EMERGENCIES
In the event of an emergency on campus, such as an earthquake, fire, or other
disturbance, here are some basic procedures to follow. You can also access your
campus Department of Safety and Security website by clicking on the campus links
at the right.
INTRODUCTION
This information is being disseminated to assist all employees in responding to
different emergencies that may confront them in the course of their duties at
SCCD. This information should be posted in your office or at your desk area
where it will be immediately available should an emergency occur.
While we all hope that such occurrences never happen, it has been shown time
and time again that being prepared for emergencies is prudent. Please familiarize
yourself with the contents of this document. In an emergency situation, it will
serve as quick reference for effective action.
To respond to any emergency which may develop, the Department of Safety and
Security has staff available whenever the building is open.
If you have any questions, comments or require assistance, contact your campus
Department of Safety and Security.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Please fill out this Emergency Contact Information form and make copies. One
for your supervisor and as many as you might need for personal use at home.
Make relevent information available to child care providers, family members, out
of state contacts and others as you see fit. Emergency Contact Information
Form
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
1. For minor injuries or illness, report to your campus Safety and Security
Office - See phone number listed at upper right.
2. If the person is seriously injured, do not move them unless there is a lifethreatening danger
(e.g., falling debris, fire, explosion)
3. In a life-threatening emergency, immediately dial 911, and request
medical aid.
 State the nature of the problem
 Give your address and location in the building
 Calmly and carefully provide the information requested by the 911
operator.
 Do not hang up until told to do so.
4. When you complete the 911 call, immediately notify the campus
Department of Safety and Security, see phone number listed at upper right,
as they will need to meet the medical unit and guide them to the scene.
 State the nature of the problem, the location and that you have
already notified 911.
 Provide as much information as possible about the illness or injury.
5. Let the victim know help is on the way and keep them as calm and
comfortable as possible. If you are first aid trained and feel it is needed,
administer first aid. Keep a list of your first aid and CPR certified staff and
location of your first aid kit.
6. Remain with the victim until Safety/Security or emergency crews arrive.
7. Victim should be asked to complete and submit an accident report with the
Department of Safety and Security. See ACCIDENT
REPORTS/PREVENTION PLANS
ACCIDENT REPORTS/PREVENTION PLANS
Reports:
Any student, staff or visitor injured on campus must submit an accident report as
soon as possible, regardless of the severity of the injury. This may be done at the
campus Department of Safety and Security - See phone number listed at upper
right.
Accident: Applies to any personal injury. Accident reports are not required for
illness on campus unless injuries result (e.g., a seizure causes the person to fall
and strike an object).
Student/visitors:
If the injury occurs to a student or visitor to the campus, an accident report should
be submitted, but any medical expenses incurred must be paid for by the
individual or their personal health insurance.
Employee:
An accident occurring to an employee or a work study student during their
working hours is covered by Washington State Industrial Insurance. An injured
employee who requires medical attention must advise the physician or hospital of
this coverage immediately so they may initiate an industrial insurance form. The
health care provider will then forward this form to the employer. The campus
Department of Safety and Security receives and completes these reports on behalf
of the college and forwards the finalized copies to the Department of Labor and
Industries in Olympia. Any verbal or written communications received by a
divisional office with regards to an injured employee(s) should be immediately
submitted to the Department of Safety and Security.
Accident Prevention Policy:
SCCD believes in the dignity and importance of the individual employee and his
or her right to derive personal satisfaction from their job. The prevention of
occupational injuries and illnesses is given top priority at all times.
As per WAC 296-24-040, a college accident prevention program has been
developed that emphasizes the integration of safety and health measures into each
job task so that safety/health and job performance become inseparable. This will
be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of managers, supervisors, and
employees.
By accepting mutual responsibility to operate safely, we will contribute to the
well being of all personnel.
FIRE
1. If it is possible, attempt to extinguish the fire (i.e., a small, trash can fire).
Be sure to utilize the correct type of extinguisher for the type of fire.
 Common fires
 Flammable liquids and gases
 Energized electrical
2. Notify the campus Department of Safety and Security immediately - See
phone number listed at upper right.
3. If it is not possible to extinguish the fire, immediately proceed to the
nearest Fire Pull Station and activate it. Please check with your campus
Security Office for the location of Fire Pull Stations.
4. Call 911.
 State the nature of the call and that you have activated the building
fire alarm.
 Advise the dispatcher of the location of the fire and any other
information requested.
 Do not hang up until told to do so by the dispatcher.
5. Immediately notify your campus Department of Safety and Security - See
phone number listed at upper right.
 State the nature of the call and that you have activated the building
fire alarm
 Also state that you have called 911
 Give the location of the fire and any other information requested.
 Again, do not hang up until told to do so by the dispatcher.
6. If the fire is large, smoky or rapid spreading, you may be directed to
evacuate the building.
 Inform others who may not have heard the notification and proceed
calmly to the nearest exit.
