Emergency Procedure Flip Charts are posted in every classroom, lab and office suite.

Emergency Way Finding Diagrams are in classrooms and hallways to help in case evacuations are needed.

Emergency Phones are located at various locations on campus as listed below:

The following phones are directly linked to The Department of Public Safety. When the receiver is picked up the phone automatically rings CPS at extension 1225. These phones are for anyone in need of immediate assistance.

 

Catok Center - Located on the Catok Building, to the right of the front entrance.

Blake Student Commons- Located on the north side of Blake Student Commons next to Lot A.

Theinert Hall - Located on the Theinert building to the left of the main entrance.

Wright Hall - Located in the foyer of the main entrance.

Bollum Hall- Located in the foyer of the main entrance.

 

 

Email reminders and guidance are sent to the community at least twice per year to help heighten awareness of preparedness plans.

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) describes an emergency as “any unplanned event that can cause deaths or significant injuries to students/staff, or that can shut down the University, disrupt operations, cause physical or environmental damage, or threaten the facility’s financial standing or public image.

 

Obviously, numerous events can be “emergencies” and will be handled according to the following protocol. Emergencies specifically dealt with in this plan include:

• Bomb Threats
• Explosion
• Fire Safety
• Flooding
• Fumes and/or Vapors
• Hazardous Substance Spills
• Identifying Suspicious Mail Packages
• Medical Emergency - Community Health issues
• Student Crisis
• Terrorism/Biological/Chemical Attacks
• Utility/Mechanical Failures
• Violent or Criminal Behavior
• Severe Weather/Tornado Warning
• Illness or Injury
• Emergency/Disorientation/Suicide Attempts

Bomb Threat

Remain calm and do not panic. If a written message is received, keep track of the following information:

1. Who found it?

2. Who else was present?

3. Where was it found or how was it delivered

4. When was it found or delivered

5. Who touched it?

6. Have any previous threats been received

 

If the threat is received by telephone, in a calm voice, try to obtain as much information as possible about the bomb and the caller:

 

1. Date and exact time of call

2. Time set to explode

3. Which building it is in

4. Where it is

5. Type of bomb

6. Estimated age and gender of caller

7. Emotional state: agitated, calm, excited

8. Background noises: traffic, music, voices

9. Why it was set

10. Who is the target?

11. Who is the caller?

 

If practical do not hang up the telephone, but phone the Department of Public Safety, extension 1225 or 413-313-4139, from a different telephone. Public Safety will contact the Longmeadow Police Department immediately.

 

The administrator in charge, with assistance from the Department of Public Safety and local authorities will determine a plan of action. A decision on whether or not to evacuate will be based on all of the information received.  If the decision is made to evacuate, move at least 300 feet away from the building to a designated evacuation area and wait for instruction. Stay away from glass.

 

Explosion on Campus

1. Report an explosion by calling 911 immediately.

2. If necessary or when directed to do so, activate the alarm system to evacuate the      building.

3. The alarm system is linked to the Longmeadow Fire Department; therefore, it is not necessary to take

    the time to call the fire department directly.

4. When the building evacuation alarm is sounded, an emergency exists. Everyone within the building

     must evacuate. Closing doors will help contain a fire. DO NOT LOCK DOORS.

5. Do not use elevators.

6. Notify emergency personnel of anyone who may not have evacuated because of injury or inability to

    evacuate.

 

Fire Safety

The Office of the Dean of Students and the Department of Public Safety perform periodic inspections of all residence halls both during the academic year and in the summer. Inspections will be announced and unannounced. These inspections are primarily designed to find and eliminate safety violations. Students are required to read and comply with the Student Guidebook as well as the Residence Hall Housing Contract which each resident student is required to sign. The inspections include, but are not limited to, a visual examination of electrical cords, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and other life safety systems.

