1. Emergency Preparedness
Fire Warden Training
2017
CapRidge Partners Corporate Office
Email: info@capridgepartners.com
Phone: (512) 536-1111
Fax: (512) 476-9099
823 Congress Avenue, Suite 1111
Austin, Texas 78701
EMERGENCY ………………………..… 911
SECURITY (South) …..…... (469) 520-0506
SECURITY (North) ……….. (469) 475-6287
Property Management …… (972) 717-6551
Property Management can be reached 24/7 in the event of an emergency.
2. 1
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................ 2
Emergency Management ........................................................................................................... 3
The Emergency Command Structure ......................................................................................... 5
Emergency Timeline .................................................................................................................. 6
Safe Refuge Area (SRA)............................................................................................................ 6
Storm Shelter Areas................................................................................................................... 7
Skyscrapers, Mid-Rises and Centers ......................................................................................... 7
Calling 911................................................................................................................................. 8
Duties & Responsibilities of a Fire Warden ................................................................................ 9
Emergency Plan........................................................................................................................10
Personnel with Disabilities ........................................................................................................10
Assisting Disabled Employees...............................................................................................11
Fire Prevention..........................................................................................................................12
Fire Procedures ........................................................................................................................13
Fire Extinguishers .....................................................................................................................14
Basic Fire Extinguisher Operation - .......................................................................................14
Emergency Drills.......................................................................................................................15
Evacuation................................................................................................................................16
Controlled Evacuation with Zoned Alarm Systems....................................................................17
Accident, Injury, or Illness .........................................................................................................18
Bomb Threats ...........................................................................................................................19
Major Natural Disasters.............................................................................................................21
Tornado.................................................................................................................................21
Earthquakes ..........................................................................................................................23
Definitions.................................................................................................................................25
Gramercy Center Site Plan .......................................................................................................26
3. 2
Introduction
CapRidge Partners is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for
everyone at Gramercy Center. Emergencies and disasters are unpredictable and can
frequently strike without warning. In the event of an emergency CapRidge staff strives to
protect your life, preserve your property, and restore normal business activities as soon
as it is safe to do so. This Emergency Preparedness handbook was prepared to assist
tenant representatives to effectively plan and manage emergencies in the work place.
While it is impossible to produce a document that is all inclusive, this handbook
addresses the most common emergencies that may occur at the facility and how to best
deal with them.
Preparation is critical to be effective in emergencies. Experience dictates that an orderly
and safe evacuation during an emergency is dependent on thorough pre-planning,
organization, education, and training. The rehearsal of emergency procedures provides
a familiarity to staff so that during an actual emergency center occupants are aware of
how to handle emergencies.
Each tenant is asked to select representatives to serve as “Fire Wardens”, who will be
trained to handle emergencies and to coordinate emergency planning within their
company. This manual is for their use, to better understand the role they are accepting
and assist them in creating an emergency plan for their local office.
The procedures in this manual are to be followed unless otherwise directed by police,
fire department officials, or building staff. All Fire Wardens are responsible for ensuring
that their employees are aware of the location of fire alarms, fire protection equipment,
exits and emergency procedures for their office. In the event of an emergency, all
employees for your Company will follow the Fire Warden’s instructions.
4. 3
Emergency Management
There is always a great deal of focus on first responders, how to provide first aid to
people in need, or put out a fire with a fire extinguisher, but one aspect of emergency
response that is often overlooked is Emergency Management. While you may be placed
into a situation where you are the one providing first aid to an ill or injured person,
managing the emergency can be just as important as CPR or holding pressure to a
wound.
As with most management positions, delegating responsibility is of paramount
importance. Read the two scenarios below and see how different actions can affect the
outcome of a situation.
Julie, Freda, and Marge were all sitting in the cafeteria when suddenly Freda
collapsed, falling unconscious onto the table. Before she could slip from her seat
Julie grabbed her. Freda was breathing and had a pulse, but was otherwise
unresponsive. Marge looked at Julie, a shocked expression on her face. “What
do I do?” asked Marge. “Should I get someone?” Julie looked panicked. “Get
Sharon. She will know what to do!”
