RYNEARSON STADIUM
BUILDING EMERGENCY PLAN
Prepared by: EMU Emergency Management
Date Revised: 6/27/2011
THIS DOCUMENT MAY CONTAIN SENSITIVE INFORMATION.
FOR INTERNAL DISTRIBUTION ONLY.
Table of Contents
Section I:
Building Emergency Plan
1. Introduction
2. Responsibilities
3. BEP Requirements
4. Training
Section II:
General Information
Section III:
Building Information
1. Building Administrator and Alternates Contact Information
2. C-CERT Members
3. Building Description
Section IV:
Evacuation
1. Evacuation Policy
2. General Evacuation Procedures
3. Procedure
4. Fire
5. Tornado/Severe Weather
4. Designated Meeting Area Locations (DMA)
Section VII:
Emergency Announcement Scripts
1. Inclement Weather
2. Bomb Threat
3. Weapons Discharge
Appendices
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C:
Appendix D:
Appendix E:
Appendix F:
Acronyms and Definitions
Bomb Threat Response Protocols
Procedures for Persons with Special Needs
EMU Athletic Department Lightning Safety Policy
NCAA Guideline 1d: Lightning Safety
Building Schematics and Pictures
Attachments
Attachment 1: Emergency Response Flipchart
Building Schematics and Pictures
SECTION I: PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION
1. Each EMU campus building must have a Building Emergency Plan (BEP) that provides procedures for
use during emergency incidents. The Building Administrator or an individual designated by the
administrator will develop the BEP and upon completion submit it to the EMU Emergency
Management Office for review, distribution to response departments, and retention.
2. Once the plan is developed, it is to be reviewed and/or revised at least annually by June 30 th or
following any training, drill, exercise, or incident where the after action discussion identifies
corrective actions. Please forward a copy of the revised plan to EMU Emergency Management.
3.
If there are no significant changes that warrant a BEP revision, document the annual review below.
Mail, email or fax to 734.487.1179 a copy of this completed page to the EMU Emergency
Management Office.
4. If you have any questions about this plan, please contact your building administrator or EMU
Emergency Management at 734.487.0799.
5. This BEP has been developed, revised or reviewed by the following individuals:
Rynearson Stadium
Type of Review
 Initial Submission
Prepared by: Mike Malach, Associate Athletics Director
Building Administrator or designee (name & title)
Reviewed by: Robert Morford, EM Intern
 Annual Update
6/27/11
Date
06/30/2011
EMU Emergency Management Office (name & title)
Date
*The above names constitute digital signatures.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
1
SECTION II: GENERAL INFORMATION
In the event of a major emergency at Rynearson Stadium, an evacuation or other
emergency action may be necessary. This procedure describes general emergency actions and
the roles of all event staff, whether they are Eastern Michigan University employees,
contractors or volunteers who are to assist in the emergency actions.
The type of emergency and its location will generally dictate what actions will be
undertaken. Under the best conditions, the stadium public address system will be available and
stadium lighting will continue to function. Under the worst condition there will be no public
address system or lighting available. An evacuation will most likely come without extended
warning and event personnel will be required to act quickly and calmly using good judgment.
Eastern Michigan University will normally manage stadium field operations from an
Incident Command Post (ICP). The ICP is at a location pre-designated for the event.
The Incident Commander for an emergency at Rynearson Stadium is the senior ranking
police commander The police commander remains the incident commander until the event the
situation is secured and under control or until incident command is transferred to another
agency.
In the event of a fire and the Ypsilanti Fire Department (YFD) responds to Rynearson
Stadium, the highest ranking YFD officer becomes the incident commander for the fire
response. A Unified Command (UC) structure with EMU Public Safety will be implemented in
order to coordinate an effective response for non-fire actions. The UC is responsible for overall
management of the incident. The decision to implement emergency actions at Rynearson
Stadium will be the responsibility of the Unified Command.
The location for the Incident Command Post will be at a recommended location for the
event, typically a security room located at Rynearson Stadium. If the situation warrants,
relocation of the Incident Command Post will be determined by the Incident Commander.
In the event the Ypsilanti Fire Department assumes command, the IC will be located at their
discretion. EMU staff should recommend to the fire command that the press box
police/security room be utilized because of its critical location and proximity to key personnel.
Under normal circumstances, the stadium public address system will be used to issue
instructions to spectators. The IC will access the public address system via the stadium
announcer, who will remain at his location until released by the IC. Additionally, the outdoor
warning siren public address system may be used to sound an alert. The IC will access this
system through the EMU Department of Public Safety Dispatch Center AT 734.487.1222.
