Safety and Loss Control Manual

Emergency Preparedness

Biohazardous Materials

The Safety and Environmetal Health Office will maintain a list of all sites on the campus of the University of North Dakota, which contain potential biohazardous materials including recombinant DNA, Class II or higher infectious agents, human tissues or body fluids, and known human carcinogens. The Safety and Environmetal Health Office will use Federal guidelines in determining which potential biohazardous materials will be included in this list. The Safety and Environmental Health Office will also maintain a list of biohazardous materials and a primary and secondary contact person who is responsible for the safe use of the materials. In general, the primary contact person will be the person using the potential biohazard and the secondary contact person will be either his/her designee or the Chair of the Department in which the site is located.

In the event of an emergency situation involving a site in which potential biohazards are used, contact the Safety and Environmetal Health Office, in consultation with the primary and secondary contact person will be responsible for responding to the emergency. If neither the primary nor the secondary contact is available, the Safety and Environmental Health Office will contact the Chair of the Institutional Biosafety Committee for consultations. In order to maintain the ability to communicate between contact persons and the Safety and Environmetal Health Office, it is the responsibility of the contact person to ensure that the Safety and Environmetal Health Office has a current telephone number on record and that the contact person also has the telephone number of the Safety and Environmetal Health Office, 777-3341.

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Bomb Threat

Receipt of Call: Who ever receives a call should try to keep the person(s) on the line and get as much information out of them as possible. Remember, the caller's intention is to bring fear and confusion, try to sound calm and get as much of the following information as possible.

1. When is bomb going to explode?
   
2. Where is it right now?
   
3. What does it look like?
   
4. What kind of bomb is it?
   
5. What will cause it to explode?
   
6. Did you place the bomb?
   
7. Why?
   
8. What is your address?
   
9. What is your name?

Also, be alert to the following:

1. Note the time of the call.
   
2. Be alert for distinguishing background noises, such as music, voices, aircraft, vehicles, church bells, etc.
   
3. Note distinguishing voice characteristics, such as deep, high pitch, accent, male or female, slurred, etc.
   
4. Note if the caller indicates knowledge of the premises by his description of location.

Use of the University of North Dakota Police Department bomb threat questionnaire is recommended. Questionnaires are available from the University Police Department and may be obtained from the department at any time. The questionnaires will also be distributed during the annual bomb threat training sessions conducted by the department.

Who to notify: Notify your department heads and then notify the University Police Department at 777-3491, relaying all the information you were able to obtain.

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Community Emergency Alert

The community of Grand Forks has an Emergency Alert System that all persons need to understand in order to know what to do in the event of emergency. There are many different reasons that this alert system may be activated. Some examples include: Tornados, floods, wind storms, terrorist/war threat, or chemical spill. These emergencies often come with little or no warning.

Typically, notification of emergencies having an immediate potential for injury or death will be initiated by the sounding of the civil defense sirens. Whenever you hear these sirens, immediately turn on either a radio or television. Do not contact 911 or you local emergency provider for information. Local television and radio stations will provide the appropriate instructions relative to the emergency. These instructions may be to evacuate the area/neighborhood or seek shelter indoors. For specific hazards, special instructions will also be provided (wet towels under doors, turn off furnace, etc.)

For more information on emergency preparedness at UND, please reference the Emergency Preparedness section of the University of North Dakota's Safety and Loss Control Manual.

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Emergency Eyewash, Shower and Drenching Equipment

Emergency drenching/flushing equipment must be available when reasonable potential for exposure to injurious corrosive materials exists.

• People must be able to reach this equipment within 10 seconds so that injury might be minimized.
• Always flush the eyes and/or skin continuously for at least 15 minutes. Never use home-made neutralizing solutions.
• Immediately remove contaminated clothing. Do this while under the shower when gross contamination has occurred.
• Hold eyelids open with fingers so flushing fluid can fully irrigate the eyes.

Note: People may not always be able to flush their eyes on their own because of intense pain. Persons nearby should be prepared to assist.

Seek medical attention after flushing and notify supervisory personnel.

