Emergency Response Plan

Rhodes Emergency Response Plan

A crisis can arrive at any time with little or no warning. It could be a tornado, thunderstorm, ice storm, hazardous materials spill/cloud, earthquake, fire, civil/criminal emergency or events and activities related to domestic or international terrorism.

Weather Emergencies

Tornado

  • Whenever severe weather threatens our area, listen to radio and television reports for the latest information and instructions.
  • When a tornado has been sighted, stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Be prepared to protect your head from falling objects or flying debris. Take cover immediately.
  • In a house or building, go to the basement level if possible. If there is no basement level, go to an interior part of the structure on the lowest level and to an interior hallway away from any glass, and take cover. Remain like this until the danger has passed.
  • In a vehicle, get out immediately and go to a more substantial structure. Do not try to outrun the tornado. If there is no such structure nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert with your hands over your head.
  • After the tornado has passed, use great caution when entering or exiting damaged buildings; beware of falling ceiling tiles and foundation problems.
  • Look for broken glass and downed power lines.

Evacuation
Should evacuation be necessary, students will go to the Bryan Campus Life Center. The Residence Life staff will assist in coordinating student evacuation there while Campus Safety and network contacts will assist all other personnel to their safe locations

Ice Storm and/or Extended Power Failure
Resident students will be evacuated to the Bryan Campus Life Center, which is powered by a fixed generator.

  • Residence Life Staff will be provided radios for communication
  • ARAMARK will establish food service in the Lynx Lair area.
  • Sleeping and hygiene areas will be designated in the BCLC by Residence Life personnel.
  • Residence Life personnel will establish a common “information center” in the BCLC to serve student information needs.
  • Campus Safety personnel will maintain tight perimeter security of the campus, further providing transport assistance, evacuation assistance and communication needs throughout the event.

Civil or Terrorist-Related Emergencies

Fire
In the event of a fire in a residence hall or other building, Campus Safety personnel will call 911, attempt to locate the source of the fire, assist Residence Life personnel with the evacuation of the premises and stand by as needed.

Terrorist Attack

  • Wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. The nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning of an attack.
  • Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of unusual behavior or strange devices.
  • Do not be afraid to move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something just doesn’t seem "right."
  • Learn where the emergency exits are located in all buildings you enter.
  • Note the location of heavy or breakable objects should they fall in the event of an explosion.  Learn where the least ventilated rooms are. Those with the fewest windows and doors most likely will be on the basement level. This may be a refuge from chemical or biological threats.
  • Assemble a personal disaster supply kit.  Store it  in your backpack, purse or other similar item you’re most likely to grab in a hurry to leave.  This kit should contain, for example, a radio, a small flashlight, a personal first aid kit, a roll of duct tape, and a small fold-up plastic rain coat or drop cloth.
  • Be familiar with the types and locations of fire extinguishers in your area.

Death
In the event that a member of the Rhodes community is found dead on college property, regardless of the circumstances (homicide, suicide, natural or unknown causes), contact Campus Safety immediately. Campus Safety personnel will call the proper authorities.

Bomb/Explosive Threat
In the event of a phoned, mailed or otherwise notified bomb threat, Rhodes will treat any such threat as real. Notify Campus Safety immediately. Depending on the area(s) included in the threat, steps will be taken to evacuate the area in question immediately and safely.

Armed Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assaults include any attempt to cause bodily harm or death to another. The perpetrator is usually armed. In the event of such a crisis, contact Campus Safety as soon as possible.

Hazardous Materials Spill/Cloud
While hazardous spills from on-campus locations may be possible, such spills and even clouds from off campus are also possible. Campus Safety will respond and evacuate students and college personnel if need be.

Earthquake
Earthquakes can cause buildings and bridges to collapse, can down telephone and power lines, and can result in fires, explosions and even slides. Most injuries from earthquakes are the result of a building collapse or damage, flying glass, overturned furniture, fires, or ruptured gas lines and downed electrical lines. Campus Safety will respond as quickly as possible. 

Precautionary measures:

  • Locate safe spots in your room, under sturdy furniture or in strong, supported doorways.
  • Identify danger zones in each room: near windows and glass or large furniture that is not anchored and could fall over.
  • Have a personal emergency supply in case of evacuation.

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