Disaster Types

Disasters in Southern Oregon result from natural hazards, accidents, or terrorism.

Natural Hazards: Natural disasters which may occur in this region can be caused by flooding, earthquake, ice storms, snowstorms, volcanic eruptions, wildfire, and disease outbreaks.

Accidental Disasters: Can be due to large explosions, equipment failure, and hazardous material incidents.

Terrorism: According to the Department of Homeland Security, acts of terrorism include assignations, bombings, cyber attacks, and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological weapons.

Disasters That May Occur on Campus

Armed Intruder

This is one or more individuals who carry out randomly or systematically a shooting spree. Their objective appears to be mass murder not robbery or hostage taking.

Guidelines

In general, how you respond to these situations will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter. If you find yourself in this situation, remain calm and CALL 911 as soon as possible. It is critical that people remain calm and think clearly. No one can predict what actions are most appropriate for every situation that might occur. This procedure is merely a framework; you will need to adjust accordingly, depending on the exact circumstances you are facing. The object is to have the intruder think there is no one in your area and to make it as difficult as possible to gain access.

Armed Intruder in or near your building

Try to warn others to take immediate shelter.
Go to a room that can be locked or barricaded.
Lock and barricade doors or windows, turn off lights, close the blinds.
Have ONE person CALL 911 and provide known information
If you were able to see the offender(s), give a description of the person’s(s) sex, race, clothing, type of weapon(s), location last seen direction of travel, and identity – if known.
If you have observed any suspicious devices (improvised explosive devices), provide the location device was seen and a description.
If you heard any explosions, provide a description and location.
Switch cell phones to vibrate, turn off other devices that emit sound.
Keep yourself out of sight. Take adequate cover/protection behind objects that will stop a bullet: i.e., concrete walls, thick desks, filing cabinets.
If the fire alarm sounds, ignore it unless you can physically detect the signs of fire. An intruder may pull an alarm to flush people out into the open.
Depending on circumstances, you may want to consider exiting ground floor windows as safely and quietly as possible.
Wait until a uniformed police officer or a University official known to you, provides an “all clear”. This may take some time.
Unfamiliar voices may be an Armed Intruder trying to lure you from safety. Do not respond to voice commands until you can verify with certainty that they are being issued by a police officer or University official. An SOU Alert will be sent to advise the situation is “all clear”.

Armed Intruder in the room you are in:

Try to hide or escape.
If unable to escape, assume prone position (play dead) or
Fight to overpower assailant by throwing items, attack with furniture, or swarm as a group.
If the Armed Intruder(s) leaves the area, barricade the room and call 911

Armed Intruder in an outside area:

Move away from the Armed Intruder or the sounds of gunshot(s) and/or explosion(s).
Look for appropriate locations for cover / protection; i.e., brick walls, retaining walls, large trees, parked vehicles, or any other object that may stop bullet penetration.
If you think you can make it out of the area, do so. If you decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Attempt to keep objects (trees, vehicles, trash cans, etc.) between you and the hostile person. When away from immediate area of danger, summon help and warn others.
CALL 911 and provide the information listed in the first guideline.

What to do if taken hostage

Be patient. Time is on your side. Avoid drastic action.
The first 45 minutes are the most dangerous. Be alert and follow instructions.
Don’t speak unless spoken to and then only when necessary.
Avoid arguments or appearing hostile. Treat the captor with respect. If you can, establish rapport with the captor. It is probable that the captor(s) do not want to hurt anyone. If medications, first aid, or restroom privileges are needed by anyone, say so.
Try to rest. Avoid speculating. Expect the unexpected.
Be observant, you may be released or escape. You can help others with your observations.
Be prepared to speak with law enforcement personnel on the phone.

What to expect from responding police officers

Police officers responding to an Armed Intruder are trained to proceed to immediately to the area in which shots were last heard in order to stop the shooting as quickly as possible. The first responding officers may be in teams. They may be dressed in normal patrol uniforms, or they may be wearing external ballistic vests and Kevlar helmets or other tactical gear. The officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns, or handguns. The first officers to arrive will NOT stop to aid injured people. The first responding officers will be focusing on stopping the Armed Intruder and creating a safe environment for medical assistance to be brought in to aid the injured. Keep in mind that even once you have escaped to a safer location, the entire area is still a crime scene. Police will usually not let anyone leave until the situation is fully under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questioned.

Bomb Threats

Bomb threats usually occur by telephone. The person receiving the call should do the following:

Remain calm and attempt to obtain as much information as possible from the caller (see question checklist below). Write down the exact words used in the threat while they are still fresh in your memory.
Call 2-6911 or 911. Give your name, location, and telephone number. Inform dispatch of the situation including any information you may have.
If instructed to evacuate, move a safe distance away from the building or behind barriers. If severe weather conditions exist, you may move to another building that is a safe distance away. Wait for further instructions. Do not re-enter the building until instructed to do so.