Personal eyewash equipment, such as bottles and small portable units, supports plumbed and self-contained units but it does not provide adequate replacement. Operator instructions must be maintained on personal eyewash equipment.

Periodic audits of the various emergency drenching and flushing equipment are performed to ensure proper placement, accessibility and operation.

Additional information and specific requirements can be found in UND Standard Practice 200, Emergency Eyewash, Shower and Drenching Equipment.

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Purpose:
This plan provides guidance for proper actions required by any severe weather endangering life and property at the University of North Dakota. It will be assumed that an emergency situation, arising from blizzards, tornadoes, high winds, etc., may threaten or cause partial destruction of UND and create the necessity for personnel evacuation or other measures to prevent or minimize injury, loss of life, and damage to public property. Since unexpected major disasters in areas of concentrated population often result in a high degree of concern, the importance of pre-planned action to lessen the dangers arising from this concern must be stressed. The nature of an emergency precludes prior determination of its scope, duration, and type. Therefore, except for some specific cases, only general courses of action can be pre-planned. It is essential that all employees be aware of these prescribed courses of action.

Responsibilities:
The Vice President for Finance and Operations will be responsible for overall emergency operations under the guidance of the President. The highest-ranking person within each department/division will assume responsibility for emergency operations within their respective areas and is responsible for carrying out the assigned duties. Staff and other full-time employees are responsible to their respective directors for assisting in the implementation of emergency plans outline here.
All essential personnel: Those so designated by each department head must log in and out at the Communications Center in person or by telephone when on duty. A duty roster will be set up at the Communications Center to account for all personnel on duty during a severe weather emergency. No one will be relieved from duty until the Communications Center is notified. They must have immediate information as to the whereabouts or locations of all employees involved in the operation of a given emergency situation.

Liaison with and Use of Outside Agencies:
Outside assistance will be called only at the discretion of the Vice President for Finance and Operations, or his/her alternate, on the basis of consultation with members of his/her staff and other University officials. The decision as to whether an emergency is of sufficient magnitude to request special outside assistance rests with the Vice President.

Organization:
The University Severe Weather Plan is directed by the Vice President for Finance and Operations and coordinated by the Emergency Management Office (EMO). When severe weather is imminent, the Communications Center clerk at Facilities must alert the EMO, the Vice President or his/her alternate, and all other Directors of the Operations Division, of the conditions.

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The following sequence provides a brief overview of proper hazardous material response procedures:

1. Call 911 when the situation poses immediate danger to people, property, or process.
   
2. Notify others in the area that a hazardous material release has occurred.
   
3. Evacuate the area if necessary.
   
4. Attend to injured and exposed people.
   
5. Identify the hazardous material(s).
   
6. Contact the Safety and Environmental Health Office at 777-3341 to determine if you can safely clean and decontaminate the area, or if assistance is necessary. This decision will be made based on the hazards and the personal protective equipment required (e.g., respiratory protection).

First Aid Kits

First aid stations are required when there is a reasonable probability of injury that may demand the immediate attention of a first aid station. First aid stations are not meant to replace professional treatment from the University's Designated Medical Provider. They are to be utilized only for immediate treatment or when professional medical treatment will not be necessary for the injury. Administrative and engineering controls, safe work practices, and the use of personal protective equipment remain the primary means of controlling work related injuries.

Responsibilities:

Safety and Environmental Health Office is responsible for:

• Monitoring the proper purchase, installation, training (where required), and inspection of all first aid stations;
• Maintaining records concerning the type and location of all first aid stations;
• Providing inspection checklists for designated department employees charged with the first aid station up-keep.

Department Chair/Director or designee is responsible for:

• Implementing the First Aid Kits Policy when applicable to their department;
• Coordinating the purchase and installation of department first aid stations;
• Reporting all injuries to the Safety and Environmental Health Office within 24 hours;
• Coordinating at least quarterly inspections of departmental first aid stations;
• Maintaining inspection checklists.