In the above scenario, what is clearly an emergency situation has taken place. Julie has
assumed the role of first responder, providing immediate aid. But who managed the
emergency? No one.
Cathy, Sharon, Becky and Debbie were sitting in a conference room when Cathy
winced and put a hand to her chest. “I hurt,” she said with a strained voice. Becky
noticed that Cathy’s pulse was racing and she was having trouble breathing. She
asked if Cathy was alright. Cathy shook her head. Becky, who was trained in first
aid, began helping Cathy to the floor and onto her side. Sharon pointed at
Debbie. “Call 911.” As Debbie called 911, Sharon went to the conference room
door and called out for additional help. Several co-workers arrived. Immediately
Sharon told one co-worker to go to the main entrance and wait for paramedics
and escort them to the conference room. Sharon told another coworker to call
building security. Sharon asked a third co-worker to get someone from the
Human Resources department as well as Cathy’s direct supervisor.
In the second scenario, Sharon managed the emergency, designating specific people to
complete specific tasks. Sharon’s actions enabled both paramedics and her company to
respond more efficiently to the emergency. As an emergency manager it is imperative
that you know how to use the people around you to expedite first responder response.
5. 4
Possible things to delegate:
● Call 911
● Assist with first aid
● Call Building Security
● Call HR
● Inform victim’s supervisor
● Open additional doors (for secured suites)
● Meet paramedics at the building entrance
● Stand at suite door to allow paramedics entrance
● Clear a path
● Collect victim’s personal items (purse or handbag)
6. 5
The Emergency Command Structure
During an emergency at Gramercy Center, the senior-most on-site representative of
Property Management is designated as the Incident Commander. This task will usually
fall to the on-duty security professional, but might be assumed by any member of
property management. The Incident Commander’s role is to coordinate with Building
Engineering, Emergency Response Services, Security, and tenant Fire Wardens and is
responsible for issuing evacuation notices and other orders concerning the property.
Security acts as the eyes, ears, and hands of property management and will often
coordinate emergency response services. Security Officers are trained to provide first
aid, can arrange rapid access to the freight elevator/s, will assist in managing
emergency situations, and lastly document incidents.
Building Engineering’s role in an emergency is primarily to deal with infrastructure
problems and coordinating with Fire Fighting or rescue teams. Building Engineers are
trained to inspect equipment and the building structure itself, providing invaluable
information to the fire department, rescue crews, and Incident Commander concerning
the safety of the building.
Fire Wardens are the team leaders chosen by each tenant to take command during
emergency situations and manage employee actions. Fire Wardens and their teams are
the most important part of keeping people safe.
7. 6
Emergency Timeline
Below is a sample timeline of how a typical emergency might occur at the facility.
1. Event (i.e. fire, earthquake, medical emergency, tornado)
2. All emergency staff, including fire wardens, their alternates, security, and
property management initiate emergency response protocols based upon the
situation and the emergency procedures plan. This can include calling 911,
activating fire alarm systems, or arranging for EMS response.
3. Incident Commander begins initial assessment, coordinates with security and
engineering. Makes decision on evacuation and or sheltering protocols. Informs
Fire Wardens and Alternates if alternative protocols need to be adopted.
4. If evacuating the facility, Fire Wardens will designate their team to lead
employees to their assigned Safe Refuge Area, assist disabled employees, and
lastly to conduct a sweep of the suite in order to ensure all employees have
evacuated.
5. Local emergency service arrives if necessary (i.e. fire department, medical staff,
or law enforcement) and begins coordination with the Incident Commander.
6. Emergency Services, Building Engineering, and Security will complete their
procedures and advise the Incident Commander.
7. Incident Commander will either order all-clear or close down the building until
further notice.
Safe Refuge Area (SRA)
Each Tenant will designate a Safe Refuge Area (SRA) as a meeting point in the event
of evacuation. The Safe Refuge Area should be far enough away from the building that
employees are reasonably safe should debris or smoke escape the building perimeter,
and out of access roads that could be utilized by responding emergency services. Once
employees have congregated in the Safe Refuge Area, Fire Wardens and their teams
should conduct a roll call of all employees in order to confirm that everyone has made it
out of the building. Fire Wardens should call security to report a successful evacuation
or report problems to the Incident Commander.