All event staff will be involved with the implementation of the emergency procedures and
should avoid panic and assist spectators exiting from the stadium. Patrons should be kept
moving at a steady pace and be given instructions to guide them to the proper exits. No event
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
2
staff will be released until directed by the IC. Event staff includes; athletic department
employees, physical plant staff, ushers, athletic department volunteers, contract security and
event management personnel, temporary and permanent concessionaire employees, and
contract police personnel. During the emergency these groups will be subordinate to the IC and
will follow instructions originating from the IC.
Chain of Command for Stadium Emergencies
Incident Commander/
Unified Command
Safety Officer
Athletics Director
or designee
Public Information
Officer
Stadium/Event
Manager
Event Coordinator
Liaison Officer
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
3
SECTION III: BUILDING INFORMATION
BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR & ALTERNATES CONTACT INSFORMATION
Building Name
Rynearson Stadium
Campus Address
Building
Administrator
Contact
Information
2051 N. Huron River Dr., Ypsilanti, MI
48197
Mike Malach
Email
[email protected]
Campus Phone
734.487.5313
Mobile Phone
Fax
Alternate Building
Erich Keil
Contact
Email
Campus Phone
Contact
Information
734.487.6898
[email protected]
734.487.5152
Mobile Phone
Fax
Alternate Building
Adam Martin
Contact
Email
Campus Phone
Contact
Information
Campus Map Building 66,
Numerical Index #
66A, 67
734.487.6898
[email protected]
734.487.1050
Mobile Phone
Fax
734.487.6898
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
4
1. C-CERT MEMBERS
C-CERT Zone #: K
Name
Ron Reid
Karen Hansen
Campus Address
Convocation Center
Convocation Center
Work Phone
734.487.0187
734.487.4458
2. BUILDING DESCRIPTION
Capacity: Capacity of Rynearson Stadium is 30,200. Standing room is available in the south end
zone, allowing for crowds larger than the listed capacity.
Press Box: The two-level press box is located on the top of the west-side stands. The working
media utilize the lower level while the top level is a university hospitality area for the stadium.
Locker Rooms: The EMU locker room is located in the team building at the north end of the
stadium. The visitor's locker room is located below the south end of the west side of the
stadium.
TEAM BUILDING
(67)
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
5
SECTION IV: EVACUATION PROCEDURES
1. Policy
EMU policy requires immediate evacuation when any fire alarm sounds within a building. All
faculty, staff, students and visitors must immediately depart the building using designated exit
routes if safe.
a. Departments are responsible to ensure that all people in their building are aware of exit routes
and the location of their building’s Designated Meeting Areas (DMA.)
b. All building occupants will follow instructions relevant to public safety issued by the building
administrator or emergency personnel.
2. Procedure
Evacuation of all or part of the stadium will be determined by the Incident Commander. If an
evacuation is necessary, the following actions should be undertaken in preparation for the
evacuation:
1. Ushers, security personnel, and employees will open all gates and move all tables, carts
and gate counters and clear the exits as much as possible. Trash containers and
dumpsters may also require removal.
2. Concession staff will immediately close their concession stands, locking them securely
and then leave the facility as directed.
3. Crowd control staff and ushers should remain at their assigned location and direct
spectators in accordance with the direction issued by Incident Command.
4. Visiting athletes, guests, and on field media should be directed into the Convocation
Center at the South end of the stadium. If conditions warrant further evacuation, this
group will be moved via available transportation to a location determined by the
Incident Commander.
5. Staff from the athletic department should move media and game staff from the press
box area to ground level by utilizing stairways and exits on the west side of the stadium.
6. The home team should move into the team building. The IC will determine if conditions
warrant moving the home team from the team building and the home team will depart
in available vehicles.
7. The visitor's locker room is located below the south end of the west side of the stadium.
If determined by the IC, the visiting team should move to the Convocation Center. If
conditions warrant further evacuation, the visiting team will depart on their buses from
the stadium.
8. Security personnel on the field will direct anyone evacuating onto the field to the exits
and to the appropriate parking lot.
9. Security personnel in the concourse area will direct people leaving the ramp area to
move out of the stadium to their vehicles.
10. Parking lot attendees and security officers will direct vehicles to leave. No vehicles will
be allowed to enter stadium parking areas (other than emergency response vehicles).