Each affected employee is responsible for:

• Following the requirements of the First Aid Kits Policy;
• Familiarizing themselves with the location and operation of the nearest first aid station;
• Reporting to their supervisor any incident that required the use of a first aid station.

First aid kit contents should be selected based on the workplace in which they will be used. The Safety and Environmental Health Office can assist departments in the selection of a sufficient first aid kit. First aid kits must not contain oral, inhalant, or topical medications.
Exceptions:

• Individually wrapped antiseptic wipes are acceptable;
• Additional first aid supplies may be required at remote sites, or when first aid kits are for use by trained personnel only. Contact the Safety and Environmental Health Office for pre-approval of any additional first aid supplies.

Maintenance/Inspection:

Each first aid station must be inspected at least once per quarter to insure that:

• The kit is at its designated location and is readily accessible;
• Expended items are replaced;
• Supplies past their expiration date are discarded and replaced;
• Sterile items remain within their sealed packaging; and
• Any items, such as tweezers and scissors, that may have been contaminated with body fluids are sterilized or disinfected according to the appropriate guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control or that these contaminated items are replaced.

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Medical and First Aid

Unless providing first aid is within a person's job description, anyone performing first aid will typically be acting outside of the scope of their employment. North Dakota law does provide protection to individuals who render aid or assistance to persons who have been injured or are ill (chapter 32-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code which is commonly referred to as the "Good Samaritan Act"). Much of the material included in these guidelines is aimed at persons who have been trained in providing first aid services, particularly in the area of CPR. If you have not had training in these areas, you should not attempt to perform these maneuvers unless absolutely necessary (i.e., there is nobody else available to provide these services and no way of contacting help). The American Red Cross and American Heart Association are two local organizations that offer CPR/first aid training.

First aid training is necessary to prevent and treat sudden illness or accidental injury. The primary objective of first aid is to save lives. This objective is achieved with the following:

· Preventing heavy blood loss;
· Maintaining breathing;
· Preventing further injury;
· Preventing shock;
· Getting the victim to a physician or Emergency Medical Service (EMS).

People who provide first aid must remember the following:

· Avoid panic;
· Inspire confidence;
· Do only what is necessary until professional help is obtained.

If you are the first one on the scene of a medical emergency, your first priority is to remain calm. Your action will vary depending upon the nature of the situation, but the following four rules apply to any medical emergency:

1. Assess the Situation:

   Can you safely approach the victim? If not, what can you do to help without threatening your own safety? Determine what is wrong with the victim.
   

2. Set Priorities:

   Is the victim conscious?
   How serious is the emergency?
   Can someone else call 911/EMS, if necessary? If no one else is available, decide if it is more important to administer first aid immediately or to call 911/EMS and leave the victim unattended. If the victim is in a life-threatening situation, never leave them without first trying to remove them from immediate danger.
   

3. Check the ABCs (unconscious victims only)

   A. Airway
   Place the victim on their back. Place one hand on the forehead and one hand under the chin and tilt the head back.

   NOTE:
   Never move a victim if you suspect back or neck injury.

   Open the victim's mouth and check for obstructions. If the victim is unconscious and an obstruction is visible, remove it with your fingers.

   B. Breathing
   Place your ear above the victim's mouth and look at the chest. Listen for
   breathing and look for the rise and fall of the chest. If the victim is not breathing, someone formally trained in mouth-to-mouth breathing should begin resuscitation.

   C. Circulation
   Using two fingers, gently feel for the carotid artery in the neck and check the
   pulse. To find the artery, place your fingers on the victim's Adam's apple and then slide them down the side of the neck until you feel the groove between the windpipe and neck muscles. If there is no pulse, someone formally trained in CPR should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
   

4. Administer first aid and/or call 911/EMS, as appropriate.

Bleeding (External)

Most bleeding injuries are minor; however, heavy external bleeding can cause death in
three to five minutes.

In addition to the procedures for initial first aid, follow these steps for external bleeding:

1. Using a sterile dressing, clean cloth, or other material, apply pressure directly over the wound.

   IMPORTANT:
   Direct contact with a victim's blood may expose you to various communicable diseases. Always wear plastic gloves when assisting a bleeding victim.