8. 7
Storm Shelter Areas
Storm Shelter Areas are locations inside the facility designed to provide shelter against
certain types of emergencies, most notably Tornados. Storm Shelter Areas can be
inside a tenant’s suite, but can also be in other locations throughout the building.
Tenants should make note of or designate certain interior rooms, with no glass, as
Storm Shelter Areas. Public restrooms or other interior rooms without glass or exterior
walls make excellent Storm Shelter Areas.
Skyscrapers, Mid-Rises and Centers
Your building type plays a definitive role in how
Emergency Response Personnel, Security, and Fire
Wardens will act during an emergency. While there
are a number of competing definitions that separate
skyscrapers, high and mid-rise buildings, as well as
low rise structures and centers, the International
Building Code specifies that any “building with an
occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860
mm) above the lowest level of fire department
vehicle access,” constitutes a high rise. In layman’s
terms, this is as high as a standard ladder truck can
get.
Skyscrapers and High-rise buildings present a complicated challenge during
emergencies due to the number of people present and the distance they need to go to
evacuate. Larger buildings create physical challenges to firefighters working to evacuate
injured and combat the blaze. This is why it is imperative for larger buildings to have
well trained staff who can expedite evacuation and guide Emergency Response
Personnel to where they will be needed most. The most recognizable difference in
extremely tall buildings is that evacuation alarms generally only affect the floors
immediately adjacent to the source of the emergency. This controlled method of
evacuation ensures that those in immediate danger are given the opportunity for swift
egress, followed by those who are not similarly at risk.
9. 8
Calling 911
Calling 911 is one of those things we
all hope we never have to do, but
should be prepared to do at a
moment’s notice. Whether it is calling
the police to report a crime in
progress or summoning medical help,
the gathering and relaying of reliable
information is key to getting expedited
help. When reporting emergencies
please ensure that specific and
credible information is given to
Emergency Responders, Security,
and Property Management Services.
● Location and Service
● Your name and your location
● Nature of the emergency
● Exact Location of the
emergency
● Number of people involved
● Your phone number
STAY ON THE LINE UNTIL YOU HAVE PROVIDED ALL REQUESTED INFORMATION.
911 Dispatchers are trained to ask you the right questions.
When an emergency is detected in an area, the following notifications should be made:
● Initiator may call 911 as deemed necessary.
● Designated someone to call Security
● It is recommended to call Property Management Services after calling Security.
● (Security will ensure that 911 has been called if necessary and that Property
Management has been notified, calling individuals at home as needed.
10. 9
Duties & Responsibilities of a Fire Warden
Every tenant is under the direction of their assigned Fire Warden, who in turn reports to
the on-site Incident Commander the status of their company’s human assets. Fire
Wardens and their team are responsible for a number of important duties, including
clearing their suite and/or guiding their fellow employees to safety in the event of an
emergency.
In preparation for an emergency, Fire Wardens and their assigned team will:
● Create/Update an emergency plan for their company, which may include
designating a “team” to assist in clearing the fire warden’s suite, managing the
Safe Refuge or Storm Shelter Areas, escorting disabled employees and
conducting roll-calls when evacuating or seeking shelter on the premises.
● Establish an agreed upon “Safe Refuge Area (SRA)” where tenant employees
will congregate. The Safe Refuge Area must be out of roadways and at least 60
feet from the building.
● Supervise and direct the activities of his or her team and employees during
emergencies and drills.
● Be familiar with all the various layouts of the building, the emergency plans, and
the location and operation of any available fire alarm system and fire protection
equipment provided.
● Know the location of routes, exits, and refuge areas as they relate to different
types of emergencies.
● Notify Property Management of any roster changes for the Fire Wardens or their
Alternates, including new contact information.
● Perform frequent inspections to determine all doors, locks, and stairs are not
obstructed, inoperable, or locked. If there are any problems notify Property
Management.
