Campus Emergency Plan

Local Emergency Numbers

Dial 911 or one of the following numbers.  NOTE: Based on cellular phone carriers and telephone routing dialing the 979 area code may not be necessary to complete a telephone call.

BC Alert

The BC Alert system provides notification to the college community of threats to physical safety. These threats include severe weather, hazardous materials accidents, physical violence, etc. The system is designed to provide rapid alerts to the entire college community and to provide important information to assist alert recipients in responding to the particular threat. The system is designed to alert students and employees whether or not they are actually on campus at the time of the alert. The BC Alert system is part of the college’s overall emergency response plan which includes additional alerting and communications systems which transmit alerts on college property.

Campus Emergency Contacts

NOTE: These numbers are listed to assist in reaching appropriate persons in the event of an emergency. Every emergency situation is different. Individuals are expected to exercise judgment and respond appropriately.

Campus Emergency Numbers

• Dial 911
• On-campus Dial 0
• Call Campus Safety at 230-3030

Introduction to Emergency Information

This section is intended to provide a ready source of information in the event of an emergency. Every emergency situation is unique and can take a variety of forms. For some major emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods, preparations can be made, but for most emergencies, there is no preparation. Knowing who to contact can save time, property and even lives in some cases. The following provides general information about what to do in an emergency. It is highly recommended everyone read the Emergency Handbook which is available for download from the Brazosport College website, under the Business and Community section.  College administrators can provide additional information if there are questions about these procedures.

Everyone Should:

• Think of the safety of individuals first and foremost
• Use common sense in dealing with situations
• Act quickly in the event of an emergency
• Remain calm
• Be factual in dealing with others
• Develop contingency plans and train staff
• Rehearse emergency procedures
• Practice prevention

In all emergencies, follow directions of emergency personnel and college administrators.

BC Campus Evacuation Areas

In an emergency situation, unless the building is affected, designated Administrative personnel should immediately assemble.

Building Evacuation

1. Evacuation Alarms and Announcements

In case of fire, natural gas leak, release of a toxic or lethal substance, a bomb threat, or other threats, it may become necessary to perform a building evacuation.  Please note that in cases of a release of toxic or lethal substances or shooting incidents, some buildings may not be evacuated and, instead, may be instructed to shelter-in-place or take other precautions and actions.  

If an evacuation in your building is necessary due to fire or other threatening condition, a voice announcement to evacuate will be made either via the fire alarm system, the telephone system, and/or the external speaker system.  In the event of a fire, an audible alarm will sound in addition to the announcement to evacuate the building.  Please follow the directions provided in the announcement.

2. Evacuation Zones

If you are instructed to proceed to an evacuation zone, please proceed to the following zones depending upon your location:

3. Evacuation Charts and Procedures - An evacuation floor plan chart is posted in each classroom and office area to assist you in vacating to a safe area. 
   1. Ground floor locations: the floor plan chart will provide direction to the appropriate exit door through which you can proceed to your designated evacuation zone, if so instructed.
   2. Second floor locations: the chart will provide you with directions to the exit door and routing to the nearest stairwell location or Area of Refuge to help assure your safe evacuation to ground level for assembly in your designated evacuation area. Provide assistance to those occupants needing assistance in leaving the building. REMEMBER: do not use the elevators.
   3. When leaving the building be sure to: (i) carry all personal items with you, (ii) disconnect and cover electrical equipment that must be protected, and (iii) close doors behind you as you depart.
   4. Once outside, stay clear of emergency vehicles and responding personnel and do not return to an evacuated building until cleared to do so by a College administrator.

Evacuation of all or part of the campus will be determined by the President or designee.

When campus evacuation is announced, all persons are to immediately vacate the area. This announcement will be relayed in the manner outlined below.

Instructors and their designees are responsible for assisting disabled persons.

Campus Safety will direct traffic in leaving campus. In the event that it is necessary to evacuate the area, employees will be contacted at the destination numbers that employees have provided to supervisors. College employees will be notified by their immediate supervisors of the campus reopening.

Public announcement of the campus reopening will be made through BC Alert, Houston radio stations and TV stations listed.

Houston TV Stations

KPRC TV - CHANNEL 2
KHOU TV - CHANNEL 11
KTRK TV - CHANNEL 13

Houston Radio Stations

The following radio stations may be requested to broadcast information regarding local conditions after hurricanes:

Houston KTRH - 740 FM
Houston KPRC - 950 AM

Notification of an Emergency

In the event of an emergency that requires evacuation of the college, you will be notified by college administrators and Campus Safety personnel to leave the area. College administrators will assign responsibility for notification of evacuation. This will usually be done through vice presidents, deans, directors, and division chairs. If these persons are not on campus, the administrator on duty will be responsible for assigning persons to issue the notice to evacuate the campus. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by college administrators.