Bomb Threat Checklist

Obtain as much of the following information as possible while talking to the caller. Relate this information to 911 dispatch or the police.

Where is the bomb located?
What time is it set to go off?
What does the bomb look like?
What kind of bomb is it?
What will cause it to explode?
Did you place the bomb?
Why did you place the bomb?
What is your name?
Gender of caller
Age of caller
Description of caller’s voice such as it is calm, there is a language barrier, there is an accent, the voice was loud, it was a recited message, it was spoken irrationally, etc.
Noticeable background noises such as animals, music, other voices, vehicle or traffic sounds, etc.

If a bomb threat evacuation is issued: quickly and calmly move a safe distance away from the building or behind barriers. If severe weather conditions exist, you may move to another building that is a safe distance away. Wait for further instructions. Do not re-enter the building until instructed to do so.

Building Fire

Safety during a building fire:

When hearing the fire alarm or seeing a fire, immediately move towards the nearest fire escape exit. Do not use elevators during a fire.
Before opening any doors, feel to make sure that it is not hot. If it is hot, do not open the door. If it is not hot, then slowly open the door. If there is heavy smoke, try an alternate exit.
After leaving, if possible, close door and windows to slow the spread of the fire.
Activate the fire alarm, if not already activated.
After exiting the building call 911. Do not call until you have left the building.
Alert others of the fire danger.
Do not go back into the building until officials say that it is safe. Make sure everyone is out safely and alert officials of anyone who has not evacuated the building.

If you are trapped in a room:

Place a wet cloth around or under door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire. Be prepared to signal to someone outside.

If you are caught in smoke:

Drop to your hands and knees. Crawl toward an exit.
Stay low, as smoke rises to ceiling level.
Hold your breath as much as possible.
Breathe shallowly through your nose and use a filter such as a shirt or a towel.

Using a fire extinguisher:

If you have been trained and it is safe to do so, you may fight small, contained fires with a fire extinguisher. Be sure you are using the proper extinguisher for the type of fire you are fighting. For large fires evacuate immediately. Do not try to extinguish a large fire with a fire extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher Instructions:

P – PULL safety pin from handle

A – AIM at the base of the fire.

S – SQUEEZE the trigger handle.

S – SWEEP from side to side at the base of the fire.

Precautions before a fire:

Know where the nearest fire escape is located.
Know the location of the nearest fire alarm.
Have an established meeting spot outside the buildings with others who share the building.
Know where a fire extinguisher is located and how to use it.
If you are disabled, discuss with those who share the building your needs for evacuating (unable to manage stairs, unable to hear a fire alarm, etc.).

Civil Disturbance

This includes riots, demonstrations, threatening individuals, mass celebrations or assemblies that become disruptive. Looting and fire setting are the most common disruptive activities.

Due to the potential size, emergency personnel can become overwhelmed leading to a slower response time and blocking transportation routes which prevents non-rioters from being able to leave the area.

In the event of civil disturbance, continue as much as possible with your normal routine. If the disturbance is outside, stay away from doors and windows. Do not interfere with persons creating the disturbance, or with law enforcement authorities on the scene.

Earthquake Information

A sudden vibration or trembling caused by the earth releasing energy can create serious destruction. Falling debris, trees, power lines, and buildings can cause death and serious injury. Recent geologic studies show that the Pacific Northwest has experienced very large earthquakes in the past. The data indicate that the Pacific Northwest could experience an earthquake of a Magnitude 8 or 9.

Recent geologic studies show that the Pacific Northwest has experienced very large earthquakes in the past. The data indicate that earthquakes of a Magnitude 8 or 9 have occurred every 300 to 350 years. The relatively small (M 6-7) earthquakes experienced during the last two decades near Salem and Klamath Falls are reminders that we need to be aware and prepared for earthquakes here in Oregon.

The most important item to remember in the event of an earthquake is the simple DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON http://www.shakeout.org/oregon/dropcoverholdon/

DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

Here are items to consider that one may face after an earthquake:

You and those around you may need to be entirely self sufficient for three days or more. You may have to find your own food, water, emergency supplies and possibly shelter.
Your family may not be together, and you will want to contact them, but the phone system may be so overloaded that even emergency calls cannot get through.
Police, fire and ambulance service may be disrupted due to damaged streets and bridges.
You may have to turn off a leaky gas line or other utility at home or work. Do you and others know where utility shut-offs are located, and how to turn them off? Do you need any special tools?
Do you have fire extinguishers, and do you know how to use them?

