Emergency Information Handbook
Appalachian State University Police Department
On-Campus Emergency - Call 8000
- Introductory Information
- Major Power Outage / Water Contamination
- Bomb Threats
- Psychological Crisis
- Violent Criminal Behavior / Active Shooter Response
- Fire and Explosion
- Hazardous Materials
- Severe Weather / Natural Disasters
- University Closings and Cancellations
- Medical Emergency / Personal Injury
- Illness or Injury to Students
- Illness or Injury to Faculty / Staff
- Illness or Injury to Visitors or Guests
- Personal Injury Procedures
Introductory Information
This guide has been created to assist members of the University community report and respond to emergencies. In your judgment, if a situation requires the response of University Police, medical personnel, fire department, or other emergency personnel, follow the guidelines outlined in this booklet.
During an emergency, dialing 8000 from any campus phone reaches the University Police Department's Telecommunications Office which is staffed 24-hours a day, year-round.
Emergency Blue Light Phones: More than 50 blue light phones are located throughout main campus, at satellite parking lots and residence hall entrances. For emergency calls, simply press the button and your call will immediately be directed to the University Police Department's Telecommunications Office.
Media Inquiries: Refer all inquires from the media and non-Appalachian State University personnel to the Office of Public Affairs, ext. 2345.
Major Power Outage / Water Contamination
Major Power Outage: Electrical power is provided to Appalachian State University by New River Light and Power Company. Electrical distribution within the individual campus buildings is managed by the Electrical Shop, which is part of the Physical Plant Department.
All buildings are equipped with emergency exit lights to identify safe emergency exits in the event of a power failure. Most buildings have emergency backup lighting, which is battery-powered. However, you may want to have flashlights, a battery-operated radio and fresh batteries available as well.
If your area or floor is without power, try to determine if the rest of the building is affected. Then notify Campus Police at 8000.
Water Contamination: Appalachian State University's water supply is provided by a water treatment plant owned by the University. Safety procedures and regulatory requirements are in place to assure a safe water supply. Water quality is monitored on a daily basis at several points throughout the distribution system to assure no contamination.
However, if you have reason to believe there is a problem with the water in your building, notify Campus Police at 8000 immediately and do not use the water until you have been assured that no problems exist. Also instruct other building occupants not to use the water supply until notified.
Bomb Threats
All bomb threats will be treated as a serious matter. Statistics show most bomb threats are meant to disrupt normal activities. However, this does not mean a bomb threat should not be considered " real ". The decision to evacuate a building will be made by the proper authorities after evaluating the situation.
Quick Response
Emergency Actions - when a bomb threat is received by phone:
- Keep the caller on the line and talking as long as possible (pretend to have difficulty in hearing - ask the caller to repeat what he/she said).
- Try to get as much information as possible about the location of the bomb and a description of the bomb and the caller. Use the Bomb Threat Checklist to record all information.
- Stay on the line as long as the caller continues to provide useful information. If possible, have someone else use another line to call University Police.
- After the caller hangs up, immediately call 8000 and notify the University Police.
- If an evacuation of the building is ordered, take the Bomb Threat Checklist with you and give it to the Police.
Emergency Actions - when a suspicious object or potential bomb is discovered:
- Do not touch, move or disturb any suspicious object you feel might be a bomb.
- Keep people away from the area where the suspicious object is and call the University Police at 8000.
- Be sure to include a description of the object and its location when reporting.
Emergency Actions - when an evacuation is ordered:
- Collect your personal belongings (ie. purse, briefcase, etc.) and take them with you as you exit the building.
- Look around your desk and/or office for any suspicious items. Do not touch anything suspicious, instead report it to the Police after you exit the building.
- After evacuation, report to an Emergency Assembly Area.
- Do not reenter the building until instructed to do so by appropriate personnel (University Police, Boone Police Department or Boone Fire Department).
Psychological Crisis
A psychological crisis may occur as a result of emergencies, disasters, or other critical incidents such as suicide, rape, violence, deaths, serious accidents, fires, explosions, bomb threats, threats to the public welfare, or other traumatic or tragic events affecting the campus community.
During the regular academic sessions, students wishing to speak to a counselor should be referred to the Student Counseling Center, Miles Annas Student Support Building, 3180.
