Emergency Procedures

In an emergency:
Dial 9-1-1, and then notify PNWU campus security at 509.823.3346.

For non-emergencies, contact any of the following:
Director of Security | 509.249.7727
Campus Security | 509.823.3346
Yakima County Sheriff’s Office | 509.574.2500

Report Crime Anonymously to Crime Stoppers:

1. Call 1.800.248.9980
2. Send a text message to 274637 (CRIMES).  Text “YAKCO” plus your message. E.g. YAKCO John Doe is selling drugs in the public park.
3. Report information on the Crime Stoppers webpage.

Tips for Reporting Emergencies:

• Always try to remain calm.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Try to provide all information, to the best of your ability, that the dispatcher is requesting.
• Remain on the phone with the dispatcher.
• Instruct someone to meet emergency personnel and escort them to the incident.

Procedures to Follow

• Try to remain calm.
• Leave immediately. Walk with a purpose.
• If requested, quickly check nearby restrooms, break rooms, and storage rooms for occupants who may have not heard the evacuation signal.
• If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities.
• Take with you essential personal items ONLY (i.e., cell phone, ID, keys, medications).
• Move quickly, but in an orderly manner out of the building. DO NOT PUSH OR SHOVE.
• Once out of the building, move at least 300 feet from the structure or as is instructed by Public Safety officials.

Information to Know

• Evacuation routes/procedures.
• What the fire alarm sounds like.
• At least two ways out of the building.

Severe Weather

• Try to remain calm.
• Seek shelter in a centrally located, sturdy room on the lowest possible floor, away from windows and exterior doors.
• Do not go outside or into open areas such as the auditoriums or other rooms where there are large open spans.
• Do not open windows in an attempt to equalize building pressure.
• Stay away from windows, exterior doors, skylights, mirrors, and other objects that could cause injury if knocked over.

Chemical or Biological Agent

• Try to remain calm.
• Listen for, and follow instructions provided by Public Safety.
• Return to your room and close all windows and doors unless instructed differently by Public Safety.
• Return to your room and close all windows and doors unless instructed differently by Public Safety.
• Turn off air conditioning units.
• Be prepared to evacuate the area if instructed by Public Safety.

Active Shooter/Active Threat

• If it is not safe to evacuate, hide in an area out of the intruder’s view.
• Lock and barricade doors to prevent entry.
• Turn off lights, close blinds, and silence cell phones and other electronics.
• See full instructions for active shooter situation.

Active Shooter Video

Run | Evacuate if possible

Assess your situation.
If you can, quickly evacuate from the building and call 9-1-1.
Leave your belongings behind.
Help others escape if possible, but do not stay behind if others will not go.
Keep your hands visible to law enforcement.

Hide | Hide silently in as safe a place as possible

If it is not safe to evacuate, hide in an area out of the intruder’s view.
Lock and barricade the door to prevent entry.
Turn off lights, close blinds, and silence cell phones and other electronics.

Fight | Take action to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter

As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger, you may choose to fight.
Take action to incapacitate the shooter.
Act with physical aggression against the shooter.
Commit to your actions – your life depends on it.

When Law Enforcement Arrives: 

Remain calm and follow instructions.
Keep your hands raised and visible at all times.
Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.
Avoid quick movements towards officers.
Remember, the first officers on scene will not help the injured on the way into the building. There will be rescue teams who follow to treat those who are injured.
Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.

Information You Should Provide to the 9-1-1 Operator

Clarify if you are on the Pacific Northwest University campus.
Location of the active shooter.
Number of shooters, if more than one.
Physical description of the shooter(s).
Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s).
Number of potential victims at the location.

Procedures to Follow

• Call 9-1-1
• Unless trained, do not render assistance above basic first aid.
• Do not attempt to move the injured person unless he/she is in immediate danger.
• Clear the area of unnecessary people.
• Have someone meet and escort the medical team to the victim.
• Limit your communication with the ill or injured person to quiet reassurances.
• After the person’s immediate needs have been met, remain to assist the investigating officer with pertinent information about the incident.
• If the victim is a staff member, notify his/her supervisor.

Information to Know

• Location of AED’s/AED trained personnel
• Location of incident.
• Phone number at your location.
• How many victims are involved.
• If the victim is breathing.
• If the victim is conscious.
• If the victim has a pulse.
• If there is severe bleeding.
• Planning for such emergencies includes knowing who has been trained in emergency first aid procedures and CPR.

Procedures to Follow

• If you are concerned for your safety or that of others, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• If you are not concerned for your immediate safety or that of others:
  • Discuss the situation with the person to address the inappropriate behavior.
  • Consider asking any disruptive individual to leave the room.
  • When the situation allows…
    • If the individual is a student, contact Student Affairs.
    • If the individual is faculty or staff, contact Human Resources.