Fire

Should a fire condition exist, an alarm will sound.

Know the closest exit in the event of fire. Observe posted evacuation routes. Emergency exits are clearly marked with overhead, red exit markers. College personnel are responsible for pointing out exit signs to students in their classes or employees under their supervision.

There are over 150 fire extinguishers on campus. Know the location of the fire extinguishers near you.

In the event of a fire, follow these steps:

1. Pull the nearest fire alarm and call 911 OR
2. Call Campus Safety at 979-236-3030 or by using the direct dial button on a campus phone.
   1. College personnel assigned to do so will notify students in classes and employees of the emergency.
   2. College faculty and staff will assist the disabled in exiting the building.
3. If the fire is minor and controllable, and you are comfortable with utilizing a fire extinguisher, use a nearby fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
4. If the fire is large and uncontrollable, evacuate all rooms, closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen. (Do NOT lock doors.)

Know the location of the nearest fire exits.
Know the location of fire extinguishers in your area and how to use them.
Use the stairs. Do not use the elevators.

Freezing Conditions

In the event of freezing weather, the President or designee will monitor road conditions and determine whether or not to close the campus. If such conditions exist, employees and students should listen to the local radio and TV stations for information.

Tornado

Since tornadoes occur without time to prepare, there is little to be done other than protection of persons. Assigned college personnel will notify you if a tornado threatens the campus. Stay away from windows and stay close to structural supports. Move quickly to the first floor of your building. If possible, do not remain on upper floors.  Remember that you are safer inside the building.

Hurricane/Flood

It is the policy of Brazosport College to follow national weather advisories regarding evacuation of the area in case of severe weather conditions. Employees shall ensure that supervisors know how they may be contacted during an evacuation period.

In the event a hurricane or flood threatens the Brazosport area, the President or designee will monitor conditions and decide whether or not to close the campus. If the determination is made to close the campus, employees should do the following:

1. Unplug all electrical equipment. Computers and related equipment can be affected by power surges and outages that accompany storms.
2. Move computers and electronic equipment away from windows and outside doors, and away from areas that have leaked in the past. If you need plastic sheeting to cover equipment, contact Facilities and Maintenance at 979-230-3296 and they will provide plastic to cover equipment.
3. When a hurricane/flood watch is issued, the Director, Facility Services, will be responsible for securing loose materials outside the building.
4. The Director, Facility Services, will be responsible for shutting down air conditioning, gas, electrical and water systems and for moving equipment to the safest location once the college has been evacuated.
5. Staff members are responsible for moving equipment and records in their areas to the locations designated in department plans. If assistance is needed, supervisors should contact the Director, Facility Services.
6. Listen to local radio and TV stations for more information regarding return to campus.

Bomb Threats

Bomb threats are occasionally made against public institutions. Because the college has an open campus, access to the campus cannot be controlled.

1. First and foremost is the welfare of the students and employees of the college. If you should receive a threat, try to have the caller agree for the call to be transferred to Campus Safety at 979-230-3030.
2. If that fails, attempt to gather as much information as possible.  (Please see the Bomb Threat Checklist for more detailed suggestions on what information you should gather.)
   Try to learn the following:

• When is the bomb set to go off?
• What does the bomb look like and where was it placed?
• Why was the bomb set?
• What does the voice of the caller sound like?
• Were there any identifiable sounds in the background during the call?
• What was the exact wording of the threat?

3. Immediately notify Campus Safety at 979-230-3030 that you have received a threatening phone call and relay as much information as possible. You should be prepared to answer questions that would be helpful. NOTE: The President and Campus Safety will make a decision regarding the action to be taken.
4. If an evacuation is ordered, scan your area of the building for any suspicious articles or packages. If suspicious items are identified, DO NOT attempt to remove them. Report them to Campus Safety.
5. Leave the building by way of the nearest exit and proceed to designated evacuation areas.
6. Do not use cell phones or other electronic devices during a bomb threat or evacuation.
7. Do not return to the building until you are notified to return by a college administrator.

Do not hang up on phone threats. Keep the caller talking and get as much information as possible.