 

In addition, each room will be examined for the presence of prohibited items (e.g., sources of open flames, such as candles; non-surge protected extension cords; halogen lamps; portable cooking appliances in non-kitchen areas; etc.) or prohibited activity (e.g., smoking in the room; tampering with life safety equipment; possession of pets; etc.). This inspection will also include a general assessment of food and waste storage and cleanliness of the room.  Prohibited items will be immediately confiscated and donated/discarded if found, without reimbursement.

 

Faculty, staff, and students must abide by all safety regulations to minimize the threat of fire in offices and residence halls. Many fires start through careless disposal of smoking materials. Bay Path University does not allow smoking in any building on campus. Use of candles in office buildings, classroom buildings and residence halls is prohibited. Any member of the Bay Path Community found to be in violation of regulations relating to fire safety will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Guidebook, faculty handbook and University operations manual.

Fire Evacuation Drills

Bay Path University conducts fire drills two (2) times a year in all Residence Halls. The first drill is announced to be sure students are aware of their roles and responsibilities. All subsequent fire drills are unannounced.

 

Scheduling, conducting and ensuring an orderly evacuation is the responsibility of the Department of Public Safety. Public Safety will set a time for holding drills and notify all building occupants. The fire alarm shall be used as the signal to start the drill.

 

The Department of Public Safety will conduct a critique after each evacuation drill and prepare a report that shall be maintained in the Department of Public Safety Office. These reports will include the following information and will be available upon demand to the Department of Public Health, Department of Occupational Health and Safety and any insurance company through which the University purchases liability insurance.

 

• time of the drill
• length of time it took to clear the building
• the nature of the emergency (when applicable)
• an outline of any problems experienced
• the name of any person who was uncooperative during the drill
• the name of any person who was injured during the evacuation

 

 

Residence hall sprinkler system, smoke detectors, and alarm systems are tested at least annually.

Fire extinguishers are mounted in areas where required by state and federal regulations.

 

Procedures For Evacuation Of Campus Housing In Case Of A Fire

 

Upon hearing the sounding of fire alarm horns:

• All residents and guests must immediately evacuate the building.
• At the sound of a fire alarm or if you are instructed to evacuate, leave your work area immediately and

   proceed to the nearest exit, and leave the building.

• If you are the first to recognize a fire situation, activate the alarm, evacuate to a safe location using the

   nearest exit, and call 911 and notify Department of Public Safety at (413) 565-1225.

• Remain CALM
• Do NOT use elevators; use the stairs.
• Assist the physically impaired. If he/she is unable to exit without using an elevator, secure a safe location

   near a stairwell, and immediately inform Campus Police or the responding fire department of the   

   individual's location.

 

• Proceed to a clear area at least 150 feet from the building. Keep all walkways clear for emergency

   vehicles.

• Make sure all personnel are out of the building.
• Do not re-enter the building.

 

Procedures to follow if smoke detector activation occurs in your room only (no other alarms sounding throughout the building):

If an activation occurs and fire, smoke and/or a burning odor is present:

• Leave the room, closing the door behind you.
• Pull the Fire Alarm Pull Box located at the building exits.
• Evacuate the building.
• Call 911 to report the fire, or possible fire. Be prepared to give location, name, and phone number if

    possible.

If an activation occurs and there is NO evidence of any fire, smoke and/or a burning odor:

• Leave the room and close the door behind you.
• Call Department of Public Safety from a safe location to give a report, and then meet the responding fire

    department in a safe location outside of your room.

• If you subsequently discover evidence of fire, smoke and/or burning odor, follow above evacuation

    procedures.

Fire Safety Education And Training Programs

All Residence Life staff members are trained based upon standard University protocols for fire safety, with an additional training session on specific protocols for Resident Advisors (RAs) included below:

RA Protocol for Fire/Sounding Alarm

• Every time a fire alarm sounds, exit the building – always assume there is a fire.
• If a fire is confirmed and alarm is not sounding, activate the closest pull station.
• Immediately notify Campus Police whenever fire alarm is sounding.
• After calling Department of Public Safety, call the RD on Duty.