● Either the Fire Warden or the Alternate needs to be available at all times the
business is occupied.
● Fire Wardens and their teams should be familiar with all personnel in their office.
● Maintain and have available a current listing of all personnel, including those with
physical disabilities who require assistance during emergencies.
● Educate employees on basic emergency procedures, including the location of the
tenant SRA and Storm Shelters, evacuation routes, and roll call procedures.
11. 10
Emergency Plan
One of the primary duties of the Fire Warden is to prepare his or her company for an
emergency. As with any business endeavor, preparation is the key to handling any
situation and information is the first building block of an orderly, calm, and rapid
response.
Your company’s emergency plan should be available to all employees and be short,
concise, and easy to understand. Information such as where the assigned Safe Refuge
Area (SRA) and Storm Shelter Areas are located, paths of evacuation, and specific
orders for employees to gather at the SRA in order to participate in a roll call, are all
important aspects of an Emergency Plan. How are YOU going to get this information
to your fellow employees?
Personnel with Disabilities
Employees with physical disabilities that might make evacuation difficult are a priority for
Fire Warden Teams. Disabled employees include not only those permanently listed as
handicapped, but also those who are temporarily inhibited by injury. Fire Wardens
should maintain a list of employees with disabilities and/or injuries that might need
special accommodations for in order to facilitate their evacuation.
The list should contain the following:
● Person’s name
● Floor and Suite number
● Person’s office phone number
● Normal location
● Department
● Responsible Supervisor
● Description of Handicap or Injury
● Cell phone number and other contact information.
The Fire Warden will designate assistance to disabled employee(s) during emergencies
and members of the Fire Warden’s team will remain with the disabled employee to help
ensure that he or she is brought to safety and relay the status of disabled employee(s)
to Emergency Responders, Security Personnel, and the Incident Commander.
12. 11
Assisting Disabled Employees
1. Evaluate the ability of the disabled employee to evacuate and determine if you
have the assets to competently assist the disabled person to evacuate.
2. If you are unable to assist the disabled employee to evacuate, notify Security
and/or the Incident Commander that you have a disabled employee who is
unable to evacuate under their own. Provide them with the disabled person’s
immediate location and status. They will dispatch first responders to assist you.
3. If possible, move the disabled person to an emergency stairwell. These present
easy access to Emergency Responders and are generally protected against fires
and other types of disasters.
4. Request persons exiting via the emergency stairwell to notify emergency
responders they encounter of your exact location.
5. Do not use the elevators unless instructed to do so by emergency responders.
They have been trained to determine if elevator operation is safe during an
emergency.
6. Once you have escorted the disabled individual outside, please assist them to
move clear of the building and to the Safe Refuge Area. Designate a “buddy” to
stay with the disabled individual at all times.
13. 12
Fire Prevention
The most common sources of fire in office buildings are
smoking materials, electrical, flammable liquids (such as
organic oils/solvents used in remodeling), and arson. The
best way to reduce the loss of life and property during a fire
is to prevent the fire from happening in the first place. Fire
Wardens should remain vigilant and make sure that the
following fire prevention practices are followed to help
protect our facility and demonstrate fire safety.
● Obey NO SMOKING signs. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas and
always restricted around entryways.
● Place matches, cigarettes, and other smoking materials in ashtrays or
receptacles designated for such items.
● Never put smoking materials into a wastepaper basket.
● Never put non-smoking materials, such as paper, into a receptacle designated
for flammable products.
● Turn off all electrical appliances at the end of each day, especially pot style
coffee machines with warmer plates.
● Refer to your Tenant Lease Rules and Regulations concerning the use of space
heaters.
● All combustible or flammable liquids should be stored in approved cabinets and
containers.
● Keep all exits, walkways, and corridors clear to ensure emergency evacuations
are uninhibited.
● Use and maintain wiring, tools, and equipment correctly. Replace damaged
electrical cords and do not overload circuits.
● Keep workplaces free of wastepaper and other combustibles.
● The use of open flames, including candles, in the workspace is prohibited.
● Know the locations of fire extinguishers, how they operate, and what types of
fires they can be used on.