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
6
11. The Incident Commander will initiate notification of the Ypsilanti Police Department, the
Washtenaw County Sheriff Department, and the Michigan State Police Ypsilanti Post of
the stadium evacuation in order to facilitate traffic flow away from the stadium.
12. After the stadium is cleared, all ushers and crowd management staff will evacuate the
stadium.
13. The incident commander, stadium manager and public address announcer will remain at
their station until the facility is evacuated. They will then evacuate the stadium.
3. Fires
University policy requires that all building occupants must evacuate the building in the event
of a fire. In the event a fire alarm or an actual fire occurs in the stadium, the following actions
should take place:
1. The stadium staff that initially discovers the fire, explosion or smoke will activate the fire
alarm and notify nearby occupants of the possible danger. If unable to locate a pull
station, the employee will dial 911 from a campus phone or 734.487.1222 from a cell
phone.
2. The IC will determine what portions of the stadium require evacuation and will direct
the public address announcer to make the appropriate announcement over the stadium
public address system.
3. The IC or designee will ensure that the fire department has been notified.
4. Upon arrival of the fire department, Incident Command will transfer to the highest
ranking fire officer on the scene.
4. Tornado/Severe Weather
EMU Athletics uses MxVision WeatherSentry (http://www.weather.dtn.com/) to monitor
conditions. Monitoring takes place from an office in the press box structure. As a backup, the
EMU Police Supervisor for the event may direct dispatch to monitor National Weather Service
(www.wrh.noaa.gov/sic/) data. Dispatch will in turn keep the event Police Supervisor updated
as to the position of the advancing weather threat and its severity.
For athletic events, once the Police Supervisor determines that hazardous weather conditions
are both advancing and are within the NCAA five mile range, he/she will immediately convene
an ICS meeting with the following:
Stadium/Event Manager
Athletic Director or senior administrator (This individual will relay the weather
information to the “head game official (referee).”
Due to the nature of these threats it is assumed that on-field officials will follow NCAA and Mid
American Conference procedures by suspending the game and directing participants to
evacuate the field to team facilities. This will include the band which will evacuate to the
Convocation Center.
Patrons will be directed to exit the stadium as instructed by ushers, special events staff and
emergency personnel.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
7
If the stadium is evacuated due to lightning or other dangerous weather approaching, patrons
parked in the vicinity of the stadium will be asked to seek shelter in their vehicles. Other
patrons will be directed to the Convocation Center for shelter. When the threat from weather
passes, patrons will be re-admitted to the stadium with a ticket stub for the current game.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
8
SECTION V: EMERGENCY ANNOUNCMENT SCRIPTS
1. Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, the following actions should take place:
a. The IC will direct the public address announcer to make the appropriate announcement
over the stadium public address system. The following messages may be used,
depending on the situation:
i.
Inclement Weather - Delay before gates open
“Your attention please, due to inclement weather in the area,
we are delaying opening the gates. Please return to your
vehicles or buses or go to a designated shelter location. The
shelter location is the Convocation Center located immediately
south of the stadium. Thank you for your cooperation with these
safety measures.”
[Repeat once right away and periodically thereafter]
ii.
Pre-game Inclement Weather
“Your attention please, today’s weather forecast indicates a
potential for severe weather NCAA guidelines request officials
suspend play if lightning occurs within six miles of the stadium. If
a suspension occurs, safety instructions will be provided over
the PA system. Please return to your vehicles or buses or go to a
designated shelter location. The shelter location is the
Convocation Center located immediately south of the stadium.
Thank you for your cooperation with these safety measures.”
[To be read prior to kickoff]
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
9
iii.
Inclement Weather – event start delayed
“Your attention please, due to inclement weather in the area,
today’s event has been delayed. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you seek shelter in the Convocation Center
located immediately south of the stadium. When the weather
clears, we will attempt to start the event. Fans with a ticket stub
for today’s event will be allowed to return. Stadium rules remain
in effect. Please proceed carefully and stay safe. Thank you for
your cooperation with these safety measures.”
[Repeat twice right away and periodically thereafter]
iv.
Inclement Weather – Event Suspension
“Your attention please, due to inclement weather in the area,
today’s event has been suspended. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you seek shelter in the Convocation Center
located immediately south of the stadium. DO NOT enter the
playing field, return to your vehicles, or stay outdoors.
