Emergency Procedures

Overview

Emergencies may be weather related such as a severe snow or rain storm, tornado, hurricane or flood. It may be non-weather related such as assaults including hostage-taking or barricade, a violent or peaceful civil disturbance including a demonstration against a visiting dignitary, chemical or biological attacks, bomb threat or other homeland security threat. These incidents may be either on or near the campus.

The president has appointed the vice president of administration and finance as the executive staff member who is responsible for implementing the emergency operations plan. This individual shall coordinate University and community resources to save lives, protect property and provide for the continuity of University operations.

The line of succession for emergency operations shall be established by the president and may vary dependent upon the type of emergency and the availability of executive staff members.

Communications

Salisbury University’s Public Relations Office will serve as the conduit for information on and off campus during a designated campus emergency. In the event of an emergency situation, the campus will be notified by using the following:

First Alert Wave using pre-recorded messages

Siren alert with voice capability to facilitate outdoor communication across the campus. Click the play button or download the .mp3 file to listen:

Transcript: High low tone. (Continuous tone that alternates between two high and low frequency tones for 22 seconds.)
Emergency SMS/Text Message Alerts
E-mail
Campus cable television emergency alert system
Campus desktop computer emergency alert system

The second wave of information will be used to provide additional sources and/or updated information.

Second Alert Wave (could include some or all of the following methods)

SU home page
Emergency Preparedness web page
Emergency SMS/Text Message Alerts
E-mail
SU Facebook page
Twitter page
Signs posted at building entrances

The pre-recorded messages of the First Alert Wave have been developed to address a variety of emergency conditions. It is important that individuals understand the nature of the warnings for the alert system and what to do if a pre-recorded alert is sounded.

Tornado warning

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar in the area of the campus. Individuals in a building should stay inside and shelter in-place in an interior hallway or room that is away from glass doors or windows at the lowest possible level. Visit www.salisbury.edu/healthsafety/buildings for shelter in-place detail by building. Individuals outdoors should immediately seek shelter indoors. If outdoors when a tornado approaches and a building is not accessible, lie down in a low area (ditch, etc.) and cover your head/face. The tornado warning will remain in effect until an all clear notification has been given.
Armed intruder warning

An armed intruder warning means that one or more persons are armed with weapons on or in the immediate area of the campus. If you are indoors you should secure your office/room doors, and stay quiet. Notify University Police if you know the location of the intruder(s). If possible, monitor the second alert wave resources for updates. If you are outdoors, be alert to your surroundings and seek shelter. The armed intruder warning will remain in effect until an all clear notification has been given.
Campus Evacuation

If there is an event that requires the immediate evacuation of the entire campus, everyone is expected to stop what they are doing and leave the campus in an orderly manner. Vehicle traffic will be managed by University Police with possible assistance by county and city agencies, as available. Evacuation will remain in effect until an all clear notification has been given.
Seek Shelter
Get Information

If an emerging situation occurs that is not described by the other messages, this message is intended to direct individuals to seek the second wave information sources for updates on the nature of the emergency situation. If available, e-mail will be the most likely source of update information.

Emergency Levels

Level 1 - Critical Incident (Minor Emergency)

A critical incident or minor emergency is any event whose initial impact is limited to a specific segment or subgroup of the University. These incidents cause significant disruption to the subgroups which they affect, but do not disrupt overall institutional operations. During a critical incident an Incident Command Post (ICP) may be established as deemed necessary by the vice president of administration and finance or other designee.
Level 2 - Crisis (Major Emergency)

A crisis or major emergency is any event that disrupts the orderly operations of the University or its institutional missions. Such an event affects all facets of the institution and often raises a question or concern of closing or shutting down the institution for a period of time. Outside emergency resources will probably be required, as well as a major effort from all available campus resources. A crisis on campus will require the establishment of an ICP and may require an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Major policy considerations and decisions will usually be considered by the administration during this type of event.
Level 3 - Disaster (Severe Emergency)

A disaster or severe emergency is an event whose nature and impact extends beyond the University and disrupts not only operations and functions of the institution, but also those of the surrounding community. During such events, resources that the University might typically rely on may be delayed or unavailable because they are being employed within the broader community. In some instances, mass casualties or severe property damage may have been sustained. A coordinated effort of all campus-wide resources is required to effectively control the situation and outside emergency services and resources will be essential. In all cases of a disaster, an ICP and an EOC will be activated, and appropriate support and operational plans will be executed.

These emergency levels are guidelines only and are intended to assist in classifying the situation and providing for an appropriate administrative response. The designated level may change as emergency conditions intensify or ease.