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Hiram College

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND SAFETY INFORMATION

*TO REPORT A FIRE, MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CRIME, SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY, ETC.

PLEASE CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Disruption of Classes or College Services

Revised January 202

Shelter-in-Place Protocol

Campus Safety: 330-569-3211x 1; 330-569-5110; Duty Cell: 330.469.4119

College Automated Switchboard: 330.569.3211 (0 from campus)

College Information Line: 330.569.5959 (x 5959 from campus)

Emergency: 911

Hiram Police: 330.569.3235; Duty Cell 330-357-7057

Hiram Fire Department: 330.569.9826

Portage County Sheriff: 330.296.5100 (or 911 emergency)

Hiram College Health Center: 330.569.5418

University Hospital Portage: 330-297-2850

University Hospital Geauga: 440.285.6000

Robinson Memorial Hospital: 330.297.0811 (330.297.2850 emergency)

SHOULD THERE BE AN DISRUPTION OF SERVICES

(i.e., classes are cancelled or the College is closed)

________________________________________

1. In the event of a disruption of services, we will

communicate messages to the campus community

through the following venues:

Text messages

Campus email

Website (www.hiram.edu)

Information line (330.569.5959)

News Media

Home.Hiram.edu

2. Updates and closing information will be posted on the

website at www.hiram.edu. If you do not have access to a

computer for updates, call 330.569.5959.

3. Follow Hiram at www.hiram.edu;

facebook.com/hiramcollege; youtube.com/hiramcollege;

twitter.com/hiramcollege; Instagram.com/hiramcollege

4. If essential staff needs to report, check with your supervisor.

5. Students, faculty, and staff can update cell phone numbers

to receive texts through self-service Banner found on

my.hiram.edu.

Revised January 2021

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Shelter-in-Place Protocol

In certain scenarios, evacuating may be harmful to your safety. In such cases, you may be instructed to Shelter-in-Place. In order to Shelter-in-Place, you should:

Gather in an area not in the path of the emergency Close blinds and turn off lights

Shut and secure all windows/doors

Monitor college website and text messaging system for updated information

For more specific situation guidelines, please review information below:

Armed Individual Hazardous Material Severe Weather

Secure yourself in a room that you ca maintain control of and close all blinds/turn off lights

Seek shelter in the nearest classroom or office

Seek shelter in the interior of the building

Silence all electronic devices (i.e. phones, desktop and laptop computers, any audio devices, etc.)

If possible, cover all doors, vents, and windows

Close all doors/windows. Lower any blinds and/or close curtains.

If able, without compromising yourself, call 911

If available, tape coverings at corners and edges of doors, vents and windows.

Report to your designated Tornado Shelter, if applicable

Remain in this location unless otherwise instructed by emergency personnel

If able, without compromising yourself, call 911

Remain calm

If the room you are in does not have a lock, think creatively; use a belt to tie the door handle to a secure object, move furniture in front of the door, hide in a closet, etc.

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Bomb Threat

IN CASE OF A BOMB THREAT

1. Immediately notify Hiram Village Police by calling 911

2. Refer to Bomb Threat Information Sheet (located on the reverse of this page).

3. Clear the area of people.

4. Do NOT handle any suspicious-looking package or alleged bomb material.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

All bomb threats are to be considered real.

1. Do NOT panic!

2. Do not look for the bomb.

3. Do not give additional information about the bomb threat to anyone except authorized college

officials.

4. Do not give any statements to the media. Press releases will be coordinated from the office of College

Relations.

Information to Gather from Bomb Threat Call

______________________________________________________________________________

1. Date/time call received

2. Try to write down exact wording

3. Who did you notify of the call

4. Ask the following questions:

a. When will the bomb go off?

b. Where is the bomb located?

c. What kind of device is it?

d. Why did you do it?