Quick Response
A university campus is a community of many diverse people who come from a variety of places to live, work, and attend school. A crisis or disaster can have direct and indirect traumatizing effects on a wide range of campus community members.
For an unusual or potentially dangerous situation:
- Never try to handle a dangerous situation by yourself.
- Call University Police at 8000, and they will notify the on-call counselor.
- Clearly state that you need immediate assistance. Give your name, your location, and state the nature of the problem.
- All suicide attempts should be reported to the University Police; so that, proper procedures might be followed to ensure the safety of those involved.
Violent Criminal Behavior / Active Shooter Response
- College and University campuses are no longer immune to serious or violent crime. In the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings, it is imperative that we provide students, staff and faculty with protocols on how to respond during potentially violent criminal attacks on campus.
- Response to Potentially Violent Criminal: If you see or know that a person has a firearm on campus or if you hear shots fired on campus or if you witness an armed person shooting people, protect yourself first - move to a safe location.
- As soon as possible, call the police by dialing 911 or 8000 when using a campus phone or use a campus Emergency Blue Light Phone if available and safe.
- Tell the dispatcher your name, location, phone number and describe the situation you are reporting: who, what, when, where, how and why (if known). Is anyone hurt or injured?
- If possible, alert others in the immediate area about the current situation.
- Active Shooter Incident: An active shooter can be described as a person who causes death or serious bodily injury through the use of a firearm. This is a dynamic situation that usually evolves rapidly and demands an immediate response from law enforcement officers to terminate the life-threatening situation. The immediate response of the first officers on the scene is to take aggressive action to find and stop the shooter or shooters.
- Active Shooter Response: Officers from Appalachian, Boone Police and Watauga County Sheriff's Office will likely be the first to respond to the scene. As they move into the affected area, rescue efforts will be delayed until the shooter is located and stopped or no longer a threat to life safety.
- If you are wounded or with someone who is wounded, these officers will bypass you to search for the shooter and stop the killing. Rescue teams will follow shortly to aid you and others.
- To assist the police, please stay calm and patient during this time and do not interfere with police operations. If you know where the shooter is, and/or have the shooter's description, tell the police.
- When you encounter the police, keep your hands empty and in plain view at all times. Listen to their instructions and do exactly what they say. If you are evacuating, carry nothing that could be mistaken for a weapon.
- Rescue teams will follow shortly after the first responding officers enter the building. They will attend to the injured and remove everyone safely from the area.
- If the shooter is outside your building:
- Turn off all the lights, close and lock all windows and doors. If you cannot lock the door, try to block the door with desks and chairs.
- If you can do so safely, get all occupants on the floor and out of the line of fire.
- If you can do so safely, move to the core area of the building and remain there until the police tell you it is safe to leave. Do not respond to commands until you are certain they are issued by a police officer.
- If the shooter is inside your building:
- If it is possible to escape the area safely and avoid danger, do so by the nearest exit or window. Leave in the room books, backpacks, purses, etc.
- As you exit the building, keep your hands above your head and listen for instructions that may be given by police officers. If an officer points a firearm at you, make no movement that may cause the officer to mistake your actions for a threat. Try to stay calm.
- If you get out of the building and do not see a police officer, attempt to call the police by dialing 911 or 8000 from any campus phone or use a campus Emergency Blue Light Phone if available and safe. Tell the dispatcher your name and location and follow their instructions.
- If you are unable to escape the building move out of the hallway and into an office or classroom and try to lock the door. If the door will not lock try barricading the door with desks and chairs. Lie on the floor and/or under a desk and remain silent. Wait for the police to come and find you.
- If the shooter enters your office or classroom:
- There is no set procedure in this situation. If possible call 911 and talk with a police dispatcher. If you can't speak, leave the phone line open so the police can hear what is going on.
- Use common sense. If you are hiding and flight is impossible, attempts to negotiate with the suspect may be successful. Playing dead may also be a consideration.
- Attempting to overcome the suspect with force is a last resort that should only be considered in the most extreme circumstances. Only you can decide if this is something you should do. Remember there may be more than one shooter.
