Campus Emergencies

A major hazardous materials release on or in close proximity to the university could require sheltering or evacuation of all or part of the campus. A sudden release of hazardous materials may allow little time for an organized response.

If time permits, evacuation may be the most appropriate protective action to take. Evacuation would most likely occur on notification from county or city officials responsible for managing the incident. The implementation of this protective action at the University of North Dakota will be closely coordinated with the county/city Operations Center (OC) to ensure the timely integration of the traffic flow from the university campus into the routing designated by the county/city.

Priority use of available campus transportation resources will be allocated first to the disabled and children and then, to the extent available, to others in need. If additional transportation resources are needed, they will be requested through the county/city OC.

Hazardous Spills or Leaks

Remove yourself from the area, and keep others away. Do not walk into or touch any of the spilled substance. Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area. Stay away from the accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified. Try to stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the accident.
Call 9-1-1 immediately on or off campus. Provide dispatcher with information about the spill (location, injuries, type of chemicals, amount).
Leave immediate area but remain nearby to direct emergency personnel to the affected area.
Advise others to stay out of the immediate area.
Assist with obtaining information about the material: material safety data sheet (MSDS), constituents, common use.

Non-Hazardous Spills or Leaks

Barricade the area.
Attempt to contain the spill if possible. Notify University Police at 777.3591 if the material is in danger of entering a storm drain or waterway.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (if necessary) while cleaning the spill.
Notify the area supervisor.

Evacuation

Authorities will decide if evacuation is necessary based primarily on the type and amount of chemical released and how long it is expected to affect an area. Other considerations are the length of time it should take to evacuate the area, weather conditions and the time of day.

In-Place Sheltering

Seal space so contaminants cannot enter.

Close windows and doors.
Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape.
Seal gaps around window with duct tape and plastic sheeting or other impervious material.
Turn off ventilation systems.

Immediately after the in-place sheltering announcement is issued, fill up large containers for an additional water supply, and turn off the intake valve to the building.

If gas or vapors have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel.
Avoid eating or drinking.

Assisting Accident Victims

Don't try to care for the victims of a hazardous materials accident until the substance has been identified and authorities indicate it is safe to go near victims. After that point you can move victims to fresh air and call for emergency medical care.
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes and place them in a plastic bag.
Cleanse victims who have come into contact with chemicals by immediately pouring water over the skin or eyes for at least 15 minutes, unless authorities instruct you not to use water on the particular chemical involved.

Persons administering first aid must be aware of the possible life threatening effects of pathogens as a result of exposure to bodily fluids. Life saving techniques should be administered according to current Red Cross guidelines to avoid exposure to pathogens.

Do not attempt procedures or techniques beyond your abilities or training.
In the most common case of a minor injury or illness, provide first aid care only to the extent of your training (Red Cross First Aid, CPR, etc.).
With more serious injuries or illnesses, call 9-1-1 for assistance. For minor injuries or illness call University Police at 701.777.3491.
When the dispatcher answers be ready to give your name, describe the nature and severity of the injury or illness, and the location of the victim.

Serious Injury

In the case of serious injury, trained personnel should quickly perform the following steps:

Do not move the victim unless imminent danger exists (fire, structural damage, chemical spill, toxic fumes, explosion, etc.).
Keep the victim still and comfortable.
Ask the victim, "Are you okay? What is wrong?"
Check breathing and give artificial respiration if necessary. (See Red Cross guidelines for exposure to pathogens.)
Control bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound. (See Red Cross guidelines for exposure to pathogens.)
Look for emergency medical ID on the victim.
Question witnesses and be ready to give all information to the paramedics when they arrive.
Stay with the victim until help arrives.
Every office and department on campus should have persons trained in first aid and CPR. Training is available through the local American Red Cross.

Radiation is energy given off by matter in the form of high speed rays or particles. All matter is composed of atoms. These atoms constantly seek a strong, stable state. As they convert from an unstable to stable form they release excess atomic energy in the form of radiation.

We are naturally exposed to radiation every day of our lives: cosmic radiation from the sun, uranium and thorium from rocks and soil, atmospheric radioactive carbon and radioactive potassium in food and water. Our bodies also contain small amounts of radioactive elements. Every living thing has radioactive carbon in its tissues. Most exposure to man-made radiation comes from medical uses, such as radiology.

Types of Radiation

There are four types of radiation released from atoms; alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation.

Alpha particles are highly charged and the heaviest of the nuclear radiations. Because of their size and weight they are unable to travel very far and have a limited ability penetrate. They cannot travel more than four to seven inches in the air and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or skin. They can be a hazard if they are inhaled or swallowed.
Beta particles are smaller and travel faster than alpha particles. They can travel several feet in the air and are able to penetrate skin, though they do not usually penetrate deep enough to reach vital organs. They can be stopped by a thin sheet of metal or plastic or a block of wood.
Gamma rays are not particles, but waves of radioactive energy. They travel much further and have more penetrating power than either alpha or beta particles. They can travel as much as a mile in open air and it takes several feet of concrete or several inches of a dense material such as lead to block them.
Neutron radiation occurs when nuclear particles collide with other materials. Neutrons have an exceptional ability to penetrate other materials and are extremely hazardous. Fortunately, this type of radiation is generally only found in a nuclear power plant where it is shielded by steel, concrete and several feet of water.