5. Who is this calling? Description of caller’s voice.

a. Male/ Female/Indistinguishable

b. Child/Youth/ Middle Aged Adult/ Senior Adult

c. Pitch of voice – High/Low

d. Tone – Rough/Sweet/Excited

e. Distinguishable accent

6. Background noise

a. Music/Traffic/Group of people/Bell/Horn

7. Has the recipient received any other bomb threat to date? Yes/no How many?

8. Was there any similarity to previous calls?

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Classroom Disruptions

THERE ARE TIMES CLASSROOM DISRUPTIONS MAY OCCUR

1. Remain calm.

2. If there is a medical or mental health issue, please review the medical emergencies section.

3. If at any time you feel unsafe contact Campus Safety by dialing 0, then option 1 or Hiram Village Police at 911 or 911. 4. General student concerns should be reported to the Vice President and Dean of Students office by calling the Administrative Assistant at x5233 or sending an email to gordonsd@hiram.edu. Follow-up will be immediate and involve appropriate staff/faculty. 5. Planning for such situations includes having a cell phone handy and knowing the safety numbers or having them programmed into a cell phone.

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Crime Prevention

IN YOUR OFFICE

1. Lock your door, even if you are just going down the hall. It takes a thief 10 seconds or less to enter an open room and steal your property. Keep ground floor windows closed and locked when no one is present.

2. Most thefts are a crime of convenience. If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to make the call for them instead of allowing them access.

3. Do not put your address on your key ring and do not leave keys in hiding places. 4. Call Campus Safety by dialing 0, then option 1 or the Hiram Village Police at 911 to report suspicious persons or

activities.

WHEN WALKING

1. Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary.

2. Walk purposefully, know where you are going, project a no-nonsense image.

3. An escort can be called from an emergency phone station on campus.

PROTECTING YOUR AUTO OR BICYCLE

1. Always lock your car and roll up your windows.

2. Lock bikes to immovable objects or bike racks with hardened-alloy locks and chains or U-shaped locks. Be sure to

lock at least one tire and the front of the bike.

3. Do not leave tempting valuables or property visible inside the car. Lock these items in the trunk.

PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN DRIVING

1. Look into your car before entering. Lock doors and roll up windows for protection once inside.

2. Do not stop to help occupants of stopped or disabled vehicles. Continue driving to the nearest phone and call

assistance for them.

3. Raise the hood, then lock yourself into your car if it breaks down. If someone stops and offers you help, remain in

your car and ask them to phone for help. Do not worry about seeming rude. (*77 on any cell phone will reach the

Ohio State Highway Patrol.

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Earthquakes

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

If you are inside:

1. Remain calm.

2. Watch for falling objects.

3. Crawl under a table or desk, or stand in a doorway. Cover yourself with a blanket if available.

4. Stay away from windows, mirrors, overhead fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases, and electrical equipment.

If you are outside:

1. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

2. If forced to stand near a building, watch for falling objects.

If you are in an automobile:

1. Stop your vehicle in the nearest open area.

2. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

1. Remain calm.

2. Be prepared for aftershocks.

3. Follow instructions from emergency personnel. If evacuation is ordered, proceed to the nearest clear exit.

4. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in obvious immediate danger (of fire, building collapse, etc.).

5. Open doors carefully. Watch for falling objects.

6. Do not use elevators.

7. Do not use matches or lighters.

8. Avoid using telephones or sending text messages

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Fire/Fire Prevention

HOW TO REPORT A FIRE

1. If fire or smoke is present, pull a fire alarm to evacuate the building. If a burning odor is detected, call 911 or

reference the cover page for emergency numbers.

2. If you can help control the fire without personal danger, take action with available fire fighting equipment. If not,

leave the area.

3. Never allow the fire to come between you and an exit.

4. Evacuate all persons from the danger area. Close doors behind you to confine the fire.

FOR A FIRE-SAFE WORKPLACE

Smoking Although smoking is not permitted in campus buildings or within g30 feet of entrances, care should be taken to insure that discarded cigarettes are completely extinguished when they are placed in trash receptacles or dumpsters near buildings.

