Housatonic Community College
Department of Public Safety/Security
Emergency Response Plan

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

• Mission Statement
• Introduction
• Definition of an Emergency

2. Procedures

A. Practiced Scenarios

• Generic
• Evacuation
• Fire
• Toxic Spill
• Intruder

 B. Additional Situations

• Bomb Threat
• Lock Do

3. Notification Mechanisms

  A. Communication

• Telephones
• Berbee Paging System
• AutoDialer
• Intercoms
• Public Address System
• HCC Web Page

            1) Additional Means of Communication

• Voice Enunciation
• HCC E-Mail
• Public Safety and Maintenance
• Emergency Call Buttons
• Personal Duress “Spider” Alarm System

  B. Emergency Contact Information
  C. Emergency Analog Phone Locations

Housatonic Community College

INTRODUCTION

Background

The Emergency Response Plan is a written document developed and implemented by Housatonic Community College to provide procedures for events that are unusual to the campus environment.  These procedures apply to all College employees (full-time, part-time, regular, temporary) and students, as well as other community entities and individuals who may be using or participating in college campus activities.  The plan provides information for handling emergency events and working towards the resumption of normal college operations.  Many incidents are caused by circumstances beyond anyone’s control, but with proper preparation, the impact to the campus population can be minimized.

Mission Statement

Our purpose at Housatonic Community College is to empower all individuals to develop to their full potential.  We are committed to lifelong learning for all.  As a knowledgeable and dedicated faculty and staff, we work together with students in a learner-centered, supportive, and stimulating environment.  We prepare students to participate in, and contribute responsibly to our global society.

Emergency Defined

An emergency is defined as any unplanned event that can disrupt normal operations of the college, can shut down the campus, cause physical or environmental harm or can cause injury or death to employees, students or the public.  These procedures do not cover every condition that may occur and it may not always be possible to follow every procedural step, but they form the context within which this college will seek to deal effectively and efficiently with emergency situations.

PROCEDURES

Practiced Scenarios

Evacuation

In the event the building has to be evacuated, notification will be made by activating the college’s fire alarm system. All persons in classrooms / offices should exit the building as quickly but efficiently as possible. It is recommended that you:

• Be familiar of the evacuation route from the classroom / office you are in.  This can be accomplished by viewing the maps and directions located above the door.  It is very important to follow the listed evacuation route as designated to avoid overloading any one spot such as the “B” Door.
• Make sure you are aware of a secondary route should your primary route not be available.
• Do Not Use The Elevator.
• Faculty / Staff should assist students in evacuating the building and move across the street from the college property.
• Assist any disabled or challenged persons to the nearest stairwell.Stairwells are designated “areas of refuge” which are fire rated for this purpose. Two way communications is available in all refuge areas. Inform Security by using the intercom in the stairwell.  Evacuation personnel will respond to assist.

Once you have exited the building

• Proceed to the designated area outside of the building at least across one of the streets from the campus.
• Remain there until you are notified as to the next course of action

Additional Situations

Bomb Threat

The threat of any type of explosive device should be taken seriously and be treated as a real incident.  Threats are usually communicated by telephone and could be received by any employee on any extension of the college’s phone system.  The receiver of the threat should:

• Calmly activate the malicious call feature on the Voice over IP phone.  This can be done by pressing “More” on the menu screen, then pressing “MCID”.

• Elicit as much information as possible from the caller, using the Bomb Threat Questionnaire.  A copy of the questionnaire is located on the next page.  The questionnaire can also be found next to many of the phones throughout the building.

• Immediately upon hanging up with the caller, contact Security by dialing ** or extension 5025 and advise them of the threat.  Remain at the location where the call was received until security arrives.  Security will call 911.

• Security will notify the college administration of any threat concerning explosive devices or bombs. The president will decide whether to convene the Critical Incident Response Team.

If there is a determination to search all or any part of the campus, Security will guide staff, faculty, and supervisors responsible for the affected areas through a search of the designated space.  NOTE: Outside emergency response personnel can only assist in a search.  Only the occupants of an area can determine if something is out of order.

Should evacuation be necessary, the college’s fire alarm system will be activated. Follow the building evacuation procedure.

If a suspicious object or suspected explosive device is found, the State Police Department Emergency Resource Team will respond for identification and removal of that object or device.

Lock Down

“Lock Down” means the process where individuals inside of the building are instructed to remain inside due to a possible danger.  Categories that could constitute Lock Down include:

• Natural Disaster
• Hazardous Material Situation
• Fire
• Bomb Threat / Explosion
• Large Scale Uprising
• Hostage Situation
• Active Shooter

If a Lock Down is ordered you should:

• Gather any individuals near your classroom or office door and bring them inside.
• Shut and lock the classroom / office door.
• Turn off any devices causing additional background noise.
• Move away from any windows, and shut off lights.
• If possible, get behind or under desks for cover.
• Turn all cell phones to vibrate and, if needed, use whisper talk or text when using the phone.
• Remain in Lock Down until told the condition has been lifted.

