Lesley University Emergency Response Guide for Off-Campus

Please familiarize yourself with the information on this page. Contact Public Safety with any questions, suggestions or comments. The safety and security of our community is our highest priority. 

The off campus Emergency Plan follows the same spirit as that designed for on campus, addressing both acute and secondary emergencies, with the added component of assisting traveling faculty with travel and lodging in the event of regional or national disaster.

Most cohort groups have the assistance of a local Site Coordinator and/or Local Technology Manager, depending on the type of program. However, even with the assistance of local support person, the Lesley instructor, either core or adjunct, has ultimate responsibility for the respective group while in session. Therefore, it is imperative that all instructors involved in a Lesley off campus program be completely familiar with the contents of the Lesley University Emergency Plan.

This page contains general guidelines for off-campus community members in the event of an emergency.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

• Emergency Contact Information for Off-Campus Sites
• Site Information
• Lesley University Communications Center
• General Emergency Procedures
• Building Evacuations
• Assembly Procedures
• Fire Emergency
• Fire Prevention
• Medical Emergency
• Psychological Crisis
• Terrorism
• Chemical/Biological Attack
• Disaster Supply Kit
• Bomb Threat
• Criminal Emergency
• Building Explosion
• Explosion
• Hostile Intruder
• Chemical Spill/Hazardous Material
• Loss of Utilities
• Weather Related Emergency
• Extreme Weather
• Pandemic Planning

Emergency Contact Information for Off-Campus Sites

Contact Information:
Once each year, instructors in the off-campus program are provided with wallet-sized, laminated Emergency Cards to carry with them when teaching in the off-campus programs. The information on these cards is as follows:

• Emergencies: Call 911
• National Lesley University Public Safety: 617.349.8888

From Friday evenings until Sunday afternoon, the immediate contact for off campus programs will be with the Regional Operations Managers.

• Regional Operations Managers:
  • CA, CO, MO, NM, NV, UT
    Carrie Van Ness, 866.600.7035
  • MA, NH, ME
    Annette MacLean, 866.600.7034
  • AL, FL, GA, SC, NC
    Keena Braxton, 866.600.7033
  • AK, ID, MN, MT, NE, OR, SD, WA, WI, WY
    Fred Jozovich, 866.600.1806

The Regional Operations Managers will immediately contact the Lesley Public Safety department as soon as possible, no later than the next normal business day following the incident. 911 will become the first call emergency number with National Operations as the campus contact number.

For any emergency situation affecting off campus sites, instructors will provide a written summary of the incident to the National Operations Director and Lesley Public Safety on the next normal business day following the incident. For serious incidents, immediate contact with Operations should be made.

Public Safety fax: (617) 349-8893

Public Safety Phone: (617) 349-8888 (24 hour coverage)

Site Information

The National Programs Operations Division will provide information for each off-campus site, including (but not limited to) the following:

      Directions to the site from the nearest faculty-accessed airport.

      Pictures of the local site.

      Emergency contact numbers for building representatives, including:

• Local Site Coordinator

• Local Technology Manager

• ADA accessible resources

• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Agency 1-800-786-4795

As soon as possible following the determination that any type of disaster has directly affected more than one off-campus group, the National Operations office in Greeley will implement a 24-hour response communications center.

Lesley University National Operations Communications Center

If able, the National Programs Operations will implement an Operations Communications Center (OCC) in the event of a National Disaster. As soon as reasonably possible following the disaster announcement, the Greeley Communications Center will be staffed 24 hours per day until no longer needed.

Greeley Communications Center Main Number: (866) 600-7032

Notification after the Emergency

For any of the emergency response situation affecting off campus sites, instructors will provide a written summary of the incident to the National Programs Director and Lesley Public Safety on the next normal business day following the incident. For serious incidents, immediate contact with Operations should be made.

• Public Safety fax #: (617) 349-8893
• Public Safety phone # (617) 349-8888 24 hour coverage
• National Operations phone # (866) 600-7032

General Emergency Procedures

Be Prepared

During an Emergency

Lesley Community members (students, staff, faculty, contractors and vendors) should dial 911 in the event of an emergency (fire, medical, criminal) on campus.