2. If possible, elevate the bleeding area. Otherwise, lay the victim flat, and elevate the legs.
3. Keep the victim lying down.
4. Treat the victim for shock, if necessary.
5. Do not release pressure or lift the bandage until you are sure the bleeding has stopped. For severe bleeding, initial bandages should not be removed unless done by EMS or medical personnel.
6. Have someone call 911/EMS, if necessary.

   IMPORTANT:
   Do not use a tourniquet unless an arm or leg has been amputated. Tourniquets present unique hazards and should only be used by trained personnel.

   NOTE:
   For deep chest wounds, use a heavy dressing to keep air from passing through the wound. For gaping stomach wounds, use a damp dressing; do not move or try to replace protruding organs.

Burns

Thermal and chemical burns require immediate attention. In addition to the procedures for initial first aid, follow these steps for thermal burns:

For first and second degree burns:

1. Immerse the burned area in cold water or apply ice packs to the affected area.
2. Cover the burned area with a clean cloth.
3. Treat the victim for shock, if necessary.
4. Do not apply butter, oil, or cream to a burn.

For serious burns (e.g., large area burns and charred skin):

1. Remove clothing from the injured area. Cut around clothing that adheres to the skin.
2. Place an approved burn blanket or the cleanest available cloth over the entire burn area.
3. Treat the victim for shock, if necessary.
4. If the victim is conscious, provide nonalcoholic fluids.
5. Call 911/EMS as soon as possible.

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

When a person stops breathing, immediate assistance is necessary. If the person stops breathing due to choking, follow the first aid instructions for choking victims. If the person stops breathing due to a hazardous atmosphere, move the victim to fresh air immediately.

IMPORTANT:
Always wear personal protective equipment when entering hazardous atmospheres. Do not attempt a rescue without adequate protection or proper training.

NOTE:
Someone formally trained in CPR should provide assistance to victims who are not breathing and victims who do not have a pulse.

1. Try to arouse the victim.
2. Place the victim on his back. Open the victim's airway by placing one hand on the forehead and one hand under the chin and tilting the head back. Check for any obstructions in the mouth or throat.
3. Look, listen, and feel for breathing.
4. If the victim is not breathing, pinch the victim's nose closed and use a mouth-to-mouth breathing tube to give two slow, deep breaths.
5. Check the carotid pulse and look, listen, and feel for breathing. If a pulse is present but the victim does not start breathing continue rescue breathing as follows:

   Adult: one breath every five seconds
   Child: one breath every three seconds
   Infant: one gentle breath (puff) every three seconds

   If a pulse is not present, have someone formally trained in CPR begin mouth-to mouth breathing and chest compressions. The breathing/chest compression rates for one person CPR are:

   Adult: 15 compressions using heel of hand / two breaths
   Child: Five compressions using heel of hand / one breath
   Infant: Five compressions using two fingers / one breath
   
   Continue this procedure until the victim starts breathing or EMS arrives.

Chemical Splashes

Chemical splashes on the skin require immediate attention. Follow these steps:

1. Go to emergency shower or sink.
2. Remove contaminated clothing.
3. Wash area with water thoroughly for 15 minutes.
4. Seek medical attention.

Choking

Choking victims cannot speak, breathe, or cough forcefully. Follow these steps for conscious choking victims:

1. Ask the victim if they are choking. If the victim indicates yes, begin the Heimlich Maneuver, as outlined below.
2. Get behind the victim and make a fist with one hand. Grasp your fist with the other hand and place your hands slightly above the victim's navel.
3. Give quick, upward thrusts backwards until the object is expelled or the victim
   loses consciousness.

   IMPORTANT:
   For pregnant or obese victims, use a chest thrust. Place your fist on the sternum, and thrust backwards repeatedly.