“When exiting the seating area, move through the section
entrance and keep moving in order to allow others behind you
to exit. Please follow the direction of athletics staff and
emergency personnel and move directly to the nearest gate. Do
not walk around the concourse.”
“When the weather clears, we will attempt to start the event.
NCAA guidelines require that we wait a minimum of 30 minutes
after the last lightning strike before restarting the event. Fans
with a ticket stub for today’s event will be allowed to return.
Stadium rules remain in effect. Please proceed carefully and stay
safe. Thank you for your cooperation with these safety
measures.”
[Repeat three times right away and then again 10 minutes later]
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
10
v.
Inclement Weather – if crowd not cooperating
“Move through the section entrance and keep moving in order
to allow others behind you to exit. Please follow the direction of
athletics staff and law enforcement officers and move directly to
the nearest gate. Do not walk around the concourse.
2. Bomb Threat / Bomb Emergency
A bomb threat condition exists when an explosive device has been reported or is
suspected to be at a given location. A bomb emergency exists when a suspected or
actual explosive device has been located or has been detonated. Upon reasonable belief
that a bomb exists or in the event an actual bomb is found in the stadium, the incident
commander is authorized to evacuate the entire stadium. Officials will use the following
messages:
i.
Pre-Evacuation instructions
“Your attention please, we have suspended the game and
have asked the players, bands and officials to clear the field.
For your safety, please remain in your seats at this time.
Additional information will be provided momentarily. Thank
you for your cooperation with these safety measures.”
[Maximum of three (3) minutes between this message and the
evacuation order]
ii.
Evacuation – after most players and field personnel have cleared the
field
“Your attention please, for safety precautions we feel it is
necessary to evacuate the stadium. When exiting the seating
area, move through the section entrance and keep moving in
order to allow others behind you to exit. Please follow the
direction of athletics staff and emergency personnel and
move directly to the nearest gate. Do not walk around the
concourse or enter the playing field. Please proceed carefully
and stay safe. Thank you for your cooperation with these
safety measures.”
[Repeat three times and again five (5) minutes later]
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
11
3.
Weapon Discharge in the Stadium
In the event a person with a gun discharges the weapon in the stadium, the Incident
Commander will determine if a total or partial evacuation is indicated. If evacuation is
determined to be the appropriate protective action, the following actions will be
implemented:
i.
The IC will direct the public address announcer to make the appropriate
announcement over the stadium public address system. This announcement should
be made…
“Your attention please, a police emergency has occurred, the
event for today is cancelled. For safety precautions we feel it is
necessary to evacuate the stadium.”
“When exiting the seating area, move through the section
entrance and keep moving in order to allow others behind you
to exit. Please follow the direction of athletics staff and
emergency personnel and move directly to the nearest gate. Do
not walk around the concourse or enter the playing field. Please
proceed carefully and stay safe. Thank you for your cooperation
with these safety measures.”
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
12
APPENDIX A: Acronyms and Definitions
Acronyms
BA: Building Administrator
BEP: Building Emergency Plan
C-CERT: Campus Community Emergency Response Team
DMA: Designated Meeting Area
EMU: Eastern Michigan University
Definitions
Building Administrator (BA): The building administrator is a University employee who
has a defined role in the overall management of a building on campus.
Building Emergency Plan: A document that consists of emergency procedures, activities
for preparing for emergencies, and roles and responsibilities of building occupants.
Critical Operations: Any potentially hazardous operations located in a facility that
requires preplanning for evacuation and/or shelter in place events.
Designated Area of Refuge: The area(s) in a building designated as the place to which
individuals with special needs should go if they are unable to evacuate in an emergency.
The Designated Area(s) of Refuge are the stairwells unless a different location is listed in
the BEP for their building.
Designated Meeting Area (DMA): A pre-designated safe location near a building where
building occupants assemble and report to their administrator for roll call/head count
after evacuating their building.
Emergency Personnel: Person(s) who provide assistance in an emergency (or potential
emergency) situation in a building. They may not be building occupants and may be
from EMU Public Safety, Emergency Management, Ypsilanti Fire Department, EMU
Campus Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT), Physical Plant, etc.
RAVE Text Alerts: A university-wide text-messaging alert service that sends notifications
to registered users if an emergency situation occurs on campus.
Shelter-In-Place: To seek immediate shelter inside a building or University residence.