Housekeeping Keep exits, storage areas, and stairways free of waste paper, empty boxes, dirty rags, and other fire hazards

Appliances

Leave space for air to circulate around heaters and other heat-producing appliances such as copy machines and computers.

Designate an employee to turn off or unplug all appliances, including coffeemakers, at the end of the day.

All appliances must be UL approved.

Arson Arson is the largest single cause of fires in office buildings.

Adhere to building security measures and keep unauthorized people out. Lock doors after business hours.

Report all attempted arson situations, regardless of how minor, to Police or Campus Safety. Do not tamper with the scene if there is no fire present.

Wiring

Replace any electrical cords that have cracked insulation or a broken connector.

Extension cords are permitted only for temporary use and should never be run across doorways or where they can be stepped on.

Do not pinch electrical cords under or behind furniture.

PLAN AHEAD In the event of a fire, a safe, speedy response depends on how well employees are prepared for emergencies.

Familiarize yourself with the building evacuation plan.

Count the number of doors between your work area and the nearest exit. Remember you may have to find your way in the dark.

Learn the location of alternate exits.

RESPONSE TO AUDIBLE FIRE ALARMS 1. If the audible horn alarm sounds and you are

unaware of a previous alert of equipment testing, evacuate the building.

2. After calling 911, Call Campus Safety by dialing 0, then ption 1 or 330-469-4119

3. Do not use the elevators. 4. If requested, accompany and assist persons with

disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.

5. Don’t waste time trying to retrieve parcels and personal property. Leave them.

6. Remain approximately 100 feet from the exits to help facilitate clear access to the building for the Fire Department.

7. Return to the building only when instructed to do so by Police or Fire officials.

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Maintenance/Power Issues

SHOULD YOU HAVE A MAINTENANCE ISSUE

1. During the work day, please call x5332 to report the issue OR submit the issue to your department head

2. If the issue is an emergency (water, power out, leaking, etc.) during work hours, please contact the Physical Plant

x5332. After hours, call the after hours phone at 330-569-4540.

3. If the issue is a safety issue, as well as an emergency issue, please leave the building and call Campus Safety by

dialing 0, then option 1 to report the issue.

IF THERE IS A POWER OUTAGE IN YOU ROFFICE OF BUILDING

1. Remain calm.

2. Provide assistance to others in your immediate area who may be unfamiliar with the space.

3. If you are in an unlit area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lighting and exit the building.

4. If you are in an elevator, stay calm. Use the emergency button or telephone to alert campus safety by dialing 0, then

option 1.

5. If instructed to evacuate, proceed cautiously to the nearest clear exit.

6. Planning for such situations includes having a flashlight available.

7. Call the Physical Plant at x5332 to report the issue.

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Medical/Psychological Emergencies

IF SOMEONE BECOMES ILL OR IS INJURED AND REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE

1. Call 911 to contact Hiram Village Fire Department or reference cover page for emergency numbers. Police will provide or arrange for

required services.

2. Call Campus Safety at x0, Option 1 or 330-469-4119.

3. Notify the Health Center at x5418 if applicable.

4. Unless trained, do not attempt to render any first aid before trained assistance arrives.

5. Do not attempt to move an injured person unless that person is in imminent danger of further injury.

6. Provide quiet reassurances to the sick or injured person. If the person is able to converse easily, ask them if there are any family

members or friends they would like contacted.

7. After the immediate needs of the person have been taken care of, remain to assist the officer with pertinent information about the

incident. Be sure to find out where the victim will be taken.

8. If the victim is a faculty/staff member, notify the victim's supervisor regarding the details of the incident, where the victim is being

taken, and information obtained for emergency contacts. The supervisor should contact the Human Resources Office relaying the

following information of the victim: name, description of what happened, where the victim is headed and emergency contact

information, as soon as possible.

9. If the victim is a student, please contact the Dean of Students’ office at x5233. Please give the student’s name, a description of what

happened and where the student is being taken.

10. Planning for such emergencies includes being trained in emergency first aid procedures and CPR.

11. AED (Automated External Defibrillator) devices are located in the Kennedy Center, Coleman Center, East hall, Library, and Nursing Suite

or Teachout Price.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EMERGENCIES

(INCLUDING THREATS/ACTS OF HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS)

A psychological crisis exists when an individual is threatening harm to self or others, is out of touch with reality, exhibiting uncontrollable

behavior and/or hallucinations. Provide comfort and assistance to the person, if possible. But do not put yourself in danger if the person is

violent or if blood/bodily fluids are evident. Try to prevent direct contact with blood/bodily fluids. Try to avoid arguments or

confrontations with people who may be experiencing a psychological emergency.

1. Call Campus Safety by dialing 0, then option 1 or 911 to contact Hiram Village Fire Department.

2. Someone should remain with the person. Attempt to remain calm and soothe the person as much as possible.

3. Notify the office of the Vice President and Dean of Students at x5233. Appropriate staff will be contacted and sent to assist.

4. If possible, someone meet the squad at the entrance to the building and guide them to location of the individual in crisis.

5. Try to obtain and provide responding personnel with as much information as possible. Indicate any information you may be aware of:

what the person has said, the method of harm, what medications they may have taken and how much or how long ago, recent changes

that have occurred in the person's life, behavioral changes that you have noticed, etc.

6. Ask where the person will be taken; relay this information to the Vice President and Dean of Student's Office for follow-up.

7. This can be a very disturbing event for others involved. Please encourage involved students to use Hiram counseling resources by

calling x5952. Faculty and staff should refer to their private insurance for information about mental health resources if they require

follow-up assistance.

8. AED (Automated External Defibrillator) devices are located in the Kennedy Center, Coleman Center, East Hall and the Nursing Suite of

Teachout Price.

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Tornado & Severe Weather /Tornado Locations

Tornado warnings/watches are a common occurrence in Northeast Ohio and should be taken seriously. A tornado watch

is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions exist that make tornadoes possible. A heightened level of

awareness is important in this phase. A tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a possible

tornado has been sighted by radar, or by visual observation. When a sighting has taken place in our vicinity the Hiram

Village Dispatcher will activate the local warning siren that will sound a steady tone for 3 minutes.

IF A TORNADO WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUES FOR YOUR AREA

1. Stay alert for possible rapid changes in weather.

2. If possible, monitor a weather radio, weather websites, email, and text messages regular in case a warning is issued.

3. Review location(s) of the nearest Tornado Shelter in your area and the Shelter-In-Place guidelines found on the

inside cover of this booklet.

4. Have important documents with you and ready in case you need to evacuate due to a warning.

IF A TORNADO WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA

A tornado watch is issued to alert people to the possibility of a tornado developing in your area.

1. Stay inside and be alert for falling objects.

2. Stay away from windows, mirrors, glass, and unsecured objects such as filing cabinets or bookcases.

3. Proceed to a below-ground level or central hallway of building if possible.

4. Do not use elevators.

5. If requested, assist persons with disabilities to the safest area of the same floor.

6. Remain in the safe area until at least 10 minutes has elapsed without the sounding of sirens or the “all clear” has

been given.

7. Planning includes identifying the appropriate place in your building to seek shelter should a tornado occur. See the

shelter locations list on the reverse of this page.

8. If possible, listen to a weather radio.

TORNADO LOCATIONS ARE FOUND IN THE TABLE ON THE REVERSE OF THIS PAGE.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE DIRECTIONS ARE ON THE INSIDE COVER OF THIS BOOKLET.

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On Campus Tornado Shelters Building Location

Bancroft House Basement stairs/rear room

Bates Hall Outside costume shop/stairs nearest service center

Bonney Castle Basement (outside rear building)

Booth/Centennial Halls Basement hallways for each building

Bowler Hall 1st floor hallway & kitchenette

Buckingham Palace Basement

Physical Plant 1st floor conference room

Chapel Basement (outside)

Coleman Sports Center Tunnel or locker rooms between Price & Fleming Gums

Colton Turner Hall Basement hallway

Dining Hall Food court, Kitchen, Hallways, Restrooms

East Hall 1st floor, back hallway/suites-bathrooms

Field Station Wildlife research hallway and rooms 121 & 133

Frohring Art Men’s and Women’s 1st floor restrooms

Frohring Music Hall 1st Floor hallway

Gelbke Gelke Auditorium

Gerstacker Hall Basement hallway

Health Center Basement of Pendleton House

Henry Hall 2nd floor restrooms & lounge

Hinsdale Hall 1st floor restrooms & hallways outside offices

Hiram Inn Basement – under front stairwell

Jessie Smith House Basement off center room

Kennedy Center Ground floor – Hallway nearest game room

Koritansky Hall Basement

Library Basement (outside media center and restrooms)

Mahan House Basement stairs off 1st floor bathroom

Miller Hall 1st floor computer lounge & 2nd floor restrooms/lounge

Pendleton House Basement (entrance off kitchen)

Quad Hall Peckham – basement hallway

Teachout Price Hall Basement – section behind Business Office/Computer Center

Townhouses 1st floor restroom

Whitcomb Hall 1st floor computer lounge & 2nd floor

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Vehicle/Parking Assistance

SHOULD YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR CAR

1. ESCORTS are available to any student or staff member from a campus parking lot by calling Campus Safety by dialing

0, then option 1 or from a cell phone by dialing 330-469-4119.

2. DEAD BATTERY. Campus Safety can attempt to jump start your vehicle. Contact Campus Safety by dialing 0, then

option 1 or 330.469.4119 from a cell phone.

3. VEHICLE LOCK OUT. The Hiram Village Police can assist you. Call x 911 from a campus phone or 330-357-7057 from a

cell phone.

4. NEED A TOW. Campus Safety has numbers to local towing companies, contact Campus Safety by dialing 0, then

option 1.

5. VEHICLE REGISTARTION. All staff, faculty and students who park on campus MUST have their vehicle registered with

the Campus Safety Office to park on campus.

6. AUTO ACCIDENT. If there is an accident on College property, contact the Campus Safety Office by dialing 0, then

option 1 or the Hiram Village Police at x911.

7. PROBLEMS ON THE ROADWAYS. Call *77 from a cell phone to reach Ohio State Highway Patrol.

8. DISABLED VEHICLE. Please notify Campus Safety by dialing 0, then option 1 or 330.469.4119 from a cell phone, to

avoid a parking citation or towing.

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Workplace Violence

Workplace violence often begins with inappropriate behavior or signs that, when detected and reported, may help

prevent its occurrence. The following is a starting place for workplace violence education and a safer, healthier

workplace for everyone.

EXAMPLES OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Threats, direct or implied

Physical conduct that results in harm to people or property

Conduct which harasses, disrupts, or interferes with another individual’s performance

Conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment

POTENTIAL WARNING SIGNS

Verbal, nonverbal, or written threats.

Fascination with weapons or violence.

new or increased stress at home or work.

Expressions of hopelessness or anxiety.

Insubordinate behavior.

Dramatic change in work performance.

Destruction or property

Drug or alcohol abuse.

Externalization of blame.

RISK FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Termination of employment.

Disciplinary actions.

Ongoing conflicts between employees.

Domestic or family violence.

Financial problems.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Be aware of what is going on around you at all times. Awareness is a proven method for increased personal safety.

Tell your supervisor or Human Resources when you notice unusual or suspicious behavior.

Get acquainted with Campus Safety and Hiram Village Police officers. Do not hesitate to call for help.

Finally, remember that a safe workplace is everyone’s responsibility.

IF YOU OBSERVE OR ARE INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT

PLEASE CALL CAMPUS SAFETY OR THE POLICE

WHO WILL CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES

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