- If the shooter exits your area and you are able to escape, leave the area immediately. Do not touch anything in the area and remember to be alert for responding police officers who may mistake you as the shooter.
- While escaping, as soon as you see a police officer put your hands over your head and immediately comply with the officers instructions.
- What else can you do? Prepare a plan of action for an active shooter in advance. Determine possible escape routes and know where the nearest building exits are.
Fire and Explosion
Quick Response: Protect Yourself
- Fire: Everyone should evacuate to assembly area (See posted Evacuation Plan)
- Explosion:
- Take cover.
- Assist the injured.
- Everyone should evacuate to assembly area (See posted Evacuation Plan)
- Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and alarm systems in your area and know how to use them.
- Small Fire Procedures:
- Avoid personal injuries and excessive risks.
- Alert people in the immediate area and activate the alarm.
- Call 8000: Give details of the fire location.
- Smother fire or use the nearest fire extinguisher.
- Always maintain a way to exit the room.
- Avoid smoke and fumes. Stay low.
- University Police will respond to the scene to assist in building evacuation and to meet and assist Boone Fire Department.
- Once Boone Fire Department has arrived, the responding incident commander will take charge of all rescue and suppression activities.
- Do not re-enter the building until advised by the Fire Department or the University Police Department.
- Operating a Fire Extinguisher:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim extinguisher hose at the base of fire.
- Squeeze the lever.
- Sweep from side to side.
- If You Are Trapped In A Building
- If a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside a window as a marker for rescue crews.
- If there is no window, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location. Do not panic.
- If the door is warm, do not open it. If smoke is entering through the cracks around the door, stuff something in the cracks to slow the flow.
For information concerning evacuation drills, fire alarms, and other emergency systems, please contact the Safety and Workers' Compensation Office at (828) 262-4007.
Hazardous Materials
Quick Response
The range and quantity of hazardous substances used in laboratories require proper pre-planning in order to respond to chemical spills.
- Chemical Spills Procedures:
- For Major Spills:
- Dial 8000
- Do not enter the contaminated area.
- Alert people in the area to evacuate.
- If spilled material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources.
- Close doors to affected area.
- Locate appropriate material safety data sheets.
- Have persons knowledgeable of area assist emergency personnel.
- For Minor Spills:
- Alert people in the immediate area of the spill, and avoid breathing vapors from the spill.
- Begin clean up immediately.
- If further assistance is needed, call University Police at 8000.
- For Major Spills:
- Biological (Blood) Spills Procedures:
- Health care or housekeeping personnel trained in spill cleanup should follow established protocols. For blood or body fluid spills in residence halls, academic buildings, administrative buildings, or on outside surfaces, contact housekeeping in area. If unavailable contact University Police at 8000.
- Procedures:
- Wear disposable gloves and absorb fluids with disposable towels.
- Clean area of all visible fluids with detergent (soap/water).
- Decontaminate area with an appropriate disinfectant.
- Place all disposable materials into plastic leak-proof bag. DO NOT throw bag in trash.
- Call Jim Rice at (828) 262-3190, ext. 108, to arrange to have leak-proof bag picked up.
- If further assistance is needed, call Building Services at (828) 262-4048.
- Radiological Spills Procedures:
- A major radiological spill is one which the laboratory staff is not capable of handling safely without assistance of safety and emergency personnel.
- Procedures:
- Protect yourself first and call 8000 as soon as possible.
- Attend to injured or contaminated persons and remove them from the spill area.
- Alert people in the area to evacuate.
- Have potentially contaminated personnel stay in one area until they have been monitored and are free of contamination.
- Close doors and prevent entrance into affected area.
- Have a person knowledgeable of the incident and area assist emergency personnel.
- Document names of persons potentially contaminated.
For information concerning evacuation drills, fire alarms, and other emergency systems, please contact the Safety and Workers' Compensation Office at (828) 262-4007.
Severe Weather / Natural Disasters
Violent weather is very unpredictable, but with the aid of modern technology the approach of such weather is often known in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to warn the Appalachian State University community when severe weather is eminent (via e-mail, voice mail, building announcements, etc.)
- Tornado / Hurricane / High Winds
- Stay indoors.
- Move away from windows and open doors (preferably into an interior hallway).