Building Evacuations

Building evacuations may be necessary in the event of a natural disaster (hurricane, flood) or other catastrophe (chemical spill, explosion, bomb threat or hostile intruder). Building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds and/or upon notification by emergency personnel.

If necessary or if directed to do so by a designated emergency official, activate the building’s alarm.

When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by a designated emergency official, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.

Use the nearest stairway to exit the building. Do not use elevators during an emergency evacuation. Emergency personnel may use an elevator for evacuation after a review of the circumstances.

Notify others of the emergency. Be aware of people with disabilities in your area who might require assistance in an emergency evacuation. Be prepared to render assistance if necessary.

Close doors behind you if you are leaving an empty area, as this can help to slow the spread of fire, smoke, and water.

Evacuate as quickly as possible but in an orderly manner. Do not push or shove.

Once outside, move clear of the building allowing others to exit. Assemble in the area designated by your site coordinator and do not return to an evacuated building until advised by emergency personnel.

Assembly Procedures

In the event of an emergency evacuation, move away from all buildings in order to maintain clear access for any fire or rescue vehicles.

Assemble at the assigned area and stay with other community members until notified by the Site Coordinator or emergency personnel where to proceed.

Do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so by emergency response personnel.

Assembly Area Locations

Check with your Site Coordinator to find out where the designated assembly area is for your off-campus site. Reporting immediately to the designated assembly areas will help to ensure a timely and accurate accounting of community members during an emergency.

Guidelines for Various Types of Emergencies

This section provides general guidelines for how to respond in the event of various types of emergencies.  While we cannot foresee what the nature of an emergency will be ahead of time, this information should provide a general guide for the action to take in each type of emergency.

Fire Emergency

Do not hesitate to activate a fire alarm if you discover smoke or fire.

If a minor fire appears controllable, promptly direct the discharge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.  In the case of large fires that do not appear controllable, immediately activate the building’s fire alarm system.

DO NOT LOCK DOORS.

Evacuate the building.

Immediately notify your Site Coordinator and call 911.  Report street address and other information as requested by emergency response personnel.

Never endanger your personal safety or the safety of another.

Important fire emergency issues:

• Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and pull boxes in your building.
• When the building evacuation alarm is sounded, always assume an emergency exists.  Walk quickly to the nearest exit and alert others to do the same.
• Outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet from the affected building.  Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
• Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by an authorized emergency personnel official.
• Never silence the fire alarm panel.
• Do not use elevators during a fire alarm.
• Use caution when entering a fire scene (feel doors for heat prior to opening).

If you cannot exit the building

• Remember, smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where the air is less toxic. Stay below the smoke at all times.
• Cover nose/mouth with a wet cloth.
• If a door is hot, do not open it; seek an alternate escape route.

Fire Prevention

Good housekeeping can prevent many fires, eliminate most causes of fire and prevent fire from spreading.

Many fires are caused by carelessness: electrical equipment near volatile material, electrical equipment tampering, or careless disposal of smoking material.

Some substances ignite spontaneously. Substances prone to spontaneous combustion are dust, oily rags and waste.

Members of the Lesley community should always note and report safety concerns such as:

• Obstructed or damaged fire extinguishers, emergency exits or lighting
• Accumulation of rags, trash, or other combustible materials
• Improperly stored combustible materials such as paint
• Inoperable or disabled fire detection equipment
• Inoperable fire extinguishers

Medical Emergency

• Most off the off-campus sites will not have access to in-house medical treatment centers such as nursing rooms. Instructors should call 911 immediately for any injury that would be questionable in severity and suggest that the student seek medical attention for less serious injuries.
• If an instructor is involved and is unable to continue instruction, the local Site Coordinator should contact National Operations immediately for further instructions.
• All medical emergencies should be reported immediately. If the medical emergency is life threatening (example: apparent heart attack, serious bleeding), call 911 immediately.  Otherwise, contact your local Site Coordinator or medical personnel in your building or area.
• When making the calls, give your name, describe the nature and severity of the medical problem and the campus location of the victim. Try to answer all of the questions the operator asks you and let him/her hang-up the phone first.
• Do not move the victim but ask for assistance of others as needed to secure the scene.
• If you or others are certified in CPR and First Aid and able to help, then try to assist the victim until help arrives.
• Look for emergency medical ID such as bracelets on injured persons and try to keep the victim as comfortable as possible until emergency personnel arrive.
• It is always a good idea to be aware of the location of First Aid/Medical equipment in your building or area.  This includes First Aid kits, automatic defibrillators, etc.