This course of action may need to be taken during a tornado, earthquake, release of
hazardous materials in the outside air or a civil disturbance
Tornado Warning Sirens: Washtenaw County Emergency Management controls
activation of the tornado siren system. Sirens are part of the warning notification
system for any major shelter in place event such as tornado warning, building intruder,
active shooter, civil disturbance, or as deemed necessary by emergency personnel.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
13
Appendix B: Bomb Threat Response Protocols
The presence of an explosive device and/or the reception of a bomb threat are
situations that the University must be prepared to confront in a calm and
professional manner. Although many bomb threats turn out to be pranks, they must
be taken seriously to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, staff and visitors at
EMU.
A bomb threat could be written, e-mailed, communicated verbally or received by
phone. The majority of bomb threats are delivered by telephone. Generally, a bomb
threat call is made for one of two reasons:
1. The caller has definite knowledge about the explosive device and wants to
minimize personal injury.
2. The caller wants to disrupt normal activities by creating anxiety and panic.
DO NOT use two-way radios or cellular phone; radio signals can cause a
detonation.
DO NOT evacuate the building until police arrive and evaluate the threat.
DO NOT activate the fire alarm.
DO NOT touch or move a suspicious package.
Threat by Telephone
1. Take the caller seriously. Assume the threat is real.
2. If you have a digital phone, look for the originating number.
3. While the caller is speaking to you on the phone, fill out the "Bomb Threat
Checklist".
4. If possible, do not hang up the phone. Have a co-worker call 734.487.1222 or
9111 or call yourself immediately after hanging up.
5. Make every attempt to:
Stay calm and indicate your desire to cooperate with the caller.
DO NOT antagonize or challenge the caller.
Obtain as much information as possible. Prolong the conversation as long as
possible. Ask permission to repeat any instructions to make sure they were
understood.
Attempt to determine the caller's knowledge of the facility.
Identify background noises.
Contact your Building Administrator.
Ensure that the "Bomb Threat Checklist” is completed.
6. If directed to evacuate, follow building evacuation procedures.
1
A 911 call made from a campus phone goes to EMU Police Dispatch. A mobile phone call to 911 goes to the City
of Ypsilanti or Washtenaw County Public Safety Dispatch. In order to reach EMU Police Dispatch from your
mobile phone, call 734-487-1222.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
14
Threat by E-mail/Text Message
1. DO NOT delete the e-mail/text message.
2. Call EMU Public Safety at 734.487.1222 or 911.
3. Forward the e-mail as directed by Public Safety.
4. Contact your Building Administrator.
5. If directed to evacuate, follow building evacuation procedures.
Threat by Mail
1. Call EMU Public Safety at 734.487.1222 or 911.
2. Handle mail as minimally as possible.
3. Contact your Building Administrator.
4. If directed to evacuate, follow building evacuation procedures.
Threat by Handwritten Note
1. Call EMU Public Safety at 734.487.1222 or 911.
2. Handle note as minimally as possible.
3. Contact your Building Administrator.
4. If directed to evacuate, follow building evacuation procedures.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
15
Eastern Michigan University
Bomb Threat
Record/Checklist
Date:
Phone Number Where
Call/Threat Received:
Time:
Time Caller Hung Up:
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Where is the bomb located? (Building, Floor, Room, etc.)
When will it go off?
What does it look like?
What kind of bomb is it?
What will make it explode?
Did you place the bomb?
Why was bomb placed?
YES
NO
What is your name?
EXACT WORDS OF THREAT
INFORMATION ABOUT THE CALLLER
Where is caller located? (Background and level of noise)
Sex
Accent:
Male
Female
Is voice familiar? If so, who does it sound like?
Background Noise:
Street Noises
Motor
Caller’s Voice:
Angry
Calm
Nasal
Normal
Airport Noises
Coughing
Rapid
Threat Language:
Incoherent
Message Read
Office Noises
Crying
Raspy
PA system
Deep Breathing
Slow
Taped
Slurred
Irrational
Clear
Disguised
Soft
Profane
Static
Excited
Conversation
Laughter
Lisp
Music
Loud
Stutter
Well-spoken
Name of Person Taking Report:
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
16
APPENDIX C: Procedures for Persons with Special Needs and Those Who Assist Them
Elderly Individuals
Always ask the person how you can help before beginning any assistance even though it
may be important to evacuate quickly. Ask if the person has limitations or problems that
may affect his or her safety.
Some elderly persons may respond more slowly to a crisis and may not fully understand the
extent of the emergency. Repeat questions and answers if necessary. Be patient! Taking
time to listen carefully or to explain again may take less time than dealing with a confused
person who may be less willing to cooperate.