• RAs should assist with crowd control and orderly evacuation of building (staff should exit with residents,

    banging on every room/apartment door and loudly stating “GET OUT,” or if confirmed fire, shout “FIRE- 

    GET OUT”). RAs should NEVER put themselves in harm’s way.

 

• Help keep residents at designated evacuation stations away from buildings. Do not re- enter a building

   until instructed to do so by Department of Public Safety or the fire department, typically after alarm and strobe

             lights have been reset.

• Remain alert at all times, paying attention for any information about vandalism or false alarms.

 

The RAs sponsor multiple fire safety education programs, particularly focusing on the start of each new term, to help educate the students. Special programs are designed for incoming freshmen each fall semester. Every student is required to attend a mandatory opening meeting to review all policies and procedures, including fire safety and evacuation procedures

Report any vandalized or disconnected smoke detectors to the Residence Director immediately.

 

Policies On Portable Electrical Appliances, Smoking And Open Flames In Campus Housing

All policies must be reviewed and acknowledged by each student upon registering online for campus housing. All University policies related to campus housing are located in the Student Housing Agreement within the Student Handbook, distributed to each resident upon checking in,

BPU Code Of Conduct Related Policies Include:

Smoking

Smoking any substance and the use of tobacco products is prohibited inside all residential facilities.

 

Fire Safety

Tampering with, vandalizing, or misusing fire safety equipment is prohibited and constitutes reasons for eviction from residential living and possible suspension or expulsion from the University. Fire safety equipment includes, but is not limited to: alarms; extinguishers; smoke detectors; door closures; alarmed doors; and sprinklers. Failure to evacuate during a safety drill will result in disciplinary action. Items that are flammable, such as fuel, may not be stored in a resident's room or apartment.

Extension Cords and Multiple Plugs

An extension cord must be UL approved, 16 gauge, and not exceed an un-spliced length of 6 feet with a polarized plug and a single outlet. It may not be placed under floor coverings or furnishings and may not be secured by penetrating the insulation.

Flammable Items

Flammable items, such as fuel, may not be stored in residents’ rooms or apartments.

Fire Lanes

Emergency lanes are strictly reserved for use by emergency vehicles only. Unauthorized vehicles parked in these areas will be towed at the owner’s risk and expense.

Fire Equipment

Equipment is provided to monitor fire safety conditions. Misuse of these items or other emergency equipment constitutes a danger to the safety of the community and may lead to suspension from BPU. Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of fire equipment and evacuation routes. Fire equipment is also located throughout the corridors and includes, but is not limited to, alarms, extinguishers, smoke detectors, door closures, alarmed doors, and sprinklers. Safety drills will be conducted in accordance with state law. Failure to evacuate when alarms sound is grounds for disciplinary action and fines.

Irons

Ironing is permitted, but irons must always be used with ironing boards that have a fire resistant cover. Irons should never be plugged in when not in use, or left unattended. Irons with automatic cutoff mechanisms are required.

 

Open Flames

Items which require an open flame to operate or which produce heat (e.g., Bunsen burners, lighted candles, alcohol burners) are not allowed in the facilities.

Decorations

Decorative items such as fishnets, parachutes, and other items that are flammable are not permitted in residents’ rooms and are prohibited unless they have been fireproofed. Only UL approved lights may be used. Decorations must comply with all fire and facility regulations. Due to fire/facility damage risk, live cut trees are not permitted. While actual fire has not historically been a problem at BPU, fire alarms frequently sound as a result of burned items in microwaves, specifically popcorn. Residents should always stay with the items they are cooking and avoiding burning food.

 

Flooding

If flood conditions occur in any building, call Department of Public Safety, extension 1225, or 911 if the flood presents an immediate danger to the occupants of the building. Be sure to provide sufficient information including the building, room number, degree of flooding, or potential damage due to the flooding. If the degree of flooding warrants immediate evacuation, occupants must evacuate to a safe location and then call emergency responders.

