Emergency Response Plan

If you receive or discover a package or an unknown device, do not touch it, tamper with it, or move it! Dial x6222 immediately to report it to NSCC Police.

CHECKLIST: Letter and Parcel Bomb recognition

• Foreign mail, air mail and special deliveries
• Restrictive markings, such as “confidential” or “personal”
• Excessive postage
• Handwritten or poorly typed address
• Incorrect titles or titles with no names
• Misspellings of common words
• Oily stains or discoloration on the exterior
• Excessive weight
• Rigid, lopsided, or uneven envelopes or boxes
• Ticking sounds, protruding wires, or tinfoil
• Excessive tape or string
• Visual distractions
• No return address
• Powdery substance felt through or appearing on the item
• Strange odors

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE OR ITEM

If you experience any of these characteristics, remember to stay calm and do the following:

• Do not touch, move, or alter the object.
• Inform others and keep people away from the area.
• Once you have left the immediate area, call NSCC Police.
• Provide your name, location, object location, and suspicious details.
• Write down any information you have about the object before you forget. You can give this to Emergency Personnel when they arrive.

SHELTER IN-PLACE

A shelter in place order is a safety measure where building occupants remain inside rather than evacuating. This is sometimes the best approach to take if there is an exterior threat or hazard such as a weather emergency or hazardous contaminant in the air. In this type of emergency, building occupants will be advised of the risks outside and asked to remain indoors.

• Calmly stop class, work, or activity.
• Immediately seek shelter inside the closest sturdy building, interior room, or corridor.
• Preferably, find a small interior room with few/no windows.
• Avoid large free-standing expanses such as auditoriums and gymnasiums.
• Close all windows, exterior doors, and any other openings to the outside.
• Stay away from windows, glass, and unsecured objects that may fall.
• If you are with other people, ask them to stay in the room with you. When authorities provide directions to shelter-in-place, they want everyone to take those steps right away, where they are, and not to drive or walk outdoors.
• Await further instruction from the Emergency Notification System and Emergency Personnel.
• Do not leave until an “All Clear” is received.

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LOCKDOWN

Lockdown is a state of isolation or restricted access instituted as a security measure. You will be safest by quickly placing a locked door or other barricade between you and the potential threat or danger.

• Calmly, but quickly close and lock all doors into your room.
• Block entry into your room, if possible.
• Close and lock all windows in your room. Draw the blinds where possible.
• Turn off the lights.
• Hide in an area that is out of view and makes your location look as though it is empty.
• Silence all electronic devices.
• Remain as quiet as possible and attract as little attention to your area as possible.
• Wait for further instruction from the Emergency Notification System and Emergency Personnel.
• Stay locked-down in your hiding place until you receive an “All Clear.”
• Call 9-1-1 or x6222 for NSCC Police if an emergency arises in your area.

HOSTAGE SITUATION

In the event of a hostage situation, please be mindful of the following to keep yourself and your colleagues safe:

1. If the hostage taker is unaware of your presence, do not intervene.
2. Call NSCC Police at (781) 477-2100 or x6222 immediately and give the dispatcher the details of the situation.
3. Seal off the area near the hostage scene if possible.
4. All personnel not involved need to evacuate the area and give any known or observed details to the police.
5. Document the event to the best of your ability.

Tips If You Are Taken Hostage

• Follow instructions of the hostage taker.
• Try not to panic. Calm employees that are present.
• Treat the hostage taker as normally as possible.
• Be respectful to the hostage taker.
• Ask permission to speak and do not argue or make suggestions.

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VIOLENT OR HOSTILE PERSON

Report Anyone Who Exhibits Threatening Or Harmful Behavior.

1. If you see an individual that is armed and/or exhibiting violent or bizarre behavior, call NSCC Police at (781) 477-2100 or x6222.
   • Provide the dispatcher with a description of the behavior and physical characteristics and identifiers of the suspect.
   • Stay on the line with emergency dispatch as long as possible, or until police have arrived.
2. In the event that the individual enters the premises, all employees are to retreat to their own designated safety area.
3. Notify NSCC Police and inform them who or what you saw, when you saw it, what occurred, and why you felt it to be suspicious.

Tips For Handling Suspicious Persons

• DO NOT CONFRONT
• AVOID PROVOKING
• AVOID AREA OF DISTURBANCE
• SECURE YOUR AREA (lock doors if possible)

SERIOUS INJURY / DEATH

In the event of serious injury or death on the property, follow these steps:

1. Call NSCC Police at (781) 477-2100 or x6222 and report:
   • TYPE of emergency.
   • LOCATION of the victim.
   • CONDITION of the victim.
   • DANGEROUS CONDITIONS.
   • Do not move the individual unless authorized by some medical authority, then assist the individual in the form of transportation to the nearest hospital.
2. Notify CPR/First Aid-certified persons in the vicinity.
3. If possible, isolate affected staff and/or visitors.
4. Ensure the scene is not touched or disturbed.
5. Notify the NSCC Police.
6. Notification of next of kin to be performed by Law Enforcement personnel when applicable.