Before moving an elderly person, assess his or her ability to see and hear.
o Persons with a hearing loss may appear disoriented and confused when all that is
really “wrong” is that they can’t hear you.
o If the person has a vision loss, identify yourself and explain why you are there. Let
the person hold your arm and then guide him or her to safety.
o If the person has dementia, identify yourself and explain why you are there. Speak
slowly and in a calm voice, using short words in a calm voice. Ask “yes” or “no”
questions: repeat them if necessary. Maintain eye contact.
Individuals with Service Animals
Always ask the person how you can help before beginning any assistance. Even though it
may be important to evacuate quickly, respect their independence to the extent possible.
Ask if they have limitations or problems that may affect his or her safety.
A service animal is not a pet. Do not touch or give the animal food or treats without the
permission of the owner.
When a dog is wearing its harness, it is on duty. In the event you are asked to take the dog
while assisting the individual, hold the leash and not the harness.
Plan to evacuate the animal with its owner. Do not separate them!
Individuals with Mobility Limitations
Always ask the person how you can help before beginning any assistance. Even though it
may be important to evacuate quickly, respect the person’s independence to the extent
possible.
Ask if they have limitations or problems that may affect his or her safety
o “Are you able to stand or walk without the help of a mobility device like a cane,
walker or a wheelchair?”
o “You might have to [stand] [walk] for quite awhile on your own. Will this be ok?
Please be sure to tell someone if you think you need assistance.”
o “Do you have full use of your arms”?
Do not try to carry or move someone yourself. Inform emergency personnel of the location
of someone that needs to be rescued.
A person using a mobility device may be able to negotiate stairs independently. Do not
interfere with the person's movement unless asked to do so, or the nature of the emergency
is such that absolute speed is the primary concern. If this is the case, tell the person what
you will need to do and why.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
17
Individuals with Hearing Impairments
There is a difference between hard-of-hearing and deaf. People who are hearing
impaired vary in the extent of hearing loss they experience. Some are completely
deaf, while others can hear almost normally with hearing aids.
If possible, flick the lights when entering an area or room to get their attention.
Establish eye contact with the individual. Use facial expressions and hand gestures
as visual clues.
Offer pencil and paper. Write slowly and let the individual read as you write.
Written communication may be especially important if you are unable to understand
the person's speech. While written communication should work for many people,
others may not understand English well enough to understand written instructions.
Keep instructions simple and in the present tense, and use basic vocabulary.
Do not allow others to interrupt you while conveying the emergency information.
Individuals with Visual Impairments
There is a difference between visual impairment and blindness. Some people who
are “legally blind” have some sight, while others are totally blind.
Announce your presence, speak out, and then enter the area.
Speak naturally and directly to the individual. Do not shout.
State the nature of the emergency and offer the person your arm. As you walk,
advise them of any obstacles.
Offer assistance but let the person explain what help is needed.
Do not grab or attempt to guide the person without first asking them.
Let the person grasp your arm or shoulder lightly for guidance.
Be sure to mention stairs, doorways, narrow passages, ramps, obstacles, etc.
When guiding someone to a seat, place the person's hand on the back of the chair.
If leading several individuals with visual impairments, ask them to guide the person
behind them.
When you have reached safety, orient the person to the location and ask if any
further assistance is needed.
Individuals with Autism or Cognitive Impairments
Approach the person in a calm manner. Try not to appear threatening.
Speak calmly. Use direct, concrete phrases with no more than one or two steps, or
write brief instructions on a pad. Allow extra time for the person to respond. The
person may repeat what you have said, repeat the same phrase over and over, talk
about topics unrelated to the situation, or have an unusual or monotone voice.
Avoid touching the person and, if necessary, gesture or slowly guide the person.
If the person is showing obsessive or repetitive behaviors, or is fixated on a topic or
object, try to avoid stopping these behaviors or taking the object away from him or
her, unless there is risk to self or others.
Make sure that the person is away from potential hazards or dangers (busy streets,
etc.) since he or she may not have a fear of danger.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
18
Be alert to the possibility of outbursts or impulsive, unexplained behavior. If the
person is not harming themselves or others, wait until these behaviors subside.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
19
APPENDIX D: EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT LIGHTNING
SAFETY POLICY*
1.