Follow these steps for unconscious choking victims:

1. Call 911/EMS.
2. Place the victim on their back. Open the victim's airway by placing one hand on the forehead and one hand under the chin and tilting the head back. Check for any obstructions in the mouth or throat.
3. Attempt mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing.
4. If the airway remains blocked, place the heel of your hand slightly below the victim's ribs. Give six to ten abdominal thrusts.
   IMPORTANT:
   For pregnant or obese victims, use a chest thrust. Place your fist on the sternum, and thrust backwards repeatedly.
5. Sweep the mouth to remove any dislodged objects and attempt mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing again.

   Continue this procedure until the object is dislodged or the victim starts breathing.

Eye Injury

If hazardous liquid, particles, or gas irritate a person's eye, have the victim flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Use an eye wash station, sink, or water fountain. Seek assistance from a physician, as necessary.

If a foreign object (e.g., glass, pencil lead, etc.) is embedded in the eye, place a plastic cup or gauze over the affected eye. This will keep the eye from moving and inflicting further damage. Seek assistance from a physician immediately.

Insect Bites

Call 911/EMS or a physician whenever someone suffers multiple stings (or suffers adverse effects from a single sting) from wasps, bees, fire ants, or other stinging insects.

For a single insect sting, remove the stinger by scraping the skin. Do not use tweezers or your fingers to remove a stinger. Removing a stinger in this manner may release more venom.

People who are extremely allergic to certain insect bites should carry appropriate medication and inform others of their allergy.

Poisoning

Since there are many poisons that react differently to various treatments, this section only covers the most basic first aid. If you suspect a victim has been poisoned through ingestion, inhalation, or skin exposure, try to determine what the poisoning agent is. Contact 911/EMS or the Poison Control Center for specific first aid instructions.

Seizures

Do not try to restrain seizure victims. Remove any objects that could harm the victim, and wait for the seizure to end. Contact 911/EMS if this is the victim's first seizure, the seizure is exceedingly violent, or lasts for a long time.

NOTE:
Do not place anything in a seizure victim's mouth.

Shock

Shock commonly accompanies severe injury or emotional upset. Symptoms of shock include the following:

· Cold, clammy skin
· Pale skin tone
· Shallow breathing
· Chills

Follow these steps to assist shock victims:

1. Call 911/EMS.
2. Keep the victim lying down.
3. Maintain an open airway. If the victim vomits, turn the head sideways and the chin downward.
4. Elevate the victim's legs.
5. Keep the victim warm.
6. Reassure the victim.

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Radioactive Materials

Emergency response procedures are published in the university's Radiation Safety Handbook.

Incidents may consist of spills, fires involving radioactive material, flooding of storage areas, and many other situations that could affect nearby radioactive materials. Notify the Radiation Safety and Environmental Health Officer, 777-3341, or alternate of all incidents involving radioactive materials. The Radiation Safety and Environmental Health Officer can give assistance or advice about these incidents. While laboratory personnel should be trained and equipped to handle most of the minor splashes/spills in their work area, the Radiation Safety and Environmental Health Office has trained personnel equipped to handle many larger incidents. For emergency situations the Hazardous Materials Team of the Grand Forks Fire Department should be dispatched. Call 911 and/or pull the fire alarm whenever a situation poses immediate danger to people, property, or process.

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Severe Weather

For Up-To-The Minute Information About University Closure:

1) Tune to Local Radio or Television
2) Consult Cable Channel 3
3) Call 777-6700

Although such occurrences are rare, severe weather conditions sometimes require the University of North Dakota (UND) to suspend services in order to protect public health and secure the campus. In the event the University must close, the public and campus community will be notified through the local media and by the deans, department chairs and other unit heads.

The concentration of a large number of people within a relatively small area means that emergency conditions at the University can have an unusually large impact. Because of this and the high level of public concern, it is important to have plans of action drawn up in advance. Each emergency, however, is unique; thus these plans must be general in nature and must be adapted as the specific situation requires.

UND's Severe Weather Policy considers the situation of the campus as a whole. The University will suspend services only under extreme circumstances so that the minimum number of students will lose educational time or opportunity. INFORMATION REGARDING THE SUSPENSION OF CLASSES, ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS, SPECIAL EVENTS, OR SPECIFIC BUILDING CLOSURES OR OPENINGS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE LOCAL MEDIA.