Psychological Crisis

Terrorism

Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property for the purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public. Acts of terrorism may include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, bomb scares and bombings, cyber attacks, use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

Preparing for Terrorism

As a member of the Lesley community, you are in a position to deter and detect terrorist acts by observing suspicious persons and odd behavior. The following are general guidelines:

Be aware of your surroundings.

Be aware of suspicious or unusual behavior:

• Someone taking pictures of a building
• Unattended bags/briefcases

Someone asking specific questions about buildings or security procedures with no apparent need for that information:

• People wearing clothing not consistent with weather conditions
• Deliveries without a clear specific destination
• Changes in routine that might be cause for suspicion. Examples: a delivery company dropped off twice in a day (once with a new driver), when they usually drop off only once; delivery persons who circumvent routine procedures, etc.

Be aware of all emergency exits for each building you enter.

Trust your instincts, leave if something doesn't feel right.

Report all suspicious activity immediately to your Site Coordinator or building management peronnel.

Report any unusual or suspicious persons or packages to your Site Coordinator or building management personnel. 

Persons who ask questions about security procedures should be referred to the Site Coordinator or building personnel. Obtain a concise description of the person(s) including name, if possible, and the information requested, and notify the designated individual.

Do not prop open building/residence hall doors.

After a Terrorist Attack

If you are trapped in debris - use a flashlight (if available). Cover your mouth with a cloth, tap a pipe/wall or whistle so rescuers can determine your location. Shout as a last resort, since it may result in inhalation of dangerous amounts of dust.

Listen to emergency broadcasts for details and specific instructions.

Chemical/Biological Attack

Stay inside your classroom or office building.

Listen to emergency broadcast for details and specific instructions.

Disaster Supply Kit: 

The Department of Homeland Security recommends the following emergency supplies in the event of a chemical/biological attack.

• Water - 1 gallon daily per person for 3 - 7 days
• Canned food - supply for 3 to 7 days (can opener)
• First Aid Kit
• Portable radio and batteries
• Tool kit
• Flashlight

Bomb Threat

All bomb threats are to be taken seriously. A suspicious looking box, package, object or container in or near your work area may be a bomb, explosive or hazardous material. Do not handle or touch the object. Move to a safe area (far from the object). Contact your Site Coordinator or local emergency personnel, or call 911, immediately. Do not operate any electronic devices, radios or light (power) switches.

Preventing a Bomb Incident:

• Any facility or person could be the target of a bomb incident. As in any emergency, our most effective weapon against the bomber is a concise bomb threat plan. 
• If you receive a bomb threat by phone, remain calm and try to obtain as much information as possible from the caller.  The bomb threat checklist below includes information to obtain from the caller insofar as possible.
• Never make a public announcement of the threat unless directed by the police.
• Never discuss the bomb threat with non-emergency personnel.
• Never use words such as bomb, bomb threat, explosive where others can hear you.
• Give information and instructions calmly.

 Fill out Bomb Threat Checklist (checklist)

Criminal Emergency

• Examples of crimes are sex crimes, (other than sexual harassment), aggravated assault, robbery, larceny, hate crimes, vandalism, threatening/harassing, stalking, hostile intruder, etc.
• If you see suspicious activity or to report an intruder, first call the police department. If you are able, help others to evacuate the affected area and wait for emergency response personnel. In the case of gunfire or discharged explosives, take cover immediately using all available concealment.  After the disturbance, seek emergency first aid if necessary.
• Any victim of a crime is encouraged to promptly report the incident to the local police department. Give your name, the nature of the incident, location of the incident, and descriptions of person(s) and property involved.  If the risk to you or others is immediate, first call 911.
• Lesley University crime statistics can be reviewed in the Security section of the Lesley web page at http://www.lesley.edu/security/statistics.htm