Assisting Disruptive Individuals

What is disruptive behavior?
Behavior that interferes with students, faculty, or staff and their access to an appropriate educational or work environment is considered disruptive.

Some examples of disruptive behavior include:

• Yelling or screaming
• Persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention.
• Words or actions that intimidate or harass another individual.
• Words or actions that cause another individual to fear for his/her personal safety.
• Threats of physical assault.

What is my role?

• Disruptive behavior should not be ignored. Remain calm.
• Remind yourself that it is not about you; it is about the situation.
• If you feel safe in doing son, tell the individual that such behavior is inappropriate and there are consequences for failing to improve the disruptive behavior
• Recognize that the period of peak anger usually last 20-30 seconds. Although this may seem like an eternity in the throes of the situation, often it is best to “wait it out” before progressing unless there is an immediate threat to your safety or that of others.

Documentation.
Disruptive behavior should be documented. Write a factual, detailed account of what occurred. Use concrete terms and share the documentation appropriately.

Assisting Distressed Individuals

What is my role
You might be in a position to identify an individual who is emotionally distressed. While some level of distress is expected, especially during stressful times of the year, you may notice someone who is acting in a way that is inconsistent with your normal experience with that individual. You could be a resource to that individual in times of trouble, and your expression of interest and concern may be critical in helping the individual re-establish emotional equilibrium. You also may be able to alert the university so that an appropriate intervention may be made, if necessary.

Possible signs of distress

• Marked change in performance or behavior.
• Excessive absence or tardiness.
• Trouble eating and/or sleeping.
• Disruptive behavior.
• Undue aggressiveness.
• Exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation.
• Depressed or lethargic mood.
• Hyperactivity or very rapid speech.
• Marked change in personal hygiene.
• Excessive confusion.
• Dramatic weight loss or weight gain.
• Dependency (individual hangs around or makes excessive appointments to see you).
• Behavior indicating loss of contact with reality.
• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
• References to suicide.
• References to homicide or assault.
• Isolation from friends, family, classmates, or co-workers.
• Individual begins giving away prized possessions.
• Individual begins preparing for death by making a will and final arrangements.

Telephone Threat

• Try to remain calm.
• If you have caller ID, record incoming phone number.
• Upon hanging up, immediately call 9-1-1 and give the specific details of the call to the police dispatcher.
• To avoid panic, do not announce the call to other occupants of the building.
• Notify the office manager, building coordinator, or other person in charge about the call.
• University security will decide when and if to evacuate and summon outside assistance.

Written/Parcel Threats

• Try to remain calm.
• Keep people from handling or going near the package.
• Do not use portable radio equipment within 100 feet of the suspicious item. THIS INCLUDES CELL PHONES.
• Immediately call 9-1-1. DO NOT USE A CELL PHONE.
• Promptly write down everything you can remember about how you received the letter or parcel or how you found the package.
• Do not discuss the threat with other staff members.
• Follow all Public Safety instructions

Information to Know

Most bomb threats that are called to an office or person are intended to disrupt normal business and activities and do not usually involve a bomb. Nonetheless, every bomb threat must be considered real until investigated to ensure safety of building occupants.

In most instances, the call will be very brief; however, attempt to keep the caller on the phone as long as possible.

If Odor/Smoke/Fire/Explosion/Alarm

• Try to remain calm.
• Rescue – persons in immediate danger, if possible. This includes yourself!
• Alarm – pull the fire alarm. NOTE: not all alarms report directly to 9-1-1. Immediately notify 9-1-1.
• Contain – contain the fire by closing doors while leaving the building.
• Evacuate – exit to a safe location. Move away from the building at least 300 feet.
• If the fire is small and you have received training, attempt to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher or other available means. Do not jeopardize your personal safety.
• Never allow fire to come between you and an exit.
• Stay outside until told to return to the building

If Confined/Trapped

• Try to remain calm.
• Call 9-1-1 to report your location.
• Feel door knob with the back of the hand to see if it is hot. DO NOT open door if door knob is warm.
• Stuff towels under door to keep out smoke.
• Keep doors closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
• Look for a window, open it, and stick your head out to get fresh air.
• Find a towel or something to wave from the window to attract attention to your position.
• If you have to move, stay as close to the floor as possible and crawl.

Advance Warning of Eruption and Ash Fall

• Alert staff and students to prepare for evacuation if time permits.
• Alert the Facilities/Maintenance Director (ext. 9516) so heating, cooling, and ventilation systems can be turned off. Keep electricity on.
• Instruct the staff and students to cover their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs or some other article of clothing.
• Follow instructions for possible evacuation of college; follow evacuation procedures.

