BCHM – Biochemistry Building

In the event of an emergency that may require the evacuation of a campus building, the following procedures are recommended:

1. If able to evacuated, please do so at that time. Remember to use the stairs if able. Never use the elevator during a fire alarm.
2. If not, shelter in place in an area with no immediate hazards and call or text 911. Advise the police dispatcher of the location. Even if the caller is unable to speak, the dispatcher will then automatically surmise that the caller may be in trouble and will respond accordingly.
3. If unable to call 911, advise others of the location and have them inform emergency personnel of the location.
4. If in no immediate danger, remain in the location and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
5. If in immediate danger, move to an area to shelter in place. Recommended areas would be a room with an outside window or a room with a sprinkler system if available.
6. Carry a sounding device like a small whistle, flashlight and cell phone to alert emergency personnel of the location.

1. Always ask someone requiring additional assistance how to help before attempting to provide assistance.
2. Only attempt an emergency evacuation after having emergency assistance training or if the person is in immediate danger and cannot wait for emergency personnel.
3. If you know of someone who needs assistance, notify emergency personnel or call/text 911 immediately.

In the event of an emergency that may require the evacuation of a campus building, the following procedures are recommended:

1. Immediately obey evacuation alarms and orders. Tell others to evacuate.
2. No one may remain inside a building when an evacuation is in progress.
3. Classes in session must cease and immediately evacuate the building.
4. If involved with hazardous research or doing a dangerous procedure, immediately shut down operations that could create additional hazards if left unattended. Evacuate as soon as possible.
5. Take keys, coat, purse and any other critical personal items to the Evacuation/Emergency Assembly Area (EAA). REMEMBER, IN CASE OF A FIRE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOT DELAY EVACUATION.
6. Close doors as rooms are vacant.
7. Assist those who need help, but do not put yourself at risk attempting to rescue trapped or injured victims.
8. Note location of trapped and injured victims and notify emergency responders.
9. Walk calmly but quickly to the nearest emergency exit.
10. Use stairways only. Do not use elevators.
11. Keep to the right side of corridors and stairwells as you exit.
12. Remain in EAA until roll is taken and instructions are given.
13. Do not reenter the building until authorized fire or police department personnel give the “All Clear” instruction.

Shelter in place means seeking immediate shelter inside a building or university residence. This course of action may need to be taken during a tornado, active threat, release of hazardous materials in the outside air or a civil disturbance. When you hear the sirens, immediately go inside a building to a safe location and use all means of communication available to find out more details about the emergency. Remain in place until police, fire or other emergency response personnel provide additional guidance or tell you it is safe to leave. Keep to the right side of corridors and stairwells as you exit.

Severe Weather

1. Proceed to the basement of any building that has a basement or sub-walk. Position yourself in the safest portion of the area away from glass. Be prepared to kneel facing a wall and cover your head.
2. In high-rise (four stories or more) buildings, vacate the top floor and move to a lower floor or to the basement. Position yourself in an interior corridor away from glass. Be prepared to kneel facing the wall and cover your head.
3. If time permits, occupants of wood-frame or brick buildings with wood floors should leave the building and go directly to a more substantial concrete building, preferably with a basement.
4. Any occupant who encounters a student or visitor should direct them to take appropriate actions.
5. Any occupant that encounters a physically disabled individual should assist them if possible or note the person’s location and communicate it to emergency responders.
6. Try and obtain additional clarifying information by all possible means (e.g. Campus Emergency Status page, TV, radio, email, etc.)

