This document provides guidance on emergency procedures for a facility. It outlines key details staff should know, such as how occupants will be notified of emergencies, the designated place of refuge, locations of emergency equipment like fire extinguishers and supplies, and evacuation routes including alternate exits. Scenarios covered include responding to fires, earthquakes, bomb threats, and suspicious items. Staff are instructed to ask their supervisor for any facility-specific procedures and plans.

1. Quarterly IIPP Training
Emergency Procedures Update
Know the Emergency Basics for Your Facility Location
Ask your Supervisor about your Facility’s emergency evacuation procedures. All facilities
are different. A cookie cutter approach to this problem just does not cut it.
How Will Staff And Clients Be Notified Of An Emergency And Evacuation? You
would be surprised at how many people will not know this information when the time
comes. Practicing drills at least twice yearly can really help to hammer the idea home
that, during an emergency (especially in a Secured Facility!) the top priority is getting
individuals out of your facility quickly and SAFELY. Your supervisor will talk you through
this now.
Where is Your Facility’s Place of Refuge? Each facility has a designated place of
refuge. Find out where yours is. This is the agreed upon location where employees
assemble until it is safe to re enter the Facility. Your supervisor will explain the details.
Where Are Fire Extinguishers Located In Your Work Area And How Are They
Operated? It is quite possible you have never noticed these. When we see something
every day we start to not see it. Look around your Facility and find out where the fire
extinguishers are kept. The fire department, on request, will conduct fire extinguisher
training.
Emergency Exit Locations? Each facility is different. Find your emergency exits. In
many facilities emergency exit signs and maps are posted clearly in corridors. During an
emergency evacuation Never use Elevators (you may be trapped). If you have special
needs during an emergency evacuation, work with your supervisor to make
arrangements for necessary assistance.
Do You Know Where The Emergency Supplies Are Stored? Jail Health Facilities
have items for first aid. Other supplies may include flash lights, hard hats, vests,
bullhorns. If your facility has these things…find out where they are kept and how they
are accessed.
Emergency Basics: There is no way to cover everything that can go wrong during a
disaster. The best practice in most cases is to evacuate…although in an earthquake this
may not be feasible. Below are a few scenarios to consider. If you think of more
interesting ones incorporate them into this lesson.
In Case Of Fire: What To Do?
Call 911.
Pull the fire alarm (if you have access).
Stay clear of smoke and fumes. If there is smoke in the area, stay low to the ground.
Before opening a door, touch it with the back of your hand. If the door is hot or
smoke is visible, do not open it.
Drop to the floor to avoid smoke and fumes. Crawl to safety.
If your clothes catch fire: STOP, DROP & ROLL.
Evacuate the building and assemble at your place of refuge.
Re-enter the building when the Fire Department says it is OK.
Created by Shawn Holle Page 1 of 3

2. Quarterly IIPP Training
Emergency Procedures Update
Earthquake
Inside:
Drop, Duck, Cover, and Hold under piece of sturdy furniture. Alternatively, get
against an interior wall and protect your neck and head with your arms.
Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, bookcases, filing cabinets and overhead
fixtures.
Do not use elevators.
Do not try to leave your Facility during the shaking.
In urban environments it is often safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake
unless there is a fire, gas leak or significant structural damage.
Outside: Stay outside and move away from buildings, trees and power lines. If near a
building avoid objects such as canopies, signs, and external stairs.
Automobile: Stop your vehicle in the nearest open area. Do not stop under overhead
hazards such as bridges, overpasses or power lines. Stay in your vehicle until the
shaking stops.
After The Shaking Stops:
Be prepared for aftershocks.
Check for injuries and provide first aid as needed based on your skill level.
Do not move seriously injured people unless necessary.
Check for dangerous conditions such as fires, downed power lines, and structural
damage.
Use phones for emergency needs only.
Turn on a battery powered radio for emergency updates and information.
San Francisco Outdoor Warning System: The system is tested at noon every
Tuesday City Wide. During testing the system emits a 15 second burst. During a real
emergency the 15 second alert tone will sound repeatedly for 5 minutes.
When the system signals a disaster:
Remain calm
Stop what you are doing.
Listen for possible voice announcements
Turn on the radio or TV to KCBS (740 AM), KGO (810 AM), KNBR (680 AM) or
KQED (88.5 FM) for important information provided by the City.
Avoid using the telephone unless you have a life threatening emergency.
Bomb Threat: Follow the procedure outlined in the “Bomb Threat Checklist” (Download
at: http://dphnet/PrevCrime/WorkCrime/BombChklstWork.htm). This checklist should be located
next to your phones. Notify your supervisor immediately to determine if evacuation is
necessary. Call 911.
Created by Shawn Holle Page 2 of 3

3. Quarterly IIPP Training
Emergency Procedures Update
Suspicious Items
Do not touch it!
Report the location to your supervisor, Jail security, and the police.
Clear staff and clients from the vicinity of the suspicious item.
Resources:
http://dphnet/EmerTerrorDisaster/EmerTerrorDisaster.htm
http://dphnet/prevcrime/WorkCrime/BombWork.htm
http://dphnet/EmerTerrorDisaster/StrangeLtrs.htm
http://dphnet/emerresp/ChkList.htm
www.72hours.org
Created by Shawn Holle Page 3 of 3