Each individual has the ultimate responsibility of deciding for himself or herself whether conditions are safe for travel. The exercise of common sense is urged.

Deans, department heads and directors are encouraged to use good judgment in accommodating individual employee circumstances, such as distance to travel from home or child care obligations resulting from public school closures during weather situations that do not warrant suspension of University services. Such accommodations could include late reporting, early release time, or leave time as defined in the NDUS Human Resource Policy Manual.

Deans, department heads and directors must identify those University facilities that are essential for public health and safety and which must remain operational even under severe weather or emergency conditions. They are responsible for notifying affected employees of their responsibilities. Special transportation arrangements may have to be considered for employees in those areas.

When the decision is made to suspend all or part of campus services because of severe weather or other emergency conditions, information will be given to media and also will be available by calling 777-6700. PLEASE DO NOT CALL FACILITIES OR CAMPUS POLICE TO VERIFY THAT THE UNIVERSITY IS CLOSED. These phone lines must remain open for emergency communications.

Listeners should consider the information on radio and television to be accurate. The operational status of the University will be reviewed regularly, and announcements will be made as to when the campus will reopen.

If the decision to suspend campus operations is made during a workday, deans, directors and department heads will be notified and asked to pass along the information to their employees.

If weather conditions deteriorate during the course of an athletic, theater or other University function, spectators/participants will be advised through the public address system. Announcements will include travel advisories. If no travel is advised, spectators/participants will be urged to remain at the facility until conditions improve.

In no case will an event be canceled unless the Director of the facility, in consultation with the UND Vice President for Finance and Operations, makes such a decision. When a cancellation/release decision is made, the information will be given to local media.

The UND Vice President for Finance and Operations is responsible for overall emergency operations. The highest-ranking person within each division/department assumes responsibility for assigned emergency duties in that unit. Staff and other full-time employees are responsible to their respective supervisors/heads for assisting in the execution of emergency plans.

The University of North Dakota will consult with the city of Grand Forks, the Grand Forks Public School District, Meridian Environmental Technology, and the North Dakota Highway Patrol in making operational decisions concerning storm situations.

Students/Instructors: Even when the University is open and classes have not been cancelled, individual instructors, who live at some distance from campus may not have been able to reach the campus. Students may be well-advised to call the department or the instructor for information about particular classes/instructors.

Tornado

Definitions:
Weather Watch-Conditions are ripe for tornado development or severe thunderstorms in a given zone, usually 140 miles wide to 200 miles long.
Weather Warnings-A tornado or severe thunderstorm has been sighted, or indicated by radar, moving toward a specified area.

Before a Tornado:

• Select a shelter. A basement affords the best protection. An alternate would be an interior room without windows, such as a restroom.
  
• Under no circumstances should people stay in an exterior room that has windows.

Be familiar with the weather service alert and siren system. There is a test of the system the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 PM.

During a Tornado:

• Seek safety in a pre-selected area, like the basement or an interior room.
  
• Stay away from exterior walls. Assume a crouched position with arms over your head.

After the Tornado:

• Watch for broken glass!
  
• Check for injuries.
  
• Apply First Aid, if needed. Do not attempt to move anyone seriously injured.
  
• Check for fire.
  
• Only call the Police or Fire Department in emergency situations. They will already be aware of the tornado, and must respond to the most immediate emergencies first.
  
• Check radio and phones; and, monitor official broadcasts.
  
• Do not use the phone except for emergencies.

Tornado Rules for Public at UND Athletic Events

The National Weather Service has recommended the following course of action:

When a weather warning for a tornado or severe thunderstorm with high winds, damaging hail, and heavy rains (winds above 55 mph) is given, spectators should be notified and at their option may evacuate to buildings and areas that will provide below ground shelter such as: lower level concourse of Engelstad Arena, Memorial Union Basement. Other University buildings to seek shelter in are interior hallways, any below ground room or passageway, and underneath reinforced structures. Keep out of and away from free-span roof areas in the Hyslop Sports Center and the Englestad Arena, glass windows and doors. Do not seek shelter in cars, mobile homes, and other such structures. As a last resort, lie down in the open in a ravine to keep away from flying debris.