The Athletic Training Department, or a designated individual will monitor the
weather forecasts and radar for all outdoor athletic events via Internet at
weather sentry, http://www.weather.dtn.com, electronic lightning detector,
NOAA Alert radio, or local radio and television. This person will have the
responsibility and authority to implement the Eastern Michigan Lightning Safety
Policy.
2.
Either the “Weather Sentry” (preferred), web site or the use of an electronic
lightning monitor, or the “flash to bang” method, will be used by the appointed
person to calculate the distance of any lightning strike. The Weather Sentry
website is http://www.weather.dtn.com/. The 30/30 rule will apply. The 30/30
Rule states that people should seek shelter if the "Flash-To-Bang" delay (length
of time in seconds between a lightning flash and its subsequent thunder), is 30
seconds or less, and that they remain under cover until 30 minutes after the final
clap of thunder. A count of 30 seconds from the flash of lightning to the sound of
thunder indicates a distance of six miles at which time immediate evacuation to
a substantial building should take place. The same rule would apply when an
electronic lightning detector is used. Outdoor activity will be suspended for 30
minutes after the last lightning flash.
3.
Proper shelter will be sought in a permanent fully enclosed building. The next
safest option is a car with a metal body with the windows closed. Do not touch
the steering wheel, ignition, gear shift or radio. If proper shelter is not available
avoid; higher elevations, open areas, tall isolated objects, boating activities,
unprotected buildings,(dugouts), metal fences or bleachers. DO NOT SEEK
SHELTER UNDER TREES DURING LIGHTNING STORMS! If proper shelter is
absolutely unavailable seek low areas, keep at least one body length between
yourself and others and assume a crouched position. PROPER PLANNING AND
PREPAREDNESS IS THE KEY TO LIGHTNING SAFETY.
4.
Lightning deaths are always caused by cardiac and respiratory arrest. In the
event someone is struck by lightning the EMU Emergency Response Plan:
Medical Emergencies, should be activated and CPR should be initiated
immediately. A lightning victim does not carry a charge and is of no danger to
those administering aid.
* Based on the recommendations of the National Lightning Safety Institute, 891
N. Hoover St., Louisville CO 80027
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
20
FLASH to BANG METHOD
The “Flash to Bang” method will be the primary method to determine how far a
thunderstorm is from the outdoor event location.
1. Count the number of seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder bang.
Divide the number of seconds by 5 to determine the distance the strike is from
your activity.
2. EXAMPLE: If 15 seconds are counted between flash to bang, you divide 15 by 5
and your lightning distance is 3 miles away.
3. Play is suspended as Flash to Bang Method reach 30 seconds or the 6-mile range.
Lightning can strike from as far away as 10 miles in clear blue sky, so it is best to
follow the 30-30 Rule.
“30-30” Rule
Criteria for Suspension of Activities:
By the time the “Flash to
Bang” count is approaching
30 seconds; all participants
should already be inside a
safe shelter.
Criteria for Resumption of Activities:
Wait at least 30 minutes after
the last sound (thunder) or
observation of lightning
before leaving the safe
shelter to resume activities.
4. The National Storm Laboratory recommends that activity should not resume for
30 minutes after the last clap of thunder has been heard. 30 minutes after the
last strike was chosen because a typical thunderstorm can travel up to 30 mile
per hour. Lightning experts believe 30 minutes allows the storm to get 10 to 12
miles from the area. This is a safe distance to minimize the probability of a
lightning strike.
Lightning can strike out of a blue clear sky. The 30-minute rule must not be
breached for this reason.
5. Resumption of activity will only take place when lightning or thunder HAS NOT
been detected for 30 minutes. Every time there is a new lightning strike
detected or a thunder boom heard the 30-minute clock restarts.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
21
APPENDIX E: NCAA Guideline 1d: Lightning Safety
July 1997 • Revised June 2001
The NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports
acknowledges the significant input of Brian L. Bennett, ATC, College of William and Mary
and Ronald L. Holle and Raul Lopez of the National Severe Storms Laboratory in the
development of this guideline.
Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect
intercollegiate athletics. Within the United States, the National Severe Storms
Laboratory (NSSL) estimates that 100 fatalities and 400-500 injuries requiring medical
treatment occur from lightning strikes every year.
While the probability of being struck by lightning is extremely low, the odds are
significantly greater when a storm is in the area and the proper safety precautions are
not followed.
