Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Telephone Numbers

• EPCC Police Department: (915) 831-2200
• Fire, Medical Emergency: (915) 831-2200 or 911
• Physical Plant (facility emergency): (915) 831-7880

Medical Emergencies

When a medical emergency occurs on campus, do the following:

1. Call (915) 831-2200 or 911.
2. Answer the call taker’s questions as best you can.
3. Stay calm.
4. Stay on the line.
5. Remain with the individual until help arrives.

Accident/Injury Reporting

When an accident resulting in personal injury occurs on campus, do the following:

1. 1. Call (915) 831-2200 or 911
2. 2. Answer the dispatcher’s questions as best you can.
3. 3. Stay calm
4. 4. Stay on the line.
5. 5. Remain with the individual until help arrives.

Student injuries while in class: Instructors shall notify EPCC PD ((915) 831-2200) so a report can be filed.

Student injuries outside of class: Students shall notify EPCC PD ((915) 831-2200) so a report can be filed.

Employee injuries: Supervisors shall notify EPCC PD ((915) 831-2200) so a report can be filed.

Facility Related Emergencies

Facility emergencies such as gas leaks, broken water pipes, power failures, etc. shall be reported to Physical Plant.

1. During normal working hours (8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday) call (915) 831-7880.
2. Outside of normal working hours, call EPCC PD at (915) 831-2200.
3. Provide the campus, building and/or room number where the emergency is taking place.

Evacuation Preparedness

1. Know your building’s floor plan and become familiar with your evacuation routes.
2. Know at least two exits from the building you are in.
3. Know where the fire extinguishers and alarm pull stations are located.
4. Identify those with special needs who may need assistance in evacuating.
5. Use the buddy system when possible while evacuating and stay together.
6. Instructors shall discuss the evacuation process with their students at the beginning of the semester.
7. Supervisors shall discuss the evacuation process with their staff periodically.
8. Students/staff will adhere to the evacuation process by following the instructions provided by their instructor/supervisor, EPCC Police, or other first responders.

Evacuation Guidelines

1. Evacuate the building when:
   1. you hear the fire alarm.
   2. you are directed by EPCC Police, other law enforcement, the El Paso Fire Department, your instructor, or supervisor.
   3. instructed via the Tejano Alert System.
   4. an evacuation drill takes place.
2. Shut down any experiments, procedures, etc. that should not be left unattended.
3. Gather your personal belongings, if safe to do so, and immediately leave the office or classroom.
4. Close, but do not lock, the doors behind you.
5. Leave the building through the nearest safe exit.
6. Assist those with special needs to areas of refuge in stairwells if you cannot exit the building.
7. Do not use elevators unless directed by first responders.
8. Keep noise to a minimum in order to hear emergency instructions.
9. Proceed to an area at least 100 yards from the building.
10. Instructors/supervisors shall account for all of their students/staff.
11. Report anyone who is missing to EPCC Police and/or first responders.
12. Await further instructions.

Evacuation for People with Special Needs

Identify individuals in your area who may need assistance during an evacuation. All A.D.A. students and staff may be assisted to a safe area by EPCC personnel during an evacuation. Account for the:

1. Mobility Impaired
2. Visually Impaired
3. Hearing Impaired

Use the buddy system and develop an evacuation plan where at least two evacuation routes are identified.

Assist those with special needs to areas of refuge in stairwells if you cannot exit the building.

Do not attempt a rescue evacuation unless you have had proper rescue training or the person is in immediate danger and cannot wait for first responders to arrive.

Fires and/or Explosions

1. Activate the fire alarm.
2. Evacuate the building.
   1. Take your personal belongings if safe to do so.
   2. Close all doors behind you.
   3. Know more than one way out of your building.
   4. Before opening any door, check for fire or smoke behind it.
   5. If you are in an area with smoke, crawl low and exit the building.
   6. Never use elevators during a fire.
   7. If your clothes catch fire, “stop, drop, and roll”.
3. Proceed to an area at least 100 yards from the building.
4. Call 911 or EPCC Police at (915) 831-2200 once you are safe.
5. Instructors/supervisors should account for all of their students/staff.
6. Report anyone missing to EPCC Police and/or first responders.
7. Await further instructions.

If you are unable to evacuate because of heavy smoke and/or fire conditions:

1. Go to an office, one preferably with a window and away from the fire.
2. Create a barrier between you and the fire by closing the door.
3. Call 911 or EPCC PD at (915) 831-2200 and report your exact location to the call taker.
4. If you are in an office with a window, use whatever items available to you to draw the attention of first responders.

Fire Extinguishers

Before using an extinguisher, you should consider the following:

1. Is the fire small and contained in a single object (like a pan or a wastebasket)?
2. Has the building been alerted?
3. Has someone called 911 or EPCC PD?
4. Do I know how to use a fire extinguisher?
5. Am I a safe distance from the fire and smoke?
6. Do I have a clear escape route?