- If possible, move to the lowest level of the building.
- Do not use elevators, electrical equipment or telephone.
- Sit on the floor and cover your head with your arms to protect from flying debris.
- Await instructions from emergency management officials.
- Earthquake
- Stay indoors.
- Crawl under a table or desk or brace yourself by standing in an interior doorway.
- Do not use elevators, electrical equipment or telephone.
- Do not use open flame.
- Be prepared for aftershocks.
- Await instruction from emergency management officials.
- Floods
- Stay indoors.
- Never attempt to walk or drive through flood waters.
- Await instructions from emergency management officials.
- Winter Storms
- Stay indoors.
- Do not walk or drive during the storm and risk becoming stranded.
- Await instructions from emergency management officials.
University Closings and Cancellations
The University will provide timely updates on any campus closings or delays due to inclement weather through the following outlets, among others:
- Radio - WATA (1450 AM), WZJS (100.7 FM), WECR (102.3)
- Television - WBTV (Charlotte) and MTN (Mountain Television Network)
- Telephone - University Winter Weather Line (828) 262-SNOW
- Homepage - www.appstate.edu
Employees and students are urged NOT to call University Police for weather related updates.
Medical Emergency / Personal Injury
All medical emergencies occurring on campus should be reported immediately by calling 911. Medical emergencies include:
- Any life-threatening situation.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Chest pain.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Seizures.
- Head injury.
- Compound fractures.
- Allergic reactions with shortness of breath, excessive swelling.
- Ingestion or inhalation of a toxic substance.
- Lacerations of the eyeball.
In most cases, emergency response personnel are only minutes away, and unless an injury is life-threatening, applying first aid may not be necessary. However, in the event of a disaster that extends beyond your location, response may be delayed, making it necessary for you to take appropriate action.
Quick Response
- Dial 911.
- Do not move victim unless safety dictates.
- If trained, use pressure to stop bleeding.
- Use CPR if no pulse and not breathing.
State that medical aid is needed and provide the following information:
- Location of injured person (eg. which building, room, number, etc.).
- Type of injury or problem.
- The individual's present condition.
- The sequence of events leading to the emergency.
- Medical history and name of injured person's doctor, if known.
- The phone number where you are.
- Stay on the phone with the dispatcher.
Illness or Injury to Students
During the regular academic sessions, students with illness or injury should be referred to the Student Health Service, Miles Annas Student Support Building, (828) 262-3100.
Serious illness or injury to students on campus should be reported to University Police, (828) 262-8000. An officer will respond to evaluate the situation and arrange for the student to be transported for medical treatment.
Illness or Injury to Faculty / Staff
Emergency treatment for job-related work injuries or medical illness is provided by the Health Services during hours of operation. When the Health Service is closed, referral is made to the Watauga Medical Center Emergency Room.
The Health Service does not treat faculty or staff for non-work-related illness or injury.
A report must be completed for all incidents of work-related illness or injury. The Appalachian State Safety Office, (828) 262-4007, is to be called for assistance.
Illness or Injury to Visitors or Guests
Request emergency medical assistance by calling 911.
Personal Injury Procedures
- Clothing on Fire:
- Roll around on floor to smother flame or drench with water.
- Obtain medical attention; if necessary, call 911.
- Report incident to supervisor and/or the University Police, (828) 262-8000.
- Hazardous Material Splashed in Eye:
- Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water continuously for 15 minutes.
- Forcibly hold eye open to ensure wash behind eyelids.
- Obtain medical attention. Make sure to take Material Safety Data Sheets of the chemical with you.
- Report incident to supervisor and/or the University Police, (828) 262-8000.
- Minor Cuts and Puncture Wounds:
- Vigorously wash injury with soap and water for several minutes.
- Obtain medical attention.
- Report incident to supervisor and/or the University Police, (828) 262-8000.
- Radiation Spill on Body:
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Rinse exposed area thoroughly with water.
- Obtain medical attention.
- Report incident to supervisor and/or the University Police, (828) 262-8000.
- Biological Spill on Body:
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Vigorously wash exposed area with soap and water for one minute.
- Obtain medical attention.
- Report incident to supervisor and/or the University Police, (828) 262-8000.