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SUICIDE

In the event of suicide or attempted suicide on the property, follow these steps:

1. Call NSCC Police at (781) 477-2100 or x6222 and report:
2. TYPE of emergency.
3. LOCATION of the victim.
4. CONDITION of the victim.
5. DANGEROUS CONDITIONS.
6. Attempt to calm the suicidal person.
7. Try to isolate suicidal person from other employees.
8. Stay with the person until police arrive; do not leave suicidal person alone.
9. Do not encourage, entice, or challenge said person.
10. Speak little and listen a lot.
11. Stay at a distance that prohibits them from being able to grab you.

Chemical accidents may originate inside or outside buildings. Examples include: Toxic leaks or spills caused by tank, truck, or railroad accidents; water treatment/waste treatment plants; industry or laboratory spills, etc.

Move students away from the immediate vicinity of danger (if outside, reverse evacuation).

When outside observe wind direction by observing flags or leaves and move students appropriately:

• Initiate Shelter-in-Place, shut off HVAC units, seal doors and windows as needed.
• Notify the College Facilities Department if possible at x4060.
• Do not leave the building unless instructed to do so by emergency personnel.
• Document actions and complete incident reports.
• Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to determine the urgency of the situation.
• Initiate evacuation plan if appropriate; avoid the area where the chemical accident occurred and any fumes which are present.
• Follow the instructions provided and wait for “All Clear” to return to normal activities.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Do not hang up (even if the caller does)
• Signal or pass note to other staff to notify authorities
• Be calm, be courteous
• Listen
• Do not interrupt the caller, and
• Try to obtain the following information:
• Time
• Date  
• Exact words of the person placing the call

Keep the caller talking — Stay calm — Ask questions in order

1. Where is the bomb located? (building, floor, room, etc.)
2. When will it go off?
3. What does it look like?
4. What kind of bomb is it?
5. What will make it explode?
6. Did you place the bomb?
7. Why?
8. Do you know that the bomb may kill or injure innocent people?
9. Where are you now?

Try to determine the following information about the caller

• Where is the caller located? (background/level of noise/distinguishing sounds)
• Caller’s voice (female/male, adult/juvenile, estimate age)
• Voice (loud/soft, high pitched/deep, raspy/pleasant)
• Accent (local, not local, foreign/regional)
• Speech (fast/slow, distinct/distorted, stutter/nasal/slurred/lisp)
• Language (excellent/good/fair/poor/foul, deliberate/casual, intoxicated/sober)
• Manner (coherent/incoherent, righteous, calm/angry, emotional, rational/irrational, laughing)
• Did the caller seem familiar with College, building, employees?

Other information

• Additional information or comments
• Receiving telephone number
• Person receiving the call

Action to take immediately after call

• Contact members of management listed on the contact page.
• Do not discuss this incident with anyone except security and authorized management.
• Do not re-enter the building until cleared by police and management.

EARTHQUAKE

Indoors:

• STAY INDOORS; do not exit the building.
• TAKE COVER underneath the table, desk or doorway, if possible – DROP, COVER, HOLD-ON.
• STAY AWAY from all windows and large glass objects.
• AVOID being underneath heavier objects, such as lights, wall hangings, and other items that may fall.
• HELP DIRECT people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.
• WHEELCHAIR-BOUND individuals should lock brakes.

Outdoors:

• Move to an area AWAY from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.
• DROP TO KNEES and get into fetal position, close your eyes, and cross your arms over the back of your neck for protection.
• REMAIN in position until shaking has stopped.

After shaking stops:

• DO NOT USE cell phones, EXCEPT to report serious injuries.
• ASSIST in the building evacuation of people with special needs, if possible.
• TUNE radios to an emergency broadcast or local radio station for news updates and instructions.
• BE PREPARED to evacuate if instructed to do so.
• IF INSTRUCTED to evacuate, refer to the EVACUATION PROCEDURES section of this plan.
• DO NOT ENTER any building that is deemed or looks UNSAFE.
• DO NOT USE open flames, cigarettes, or lighters.

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LIGHTNING

• SEEK protective SHELTER immediately.
• If OUTDOORS, DO NOT STAND underneath tall, isolated objects. Avoid standing above the surrounding landscape.
• Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. Avoid open areas. SEEK LOW AREAS such as a ravine or valley.
• GET OFF or AWAY from OPEN WATER, as well as metal equipment or small metal vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, etc. Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, and rails. If you are in a group in the open, spread out, keeping people several yards apart.
• REMEMBER, lightning may strike some miles from the parent cloud. If you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike you.
• DROP TO YOUR KNEES and BEND FORWARD, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.

