lightning is about to strike – when this happens, squat down minimizing contact with the ground
- Do not lie flat on the ground
Additional information is available on the following website:
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration http://www.noaa.gov/
Tornado
Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. The path of a tornado can be over a mile wide and extend for over 50 miles. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible.
Facts About Tornadoes
- They may strike quickly with little or no warning
- Tornadoes typically develop near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm
- They may appear transparent until dust and debris are picked up or clouds form inside the funnel
- Typical tornadoes move in the general direction from Southwest to Northeast, but they have been known to move in any direction
Tornado Watch
The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when weather conditions indicate that a tornado is possible. When a tornado watch is issued, persons in the watch area should:
- Monitor local commercial media for tornado emergency information, updates, and instructions
- Look for approaching storms
- Look and listen for the following danger signs:
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Large hail
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud - particularly if rotating
- A loud, rumbling roar similar to a freight train
If you see an approaching storm, or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately
Tornado Warning
The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. The Kent Campus tornado sirens are activated when a tornado is sighted nearby. When a tornado warning is issued, or the siren sounds, persons should:
- Seek shelter immediately
If indoors:
- Go to a pre-designated safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway)
- Stay away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls
- Put as many walls (and levels above) as possible between you and the outside
- Get under a sturdy table and cover you neck and head with your arms
- Do not open doors or windows
If in a vehicle:
- Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If there is no nearby building still get out – remaining inside a during a tornado is extremely dangerous
- Outrunning a tornado is advisable if in a rural and uncongested location – never try to outrun a tornado from an urban or congested location
If outside with no available shelter:
- Lie flat in a ditch or depression covering the head with hands and arms – beware of potential flooding
- Do not get under a bridge or overpass – it is safer in a low, flat location
- Watch out for flying debris in the funnel – any object as small as a piece of straw can become fatal when traveling at several hundred miles per hour
Additional information on tornadoes is available on the following website:
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration http://www.noaa.gov/