Prevention and education are the keys to lightning safety. Education begins with
background information on lightning. The references associated with this guideline are
an appropriate resource. Prevention should begin long before any intercollegiate
athletics event or practice. The following steps are recommended by the NCAA and NSSL
to mitigate the lightning hazard:
1. Designate a chain of command as to who monitors threatening weather and who
makes the decision to remove a team or individuals from an athletics site or event.
An emergency plan should include planned instructions for participants as well as
spectators.
2. Obtain a weather report each day before a practice or event. Be aware of potential
thunderstorms that may form during scheduled intercollegiate athletics events or
practices.
3. Be aware of National Weather Service-issued (NWS) thunderstorm “watches” and
“warnings” as well as the signs of thunderstorms developing nearby. A “watch”
means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop in an area; a
“warning” means that severe weather has been reported in an area and for
everyone to take proper precautions.
4. Know where the closest “safe structure or location” is to the field or playing area,
and know how long it takes to get to that safe structure or location. Safe structure or
location is defined as:
a. Any building normally occupied or frequently used by people, i.e., a building with
plumbing and/or electrical wiring that acts to electrically ground the structure.
Avoid using shower facilities for safe shelter and do not use the showers or
plumbing facilities during a thunderstorm.
b. In the absence of a sturdy, frequently inhabited building, any vehicle with a hard
metal roof (not a convertible or golf cart) and rolled-up windows can provide a
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
22
measure of safety. A vehicle is certainly better than remaining outdoors. It is not
the rubber tires that make a vehicle a safe shelter, but the hard metal roof which
dissipates the lightning strike around the vehicle. DO NOT TOUCH THE SIDES OF
THE VEHICLE!
5. Be aware of how close lightning is occurring. The flash-to-bang method is the easiest
and most convenient way to estimate how far away lightning is occurring. Thunder
always accompanies lightning, even though its audible range can be diminished due
to background noise in the immediate environment, and its distance from the
observer. To use the flash-to-bang method, count the seconds from the time the
lightning is sighted to when the clap of thunder is heard. Divide this number by five
to obtain how far away (in miles) the lightning is occurring.
Lightning awareness should be increased with the first flash of lightning or the first
clap of thunder, no matter how far away. This activity must be treated as a wake-up
call to intercollegiate athletics personnel. The most important aspect to monitor is
how far away the lightning is occurring, and how fast the storm is approaching,
relative to the distance of a safe shelter.
Specific lightning-safety guidelines have been developed with the assistance of the
National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL).
1. As a minimum, NSSL staff strongly recommend that by the time the monitor obtains
a flash-to- bang count of 30 seconds, all individuals should have left the athletics site
and reached a safe structure or location. Athletics events may need to be
terminated.
2. The existence of blue sky and the absence of rain are not protection from lightning.
Lightning can, and does, strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain shaft. It does
not have to be raining for lightning to strike.
3. If no safe structure or location is within a reasonable distance, find a thick grove of
small trees surrounded by taller trees or a dry ditch. Assume a crouched position on
the ground with only the balls of the feet touching the ground, wrap your arms
around your knees and lower your head. Minimize contact with the ground, because
lightning current often enters a victim through the ground rather than by a direct
overhead strike. MINIMIZE YOUR BODY’S SURFACE AREA, AND MINIMIZE CONTACT
WITH THE GROUND! DO NOT LIE FLAT! If unable to reach safe shelter, stay away
from the tallest trees or objects (such as light poles or flag poles), metal objects
(such as fences or bleachers), individual trees, standing pools of water, and open
fields. Avoid being the highest object in a field. Do not take shelter under a single,
tall tree.
4. A person who feels his or her hair stand on end or skin tingle should immediately
crouch, as described in item 3.
5. Avoid using the telephone, except in emergency situations. People have been struck
by lightning while using a land-line telephone. A cellular phone or a portable remote
phone is a safe alternative to land-line phones, if the person and the antenna are
located within a safe structure or location, and if all other precautions are followed.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
23
6. When considering resumption of an athletics activity, NSSL staff recommends that
everyone should ideally wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or
sound of thunder before returning to the field or activity.
7. People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge.
Therefore, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is safe for the responder. If
possible, an injured person should be moved to a safer location before starting CPR.
Lightning-strike victims who show signs of cardiac or respiratory arrest need
emergency help quickly. Prompt, aggressive CPR has been highly effective for the
survival of victims of lightning strikes.
Note: Flash-to-bang count, weather watchers, real-time weather
forecasts and commercial weather warning devices are all tools that can
be used to aid in decision-making regarding stoppage of play, evacuation
and return to play.
For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information
24