See BUILDING EVACUATION
 When alarm sounds: BEGIN EVACUATION – Calmly proceed to
the nearest exit
7. When fire alarms sound or in the event of a fire, do not use elevators.
They may shut down or become inoperative. Give assistance in using the
stairs to all disabled persons. See EVACUATION OF MOBILITY
IMPAIRED PERSONS
8. Evacuate to at least 500 feet from the building and do not interfere with
emergency personnel on scene. Do not reenter the building unless
instructed to do so by public safety personnel.
9. Notify the public safety personnel or firefighters if you suspect someone is
trapped inside.
DURING A FIRE
Test the door with the back of your hand. If hot, use an alternate exit. If not, open
the door carefully, being ready to close it if heat or smoke rush in.
Crawl low under smoke. Smoke rises while clean air stays low, near the floor. So
crawl on the floor, maintaining contact with the walls as you go to the nearest
exit. If you are unable to crawl, stay near the floor for clean air and protect
yourself as if you were trapped.
Get out, stay out. Exit as quickly as you can. Go to the nearest phone and call the
fire department. Do not go back inside.
If you are unable to evacuate or are trapped – remain calm. Close doors between
you and the smoke. If there is a phone, call 911 and tell the dispatcher where you
are located in the building. Stuff cracks and cover vents to keep smoke out. Wait
at a window; signal the firefighters and wait to be rescued.
Stop, drop and roll. If your clothes catch on fire, stop where you are. Drop gently
to the floor or ground. Cover your face with your hands to protect your face from
flames, and roll over and over to smother the flames. If you cannot drop to the
floor, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.
BUILDING EVACUATION
In the event of an emergency that requires evacuation, all persons should observe
the following evacuation procedures:
1. All persons shall move towards the nearest marked exit. Wheelchair
occupants or persons with mobility impairment have first priority for the
building elevators, but elevators should never be used in a fire or
earthquake.
 Time permitting, take briefcases, purses, and jackets with you.
 Also time permitting, close classroom doors, lock file cabinets and
office doors as you calmly move to the nearest exit.
2. Verbal Notice to Evacuate

When a verbal evacuation order is given, do not hinder or delay the
Safety/Security Officer or designee making the announcement with
arguments or numerous questions about the incident. As soon as
time permits, you will be fully briefed as to the nature of the
emergency. For your safety, calmly comply with the directions
given.
3. Alarm Notice to Evacuate
 Listen for alarm notice to evacuate:
When alarm sounds:
BEGIN EVACUATION - Calmly proceed to the nearest exit.
4. Evacuation Maps
An evacuation map will direct evacuees to the nearest emergency exit. Note the the location of evacutation maps at your campus
5. Partial Evacuation
It is possible that some incidents may require only certain, specific areas
on campus be evacuated. You will be notified by campus authorities or
emergency personnel if these circumstances exist.
NOTE: Wheelchair occupants or persons with mobility impairment are urged to
prepare ahead of time by instructing classmates or their instructor on how to assist
them in the event of an emergency. See EVACUATION OF MOBILITY
IMPAIRED PERSONS
CRIME IN PROGRESS
1. Call the Department of Safety and Security immediately - See phone
number listed at upper right.
 Give them your name, location and department
 State the nature of the situation and description(s) of those
involved
 Remain where you are until contacted by an officer
2. For your own safety and the safety of others, do not attempt to apprehend
or interfere with the criminal except in self-defense.
3. If safe to do so, stop and get a good description of the subject.
NOTE: Height, weight, race, sex, age, and what the person is wearing,
method and direction of travel, identity if known, and if the subject is
armed. This will take only a few seconds and is vital information for
responding officers. If the subject enters a vehicle, note the license
number, make, model, color, and any outstanding characteristics. If the
subject flees in the vehicle, note the direction of travel.
4. In the event of a civil disturbance, do not interfere with those persons
creating the disturbance or with law enforcement officers on the scene.
BOMB THREAT/SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE OR OBJECT
1. If you receive a telephone bomb threat, remain calm and attempt to obtain
as much information as possible from the caller.
2. Immediately notify your campus Department of Safety and Security - See
phone number listed at upper right.
3. Bomb threats received through the mail or by other means should also be
reported immediately.
 Give your name, location, and telephone number.
 Inform them of the situation, including any information you were
able to gather.
4. Inform your supervisor or department head.
5. Campus authorities will be responsible for building evacuation.
6. If you notice a suspicious object, package, etc., report it immediately to
your campus Department of Safety and Security , but under no
circumstances should you touch or move it in any way.
7. If instructed to evacuate, move a safe distance away from the building (a
minimum of 100 yards). If inclement weather conditions exist you may
move to another building that is a safe distance away. See BUILDING
EVACUATION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
As many as 500,000 products pose physical or health hazards and can be defined
as hazardous materials. The best protection against injuries from hazardous
materials is by using, storing, and disposing of all materials according to product
labels in a safe and proper manner.
If a gas cylinder or other container should begin leaking and if, in the judgment of
the person(s) responsible for such materials, it presents a danger to them or other
building occupants, the following steps should be taken:
1. Confine any fumes by shutting any doors to the area.
2. Immediately notify your campus Department of Safety and Security - See
phone number listed at upper right.
