Safety Policy Manual - Emergency Management Plan

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I. Introduction:
Robert Morris University is committed to the development and administration of a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. The emergency plan has been designed to provide appropriate response to the University and community during a disaster or perceived disaster situation and to its students, staff and visitors during such an incident.

II. Purpose:
The purpose of this management plan is to prepare Robert Morris University for human, systems or naturally occurring events that may cause a sudden or significant impact to the university's normal operations or the overall safety within the environment. This plan outlines several aspects related to preparedness, response and recovery, and the process for implementing a structured incident command system.

III. Goal:
The goal of this management plan is consistent with and supports the overall mission of the University through the development, promotion and implementation of a proactive disaster management plan. The short-term goals for this plan are to 1) establish a university-wide incident command structure, and 2) initiate a process for evaluating any incidents that occur. In time, the plan will also document the readiness, response and recovery processes and procedures specific to various emergency situations, as determined through hazard vulnerability assessments.

The short-term goals noted above will be achieved and maintained through: the collection and review of any existing departmental emergency action plans to determine how well these plans might fit into a more comprehensive university-wide incident command structure; the creation and sharing of information university-wide regarding the incident command structure at RMU; and determination of the appropriate timing and procedures for review of any emergency incidents that may occur.

IV. Objective:
The objective of this management plan is to communicate to Robert Morris University employees the processes for responding to emergencies and/or disasters. The All Hazards Disaster and Emergency Management Plan was developed to coordinate an effective program based on organizational experience, applicable laws and regulations and accepted practice. Once a command structure and evaluation process are established and in place, performance of these systems, including the university's overall awareness of procedures and ability to follow in a time of crisis, can be measured through the conducting an evaluation of surveys, table-top or real-life drills, and, when applicable, real situations on campus or within the community.

V. Scope:
The scope of this management plan is to establish the foundation for a comprehensive disaster management plan at Robert Morris University. The Emergency Plan applies to all RMU personnel including, but not limited to, those located at the Moon Campus, Island Sports Complex, Pittsburgh facilities and other facilities owned/operated by RMU. In addition, all students, volunteers, visitors, contractors and other personnel are included within the general scope of the Emergency Management Plan.

This Plan identifies the core elements of the Emergency Preparedness Plan, including but not limited to: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. This plan establishes an organizational structure designed to facilitate the administration and operation of the University during simulated or actual disaster incidents.