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Suspicious Packages

The University of North Dakota is issuing the following guidelines regarding suspicious mail.

If you received a suspicious letter or package :

• Handle any suspicious package with care.
• DO NOT open, smell, or taste the letter/package.
• Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.
• Contact the University Police Department at: 777-3491

If the parcel is open and/or a threat is identified:

DO NOT handle the letter/package, leave it.

• Evacuate the immediate area and close the door.
• Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.
• Contact the University Police Department at: 777-3491 or dial 911.

What constitutes a "suspicious package or letter"?

Be unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.

• Be addressed to someone no longer with your organization or outdated title(s).
• Bear no return address, or one that cannot be verified as legitimate.
• Be of unusual weight, given its size, or lopsided.
• Be marked with restrictive endorsements such as Personal or Confidential.
• Exhibit protruding wire, strange odors, or stains.
• Exhibit a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.
• Has excessive postage.
• Possibly mailed from a foreign country.

or further information, please contact the University Police Department at 777-3491 or the University Safety and Environmental Health Office at 777-3341. For website information:

http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel01/mail3.pdf

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Flood

With all of the technology available today, weather is still very difficult to predict. Flooding is no exception. With the University of North Dakota located in the Red River Valley, flooding is a serious concern. Staying prepared is the best way to protect against this natural disaster. This flood preparation plan covers what should be done before, during, and after in the event of a flood on campus.

Flood Preparation Guidelines

·Know which areas of your facilities are at greatest risk for flooding. Consider this flood risk when evaluating the use of space.
·Plan and practice an emergency evacuation in case of a flood. Know where to go for higher ground.
·Learn what steps, if any, need to be taken in the event that gas, electric, and/or water main lines are shut off.
·Frequently back-up all computer information. Keep back-ups in a flood-safe location.
·Keep important documents in a safe place that is easily transportable.
·Know the location of emergency equipment, such as the fire extinguisher and first-aid kit.
·Understand the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. When there is a flood watch issued over emergency broadcast stations, flooding is possible. When a flood warning is issued, flooding is occurring or will soon.

Flood Watch Guidelines

·Stay tuned to local radio and/or television channels for information updates.
·Fill clean containers with safe drinking water.
·Be prepared with enough emergency supplies (battery operated radio, water, food, can opener, flashlight, etc.) to survive for at least three days. Remember: one gallon of water per day is needed per adult.

Flood Warning Guidelines

·Be prepared to evacuate to higher ground should an evacuation order be issued. Use the evacuation plan already practiced to help remain calm. Take only important essentials and documents in a backpack. Do not leave anyone behind. If co-workers or family members are separated, proceed to reunite at pre-determined location, to ensure everyone is accounted for.
·Be ready to evacuate in the event of a fire.
·Do not attempt to walk or drive through water of unknown depth.
·Abandon any stalled vehicle.
·Consider the following only if immediate evacuation is not ordered and time permits:

1. Move important belongings from ground level to a higher floor.
2. Respond appropriately if gas, electric, and/or water main lines are shut off.
3. Empty food items that could spoil out of freezer and refrigerator if evacuation is evident. Place them into a sealed trash bag.

Flood Recovery

· If evacuated, return to home or work only after local authorities have specified it is safe to do so.
· Be prepared for when gas, electric, and/or water lines get turned back on.
· Do not eat or drink any product that came into contact with floodwater. Wear protective boots and gloves to avoid contact with floodwater. Floodwater may contain oils, chemicals, raw sewage, dead organisms, or electrical charges due to underground electrical lines or downed power lines.
· Listen to local news broadcasts to insure tap water is safe to drink.
· Document the damage by photos and written descriptions. Keep detailed records of cleanup costs. Report all losses to the Safety and Environmental Health Office for insurance purposes.
· To prevent a potential mold contamination problem, thoroughly dry, clean, or discard all items that have come into contact with floodwaters.

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