Building Explosion

• Immediately take cover under tables, desks and other objects, which will give protection against falling glass or debris.
• After the effects of the explosion have subsided, notify your Site Coordinator and local emergency personnel. Give your name, location and the nature of the emergency.
• If necessary, or when directed to do so, activate the building fire alarm.
• If the building fire alarm is sounded, or when told to leave by emergency personnel, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
• If possible and prudent, assist disabled persons in exiting the building. Use the nearest stairway to exit the building. Do not use elevators in case of fire.
• Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
• If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.

Explosion

• Call 911 as soon as possible.  Provide your name and location, and the nature of the emergency.
• Notify your Site Coordinator.
• If necessary, or when directed to do so, activate the building fire alarm.  If the fire alarm is sounded, or when told by emergency officials to do so, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
• If possible and prudent, assist disabled persons in exiting the building. 
• When evacuating the building, only use stairs. Do not use elevators.
• Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet from the building.  Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
• Follow the instructions of emergency personnel at the scene. If requested, assist emergency personnel as necessary.
• Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by an emergency official or your Site Coordinator.
• If you cannot exit the building, move well away from the site of the explosion to a safe location and immediately take cover under sturdy furniture. Tables, desks and other objects can give protection against falling debris or glass. Stay away from the windows. Do not light matches.

Hostile Intruder/Incident

Chemical Spills/ Hazardous Materials

Whenever you spill a chemical, or discover a spill or potentially hazardous material, tell your supervisor and coworkers in the area immediately.

When a spill occurs, you and others should move well away from the area while determining the appropriate response. The appropriate response depends on whether the spill is an incidental spill, which you can clean up yourself, or a complex spill, which requires outside assistance.

Incidental Spills

Incidental spills do not spread rapidly, do not endanger people or property except by direct contact and do not endanger the environment. The substance can be absorbed, neutralized or controlled at the time of release by employees in the immediate release area.  You can clean up an incidental spill yourself if you have the proper equipment and training and are comfortable doing it.  Your local Site Coordinator and building officials should be informed of an incidental spill.

Complex Spills

Complex spills are any spills that may spread rapidly, may endanger people or property, may endanger the environment and require an emergency response from an outside organization. A complex spill should be immediately reported to 911 and your Site Coordinator. When reporting, be specific about the nature of the material involved and the exact location. If available, obtain the MSDS for the chemical spilled. Have someone stay on the line to give additional information while emergency units are in route.

Anyone who may have been contaminated by the complex spill should, if necessary and prudent, be immediately put under an emergency shower and his/her contaminated clothes should be removed as the flow of water begins. The affected area of the skin should be washed for 15 minutes. Emergency Medical Services should begin medical treatment as soon as possible. If an emergency exists, call 911. 

If you are instructed to leave the building by your Site Coordinator or emergency personnel, once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building(s) or report to your assigned assembly point. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by your Site Coordinator or a building official.

Any chemical cloud that can affect community members in their offices would very likely affect them outside in the assembly area. If time is of prime importance, it may be necessary to evacuate several blocks from the building by foot. If this occurs, move crosswind or upwind to avoid fumes or vapors, never downwind.

If you are instructed to remain inside, turn off all ventilation including furnaces, air conditioners, vents and fans.  Seek shelter in an internal room, preferably one without windows.  Remain in areas where toxic vapors are reduced or eliminated.  If you are in unprotected areas, get upwind of the contaminated area, attempt to find shelter as quickly as possible, and listen to emergency officials for instructions.

A person affected by a chemical or biological agent requires immediate attention by professional medical personnel.  Decontamination is needed within minutes of exposure to minimize health consequences.  Emergency personnel may direct individuals to a decontamination area.

Obtain Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the Site Coordinator for the spilled chemical, if known.

NOTE: Do not attempt to clean up a hazardous chemical spill.

