Emergency Action Plan

The following definitions of an emergency are provided as guidelines to assist in determining the appropriate response:

  1. Minor Emergency: Any incident, potential or actual emergency, which will not seriously affect the overall functional capacity of the University
  2. Major Emergency: Any incident, potential or actual emergency, which effects a large portion of the campus and which will disrupt the overall operations of the University.
  3. Disaster: Any event or occurrence which has taken place and has seriously impaired or halted the operations of the University. In some cases, mass casualties and severe property damage may be sustained. A coordinated effort of all campus-wide resources is required to effectively help with response to this level of emergency. Outside emergency services will be essential, however if the destruction is of a large scale, fire/medical/police services may be delayed or not available. An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated, and the Incident Command System (ICS) will be used to govern the response.

First Aid/ Medical Emergency:
For medical emergencies, call 911.
Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and the building name.
For minor emergencies, contact the appropriate Campus security (509)865-8555, and call University Operator (509)865-8555

Be prepared to give the following information:

  • Name or number of the building
  • Type of problem or injury
  • Individual’s present condition
  • Sequence of events leading to the emergency
  • Type of aid being rendered
  • Do not move the injured person unless life threatening issue
  • Have someone seek help from qualified First Responder
  • Do not administer medication

An accident report must be filed with the Campus Security Office regardless of the severity, if an employee is injured contact Human Resources.

Evacuation:
All building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds and/or upon notification by Campus Security or other University officials.   When evacuating a building during an emergency, leave by the nearest cleared exit and alert others to do the same.

  • If Staff/Faculty personnel assemble with department to help facilitate a head count.
  • Help individuals with disabilities exit the building.
  • If time permits check restrooms/isolated areas for people.
  • Once outside, proceed to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building.
  • Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.

Mental Health Emergency:
Call 911,
Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and building.
Campus security (509)865-8555 and University Operator (509)865-8500

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES MAKE CONTACT WITH INVOLVED PARTICIPANTS.

  • Continue to monitor the situation and keep emergency personnel apprised of status.
  • If you suspect that an individual is undergoing a mental health crisis but is not at immediate risk to self/others, call Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health’s 24-hour crisis hotline (509)575-4200 or 1-800-572-8122 and speak to a mental health professional.
  • Follow guidelines given to you by the mental health professional
  • Notify campus security as soon as possible (509)865-8555

Utility Outage:
Report loss of power to Campus security (509)865-8555, and University Operator at (509)865-8500

  • Unplug all electrical equipment, including computers, and note any damages.
  • Close all windows and drapes to conserve heat/air conditioning.
  • Watch for signs of smoke or fire.
  • University will notify supervisors and staff for further directions

Gas Leak:
Report problem to Campus Security (509)865-8555, and University Operator (509)865-8500

  • Do not light any fire materials, matches etc.
  • Report suspicious gas leaks to Security (509)865-8555, and University Operator (509)865-8500
  • Evacuate building.

Water Problems:
Report problem with water supply to Campus Security (509)865-8555, and University Operator (509)865-8500

Airplane Accident:

Call or appoint someone to call 911
Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and building. Campus Security (509)865-8555 and University Operator (509)865-8500

Be ready to give the following information:

  • Your name phone number
  • Location of crash
  • Is there a Fire?
  • Is there a spill?
  • If first aid is needed and it’s safe follow the directions of emergency personnel.

Hostile or Violent Individuals:
Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and building.
Campus Security (509)865-8555, University Operator (509)865-8500

  • Remain calm
  • Let the person speak without interruptions DO NOT ARGUE!
  • Call 911
  • Stay 4 to 5 feet away from hostile person
  • Try to position an object between you and the hostile person (chair, counter, door,)
  • If you feel you are in danger, leave the area if possible.

Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder:
Call 911
Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and building,
Campus Security (509)865-8555 and University Operator (509)865-8500

  • Keep calm
  • Clear area around person of anything hard or sharp that could hurt them.
  • Stay with the person until the seizure ends naturally.
  • Do Not hold the person down or try to stop body movements.
  • Time the seizures and check for medical ID information.
  • Do Not force any objects into persons mouth.

Sexual Assault:
Call 911

Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and building
Campus Security (509)865-8555

  • Accompany the victim to a safe place and remain with him/her.
  • Do Not wash clothing or underwear.
  • Do Not wash or wipe victims body.
  • Do Not wipe away dirt, semen or dried blood.
  • Do Not drink liquids.
  • Do Not use restroom.
  • Be supportive listen without judgment.
  • Do Not push for details.
  • Offer to call Sexual assault victim’s advocate (Lower Valley Crisis and Support 837-6689 or CWCNH Sexual Assault Victim’s Advocacy 452-9675).
  • If victim is under 18 call Child Protective Services (225-6556)

Suspected physical abuse or significant neglect:
Call 911 Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and building
Campus Security (509)865-8555
If under 18 call Child Protective Services (225-6556)

Hostage Situation or Armed Person on Campus:
Armed Person on Campus:
Call 911

Give 911 operator:

Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and building.