 

Fumes and Vapors

Toxic fumes can enter a building from various sources, such as improperly stored chemicals, faulty wiring or refrigeration, equipment fires, gasoline engines operated near air intakes, etc. If the presence of toxic fumes is suspected, the area or areas affected should be evacuated. Use a telephone away from the area and call Department of Public Safety, extension 1225. Under the direction of Department of Public Safety, it may be possible to clear an affected area by opening windows and/or activating exhaust fans, provided such action is undertaken by trained personnel.

 

 

 

Hazardous Substance Spills

Any major spill of a hazardous substance must be reported immediately to the CPS who will notify the Longmeadow Fire Department. Students and personnel should be evacuated from the affected area immediately. CPS in conjunction with the Facilities Department will seal off the contaminated area to prevent further contamination until trained responders arrive.

 

Persons who may be contaminated by the spill/release must seek medical attention immediately.

 

Identifying Suspicious Mail Packages

• No Return address
• Insufficient postage or excessive postage
• Is addressee familiar with name and address of sender
• Return address and postmark are not from the same area
• Wrapped in brown paper with twine
• Grease stains or discoloration on paper
• Strange odors
• Foreign Mail, Air Mail and Special Delivery
• Restrictive markings such as confidential, personal, etc.
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
• Incorrect titles or titles with no names
• Misspellings of common words
• Excessive weight
• Rigid, lopsided or uneven envelope
• Protruding wires or tinfoil
• Excessive securing material such as masking tape, string, etc.

 

Medical Emergency - Community Health Issues

• Report any serious injury or illness by calling 911 immediately and CPS at extension 1225.
• Non-emergency injuries or illness should be reported to CPS.
• Begin first aid, if qualified, or seek someone who is qualified to administer first aid.
• Personal safety is your first priority. Use personal protective equipment when in contact with the victim’s blood or any other bodily fluid. Use personal protective equipment when available.

• Employees required to respond to emergencies must be certified in First Aid and CPR. These classifications  include CPS Officers, Residence Directors, Athletic Director and Coaches.

 

Student Crisis

In the event of crisis situations involving students, immediately contact the Dean of Students, extension 1358, Executive Director of Student Life and Commencement, extension 1427 or Department of Public Safety, extension 1225. These offices will make appropriate contacts and referrals. In the event that a Bay Path University student, staff or faculty becomes aware that a student sustained a serious injury or has threatened to do violent harm to others on campus, the Longmeadow Police (911) must be contacted immediately.

 

Crisis situations could include:

• Alcohol and other drug use emergencies
• Disruptive behavior in the classroom
• Death of a student, friend or family member
• Mental health/behavioral incidents or concerns
• Physical injury including sexual assault

 

Telecommunications Failure

Emergency situations causing telecommunications failure (i.e. failure of the University’s “Voice over IP” system) can be the result of a variety of incidents from a power outage to a natural disaster. Since telecommunications are the primary source of campus-wide communication in emergencies, suggested alternate procedures are listed below for individual employees and for Department of Public Safety to follow if there is a telecommunications failure.  These sources include broadcast messages, e-mail, fax, and cell phones. Although the University depends heavily on technology sources for communication we have developed a back-up plan in the event of power failure. The University's 2-way radio communication system would not be affected by a power outage. The 2-way radio system will be our primary means of communication during a power failure. Cell phones will also be used as a means of communication in a power outage. There are a total of 14 2-way radios on campus that can be distributed to the departments of Public Safety, Facilities, Information Technology Services, Student Services and the Switchboard.

 

Terrorism/Biological/Chemical Attacks

Due to past terrorist events, people have become increasingly concerned about protecting themselves in the event of a terrorist attack involving radioactive, chemical or biological materials. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is charged with leading a nationwide preparedness training and education program for state and local health care providers, first responders and governments. The CDC and the State Department of Public Health advise against the purchase of gas masks and other protective devices. In addition, the general public is advised against hoarding specific medications in anticipation of a possible bio-terrorist or chemical attack. In the event of a public health emergency, local and state health departments will inform the public about the actions individuals need to take. Acting against the recommendations of these agencies can impede the ability of hospitals, labs and other healthcare facilities in their treatment efforts of infected or seriously injured people.