3. Begin evacuation of the area. Campus authorities will be responsible for
building evacuation.
See BUILDING EVACUATION
4. Evacuate to a safe area at least 500 feet away from the building.
5. Suspected gas leaks or suspicious odors should be reported to the campus
Department of Safety and Security immediately.
 Flammable: capable of being ignited and burning quickly
 Toxic: poisonous
 Corrosive: tending or having the power to dissolve substances
 Oxygenic: containing oxygen, aiding in the combustion process
 Cryogenic: existing at a very low temperature
If for some reason you are unable to reach your campus Department of Safety and
Security, call 911.
Any leaks or spills that affect or have the potential to affect outdoor ground, air or
water sources, and you are unable to contact the Department of Safety and
Security, call:
Washington State Department of Ecology
24-hour Emergency Spill Response
Northwest Office, Bellevue: (425) 649.7000
EARTHQUAKES
Earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse, can disrupt utilities, and can trigger
landslides, avalanches, flash floods, fires, hazardous material spills, tsunamis and
volcanoes. Approximately 1,000 earthquakes occur in Washington State every
year, although most of them are not strong enough to be felt.
In an earthquake, “DROP, COVER AND HOLD”.
1. When you feel an earthquake, DROP under a desk or sturdy table. Stay
away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, and other
objects that could fall.
2. Stay under COVER until the shaking stops.
3. HOLD onto the desk or table. If it moves, move with it.
4. Outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or
downed electrical wires and poles.
5. In a crowded public place, do not rush for exits. Move away from display
shelves with objects that could fall on you.
6. After an earthquake, check yourself and those around you for injuries.
7. Be prepared for aftershocks.
8. Follow the other sections of this manual for fire, hazardous materials leaks
and medical emergencies, if necessary.
9. In the event of major damage or disruption, the Department of Safety and
Security will implement evacuation procedures. See BUILDING
EVACUATION
10. Use the phone only to report life threatening hazards or injuries.
11. Immediately notify the Department of Safety and Security of any serious
hazards or injuries - See phone number listed at upper right.
12. Employees are encouraged to prepare ahead of time by putting together a
basic disaster supplies kit. A list of items recommended by the American
Red Cross Disaster Services is available on the PERSONAL
PREPAREDNESS page of this website.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Communicable diseases are those that can be spread from one organism to
another, often from one human to another. Some of these diseases include
Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis. Additional information or assistance is
available at the King County Public Health website www.metrokc.gov/health.
LARGE SCALE DISASTERS
A large scale disaster is a major incident such as an earthquake, fire, chemical
spill, flood, etc. which affects the entire college (or large segments of it), and
endangers the life and well-being of all (or large segments) of the college
community. It is a situation which requires the coordinated efforts of designated
people to sustain a system of order and safety, and to restore normal operations. It
may also require the assistance of outside emergency services.
Should a large-scale disaster occur, the college will operate under an Incident
Command System. This system is described in thorough detail in each college’s
Disaster Preparedness Plan.
Important components of Disaster Preparedness Plans are regular orientation,
training and practice drills involving selected members of the college community.
Periodically, such training/drills may involve the entire college community, as in
the case of evacuation drills or similar simulations. Employees, students, and
visitors are responsible for cooperating with such drills.
In the event of a large-scale disaster, all employees will be informed that the
college is operating under the Incident Command System.


All employees will assist with building evacuation.See BUILDING
EVACUATION and
EVACUATION OF MOBILITY IMPAIRED PERSONS
Staff with assigned responsibilities within the Incident Command System
will assume those responsibilities.
When the disaster has abated, employees will be informed when normal
operations can be resumed. Do not resume normal operations until informed to do
so.
SHELTER IN PLACE
There are some emergency circumstances where the safest course of action is to
stay where you are. Examples of these circumstances could include, but are not
limited to: gunfire, life threatening circumstances reported by campus authorities
or police, or hazards outside the campus building(s) like a fire, hazardous spill or
vapor cloud.
If you are notified by campus authorities or emergency personnel to shelter in
place, or you determine that this is the safest course of action in an emergency,
close and if possible, lock the doors and windows.



Close drapes or curtains and stay away from the windows.
Wait for further instructions.
Do not evacuate the area until told to do so, or it is determined that
evacuation is the safest course of action.
EVACUATION OF MOBILITY IMPAIRED PERSONS
During an evacuation or other emergency, students, staff and visitors with
disabilities may require special assistance from instructors, students and/or
college staff. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to prepare for
emergencies ahead of time by discussing their needs with appropriate personnel.
During an emergency, if assistance is not immediately available, individuals with
disabilities should stay in an exit corridor or in a stairwell landing. He/she should
continue to call for help until rescued. Individuals who cannot speak loudly
should carry a whistle or have other means of attracting the attention of others. To
assist such individuals, others should report their location to the campus
Department of Safety and Security - see phone number listed at upper right, or
other emergency personnel.