Fire, Disaster, Emergencies and Injury

Policy

It is the policy of the college to maintain a safe learning and work environment. The college policy is to protect students, employees, and the public in the event of fire, disaster, and other emergencies which can produce injury.

Purpose

The purpose is to inform Tacoma Community College in the event of an emergency or disaster caused by fire or any disasters which cause injury.   This plan is designed to provide guidance to college personnel responsible for timely and effective reaction to such emergencies.

To Whom Does This Policy Apply

This policy applies to all students and employees of the college.

References

TCC Campus Emergency Operations Planning Guide. 

IV.ADSV-620

Definitions

Fire- defined as combustion or burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke.

Disaster- A sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life.

Emergencies- defined as a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.

Injury- defines as damage or harm done to or suffered by a person or thing.

Procedure

Fire

Building Safety Officers will conduct an annual fires safety training for employees in their buildings.  This training should include location of fire alarm pulls, evacuation routes, and evacuation meeting areas.

Building Safety Officers should identify person(s) that may need additional assistance in the case of a fire and plan accordingly. If the Building Safety Officer cannot assist then they must inform emergency personnel of location and description of individual(s) that need additional assistance.

Building Safety Officers will conduct an annual fire extinguisher inspection. Fire extinguishers that need to be refilled will be reported to Maintenance for immediate remedy.

In the event of fire:

1. Pull the nearest Fire alarm to evacuate the building.  This will also simultaneously contact the Fire Department.
2. Call Public Safety, 566-5111.  Give the following information
   1. The building name or number
   2. Classroom number
   3. Location of the fire
   4. Extent of the fire: e.g., waste basket, storeroom
   5. Your telephone number
3. If possible, attempt to extinguish the fire, avoiding possible injury to you or others.
4. If the building is involved in a fire and there is possible danger to you and others DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT THE FIRE.
5. If for any reason you are unable to evacuate a person, Public Safety and the Fire Department personnel must be notified immediately.

Emergency

In the event of emergencies:

Please notify Public Safety at 253-566-5111 or # 5111 from any campus phone. If it is a life threatening event please call  911 first, and then Public Safety. If you are calling from a campus phone dial 9-911  In any case, do not hang up immediately as more information may be needed.  Public Safety will take the lead in emergencies. Students and employees should support or assist as needed or directed.

Injury

In the event of an Injury:

Refer to IV. ADSV-620 for procedures on minor, major and near misses.

Emergency

In the event of an emergency/disaster:

Public Safety will initiate the Incident Command Center and the campus will proceed in accordance with the TCC Campus Emergency Operations Planning Guide.