The following is a brief checklist of things to consider in preparing for a future earthquake or similar emergency.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

Check your work area for the best “duck and cover” location, such as a sturdy desk or table (avoid any area near potential dangers such as glass or tall heavy objects).
Prepare your home by placing heavy objects as low as possible on shelves, storing hazardous materials and any breakable items in cabinets with secure clasps, and by knowing where utility shut-offs are located and how to shut them off.
Know the best exit route(s) from your home and work.
Make sure everyone knows emergency phone numbers.
Have emergency supplies available (such as flashlights, fire extinguisher, first aid kits).
Discuss these issues and plans with family and co-workers.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

Duck and Cover! IMMEDIATELY, when you know it is an earthquake.
Hold on to your cover such as the table leg, so it does not slide away from you. Cover your head. Face away from windows and other hazards.
If you are INSIDE: DO NOT get under a door frame (this is NEW information from experts!)
DO NOT RUN OUTSIDE! (in fact, you may not be able to run at all!)
If you are in bed, just roll off onto the floor and remain next to the bed
If you are OUTSIDE: stay away from buildings, electrical wires, etc.

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

Check to see if you and those near you are alright.
Note condition of the building. Is there a gas or water leaks?
With those whom you are responsible, calmly exit the building (note: if injuries are serious, call 911).
Meet at an open area away from obvious hazards.
Be prepared for aftershocks.
If the earthquake was strong enough to cause building damage, do not re-enter the building until given permission by a qualified expert.
Be prepared to review post earthquake realities: lack of utilities and communication, how to connect with family, preserving food, water, etc.

For more information, contact the SOU Environmental Studies Department. (541)552-6496

Hazardous Gas Leaks or Material Spills

Only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to respond to hazardous materials incidents.

Chemicals are found everywhere. They purify drinking water, increase crop production, and simplify household chores. The same chemicals if used or leaked improperly, can be hazardous to humans or the environment.

Hazardous Gas Leaks

If a leak in a gas cylinder occurs the following steps should be taken:

Confine the fumes or fire by shutting the room door.
Sound the building fire alarm to begin evacuation.
Call 911 and provide information about the leak (location, name of gas leak, injuries).
Evacuate to safe area at least 300 feet away from the building.
Do not return to the building until instructed by authorities.

Suspected gas leaks or suspicious odors should also be reported to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (541-552-6881).

Hazardous Spills

Remove yourself from the area and keep others away.
Do not walk into or touch any of the spilled substance.
Avoid inhaling gases, fumes, and smoke. Cover your mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.
Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.
Try to stay uphill, upwind, and upstream of the accident.
Call 911 immediately; provide information about the spill (location, injuries, type of chemicals, and amount of spill).
Leave the immediate area, but remain nearby to direct emergency personnel to the contaminated area. Advise others to stay out of the immediate area. Assist with obtaining information about the material. Provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), constituents, common use, etc.

Hostage Situation

A hostage is a person that is held by a captor. In most situations the captor is holding a person or persons in exchange for passage or ransom. Hostages may be used as a bargaining toll by captors.

What to do if taken hostage

Be patient. Time is on your side. Avoid drastic action.
The first 45 minutes are the most dangerous. Be alert and follow instructions.
Don’t speak unless spoken to and then only when necessary.
Avoid arguments or appearing hostile. Treat the captor with respect. If you can, establish rapport with the captor. It is probable that the captor(s) do not want to hurt anyone. If medications, first aid, or restroom privileges are needed by anyone, say so.
Try to rest. Avoid speculating. Expect the unexpected.
Be observant, you may be released or escape. You can help others with your observations.
Be prepared to speak with law enforcement personnel on the phone.

Severe Weather

This can have a serious impact on our community. Examples may include thunderstorms, hail, ice storms, blizzards, flooding, and high winds.

Severe weather conditions can occur suddenly. Severe weather in this area may be an accumulations of snow and ice, heavy rains, and/or high winds.

Personal Safety

Snow and Ice
If possible, walk only on paths that have been cleared or sanded. Wear appropriate footwear that provides traction when walking. Stay clear of sagging or downed power lines. Heavy snow and ice may cause tree limbs to fall, therefore avoid areas with heavy concentrations of trees. Use extreme caution when driving.

Heavy rains and flooding
In the case of extensive roof or window leaks or imminent flooding of ground areas, unplug electrical devices and secure all equipment by moving or covering it. Take appropriate actions to secure vital records and chemicals.

High Winds
If possible, remain inside the building away from windows. When outside, avoid areas with heavy concentration of trees. Stay clear of sagging or downed power lines.

Wildfires
Quickly spreading grass and wild land fires are a serious threat to the campus. If a warning is sent to evacuate due to a nearing fire, leave immediately.

Campus Public Safety
382 Wightman St.
Ashland, OR 97520
Emergency: Dial 9-1-1
Officer Assistance: (541) 552-6911
Campus Public Safety Office: (541) 552-6258