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Disaster Preparedness and Safety Issues




Fire Safety
Preparing for emergencies well in advance is one of the most effective ways of dealing with potential disasters. In the case of a fire, knowing the steps to take can minimize problems.

Steps to follow if you see a fire:
1. Activate the nearest fire alarm. If the building doesn't have an alarm system, then inform building occupants of the fire threat by any means available (PA system, verbal).
2. “A-B-C” type fire extinguishers available in campus buildings can be used on most types of fires, but never endanger your life or the life of others by using them. Even if the fire has been put out with fire extinguishers, the Fire Department still must be called to determine that the fire has been completely extinguished.
3. If you are on or off campus, alert the fire department at 911 from a safe phone. Give your name, address, location and extent of the fire.
4. Calmly alert people in the building and evacuate the building by following the EXIT signs. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
5. Once an alarm has been activated and immediate attention has been given by emergency personnel to the safety of others, close corridors, windows, doors and stairwells to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
6. Remain outside the building at a safe distance.
7. Meet police or fire personnel upon arrival to direct them to the fire. Inform police and fire personnel of any special chemicals, biological or radiological hazards involved.

Steps to follow if you are caught in a fire:
1. Remain calm.
2. Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot:
• Do not open the door.
• Open the windows.
• If possible, lower the top half of the window to let out heat and smoke and raise the lower half to let in fresh air.
• Seal the cracks around the door with towels, linen, or clothes. Soak these items in water if possible.
• To attract attention, hang objects out of the window and shout for help.
• Keep low to the floor.
• Take short breaths to avoid inhaling smoke. Place a wet towel over your nose and mouth. Keep your head six to eight inches off the floor.
3. If the door is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If hot air or fire rushes in, close the door and refer to step 2.
4. If you can leave, close all doors behind you and proceed to the nearest safe exit. Leave the building and stand clear of the fire. Help direct police and fire personnel when they arrive.

Thinking About Safety and Prevention
1. Know every regular and emergency exit from the building you are in. Know how to activate the alarm system and what it sounds like. Know the location of fire extinguishers and how to operate them.
2. Arrange the contents with fire safety in mind. Maintain clear and unobstructed access to your room door, from both the outside and the inside, at all times.
3. Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not use broken, frayed or cracked electrical cords. Do not suspend lamps or lights by their own cords.
4. If you smoke, exercise care when smoking and do not smoke in bed.
5. Do not allow excess clutter or flammable materials.
6. Do not keep bicycles in the building. They should be locked in the provided bicycle racks outside of the building.
For further information contact the Campus Police Department at, (701) 671-2233.

Severe Weather
The North Dakota State College of Science has prepared a Severe Weather Plan to provide guidance for proper actions required by any severe weather endangering life and property. In addition, the Severe Weather Plan also outlines proper response procedures for other emergencies such as: bomb threats, ammonia leaks, natural gas leaks, hazardous material incidents, radioactive material incidents and bio-hazardous material incidents. Master copies of the Severe Weather Plan are located at the NDSCS Campus Police Department and the Physical Plant (Paterson Maintenance Facility).

Tornado Preparedness
Before a Tornado:
• Select a shelter; the best protection is afforded by an underground shelter or basement.
• Be familiar with the weather service alert and siren system; there is a “test” the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m.. For further information contact the Richland County Emergency Management Office at (701) 642-7788.
• Store emergency supplies (water, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food, first aid kit, tools, portable radio, flashlight, fresh batteries, blanket, warm jacket and fire extinguisher) in a secure place at home or in your car.

During a Tornado:
• The Activities Center is a designated storm shelter on the NDSCS campus. Residents of the College Complexes should proceed to this location if possible.
• Seek safety in an underground basement or in an interior part of the lowest level (closets, bathrooms, hallways). Get under something sturdy.
• If in a high-rise building, go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor possible. Remain away from outside walls. Assume a crouched position with arms over your head.
• Stay away from windows, particularly on the windward side, and avoid shelter in large rooms with large, unsupported roof spans.
• If outside in an automobile, do not try to out-race a tornado. Drive at right angles away from the tornado's path. If there isn't time, or if you are on foot, take cover and lie flat in the nearest depression such as a ditch, culvert, excavation or ravine.

After a Tornado:
• Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from possible broken glass.
• Check for injuries. Apply first aid. Do not attempt to move anyone seriously injured.
• Check for fire.
• Check utilities for damage and evacuate the building if a gas leak is present. Do not light matches or turn on electricity until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• Check for structural damage; clear blocked exits.
• Check radio and phones and monitor official broadcasts. Do not use the phone except for emergencies.
• Use extreme caution when close to masonry structures.
• Plug bathtub and sink drains. Do not use the toilet until you are certain sewage lines are not damaged.
• Do not call the police or fire department except in the case of an emergency (fire, severe injury or a gas leak). A delay in response time may be expected.
• Telephone a designated out-of-state person who family members and friends can call to learn your location and condition.

Winter Driving
For people coming to NDSCS from the immediate region, the periodic challenges of the North Dakota winter season will come as no surprise. For people new to the region, a few brief comments might be helpful.
City and campus streets are plowed and sanded as required. Once one becomes accustomed to driving on streets periodically compacted with snow or ice, travel within the city is normally uneventful. In the winter months good drivers slow down, allow more time to reach destinations, and leave more space between themselves and the vehicle they are following.
Temperatures may reach the -20 to -40 degrees F range in midwinter. Vehicles should be winterized so they will start properly under these potentially extreme conditions. Gas tanks should be kept as full as possible, antifreeze checked before the cold weather arrives, batteries should be maintained or replaced as needed, and a shovel kept in the trunk. There are a number of reliable service centers in the city that can be contacted to have these services performed. Note: campus residents may be required to move their vehicles for snow removal.
A special note regarding long distance automobile travel during the winter months:
• Check weather reports before leaving.
• Limit driving to daylight hours and carry a car safety kit that includes blankets, matches, candles, high-energy dry foods, a flashlight and spare batteries.
• Check road conditions from the State Highway Department.
• Do not travel if blizzard conditions are expected.
• Always let someone know your travel plans.

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