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, you should:

1. Activate the fire alarm.
2. Exit the building.
3. Call 911 or EPCC PD at (915) 831-2200 once you are outside.

Remember P.A.S.S. when using a fire extinguisher:

1. Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
2. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
4. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Bomb Threats

In the event you receive a bomb threat or observation of a suspicious package, please take the following actions:

1. Do not activate the fire alarm.
2. Try to gather as much information as possible from the caller to include:
   1. Campus
   2. Building
   3. Room number
   4. Description of the package
   5. Time the bomb is scheduled to go off
   6. Note any accents and gender
3. Notify EPCC Police immediately at (915) 831-2200 or have a co-worker assist you in calling them.
4. If evacuation of the building is necessary, please take the following actions:
   1. Do not activate the fire alarm.
   2. Evacuation will be coordinated by EPCC Police or other first responders.
   3. Follow the directions of EPCC Police or other first responders.

Hazardous Material Spills

If there is a hazardous materials spill on campus, please take the following actions:

1. Leave the room or area immediately to avoid exposure or contamination.
2. Activate the fire alarm.
3. Once you are a safe distance from the spill, call EPCC Police at (915) 831-2200 or 911.
4. If able, provide the following information to EPCC Police or 911:
   1. Location of the spill
   2. Name of the material
   3. Quantity of the material
   4. Time of the spill
   5. Number of persons injured or exposed to the material
   6. Any other details concerning the spill
5. Do not re-enter the building or spill area under any circumstances.

Severe Weather

In the event of a weather related emergency, such as a tornado or other severe thunderstorm; students, faculty and staff are encouraged to heed the following precautions:

1. Seek shelter.
2. Stay away from windows and doors where you can be injured by broken glass.
3. Get low on the floor.
4. Take cover under heavy/sturdy furniture.
5. Avoid elevators.
6. Wait for information/instructions via the Tejano Alert System

• EPCC Weather Briefing Tool

Active Threat/Shooter

1. Call EPCC Police at (915) 831-2200 or 911.
2. If able, run and exit the building immediately and get as far away as possible.
3. If you cannot run, hide and shelter in place by:
   1. Locking the door
   2. Barricading the door with heavy furniture
   3. Turning off the lights
   4. Silencing your cell phone
4. As a last resort, defend yourself any way possible.
5. Further information/instructions will be sent to you via the Tejano Alert System.

Remember: AVOID. DENY, DEFEND

COVID-19

If you are ill with or suspect you may have COVID-19, please take the following actions:

1. Stay home until you are well enough to return to campus.
2. Report your illness to your instructor/supervisor.
3. Seek medical attention or call 911 if your symptoms are severe.

For further information, please refer to the CDC website at the link below:

• CDC Coronavirus

For local information related to COVID-19, please refer to the El Paso Strong website at the link below:

• El Paso Strong

Sexual Assault

Pursuant to the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 102-325), generally referred to as the Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights, it is important to promote the reporting of all sex-crime violations as well as to outline the procedures to facilitate the reporting of all alleged violations. Therefore, students, faculty, and staff are hereby informed of the following:

Procedures for Reporting a Sexual Assault

If you are the victim of a sexual assault that took place on campus, take the following actions:

1. Report the incident to either:
   1. EPCC Police at (915) 831-2200 or
   2. the Vice President of Student Services at (915) 831-2640 or
   3. to the EPCC Counseling Department at (915) 831-2642.
2. If you need medical attention call EPCC Police at (915) 831-2200 or 911.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault that took place off campus, take the following actions:

1. Report the incident by calling 911.
2. If you need medical attention call 911.

Advising the El Paso Community College Community about Sex Offenders

In accordance with the “Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act” of 2000, which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, the El Paso Community College Police Department is providing a link to the Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry site. This act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for maintaining this registry.

Threats of Injury to Self or Others

In cases of threats of injury to self or others, the following actions are to be taken immediately:

1. 1. Report the matter to EPCC Police at (915) 831-2200.
2. 2. Do not attempt to intervene or investigate the matter. EPCC Police will conduct all investigations.
3. 3. If known, be prepared to provide the following information to EPCC Police:
   1. Date, time, and location of incident
   2. Name, phone number, and address of suspect(s) and any witnesses
   3. A physical description of the individual making the threat.
   4. A brief description of the incident.

If the incident occurs off-campus, report the matter to the El Paso Police Department or the El Paso County Sheriff’s Department immediately by calling 911.

Suicide Awareness

If you are contemplating suicide or know of someone who is, please call or text 988.

For additional information and assistance, please follow the link below:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Reporting Criminal Activities

If you have been the victim of a crime, have knowledge of a crime, or are witnessing a crime taking place:

1. Ensure your own personal safety first.
2. Call EPCC Police at (915) 831-2200 or 911.
3. Be prepared to answer questions from the call taker.
4. Remain calm.