Active Threat

If an active threat is outside the building, the best option may be to shelter in place:

1. Proceed to a room that can be locked, barricaded or secured in some way. Close and lock all the windows and doors and turn off all the lights.
2. Hide under a desk, in a closet or in the corner. If possible, get everyone down on the floor and ensure that no one is visible from outside the room.
3. One person in the room should call/text 911, advise the dispatcher of what is taking place and inform them of your location.
4. Remain in place until the police, or a campus administrator known to you, gives the all-clear. Unfamiliar voices may be the threat attempting to lure victims from their safe space.
5. Do not respond to any voice commands until you can verify with certainty that they are being issued by a police officer.
6. After getting to a safe location and without jeopardizing your safety, try and obtain additional clarifying information by all possible means, including text, email, Campus Emergency Status page, TV, radio, etc.
7. It would be useful to have a cell phone, hard-wired telephone or computer system in the shelter location to assist in obtaining additional information as well as being able to report any life-threatening conditions.
8. Report any suspicious activity if you can do so without jeopardizing your safety. Call/text 911 if possible.
9. Normally, police department personnel, PurdueALERT text and all-hazards outdoor warning siren layers will be the primary notification methods.

If an active threat is in the same building:

1. Determine if the room can be locked. If so, follow the same procedure described in the previous paragraph.
2. If the room cannot be locked, determine if there is a nearby location that can be reached
   safely and securely, or if you can safely exit the building.
3. If you decide to move from your current location, be sure to follow the instructions outlined
   below.

If an active threat enters your office or classroom:

1. Try to remain calm.
2. Call/text 911, if possible, and alert police to the location of the threat. If you can’t speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen to what’s taking place. Normally, the location of a 911 call can be determined without speaking.
3. You have options–you can make attempts to run, hide or fight.
4. Run and escape the area of threat.
5. Hide by seeking cover and/or concealment.
6. Fight by overpowering or distracting with force. This should be considered a very last resort.
7. If the threat leaves the area, proceed immediately to a safer place and do not touch anything that was in the vicinity of the threat.

Under all circumstances:

1. If you decide to flee during an active threat situation, make sure to have an escape route and plan in mind.
2. Do not carry anything while fleeing. Move quickly, keep hands visible and follow the instructions of any police officers you may encounter.
3. Do not attempt to remove injured people. Instead, leave wounded victims where they are and notify authorities of their location as soon as possible.

Hazardous Materials Release

For spills, releases or incidents requiring special training, procedures or personal protective equipment (PPE) that is beyond the abilities of present personnel, take the following steps:

1. Immediately notify affected personnel and evacuate the spill area. Pull the fire alarm if building evacuation is required.
2. Call 911 to report the incident.
3. Give the operator the following information:
4. Your name, telephone number, and location
5. Time and type of incident
6. Name and quantity of the material, if known
7. The extent of injuries or damage, if any
8. If possible, seal off the affective area to prevent further contamination of others until the arrival of emergency personnel.
9. Anyone who is contaminated by the spill should wash off the contamination, remain in the vicinity and give his/her name to the emergency personnel. If needed, first aid can be started immediately.
10. No effort to contain or clean up spills and releases should be made unless you have been trained in the proper methods to do so.
11. Take appropriate steps to make sure no one evacuates through the contaminated area.
12. If an alarm sounds, follow established building evacuation procedures listed above.
13. An incident command post will be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the incident command area unless you have official business, including information regarding the chemical or other material that has been spilled.
14. Do not re-enter the area until directed by emergency personnel.

If you are directed to shelter in place due to a hazardous material (HAZMAT) accidental release, the air quality may be threatened and sheltering offers more protection. For a HAZMAT shelter in place situation, take the following actions:

1. Close all windows and doors.
2. Move to the shelter-in-place location.
3. Select an interior room above ground with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to sit.
4. Do not go outside or attempt to drive unless specifically instructed to evacuate.
5. Do not use elevators as they may pump air into or out of the building.
6. Share notification with others and assist persons with disabilities, if possible.
7. Try and obtain additional clarifying information by all possible means, including text, email, Campus Emergency Status page, TV, radio, etc.
8. It would be useful to have a cell phone, hard-wired telephone or computer system in the shelter location to assist in obtaining additional information as well as being able to report any life-threatening conditions.