NOTIFICATION MECHANISMS

Communications

Voice over IP Telephones (VoIP) are located in virtually every room in the building.  To reach Security dial ** or the 4 digit extension 5025. To access outside assistance 911 can be called from any telephone in the building. VoIP Phones are capable of “all points” (Blast) messaging. This message containing information and/or instructions can be created from within the college or from a remote location, and is heard when voice mail is accessed.

A “Berbee Paging” system is also employed by the college which utilizes the VoIP telephones in providing real time audio and text messaging.  Should an incident occur that would affect the general business of the college, such as weather closings, early dismissal, power problems, or a critical incident that may trigger a call for lockdown, from within the college,a text or audio message, or both can be sent to any or all of the phones in the building. This message may contain information or instructions depending on the situation.  The college’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has designated the Academic Dean, Dean of Students, the College President and the Dean of Administration as those who are authorized to use the “Berbee Paging” system.

AutoDialer

The AutoDialer is capable of automatically dialing groups of telephone numbers within the college or outside of the college with a message containing instruction and/or information.  On the next page is a breakdown of the various telephone options and scenarios when this might be used.

Intercoms

The college has intercoms marked by a blue light throughout the building,campus and parking garage. These devices permit “hands free” two way communication between the intercom and Security.  When activated by pressing the red button, the person is automatically connected to Security.  Security identifies the location of the intercom by a number designation, and, in most cases, can access a surveillance camera to transmit a live picture of the intercom location.

Public Address System

As a function of the intercom system, a live audio message can be sent to all the common areas of the college, including hallways, atriums and the cafeteria, conveying information and / or instructions.  The public address system can be activated from the intercom handset located in the Security Office (A 105)

Web Page Notification

Should an incident occur such as weather related delayed openings, or closures, or incidents of a more critical nature, notification and information can be located on the college’s home web page (http//www.hcc.commnet.edu). This is done from either within the college or from a remote location.  When activated, most of the home page screen turns red, and information is located within the red portion of the screen.  The CIRT Has designated the Academic Dean, Dean of Students, the College President and the Dean of Administration as those who are authorized to activate this screen.

Additional Means of Notification

Voice Enunciation

As part of the college’s fire alarm system, a voice enunciation system is installed in four locations in the building where higher number of students congregate (Cafeteria, Library, Performing Arts Center, and room C 232). When the fire alarm system is activated, setting off the strobe lights and horns, an additional recorded message is broadcast in these four locations stating there is an emergency and that evacuation is necessary,

E-Mail

All employees of the college are issued an electronic mail (e-mail) address, and text messages can be sent to any or all of the employees.  Distribution lists are set up to message certain segments of the college employee community.

Public Safety and Maintenance

All security and maintenance personnel carry portable “walkie talkie” radios.  This allows 2 way communications between the personnel and with the base station located in the Security Office (A 105). A dispatcher monitors and communicates with the personnel during all hours of operation.  The college maintains 2 radio frequencies licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.

Emergency Call Buttons

Areas of the college deemed sensitive areas (Bursar’s Office, Admissions, Financial Aid Office, Dean of Students Office, Counseling Area, Registrar’s Office Student Services Area and the Cafeteria) emergency call buttons are installed.  When activated, an alarm is sent to the Security Office triggering a response from Security.

Personal Duress “Spider” Alarm System

The personal duress “Spider” alarm system is offered to staff and faculty.  When requested, a miniature pendant UFH transmitter is issued to the individual.  To activate the transmitter, press the recessed button in the middle of the pendant. That sends a RF signal to one of nine proximity sensors located throughout the campus.  An alarm is received in the Security Office indicating the name and physical descriptors of the pendant holder, as well as the location of the sensor that received the transmission, triggering an immediate response from security.

Emergency Contact Information

Appendix I contains the college’s Continuity of Operation Program (COOP) Management Team, and emergency contact information.  All members of the Critical Incident response Team (CIRT) also carry a wallet size card containing emergency contact information, a sample of which is on the last page.

Emergency Analog Phone Locations

Appendix II contains a list of the seven locations where Emergency Analog Telephones are installed.  In the event of a prolonged power outage which disables the VoIP phone system or other emergencies, these phones can be used within the college for 2 way communication. It should be noted that personal cell phones also constitute a back-up system for the standard college telephone system.