● Know all exit locations and routes.
● Notify Property Management of any apparent fire safety hazards existing in your
office including foul odors and defective equipment.
● Appoint a Fire Warden responsible for supervising and monitoring a fire safety
program.
14. 13
Fire Procedures
In the event of a fire, your employees will look to the Fire Wardens for direction. Fire
Wardens should take the following direct actions in the event of a fire.
Remain Calm
● If there is visible flame or smoke and an automatic alarm has not already
sounded, activate the fire alarm from the nearest fire alarm pull station.
● Do not attempt to fight the fire. Your job is to protect the people.
● Close all doors around the fire to contain it. Do not reopen the doors.
Notify Emergency Responders
● Call 911/Fire Department. If possible give the exact location of the fire.
● If possible to do so safely, call Security and inform them of where the fire is
located.
Begin Evacuation
● The Fire Wardens will direct the employees to proceed to their designated refuge
area. Use stairwells, not elevators.
● The Fire Wardens will select the safest exit route based on the location of the
fire. If the first route is blocked or is unsafe to use, the alternative emergency exit
route should be utilized.
Once Evacuated to the Safe Refuge Area
● Fire Wardens will direct employees for whom they are responsible to the
predesignated gathering zones.
● Conduct a head count. If possible use a roll call list of employees to determine if
all known occupants have been evacuated.
● Inform Emergency Responders, Security, and the Incident Commander when all
persons have been evacuated from the building. If communications are impaired
the Fire Wardens shall direct a subordinate to convey this report.
● Inform Emergency Responders and security of missing, injured, or deceased (if
known) persons.
● Keep talking to a minimum so Emergency Personnel may communicate clearly.
● Stay clear of the building and DO NOT re-enter or leave the refuge area for any
reason until released by the Fire Department or Incident Commander.
15. 14
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are located in every building and can be found in hallways,
office suites, and infrastructure rooms. You should familiarize yourself with the
location of the nearest fire extinguisher and how it operates.
Any attempt to fight a fire should be limited to the discharge of one hand-held
fire extinguisher and should only be used if you feel comfortable operating
one.
Never attempt to fight a fire with an extinguisher unless you:
● Have the appropriate type of fire extinguisher
● Know how to operate the fire extinguisher
● Have access to an exit if you fail to extinguish the fire
Basic Fire Extinguisher Operation -
“PASS” Technique
1. P - Pull the pin.
a. Some units require the releasing of a lock latch, pressing a puncture level,
inversion, or other motions.
2. A - Aim at the base of the fire
a. Before discharging the contents of the fire extinguisher, point the
extinguisher nozzle, or horn at the base of the fire.
3. S - Squeeze the handle
4. S - Sweep the fire
a. As you discharge the contents, move the spray from side to side at the
base of the fire.
b. Watch the area and make sure the fire does not reignite.
c. Fully discharge the contents of the extinguisher.
16. 15
Emergency Drills
Emergency Drills are conducted once per year (annually) and generally simulate the
occurrence of a fire event. All occupants of the building must participate in each drill.
Depending on the drill, participants may be required to leave the building via the nearest
exit or gather at a designated refuge area and receive training on fire safety procedures
and equipment.
Alternate routes might be used to condition the building occupants to situations that can
occur during an actual emergency. The plan is designed to familiarize everyone with all
alternate exits that are available.
A written record of the drills will be kept by Security and Property Management for a
period of three years and will be readily available for inspection.
Observers from the Fire Department and Police Department, or other agencies, may be
invited to observe and comment on the fire drill. This includes the Fire Marshal, a
registered peace officer of the State of Texas. Failure to evacuate a building when the
fire alarm sounds is a violation of the fire code and individuals remaining in the building
could be issued a citation.
Shortly after the emergency drills, the Fire Wardens will attend a meeting with Property
Management staff and Fire Drill Coordinators to determine the effectiveness of the
emergency drills, and to assure that any procedures are being followed in accordance
with this emergency plan. Any deficiencies should be noted and reviewed with Security
and Property Management for immediate correction.