If Time Does Not Permit Campus Closure or Class Dismissal

• Have all staff and students seek shelter inside the college facilities until initial fallout wanes.
• Advise staff to close windows and close all doors.
• Follow instructions for covering of mouths and noses with handkerchiefs or some other article of clothing.
• Facilities/Maintenance shuts off heating, cooling and ventilation systems. Electricity is to remain on.

Before an Eruption

• Have supplies (food, water, first aid, emergency supplies) stored and available.
• Plan an evacuation route away from rivers or streams.
• Follow advice from authorities if eruption is detected/predicted.

Post-Eruption

• Do not approach eruption area.
• Be prepared to stay indoors and avoid downwind areas if ash fall is predicted.
• Evacuate immediately if ordered to do so.
• Move toward higher ground if mudflows approach.
• Follow evacuation routes posted along roads and highways

If There is Ash Fall in Your Area

• Protect your lungs to avoid breathing ash.
• Stay inside, if possible, closing all doors, windows, and dampers. Place damp towels at draft sources, such as door thresholds.
• Protect your eyes with goggles or protective glasses.
• Remove outer clothing before entering a building
• Minimize outdoor exposure as much as possible

Inside

• Try to remain calm.
• Seek shelter under a table or in a doorway.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, and electrical equipment.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not use open flame devices in case of gas leaks.
• Report locations of injured people to EMS.
• Do not move injured people unless in immediate danger
• Report any damage to Facilities

Outdoors

• Try to remain calm.
• Move away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
• Move to an open area and wait for shaking to stop.

Information to Know

• Location of interior corridors
• Evacuation routes/procedures
• Shelter-in-place procedures

Procedures to Follow

• Try to remain calm.
• Notify emergency personnel immediately.
• Report severity and location of water.
• Be aware of hazards associated with water.
• If an electrical source is present, use caution and evacuate the area. Never attempt to unplug or remove an electrical appliance or wire from a flooded area.
• If you know the source of the water and can stop it or slow it down safely, do so.
• Protect objects in jeopardy by taking essential steps to avoid or reduce immediate water damage, such as covering objects with plastic or moving small or light objects out of danger.

Information to Know

• Knowledge of exit locations.
• Location of incident.
• Cause of incident.
• Building name.
• Your phone number.
• Your location.
• Areas affected by water.
• The time the flooding began

Severe Storm

• Try to remain calm.
• Seek shelter in a sturdy building away from windows, exterior doors, and walls.
• Do not use elevators.

Lightning

• Try to remain calm.
• Seek shelter away from windows.
• Do not use elevators.

Outdoors

• Seek shelter in a sturdy campus building
• Avoid elevated places and isolated trees.
• Keep your head and body as low to the ground as possible
• Minimize contact with the ground
• Find shelter as quickly as possible

Information to Know

• Location of interior corridors
• Evacuation routes/procedures
• Shelter-in-place procedures

Chemical Spill

• If toxic chemicals come in contact with your skin, immediately flush the affected area with water.
• If there is possible danger or noxious fumes present, evacuate your area.
• Call 9-1-1 (Public Safety) immediately.
• After the emergency, all chemical spills and fires, no matter how small, should be reported to Environmental Health and Safety.

Chemical Fire

• Try to remain calm.
• Immediately call 9-1-1 (Public Safety).
• Activate alarm/pull station.
• If the fire is small and you have received training, attempt to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher or other available means. Do not jeopardize your personal safety.
• Never allow fire to come between you and an exit
• Evacuate your area. Close doors and windows behind you to confine the fire
• Do not return to the emergency area until instructed to do so by Public Safety or Fire Department officials.

Information to Know

• Address and location description.
• Description of the situation including details of the spill, vapor cloud, etc.
• Phone number at your location.
• If you know the name of the spilled product, report it.
• Location of the fire extinguishers.
• How to use a fire extinguisher.
• Evacuation routes/procedures

Procedures to Follow

• If you suspect imminent danger, evacuate immediately. Contact Public Safety (9-1-1) or the Fire Department.
• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
• Be especially alert when driving – watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of possible debris flow.

Post-Landslide

• Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
• Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.
• Help anyone who may require special assistance.
• Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.
• Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.
• Look for and report broken utility lines to Campus Facilities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.

Power Outage

• Try to remain calm.
• Notify emergency personnel.
• Provide assistance to others in your immediate area who are unfamiliar with the building.
• If you are in an unlighted area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lighting.
• If instructed to evacuate, proceed cautiously to the nearest exit.

Gas Leak

• Try to remain calm.
• Notify emergency personnel.
• Extinguish any open flames (this includes cigarettes).
• Do not use any electrical appliances (microwaves, stoves, etc.). Do not turn on/off switches.
• If you begin to feel ill or suspect a serious leak, evacuate the building/leave the area and call 9-1-1 for assistance.
• If instructed to evacuate, proceed cautiously to the nearest exit.