Loss of Utilities

If you discover a gas leak, electrical power loss, water line break, or loss of climate control, contact your Site Coordinator. Give your location and remain on the line until information is complete. Ask for advice on evacuation. Clear the immediate area or evacuate building, if necessary.

If there is the smell of gas in the building do not use phones or turn on lights. Exit the building and use cell phone from outside, where smell is not present.

Power Failure

In the event of a power failure:

• Report any power failure immediately to your Site Coordinator.
• Keep a flashlight available in your office or classroom at all times. Never use candles during a power failure.
• During the daytime hours you can attempt to add as much natural lighting as possible by raising blinds and opening draperies.

During a power failure or possible power failure, never use an elevator. If you become trapped in an elevator during a power outage, use a cell phone or the emergency phone in the elevator to contact emergency personnel and your Site Coordinator.

Gas Leak (Odor)

Cease all operations! Do not switch on the lights or any electrical equipment. Remember, electrical arcing can trigger an explosion! Immediately notify local emergency personnel and your Site Coordinator.  Exit the building.

Weather Related Emergency

Operations will continue to notify Program Directors of any advance notice received of adverse weather conditions that may affect an off campus site. If advanced notice is available, the Director of National Program Operations and Program Directors will determine if the group session should meet as planned, or be postponed or cancelled.

If adverse weather occurs once the group is in session, which happens occasionally, the instructor is responsible for making the decision for the safety of the group regarding class cancellation or postponement.

Working with the local Site Coordinator, students can be contacted via the group contact list for updates on the status of the session.

Operations will assist the instructor with lodging or travel needs.

Extreme Weather (Storms, Flood, Earthquake)

During extreme weather or natural disasters people may be prevented form entering or leaving a building. Check your local media for notification of closures.

Storm

In the case of fast developing storms (hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes): 

•  Unplug unnecessary electrical equipment.
•  Store all equipment in safe areas away from windows. Keep window coverings closed. 

If you are outside during a hurricane or thunderstorm:

• Find a low spot away form trees and poles.
• If you are in a wooded area take shelter under the shortest trees.   

If a tornado warning is given and you see a funnel cloud:

• Immediately seek a shelter, lie flat in a ditch or low spot.

If you are in a building go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Closets, bathrooms ands other interior rooms offer the best protection.

• Do not use elevators.

Flood

• Cease using all electrical equipment.
• Clear the immediate area or building if necessary and prevent anyone else from entering.
• Call your local Site Coordinator and emergency personnel. Give the location and nature of the problem if possible.

Earthquake

• Try to avoid glass and falling objects. Move away from windows where there are large panes of glass, shelves and cabinets where objects could fall, and stay out from under heavy suspended light fixtures. Notify your local Site Coordinator or building personnel if damage occurs.
• When the earthquake is over, evacuate the building to the predetermined assembly point or alternate assembly point.
• It may be necessary to inspect the area during the evacuation and reroute community members to the alternate assembly point because of fire, damage, or other threats to safety.
• Special consideration should be given to exit routes. Do not use routes that have extensive damage or blockage. Avoid fires.
• Avoid touching electrical wires that may be on the ground.

Pandemic Planning

Pandemic Planning is in process at the local, state and federal level, and most anticipate that the spread of pandemic level illnesses can be, to some extent, tracked.  As the “plume” of infection spreads geographically, local, state and federal plans will go into effect. In coordination with local, state and federal Public Health planning, as part of its emergency preparedness plan, Lesley has developed a community response plan to assist public agencies in order to

• attempt maximum mitigation within the Lesley Community for the benefit of the public health,
• protect to the largest extent possible, the health and safety of the Lesley Community, and   
• protect the operation of the University and ensure recovery after an extended cessation of operations.

In the event of a large scale pandemic, Lesley University and other institutions will receive information and recommendations from public health agencies that could include:

• Full Campus Closure
• Cancellation of classes and/or events (athletics, etc.)

Emergency public information resources are available at:

www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/checklist.html                                                          

www.ready.gov/america/index.html

www.pandemicflu.gov

Related public hygiene information is available at:  

www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/

www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm