The PRIMARY system for handling on-campus emergencies is the "911" emergency call. Police Officers are available 24 hours each day, seven days a week, and are prepared to respond to on-campus emergencies. 

To obtain help during less serious situations, call x2331.

• When calling, remain calm. Carefully explain the problem and the location to Police Communications.
• Quickly notify your supervisor of the emergency and begin to take the appropriate action warranted.

If a building emergency situation arises, such as a water leak, notify the following as appropriate:

• During Office Hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.):

  Call the Library Administration Office, x2960 and report the emergency.  If no one answers, call one of the numbers listed below until a person is reached.

Larry Sall                                 x2948

Ellen Safley                              x2916

Jean Vik                                   x2623

 

• After Hours, Weekends, and Holidays:
1. Call the campus after hours emergency number:  972-883-2147 for building emergencies only.  Be SPECIFIC about the emergency, for example, there is water running on the floor out of the fourth floor men’s room in McDermott Library.  Emphasize the urgency of the situation.  State your name and the building and room number.
2. After reporting the problem, call a Library Administrator and leave a message concerning the emergency.

Larry Sall                                 x2960

Ellen Safley                              x2916

Jean Vik                                   x2623

   EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS

If a disaster strikes when the building is occupied, the safety of individuals inside must come first.  Familiarize yourself with the location of exit doors throughout the library and determine at least two evacuation routes.  Please remember that consideration must be given to people with disabilities during an evacuation.

 

Check with your supervisor for a list of emergency exits when in the department and the check-in location once evacuation is complete.   Appendix A contains department evacuation routes and a list of persons assigned to take roll once outside the building. In any emergency situation, remember the following:

• Remain calm.
• Protect people before property.
• Evacuate quickly whenever you hear an alarm or are otherwise instructed to leave the building.
• Obey all emergency personnel (security guards, policemen, firemen, etc.)
• Follow instructions from the public address system.
• Meet at the assigned location and check-in with your department as soon as possible.
• If the emergency takes place during the week-end or at night, notify the Library Emergency Contact as soon as possible.
• After the emergency is over, fill out an Incident Report Form for Library Administration.

Signs are posted on each floor indicating the quickest evacuation route.  These routes should be followed to avoid congestion in one area.  Departments should go over their procedures and practice exiting so that everyone will react quickly and will know exactly where to meet for roll call.

• If an alarm sounds or you are otherwise instructed to leave the building, evacuate quickly.
• Computers, lights, and equipment may remain on.
• Close doors behind you, but do not lock them.
• Do not use elevators.
• Remain calm as you leave the building – walk, do not run.
• Use stairwells.  Use handrails.  Do not push or shove.
• Police and/or fire emergency personnel will assist disabled and injured persons.
• Once outside the building, proceed to your designated safe place for roll call.
• Watch for emergency vehicles and equipment.
• Do not block exits, entrances, walkways, or driveways.
• Do not return to the building until the “all clear” is given.

  If there is advance warning:

• Remain calm.
• Turn off electronic equipment.
• Move to a safe area as instructed by emergency personnel or the public address system.*

  Using the Fire Alarm Panel to Announce an Emergency

• Designated personnel will be trained to use the Audio System for paging.
• The key to open the Fire Alarm Panel is marked "Key to Fire Alarm" and is kept in the Information Desk Drawer .
• Slide the microphone to the left to remove it. (It is very tight.)
• Press the All Page button so that all areas of the facility will hear the announcement.
• Press the "Push-To-Talk" switch on top of the microphone and wait for the Green LED light to stop flashing.
• Hold the microphone close to the mouth and speak slowly and clearly.
• Repeat the announcement twice.
• Press the "All Page" button again to turn off paging.

  *Message to be read over the public address system:

"May I have your attention please.  A tornado warning has been issued for the UTD area.  Please move to an interior wall away from windows and skylights.   An announcement will be made when the warning is lifted.  Thank you."

  If there is no advance warning:

• Remain calm.
• Seek shelter immediately (under your desk or a table, for example.)
• Follow instructions from emergency personnel.
• Do not walk through the building to assess damage.

  Explosions

• Remain calm.
• Be prepared for further explosions.
• Seek shelter under your desk or a table.
• Watch for falling objects.
• Keep away from:
• Windows
• Furniture that may fall (file or supply cabinets, for example)
• Areas of shelving
• Electrical equipment
• Be prepared for fire, power failure, and/or water leaks as a result of the explosion(s).
• Do not use matches or cigarette lighters.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not use telephones or computers.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger from fire, building collapse, or falling debris.
• Follow all instructions from emergency personnel and the public address system.
• If instructed, evacuate quickly and move away from the building.

  Bomb Threats (More information )

• Do not hang up.
• Record the following information:
• Time the threat was received:___________________
• Exact words of the caller:____________________________________________________________
• Try to obtain as much additional information as possible by asking the following questions:
• When is the bomb going to explode?  _______________________________
• Where is the bomb? _____________________________________________
• What kind of bomb is it? _________________________________________
• What does it look like? __________________________________________
• What will cause it to explode? _____________________________________
• Did you place the bomb? _________________________________________
• Why? ________________________________________________________
• Where are you calling from? ______________________________________
• What is your address? ___________________________________________
• What is your name? _____________________________________________
• Circle any of the following that describe the caller’s voice:

Male                Female

Young              Middle Aged                Old

Calm                Disguised                     Nasal               Angry               Broken

Stutter             Slow                            Sincere             Lisp                  Rapid

Giggling          Deep                            Crying              Squeaky           Excited

Stressed          Accent                         Loud                 Slurred             Normal

• Try to note the following:
• If the voice is familiar, whom did it sound like? _________________
• Were there any background noises? ____________________________



Hazardous Material Spill

A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere. Hazardous materials are transported on our roadways, railways and waterways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident. If you hear a siren or other warning signal, turn on a radio or television for further emergency information.

If authorities say to stay indoors,you should remain inside for protection.  This action will be recommended if there is a short release, a small amount of hazardous material in the air, or if there is not enough time to evacuate before the arrival of a cloud of toxic vapor. Take these steps to protect yourself:

• Go inside immediately! Stay inside until local officials say you can leave safely.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Turn off heating, cooling or ventilation systems.
• During office hours (x2960) and Library Administration will call CDAS x2177.
• Nights, weekends, and holidays, call x2147 and request that the air be turned off.
• Listen to your local radio or TV stations for further instructions.
• Seal all gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape.
• Resist the impulse to go outdoors and "check things out" before given the "All Clear" by authorities.
• If you are told to protect your breathing, cover your nose and mouth with a damp handkerchief or other cloth folded over several times.

  If told to evacuate, you should move to the place/shelter designated by public officials. Listen to your radio and TV for specific instructions and follow these guidelines:

• Stay as calm as you can and move quickly to your car.
• Keep car windows/air vents closed.
• Do not use the air conditioner until you are out of the evacuation area.
• Drive safely. Law enforcement officers will help with traffic control.
• If you need a ride, ask someone.
• If you know someone who uses public transportation, offer them a ride.
• Do not return to the evacuated area before authorities give the “All Clear”.