Violent Acts

When someone witnesses a violent act or the threat of violence, immediately notify Campus Safety at 979-230-3030.

Chemical Spills

Any spill of a hazardous chemical on campus must be reported to Campus Safety at 979-230-3030 and the college administrator on duty at extension 0.

When reporting, be specific about the material spilled and the exact location of the spill. Campus Safety will follow up and contact outside authorities if assistance is needed.

On-site personnel should evacuate the area of the spill and seal it off as much as possible to prevent contamination of adjoining areas.

On-site personnel should also evacuate adjoining areas if the spill poses a threat to these areas.

Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill should:

1. immediately wash with soap and water
2. remove contaminated clothing
3. request assistance
4. remain in the general area
5. wait for college personnel to assist you

College labs are equipped with safety showers and eye wash stations. These should be used at once.

Gas Leaks on Campus

If a natural gas leak is detected in the building, the following steps should be taken:

• Walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others in the area to also evacuate the area. Assist the disabled in exiting the building. Immediately send someone to notify Campus Safety.
• Go to the designated evacuation area.
• Do not turn any electrical power source on or off or attempt to use the telephone.
• Do not use a flame.
• Do not use elevators in leaving the building.
• Do not return to an evacuated building until instructed to do so by a college administrator.

Toxic Fume Release (Off Campus)

During an accidental release of toxic fumes from industry, the rail transport of chemicals, or other emergencies where the air quality threatens persons on campus, shelter-in-place is recommended. Shelter-in-place means staying inside the building or seeking shelter in the nearest building.

Local authorities will notify the college to issue orders for shelter-in-place during chemical emergencies that occur off campus. All employees and students will be directed to remain inside or to seek shelter by the college administrators.

Shelter-In-Place Procedures

• Go inside the building.
• Close all doors.
• The Director, Facility Services, will be responsible for shutting down the air conditioning/cooling system for the building to reduce the intake of outside air.
• Turn on radio or television for further information. Campus TV monitors will provide updated information on the emergency.
• If eyes, nose or throat become irritated, protect breathing by covering your mouth with a damp cloth. You should take frequent shallow breaths and remain calm.
• If a medical emergency develops, follow procedures outlined in the Medical Emergencies section.

Do not leave the building until you receive official notification that the danger has passed.

Medical Emergencies

If life threatening, call 911.  Call the college switchboard at extension 0 or Campus Safety at 979-230-3030 if you or others need help. Initiate appropriate action.

Life Threatening Emergencies:

Unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, choking, seizures, chest pains, or serious bleeding.

1. GET HELP!
   1. If alone, go quickly to the nearest phone and call 911. Also, notify Campus Safety at 979-230-3030.
   2. If not alone, send someone to the nearest phone to call 911 and to notify Campus Safety.
   3. Report the nature and location of the emergency.
   4. Report the condition of the individual.
2. Render aid as appropriate.
3. Campus Safety will send someone to meet emergency personnel to direct them to the incident.

General Medical Problems

Non-life threatening conditions (Injuries/Illness)

• Contact the College Switchboard at extension 0.
• Contact Campus Safety at 979-230-3030

Accidents

Vehicle Accidents on Campus

All accidents, thefts, or offenses that occur on campus must be reported to Campus Safety at 979-230-3030. While the college is not responsible for personal vehicles, Campus Safety Officers and/or police officers will assist in the exchange of information.
 

College Vehicle Accidents Off Campus

Follow normal vehicle accident procedures. Exchange information for police reports. Exchange insurance information. If the accident is serious and injuries are involved or a college-owned vehicle is disabled, contact Campus Safety at 979-230-3030.

Maintenance Emergencies

Maintenance and related problems include:

• Power outages and electrical problems
• Water leaks
• Gas leaks
• Sewage problems

Call the college switchboard at extension 0 or Campus Safety at 979-230-3030.

Warning: Do not touch electrical wires. If possible, shut off power in the event of an electrical problem.

Car Trouble or Jumpstarting

Contact Campus Safety to request assistance with jumpstarting and keys locked inside a vehicle.  Campus Safety cannot perform vehicle maintenance or tire changes.

Evacuation Information

In the event of an evacuation of the Brazosport area, college employees will be notified by their immediate supervisors regarding return to work. Supervisors will use phone numbers at evacuation sites listed by employees for notification. Information about return to work will also be available on the college web page or by dialing the college switchboard for a recorded message. The Emergency Handbook is available for download from the Brazosport College website, under the Business and Community section and the Campus Safety Webpage.