 

The CDC’s National Pharmaceutical Stockpile (NPS) Program is to ensure the availability and rapid distribution of life-saving pharmaceuticals, antidotes and other medical supplies and equipment necessary to counter the effects of nerve agents, biological pathogens and chemical agents. The NPS Program is ready for immediate distribution in the event of a terrorist attack using biological toxin or chemical agents.

 

In the event of a terrorist nuclear attack a national emergency-response plan would be activated and would include federal, state and local agencies. The CDC recommends finding a stable building to “shelter in” during this type of emergency. The shelter should be a basement location, have as few windows as possible.

 

Residential students and personnel on-campus will be directed to report to the basement of Wright Hall. This location has been designated as the University’s “safe place” during emergency or disaster situations. This location will have the necessary emergency supplies including a battery-operated radio to receive relevant news reports and instructions from federal, state and local authorities.

 

Department of Public Safety and/or the Dean of Students will act as the University’s liaison with federal, state and local agencies and will advise the University community as to how to respond, i.e.: report to the basement of Wright Hall, evacuate campus, seek medical attention.

 

Utility/Mechanical Failures

Any emergency related to building or facility problems, such as equipment or utility failure must be reported to the Facilities Department immediately during regular hours of operation, extension 1211. If failures occur after-hours, weekends or holidays, notify CPS, extension 1225.

 

Emergency lighting is available in all buildings for a period of 45 minutes following a power outage. Heat will be sustained for a period of time following a power outage. In a prolonged outage situation, wood will be used to heat Breck Suite. Emergency lighting is tested twice a year. If a power outage exceeds twenty-four hours in duration residents may be relocated.

 

The University will contract with an outside vendor to obtain its own generator in the event of a prolonged power outage.

 

Severe Weather

Tornado Watch

A watch is an indication of where tornadoes are possible in the next several hours. The National Weather Service will issue a bulletin to local authorities and local radio and television stations when watches are posted. Bay Path University will not notify the campus community when a tornado watch has been issued. For severe weather alerts, consider registering your cellular phone with 22News at www.wwlp.com (look for link to text alerts) or with the Weather Channel at www.weather.com (scroll to bottom of page for Email/SMS Alerts). This service is free and available to the general public.

 

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted, or that Doppler radar indicates conditions are present that can spawn a tornado. The National Weather Service alerts weather stations and local authorities with a tornado warning. When Department of Public Safety becomes aware of such a warning, an Omnilert text alert will be sent. For more information about tornadoes go to www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado Department of Public Safety is equipped with an NOAA Weather Radio and battery operated portable radio. When the potential for a weather emergency exists CPS will obtain updated information from these sources and advise appropriate members of the administrative team regarding cancellation of classes. In addition, CPS will notify all residential students of weather emergencies via loudspeaker announcement in the dormitories. Residential students and personnel on campus during severe conditions will be directed to report to Wright Hall. This location has been designated as the University’s “safe place” during emergency or disaster situations.

 

 Tornado Danger Signs

Signs may include severe thunderstorms, hail, roaring noise often described as a locomotive, and dark funnel clouds. When a warning has been issued or if danger signs are clear and present, seek shelter immediately by proceeding to the nearest designated area on campus (areas listed below). If you see or hear a tornado coming, do not wait for the Omnilert emergency notification – go to the designated shelter area immediately. If there is no time to do so, curl up on the floor and protect yourself. Lie face down, draw your knees up under you, and cover the back of your head with your hands. If possible place yourself under a sturdy desk, or in an interior office or corridor.

 

Avoid the Following

Avoid top floors of buildings, elevators, areas with glass windows or doors, Mills Theater, the Blake Dining room, automobiles, vans and trucks.