Consideration will be given to include instructions and practice in the use of fire
protection equipment (fire extinguishers) for some, or all of the building’s occupants at
Property Management’s discretion.
17. 16
Evacuation
The order for total evacuation will be given only in extreme emergencies. When the
evacuation signal is given, either verbally or by alarm, follow the established guidelines
for managing the evacuation and leave the building as quickly and directly as possible.
1. When the order to evacuate has been issued, employees will walk in an orderly
manner to the nearest available exit according to their Fire Warden’s instructions.
a. Do not use elevators. Only stairwells are to be used.
b. Exit doors should remain closed except for exiting. Do not prop open the
emergency exit doors.
c. Once in the stairwell, employees should stay to the right and proceed
immediately outside of the building to their designated refuge area.
d. Although stairways are inspected regularly, there may be occasions when
an obstruction is present on the stairway. If possible, move the obstruction
out of the way and proceed to the exit. If the obstruction is hazardous and
cannot easily be passed, go to another stairway. Report obstruction to
Emergency Responders, your Fire Warden, and if possible the Incident
Commander.
2. Employees shall remain outside the building in their assigned “safe refuge points”
until requested to return to the workstation by the Incident Commander.
3. The Fire Warden must inform Emergency Responders of the location of any
employees with or without disabilities who have not been evacuated.
4. The designated Fire Warden will insure, either by themselves or with the
assistance of selected personnel that:
a. The entire work area they are responsible for, is clear (i.e. restrooms,
storerooms, conference rooms.)
b. Operating machines are turned off, if possible.
c. All doors, particularly fire doors, are close upon exiting.
5. Evacuation procedures may be modified depending on the situation. Strict
compliance to orders issued by the Fire Warden, Fire Department, Security,
Property Management or Incident Commander is MANDATORY. Violators will be
subject to disciplinary action.
6. Once outside the building, re-admittance to the building, for any reason will not
be permitted until an all-clear announcement is made by the Incident
Commander.
7. Fire drills will be conducted on a building by building basis, semi-annually.
18. 17
Controlled Evacuation with Zoned Alarm Systems
The majority of high rise buildings and skyscrapers have zoned alarm systems that will
only activate on a few floors within the direct vicinity of the fire. Usually the fire floor and
the floors above and below are evacuated.
● Initial evacuation is limited to those people in the direct vicinity of the fire.
Because of building safety and fire suppression features, occupants on more
distant floors may not need to evacuate. Follow the specific evacuation plan of
your building.
● The average time period for the complete evacuation of a skyscraper is
approximately two hours. This is due in part to the large number of building
occupants. If evacuation is not controlled, backups are likely in the stairwells and
the opportunities for injury or panic are increased.
● The majority of high rise buildings and all skyscrapers have pressurized stairwell
shafts. When the building alarm system is activated, fans pump air into the stair
and elevator shafts to create areas of high pressure. This pressurization helps
keep smoke from entering the stairwells and keeps them clear for evacuation.
Closed stairwell doors are crucial for maintaining this high pressure. If evacuation
is not controlled (i.e. if all stairwell doors are opened at once by everyone exiting)
the pressure is lost and smoke may enter the stairwell.
19. 18
Accident, Injury, or Illness
When confronted by an apparent accident, injury, or illness first make a determination
on whether or not Emergency Medical Services or Emergency Responders are
required.
In the event the incident does require medical assistance. Designate one person to call
911. Designate a second person to contact property security, who can assist in directing
EMS personnel to the scene or even provide first aid. Security will also contact property
management or other services as needed.
Note: there may be times when a direct call to 911 is made by the initiator. If this
happens you must ALSO notify Security so they can receive and direct the Emergency
Responders.
Have the following information given to Security and/or the 911 Operator:
● Your name
● Your location, including building address, floor, and suite number if applicable
● Nature of the emergency - be specific about what EMS personnel will be dealing
with. (i.e. “This is a medical emergency. We have a black female, approximately
fifty years of age with severe abdominal cramps. She is breathing and has a
pulse, but appears to be losing consciousness.)
● Other pertinent information about the emergency
● DO NOT HANG UP as other pertinent information may be needed. Stay on the
phone until the recipient acknowledges all necessary information has been
addressed and collected.