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TORNADO / THUNDERSTORM / MICROBURST

A TORNADO WATCH means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A TORNADO WARNING is an URGENT announcement that a tornado has been reported and warns that you should take immediate action to protect life and property.

Indoors:

• STAY INDOORS; do not exit buildings or use elevators. You could be trapped in them if the power is lost. Locate an interior room of the building.
• GO directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building. Corners or building support columns are best. Avoid the middle of exterior walls.
• CROUCH DOWN and cover your head.
• AVOID being underneath heavier objects, such as lights, wall hangings and other items that may fall.
• REMAIN INSIDE until the tornado has passed or you are cleared to leave. Do not use matches or lighters, in case there are leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby.
• HELP DIRECT people with disabilities to a safe place, if necessary.
• IF INSTRUCTED to evacuate, refer to the EVACUATION PROCEDURES section of this plan.

Outdoors:

• MOVE AWAY from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.
• SEEK the lowest possible ground (e.g., ditch, small trench). Lying flat in a ditch or low-lying area may be the only thing available. Note: never enter an opening or trench where a cave-in or flooding may be possible.
• STAY AWAY from power lines and puddles with wires in them. They may be LIVE.
• DO NOT USE matches or lighters, in case there are leaking pipes or fuel tanks nearby.
• REMAIN in position until noise and high winds have stopped.
• DO NOT ENTER any building that is deemed or looks UNSAFE.

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FLOODS

• Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
• Develop slowly or quickly (flash floods can come with no warning).
• Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

If You Are Under A Flood Warning, Find Safe Shelter Right Away

• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.
• Evacuate if told to do so.
• Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
• Stay where you are.

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SNOWSTORMS & EXTREME COLD

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. A winter storm can:

• Last a few hours or several days.
• Knock out heat, power, and communication services.
• Place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.

If You Are Under A Winter Storm Warning, Find Shelter Right Away:

• Stay off roads.
• Stay indoors and dress warmly.
• Prepare for power outages.
• Use generators outside only and away from windows.
• Listen for emergency information and alerts.
• Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
• Check on neighbors.

How To Prepare For Natural Disasters and Inclement Weather:

• Know your area’s risk.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes.
• Keep important documents in waterproof containers.
• Become familiar with signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

When there is an emergency, getting out of multi-level buildings can pose special challenges. Preparing in advance is essential to the safety of employees. To aid in preparation should the need arise, please be aware of the following:

1. Be familiar with the Evacuation Plan Map for your building/ area of the building.
2. Know the pathway to at least two exits on your floor and near your workspace.
3. Recognize the sound/signaling method of the fire/evacuation alarms.
4. Know how many desks or cubicles are between your workstation and two of the nearest exits so you can escape in the dark, if necessary.
5. Know where the fire/evacuation alarms are located and how to use them.
6. Report damaged or malfunctioning safety systems and backup systems.

When Evacuation Becomes Necessary:

1. Leave the area quickly but in an orderly fashion, following the Evacuation Plan Map which is located at the exit of your classroom or work area.
2. Listen carefully to instructions from responding Law Enforcement or emergency responders, the emergency notification system and/or designated person(s) in charge.
3. If there is a fire, crawl low under the smoke to breathe cleaner air. Test doors before opening them by placing the back of your hand against the door so you do not burn the palm of your hand and fingers. Do not open a hot door; find another exit route. Keep “fire doors” closed to slow the spread of smoke and fire.
4. Avoid using elevators when evacuating.
5. When using the stairwells for evacuation, keep a double file line flowing forward.
6. Report to the designated meeting place.
7. Report the incident to the NSCC Police and/or the Facilities department, if necessary.
8. Don’t re-enter the building until directed by authorities.

If You Become Trapped:

• Stay calm and take steps to protect yourself.
• Go to a room with an outside window and call for help if possible.
• Stay where rescuers can see you and wave a light-colored cloth to attract attention.
• Stuff clothing, towels, or newspaper around the cracks.

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INDIVIDUALS WITH MOBILITY ISSUES

• Individuals on the First Floor, who are able to evacuate, should do so using the closest usable exit.
• Individuals on Upper and Below Grade Levels, should make their way, accompanied or on their own, to a designated area of rescue assistance or refuge. Individuals who are unable to use stairs should wait for emergency rescue personnel for assistance in evacuation.
• DO NOT USE ELEVATORS, unless authorized to do so by police or fire personnel.
• Emergency responders should be notified immediately regarding individuals in need of rescue assistance and their locations.
• Individuals should make immediate contact with NSCC Police at x6222 or (781) 477-2100 from an “Area of Refuge” or call 911. (See Area of Refuge locations at the end of this document.)

Student/Employee Responsibilities in Evacuation Planning:

• Identify and remember important locations in each building (exits, stairways, phones, elevators procedures for use), and areas of rescue assistance.
• Identify two (2) routes out of each building, excluding the elevator.
• Formulate personal evacuation plans for each building you will occupy.