Detailed description of gunman/assailant:

  • Name, Physical descriptions (height, height, age, scars, tattoos, race, etc.)
  • Vehicle description (plate#, color, make, model, etc.)
  • If the person has a weapon (knife, gun etc.) or cell phone/radio.
  • Location of direction gunman/assailant is moving.
  • Call Campus Security (509)865-8555, University Operator (509)865-8500
  • If you are inside: take protective measures to keep yourself safe- close and lock doors, stay away from windows, get under cover.
  • If you are outside: move away from the area and take cover.

Hostage Situation:

  • Remain Clam.
  • Be cooperative.
  • Do Not negotiate or attempt to interfere with the individual.
  • Do Not make threats.
  • Be a good listener.
  • Observe every detail that you can.
  • Don’t be a hero.

Hazardous Conditions/Chemical Spill:
Report all suspected gas leaks or suspicious odors. If material spills and presents an imminent hazard
Including but not limited to injuring people, causing a fire, creating a risk – call 911. Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and building.

Contact Campus Security (509) 865-8555 and University Operator (509) 865-8500
Provide the following information:

  • Exact location of spill, including room number if inside a building
  • Name of spilled product
  • Quantity
  • Appearance, solid, liquid, odor, color, etc.
  • Injuries, or physical effects to those who have been exposed
  • Area of contamination
  • Your name, department, and the phone number of your current location

Clear the affected area at once and seal it off to prevent further contamination of other areas until arrival of emergency personnel.

If an emergency exists, assign someone to activate the fire alarm. Move to an area at least 500 feet away from affected buildings. Stay out of the way of emergency personnel and vehicles. Do not return to an evacuated building unless authorized to do so by emergency personnel.

Fire:
Call 911, Physical location: 3240 Fort Rd. Toppenish WA 98948 and building.
Campus Security (509) 865-8555 and University Operator (509) 865-8500

  • Know the location of the fire extinguishers, fire exits, and pull alarm system closest to you.
  • Identify at least two possible evacuation routes form your classroom or office area.
  • Identify any individuals who may need assistance exiting the building.

Small Fire:
Call Campus Security (509) 865-8555, University Operator (509) 865-8500
Use nearest fire extinguisher to put it out using the PASS method:

  • Pull the pin.
  • Aim hose at base of fire.
  • Squeeze the trigger.
  • Sweep the hose back and forth across the fire.

Large Fire:

  • Warn others in area.
  • Activate the nearest fire alarm.
  • Evacuate the building using safest escape route.
  • Assist others to evacuate, if safe
  • Use back of had to check closed doors (if hot don’t open).
  • If smoke stay low to the floor.
  • Once out of the building call 911 give operator your location describe event.
  • Call Campus Security (509) 865-8555, University Operator (509) 865-8500

NOTE: If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) on the window as a marker for rescue crews. Stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic. Shout out at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location.

Natural Disasters:

Earthquake:

  • Stay where you are and take shelter under any sturdy object or crouch and brace yourself against a doorway or corner.
  • Stay away from windows, bookshelves and heavy equipment.
  • Do Not attempt to leave building unless advised by emergency personnel.
  • Do Not use lanterns, torches, matches, lit cigarettes, or electrical devices, lights, phones, until advised by emergency personnel.

After earthquake stops:

  • Call 911, Campus Security (509) 865-8555, University Operator (509) 865-8500
  • Proceed with caution to open grass area.
  • Avoid low or fallen power lines.
  • Look for injured or trapped people.
  • Flooding and Water Damage:
  • Call Campus Security (509) 865-8555, University Operator (509) 865-8500
  • Leave area immediately if electrical shortages are occurring or are imminent.
  • Assist others in leaving area.
  • Monitor the local radio, television stations, and Heritage University website for information about campus closures.

Snow:
Monitor the local radio, television stations, and Heritage University website for information about campus closures.

Volcanic Eruption:
Call Campus Security (509) 865-8555, University Operator (509) 865-8500

  • Stay inside with windows and doors closed.
  • Cover mouths and noses with handkerchiefs or articles of clothing.
  • Wear eye protective glasses if available.
  • Minimize driving vehicles and drive slowly if driving is essential.

Contact Us

Campus Security
Phone:
(509) 865-8555
Email:
CampusSecurity@heritage.edu