 

Designated Shelter Areas – Longmeadow Campus

 

 • Blake Student Commons (lower level away from windows)

 • Bollum Hall (lower level hallway if you have access to building)

 • Carr Hall (lower level)

 • D’Amour Hall (lower level)

 • Leary Hall (basement)

 • Elliott Hall (lower level)

 • Empsall Hall (basement)

 • Facilities Building (basement)

 • Graduate Center (basement)

 • Hatch Library (basement)

 • Longmeadow House (basement)

 • North House (basement)

 • South Campus (seek shelter in lower level of barns – coaches/staff must unlock)

 • Theinert Hall (lower level hallway if you have access)

 • Wright Hall (lower level hallway if you have access)

 • 17 Emerson (basement)

 • 25 Emerson (basement)

 • 21 Hopkins (basement)

 

After the Tornado

Keep students, faculty and staff assembled in an orderly manner, in a safe area away from broken glass and other sharp debris, and away from power lines, puddles containing power lines, and emergency traffic areas. While waiting for emergency personnel to arrive, carefully render aid to those who are injured. Keep everyone out of damaged parts of the University; chunks of debris or even that whole section of the building may fall down. Ensure nobody is using matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby.

 

What It Means To Shelter In Place

Sheltering in place provides protection from external hazards, minimizes the chance of injury and/or provides the time necessary to allow for a safe evacuation. This should be done by selecting a small, interior room, if possible, with as few windows as possible. When authorities issue directives to shelter in place, do not walk outdoors. You should take refuge indoors immediately.

A shelter-in-place order may be issued for several reasons:

• Active shooter
• Severe weather
• Hazardous materials
• Civil unrest
• Hostage situation
• Any situation in which it is best for you to stay where you are to avoid any outside threat.

When this occurs:

• Remain CALM.
• Faculty should encourage students and others not to leave or go outside.
• If you are in residence halls, remain there.
• Select a small interior room with as few windows as possible.
• Close and lock all windows, exterior doors and any other openings that lead to the outside.
• Stay away from all windows and doors.
• Facilities Management personnel or Campus Police should shut down all building ventilation fans

        and air conditioners, when and if appropriate.

• If you are told there is a danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains.
• Select interior room(s) above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or air vents.
• Room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit down comfortably.
• Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms when necessary.

For severe weather and civil unrest:

• Stay inside and move away from windows.
• Close and lock all exterior doors and offices.
• For extreme weather, relocate to lower levels in the building.

For external chemical, biological or radiological incidents:

Stay inside and move to an inner corridor or office.

Facilities Department personnel or Longmeadow Fire Department may shut down all building ventilation fans and air conditioners, when necessary and appropriate.

Because many chemical agents are heavier than air and tend to hold close to the ground, move to higher levels of the building, if possible, to reduce the transfer of contaminated air from the outside to the inside.

Remain alert for instructions and updates as they become available from emergency personnel and University administrators.

How to evacuate:

At the sound of a fire alarm or if you are instructed to evacuate, leave your work area immediately, proceed to the nearest exit and leave the building. If you are the first to recognize a fire situation, activate the alarm, evacuate to a safe location using the nearest exit and notify The Department of Public Safety at 413-565-1225 or call 911.

• Remain CALM.
• Do NOT use elevators. Use the stairs.
• Assist the physically impaired. If he/she is unable to exit without using an elevator, secure a safe

         location near a stairwell and immediately inform Campus Police or the responding fire department of

         the individual's location.

• Proceed to a clear area at least 150 feet away from the building. Keep all walkways clear for emergency

        vehicles.

• Make sure all personnel are out of the building.
• Do not re-enter the building.

 

Muster and Head Count

Individuals in leadership positions should attempt to account for students, faculty, staff and visitors who are under their supervision at the time of the evacuation. Those positions may include:

• Faculty or instructors in the classroom
• Office managers
• Supervisors
• Residence Life staff members

 

Once you have assembled at your designed meeting place, conduct a reasonable accounting of personnel. Inform Public Safety officials if someone is unaccounted for or if you suspect someone did not exit the building, and inform them of the missing person’s last known whereabouts.