VI. Roles and Responsibilities:

  1. Emergency Management Sub-Committee Responsibilities:
    1. Revising and updating the emergency response plans. Through critiquing emergency response drills, exercises and real-time events, the Sub-Committee will develop, revise and implement policies and procedures to better prepare the University for future events. With any new/revised policy or procedure, training curriculum will be developed and conducted for emergency response team personnel and the general RMU population as appropriate.
    2. Identifying specific procedures in response to a variety of disasters based on a hazard vulnerability analysis. A hazard vulnerability analysis (HVA) will be conducted annually to determine potential hazards and specific procedures to take in response to these hazards, including steps that can be taken to attempt to lessen the severity and impact of the potential disaster or emergency on the operation of the facility. The HVA will account for the prioritization of the potential hazards, utilizing a rating scale mechanism to account for probability of occurrence, community impact and RMU impact. The HVA will determine components for the Emergency Management Plan regarding mitigation, preparation, response and recovery activities as they relate to disasters.
    3. Defining, and where appropriate, establishing and integrating RMU's role with community-wide emergency response agencies to promote interoperability between RMU and the community. The University will establish a command structure, contact information and resources able to be provided in times of disaster. When possible, RMU will participate in community emergencies that may disrupt normal community functions. In addition, RMU may participate in community/regional drill/events outside of the University's own such activities.
    4. Defining the process for initiating the All Hazards Disaster and Emergency Management Plan and the structure for command and operations during a disaster event. RMU will establish and implement an All Hazards Disaster and Emergency Management Plan that describes how, when and by whom the Plan is activated in the event of a disaster and emergency. Once activated, the University's Incident Command System will serve to direct the University and its activities, and may also outline alternative roles and responsibilities for personnel during emergencies, including to whom personnel report within the University's and local community command structure. These roles will include student safety/support, staff and family support activities, logistics related to critical supplies/systems, security and communication with the news media.
    5. Establishing alternative sites or procedures when the environment cannot support normal operations.
    6. Identifying alternative means of meeting essential building utility needs when the University is designated by its emergency plan to provide continuous service during a disaster or emergency. The alternatives for providing essential utility needs are outlined in the Facilities Management Emergency Management Plan.
    7. Identifying backup internal and external communication systems in the event of a failure during disasters and emergencies. As part of the Incident Command System, the University will determine and develop an independent internal telephone communication system that will link facilities, public safety, and incident command.
    8. Developing a system for notification of personnel when emergency response measures are initiated. The Sub-Committee will examine the use of existing and/or possible new technologies that could assist in emergency situations, including overhead address, phone, paging and computer systems.
    9. Developing a system for identifying University personnel during emergencies, perhaps utilizing existing RMU ID Cards.
    10. Developing a system for assigning available personnel in emergencies to cover all necessary staff positions. All University personnel are assigned based on overall University needs related to the disaster event per the Disaster Plan. Individual departments will relay their personnel needs to the Operations Center for the Incident Command staff to determine appropriate allocations per the current situation, available staff and University status.
    11. Developing a plan for continuing and/or re-establishing University operations following a disaster. Prior to resuming normal operations at the University or a portion of the University, all required and appropriate inspections will be completed to ensure a safe environment is established.
    12. Developing an orientation and education program for all University personnel who participate in implementing the Emergency Management Plan. All employees will receive education regarding the All Hazards Disaster and Emergency Management Plan during new employee orientation. Individual departments provide department specific training for employees as required. Educational issues covered will include: specific roles and responsibilities during emergencies; recognition of specific types of emergencies; information and skills required to perform duties during emergencies; the backup communication system used during emergencies; and how supplies and equipment are obtained during emergencies.
    13. Deeloping procedures for an evaluation of the University's hazard vulnerability analysis and of the Emergency Management Plan. The Emergency Management Sub-Committee will review all drills/actual events to determine areas of improvement. Appropriate recommendations will be implemented and University staff will be notified of Emergency Management Plan updates. The Committee will evaluate annually the All Hazards and Disaster and Emergency Management Plan, including objectives, scope, performance and effectiveness. The review will include but may not be limited to: staff knowledge and skills; monitoring and inspection activities; emergency procedures and incidents; University policies and procedures; and identified trends or incidents. The plan will be reviewed annually and submitted to the University Safety Committee for final approval.
  2. Disaster Responsibilities:
    1. External disaster refers to any event that occurs outside the University and which affects the University's ability to function normally.
      1. The External Disaster Plan will be activated by a collaboration of senior administration or the acting administrator at the time of the incident.
      2. Administrative authority and leadership of the University during an external disaster will follow the guidelines set forth in the Incident Command section of the Disaster Plan.
      3. University personnel will respond and support the Incident Command Team and Disaster Response Plan as per the University and individual department All Hazards Disaster and Emergency Management Plans.
      4. The acting administrator in conjunction with the Incident Command Team will determine when the disaster situation has been controlled and the termination of the Disaster Plan is appropriate.
    2. Internal disaster refers to any event that occurs inside the University or facility and either results in injury or illness to a number of persons at the time of the disaster, places persons, University infrastructure or facilities at risk or at potential risk, or that necessitates total or partial evacuation of the University or facility.
      1. The Internal Disaster Plan will be activated by the acting Administrator, in collaboration with the Highest Ranking Public Safety Officer, and the highest Administrative Authority.
      2. Administrative authority and leadership of the University during an internal disaster event will follow the guidelines set forth in the Incident Command section of the Disaster Plan.
      3. Scene authority during an internal disaster event will be the highest-ranking Public Safety Officer present.
      4. University personnel will respond to the internal disaster per the University and individual department Internal Disaster Plans.
      5. The acting Administrator, in conjunction with the Scene Commander, will determine when the disaster situation has been controlled and the termination of the Internal Disaster Plan is appropriate.

VII. Implementation Policies, Procedures & Guidelines:
University-wide and departmental disaster policies, procedures & plans will be established as part of the emergency preparedness program.

A. The following are being developed for the All Hazards Disaster and Emergency Management Plan:

1. Overview
2. Mitigation: Hazard Vulnerability Analysis
3. Preparedness
4. Response
5. Incident Command/Communication System
6. Recovery Phase
7. Department Specific Plans
Appendix 1 - Forms
Appendix 2 - Event Recovery Checklist
Appendix 3 - Statement of Authority
Appendix 4 - Incident Specific Templates
  • Bio-terrorism
  • Bomb Threat
  • Abduction
  • Haz-Mat
  • Quarantine
  • Ice storm, Blizzard Conditions, Snow Storm
  • Power Failure
  • HVAC Failure - Temperature Extreme
  • Water Failure
  • Computer System Failure

Appendix 5 - Materials Management Stockpile Distribution


Implementation Date: March 2006