Radiation Can Enter the Body

Radiation can enter the body in the following ways:

Inhalation - Gaseous or airborne particles, dust particulates, and matter with radioactive material may enter the body through the lungs. Remember that air itself is not radioactive; radiation is contained in particles carried by the air.
Ingestion - Internal radioactive contamination may enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract by way of contaminated food, drink, and by swallowing contaminated mucous from the nasal area.
Absorption - Radioactive material may be absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes.
Puncture or injection - Radioactive material can penetrate the body through cuts, wounds, and punctures in the skin.

Reducing Radiation Exposure

Time, distance and shielding are the three primary methods of reducing or eliminating exposure to radioactive materials.

Time - Minimize time spent near a radioactive source or radioactive contamination. The less time exposed to the source of radiation, the lower the dose received.
Distance - Maximize the distance from a radioactive source or radioactive contamination. Keep as much distance as possible between oneself and the source of radiation. The farther one is from the source, the lower the dose received.
Shielding - Shielding simply means having something that will absorb radiation between you and the source of the radiation. Keep as much protection between oneself and the source as possible.

What To Do If An Incident Occurs Near By

The first and most important rule is: Listen to and follow the instructions of your local emergency personnel. Emergency personnel have been trained in how to respond in the event of an incident, including those involving radiological materials. They will provide instructions on how to keep yourself and your family safe.

Should You Stay or Should You Go

Shouldn’t I just try to get as far away from the radiation source as possible? Not necessarily.

In a radiological incident, quite often residents will be instructed to remain in their homes, a concept known as “shelter-in-place.” The reason for this is that, if an incident involves alpha or beta particles, your home will provide a tremendous amount of safety as it will block the penetration of these particles. Move to an interior room with few windows or the basement. Turn off all air conditioners and ventilation systems. If you have the materials available, you should seal any cracks in your home where particles may be able to enter. Duct tape and plastic sheeting work well for this purpose. Although you will have to open up the room occasionally to allow fresh air in, you will likely receive much less exposure than if you left your home where you might inhale radioactive materials.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “Ten square feet of floor space per person will provide sufficient air to prevent carbon dioxide build-up for up to five hours, assuming a normal breathing rate while resting.”

How to Prepare for an Emergency or Disaster

For all disasters, there are three steps you and your family can take which will be extremely helpful.

Put together an emergency kit. Your emergency kit should contain enough materials to sustain you, your family, and those who may shelter with you for a minimum of three days. In addition to food, water and other supplies you should include a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both. At a minimum, you should check your emergency kit every six months. A printable list of recommended items to include in an emergency kit is available through Ready America.
Develop and practice a family emergency plan. Know where in your home to go during an emergency and how to contact members of your family. For all emergencies you should have a plan for if you stay at home or if you evacuate.
Be informed. Learn about possible hazards and how to respond to each of them. Find out where shelters operate in your community. Be aware of the local emergency messaging and alert systems. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established by your state and local government.

Get more information on disaster preparedness including emergency kits and plans from the Ready Campaign.

Aircraft Accident

What should I do if an aircraft accident occurs on campus:

In the event a mishap occurs such as an explosion or a downed aircraft on campus, take the following action:

Immediately take cover under tables, desks and other objects which will give protection against falling glass or debris.
After the effects of the explosion, or aircraft fire has subsided, notify police, fire and ambulance by dialing 9-1-1. Notify Department of Public Safety at 701-777-3341. Give your name and describe the location and details of the aircraft accident.
If necessary, or when directed to do so, activate the building fire alarm. Remember you must always report the emergency by telephone even if you have already pulled the building fire alarm. Few alarm systems are wired directly to first responders.
When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by University officials, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
Remember that elevators are reserved for persons with disabilities. Never use an elevator in a fire or explosion because electric power is likely to fail in both cases leaving you trapped.
Once outside, proceed to the designated gathering point. This should be a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Stay there.
Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
Know your area assembly points.
Immediately notify emergency personnel of any injured people or if individuals remain in the affected building.
If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by emergency personnel, building or University officials.
A campus incident command post may be set up near the disaster site. Keep clear, unless you have official business.

Train/Railroad Accident

In the event a mishap occurs such as a railcar explosion, vehicle/train collision, or a train derailment close to the campus, take the following action:

In the event of a railcar explosion, take cover immediately underneath or behind objects that will give protection against falling glass and debris.
After the effects of the accident have subsided, notify police, fire, and ambulance by dialing 9-1-1. Notify Department of Public Safety at 701.777.3341. Give your name and describe the location and details of the accident.
Treat the accident as a potential hazardous materials site. Do not approach the area unless it is safe to proceed. Potential hazardous materials are diesel fuel from the train engine as well as other items transported on the train.
A train derailment could impact many areas of the campus and could be potentially deadly. The principle hazards would be: explosion, fire, asphyxiation or poisoning, flying metal, corrosion or chemical reaction, and chemical or cold burns.
If outside, walk into the wind to keep hazardous materials and any plume behind you.
Be prepared to shelter in place if the building you are in cannot be evacuated without putting occupants in danger.
If the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by University officials walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
Remember that elevators are reserved for persons with disabilities. Never use an elevator in a fire or explosion because electric power is likely to fail leaving you trapped.
Once outside, proceed to the designated gathering point. This should be a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Stay there.
Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
Immediately notify emergency personnel of any injured people or if individuals remain in the affected building or at the accident site.
If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
A campus incident command post may be set up near the disaster site. Keep clear, unless you have official business.

Types of Emergencies & Support

Hazardous Materials(Open this section)