Shelter in Place

If an incident occurs and the buildings or areas around where you are have become unstable, the air outdoors becomes dangerous due to toxic or irritating substances in the air; it is usually safer to stay indoors because leaving the area may expose you to those dangers. Thus, to “shelter in place” means to make a shelter of the building you are in and with a few adjustments, this location can be made even safer and more comfortable until safe to go outside.

Basic Guidance

If an incident occurs and the building you are in is not damaged, stay inside seeking an interior room – until you are told it is safe to come out. If the building is damaged, take your personal belongings with you and follow the evacuation instructions. Once evacuated, seek shelter at the nearest college building quickly. Follow directions of fire or police personnel on scene.

Although it is unlikely you will ever need to shelter in place, it is helpful to know what to do; just in case. You should plan to stay inside for about 12 hours – usually less. Staff and faculty can keep in their offices the additional items in the event of this happening:

• Extra prescription medication
• Basic first aid supplies
• Non-perishable foods
• Bottled water
• Flashlight
• Battery operated radio
• Batteries
• Telephone – Remember: telephone services may not be available in the event of crisis

How Will You Know to Shelter in Place?

A shelter in place notification can be issued by EPCC Police, college employees, the local, state or federal government. Notification may also come over the radio or television, i.e., Emergency Broadcast System. The college can also announce the need to shelter in place using the Tejano Alert system.

How to Shelter in Place

No matter where you are, the basic steps to shelter in place will generally remain constant. Should the need ever arise; follow these steps unless instructed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.

• If inside – stay where you are; if outside, go to nearest building
• Collect supplies (food, water, etc.)
• Locate a room to shelter inside:
  • interior room
  • above ground level
  • least amount of windows
  • make a list of people with you
  • call or have someone call the list into EPCC police with the location
  • make yourself comfortable

EPCC Resources and Safety Programs

AEDs

EPCC Police has AEDs located in their respective campus patrol units and at the ASC police office.

Campus Carry

For information on Campus Carry, click the link below:

• Campus Carry

Campus Security and Crime Statistics

For information related to EPCC campus security and crime statistics, click the link below:

• Campus Security

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

For information on CERT training, click the link below:

• El Paso Ready - Get Involved

CPR and First Aid Training

For information on CPR and first aid training, click the link below:

• First Aid and CPR

Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)

The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) provides defusing/debriefing services for any group of staff/faculty or students having experienced a traumatic event. As a traumatic event can cause serious disruption to learning or work, quickly addressing the emotional element of the event can help those involved to bring closure more easily. The target group comprises students, staff, and faculty of El Paso Community College. Team members must attend “Critical Incident Stress Management: Group Crisis Intervention” training sponsored by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

CIRT Goals:

1. Stabilization of those encountering a traumatic event.
2. Reduction of symptoms that are occurring because of the event.
3. Help those affected to return to normal functioning.
4. If necessary, facilitate access to continued care.

Emergency Management

Develops, implements, and promotes a multi-hazard college-centered emergency program where the planning process embraces each emergency management phase. The five phases of emergency management are: prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Any questions or concerns related to emergency preparedness/management can be emailed to emergency.management@epcc.edu

Enhanced 911

EPCC office and hallway phones automatically provide the location of the caller to 911 operators and EPCC Police Dispatch.

Tejano Alert Notification System

To register for and information on the Tejano Alert System click the link below:

• Tejano Alert

Evacuation Chairs

EPCC evacuation chairs are located on every stair landing on all multistory buildings.

Executive Emergency Response Team (EERT)

EPCC’s Executive Emergency Response Team (EERT) consisting of the College President, President’s Cabinet, Public Information Officer, EPCC Chief of Police, the Manager of Emergency Management, Executive Director of Physical Plant, and Executive Director of Networking Systems and Support Services shall respond to and manage emergency incidents. The members of this response team are the primary contacts and decision makers for any emergency or unexpected event. EPCC will implement the Incident Command System (ICS) for incidents occurring at EPCC. All EERT members are trained on NIMS concepts, procedures, and protocols.

Safety Committee

Charge: To oversee and establish criteria for the implementation of the College safety program, College-wide; identify and prioritize safety goals and establish action plans; review Office of Risk Management and Safety publications before printing; conduct a review of the EPCC Safety manual every six months for SACSCOC accreditation; maintain open communication with EPCC Improvement Teams concerning safety issues and help make health and safety activities an integral part of EPCC’s operating procedures, culture, and programs.

Any safety concerns/complaints can be emailed to iflore53@epcc.edu

Stop the Bleed

STOP THE BLEED® is the result of a collaborative effort led by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) to bring knowledge of bleeding control to the public. For further information on STOP THE BLEED, click the link below:

• stopthebleed.org

Links

• El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management
• Ready.gov
• Emergency Supply Checklist
• EPCC Weather Briefing Tool