Designate someone to meet the emergency responders outside the
building and direct and escort them to the emergency.
If there is imminent danger present, move the injured person to safety. Otherwise do not
move them but try to make them comfortable.
20. 19
Bomb Threats
All bomb threats must be treated as a serious matter. To ensure the safety of the
facility, tenants and the general public, bomb threats must be considered real until
proven otherwise. In most cases, bomb threats are meant only to disrupt normal
activities. The procedures described below should be implemented regardless of
whether the bomb threat appears real or not.
If a suspicious object or package or potential bomb is discovered on premises:
● Do NOT touch it.
● Evacuate the immediate area to avoid accidental contamination of the scene.
● Call Security. Be sure to include the location and description of the object.
● Wait for Security.
If a bomb threat is received via phone:
● Do NOT put the caller on hold.
● Do NOT transfer the call (unless requested to do so.)
● Do NOT hang up the phone.
○ Use a landline phone to call Security, who will notify the proper authorities.
● Pay particular attention to
○ Background noises such as running motors, music, or sounds that may
indicate the location of the caller.
○ The caller’s voice to determine voice quality, accents, speech
impediments, sex, or unusual characteristics.
● Complete a BOMB THREAT CHECKLIST
○ While the information is still fresh in your mind.
○ Do not discuss the threat with anyone other than Security and Property
Management, in order to keep details from being skewed by other
perceptions.
● If an evacuation is ordered, follow the established evacuation procedures.
21. 20
Instructions: Remain calm and be courteous with the caller. Do not interrupt the caller. Pretend you can’t
hear the caller and try to keep the caller talking. Fill out the form below with as much information as possible.
1. Where is the bomb going to explode? 5. What will cause the bomb to explode?
2. When is the bomb going to explode? 6. Did you place the bomb? If so, why?
3. What does the bomb look like? 7. What is your address?
4. What kind of bomb is it? 8. What is your name?
Exact wording of the threat:
Time of Call: Date: Phone Number Call Received
From:
Accent:
□ Local
□ Middle East
□ Hispanic
□ African
□ Slavic
□ Southern
□ Northern
□ Midwestern
□ Other:
___________
_
Manner:
□ Calm
□ Rational
□ Coherent
□ Deliberate
□ Righteous
□ Angry
□ Irrational
□ Incoherent
□ Emotional
□ Laughing
□ Other:
___________
_
Background:
□ Machines
□ Music
□ Office
□ None
□ Traffic
□ Trains
□ Animals
□ Voices
□ Airplanes
□ Other:
___________
_
Voice:
□ Loud
□ High Pitch
□ Raspy
□ Intoxicated
□ Soft
□ Deep
□ Pleasant
□ Other:
___________
_
Speech:
□ Fast
□ Distinct
□ Distorted
□ Slurred
□ Slow
□ Stutter
□ Nasal
□ Other:
___________
_
Language:
□ Fair
□ Poor
□ Foul
□ Other:
___________
_
□ Excellent
□ Good
□ Other:
___________
_
Gender: □ Male □ Female □ Adult □ Juvenile Age: Call Origin: □ Local
□ Non-Local
Your Name: Your Phone Number:
Your Position: Date of Report:
22. 21
Major Natural Disasters
Most urban areas, including the cities near your facility, will activate warning sirens in
the event of a natural emergency and serve as an alert to residents to check email,
television, radio, and internet to determine what emergency actions need to be taken.
Sirens are generally tested on the first Wednesday of every month. Contact Security for
an exact schedule. Keep your radio or television tuned to hear weather reports and
forecasts issued by the National Weather Service as well as other information and
advice that may be broadcast by local government.
Certain weather conditions, which may not be classified as a weather disaster, may
occur. These are conditions such as severe thunderstorms, snowstorms and
hurricanes. During such weather conditions the ability of employees to travel may be
severely impeded or even halted. During such situations we encourage everyone to
listen to radio stations for guidance in determining whether the roads in your area are
dangerous.
Tornado
A tornado is defined as a violent rotating column of air
extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most
violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous
destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.
Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and
fifty miles long. Tornadoes may occur with little or no
advance warning or siren activation.
Actions to Take:
● Avoid automobiles and open areas
● Get away from the perimeter of the building and exterior windows
● Leave your exterior office and close the doors behind you.
● Proceed to the designated interior storm shelter areas. If your suite does not
have an interior storm shelter area proceed to the interior restrooms
● Sit down and protect yourself by putting your head as close to your lap as
possible and protect your head.
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Tornado Watches
Weather forecasters and the National Weather Service will notify the general public of
the possibility of tornado formation by issuing a tornado watch, asking the public to be
on the alert for the formation of a tornado.
Tornado Warning
When a tornado has actually formed, a warning is issued to the county and city that is in
immediate danger. A warning indicates that a tornado has been confirmed in the
immediate area and poses a definite threat.
Remember, do not call 911 unless you require emergency assistance.
If you are caught in transit within the building seek shelter in an interior restroom and do
not go outside the building.
If you are caught in a perimeter office seek and are unable to get to an approved storm
shelter in time see protection under the desk and cover your head.
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Earthquakes
An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and
shifting of the subterranean rock as it releases strain that has accumulated over a long
time. When an earthquake occurs, the ground shakes perceptively for a relatively short
period of time, perhaps only a few seconds or as long as a minute in a great
earthquake.
During an Earthquake:
● Remain calm
● DROP down onto your hands and knees (before the earthquakes knocks you
down). This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if
necessary.
● COVER your head and neck with both arms, clasping your neck with your hands.
If a desk or table is nearby, crawl beneath it while keeping one arm over your
head. (If there is no shelter nearby, only then should you get down near an
interior wall (or next to low-lying furniture that won't fall on you), and cover your
head and neck with your arms and hands.)
● HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be
prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.
Be prepared: During the earthquake electricity might go out, alarms may start ringing
and sprinklers may turn on. Expect to hear glass breaking, walls cracking, and objects
falling.
Aftershocks: These are separate quakes following the main shock and may occur
minutes, hours, or even days after the original quake. They can cause further damage
as structures already weakened by the original quake may take further damage.
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Actions AFTER the Earthquake:
● Remain Calm and assess the situation.
● Identify any injuries and request medical assistance if needed.
● Check for fires and fire hazards.
● Check for damages to electrical equipment, utilities, appliances, and water
mains. Turn off electricity if potential danger from exposed or damaged wiring
presents itself.
● Report any water leaks to Security or Property Management
● Do NOT TOUCH power lines, electric wiring, or objects in contact with power
lines or wiring.
● Do Not Use toilets until Property Management clears the use of restroom
facilities.
● Clean up any hazardous spills.
If you become trapped beneath debris:
● Do not move or kick up dust.
● Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or piece of clothing to prevent breathing in
contaminants.
● Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Try to expend as little energy
as possible. Shout only as a last resort. Tapping and hammering sounds will
carry through the debris better than vocalizing and shouting could expose you to
additional dust and contaminants.
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Definitions
Emergency Drill - a practice drill used by Property Management to familiarize tenants
with safety practices and to determine if all emergency procedures and systems are
functioning as designed.
Emergency Responder - Emergency Responders are representative of any
government agency sent to assist with the emergency, including fire department, police,
and medical personnel.
Fire Warden - Tenant Representative responsible for the orderly evacuation and
accounting of their tenant suite. Direct liaison between the tenant and the Incident
Commander.
High Rise Building - Any building over seventy-five (75) feet high from the lowest level
of Fire Department access.
Incident Commander - the senior-most on-site representative of property
management.
Mid-Rise Building - Buildings with between six (6) and fifteen (15) floors.
Safe Refuge Area - a predetermined gathering place away from the building for each
tenant where roll call and other tenant activities can take place during an emergency.
Skyscraper - A high rise building with over fifteen (15) floors and generally having
multiple elevator banks servicing select floors.
Storm Shelter Area - a predetermined gathering place inside the facility, away from
exterior walls and glass, where employees may take shelter during a weather
emergency.
