Emergency Reference Guide

This guide has been prepared for all staff in the event of emergencies. While this guide is not inclusive of every emergency that may occur on campus, it does provide step-by-step responses for some of the most critical campus emergencies MSU-Northern may face. It is intended to assist all staff and faculty in understanding what to expect and how to respond. 
 
MSU-Northern does not employ a Campus Safety or University Police Department. However, the University has established a written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Havre Police Department (HPD) for the response to and the investigation of crimes that occur on or in close proximity to campus property, as well as at local University events. The memorandum also establishes HPD as a support entity that may be asked to assist University staff in safely addressing violations of campus policy that may or may not be classified as a crime. This arrangement serves to enhance University efforts through an increased safety and security presence after hours, on weekends, or otherwise as needed. 
 
HPD officers are encouraged to make regular rounds of campus grounds, check in with staff as they encounter them, and to be available for basic security support. Additionally, HPD has been actively engaged in presentations, trainings and communication related to personal and institutional safety and has worked to build relationships within the Northern community.  

Blood Borne Pathogens: Blood borne pathogens are diseases carried in the blood or other bodily fluids such as vomit or urine. See medical emergency section of this guide.  
 
Emergency Alarm: Also known as “fire alarms,” will only ring in the building where the alarm was pulled. A fire alarm is always considered a life-threatening emergency and requires evacuation. 
 
Emergency Response Protocol: Prioritized method of making decisions and getting the appropriate people notified. 
 
Emergency Response Team: Administrative and staff members who are FEMA trained in emergency response.  
 
Evacuation: Evacuation refers to the immediate exiting of any facility in which an alarm is heard or the direction to evacuate is given. When evacuation is directed or indicated, evacuate in a calm and orderly manner to designated areas or to a safe location outside the immediate vicinity of the facility exited. 
 
Life-Threatening Emergency: Emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life or safety.  
 
Non-Life-Threatening Emergency: Personnel or facilities emergencies without an immediate threat to life or safety. 
 
Supervisor: In most cases, this refers to any employee’s direct supervisor.

Avoid-Deny-Defend (ADD)

Run (Avoid) 
Get out of the immediate area and to a place of safety. Put as much distance as you can between yourself and the armed subject. 
 
Hide (Deny) 
If you can’t get out, crawl under a desk, duck into a closet, hide behind a door. If you are still hiding when the police arrive, identify yourself and follow the instructions given by police. 
 
Fight (Defend) 
If none of the above options are available, you need to be prepared to put up a fight.  

If an armed subject is outside the building:  

• Immediately call or text 911 and provide your location.
  If possible, contact Facilities Services at 406-265-3755 to auto lock doors.
• Turn off all the lights and close and lock all windows and doors.
• If you can do so safely, get all students on the floor and out of the line of fire.  
• Move to a core area of the building if safe to do so and remain there until an “all clear” instruction is given by an authorized known voice.  
• If the staff or students do not recognize the voice that is giving instruction, they should not change their status.  
• Unknown or unfamiliar voices may be misleading and designed to give false assurances.  

If an armed subject is inside the building:

• If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so.
• Immediately call or text 911 with your location if possible.
• If flight is impossible, lock all doors and secure yourself in your space. 
• Silence your cell phone.
• Get down on the floor or under a desk and remain silent.
• Get everyone on the floor and out of the line of fire.
• Wait for the “all clear” instruction. 
   

If an armed subject comes into your class or office:

• There is no one procedure the authorities can recommend in this situation.
• Attempt to get the word out to other staff if possible, and call or text 911 if that seems practical.
• Use common sense. If hiding or fleeing is impossible, attempt to negotiate with the individual.
• Attempting to overcome the armed subject with force is a last resort that should only be initiated in the most extreme circumstances.
• Remember, there may be more than one active armed subject.
• Be careful not to make any changes to the scene of the incident since law enforcement authorities will investigate the area later.
• If you are able to flee, do not go to the normal gathering site for your building. Get as far away from the shooting scene as possible and then contact authorities.

If you are outside the building when a lockdown is initiated: 

• Do not enter the building.
• Move as far away as possible from the building under lockdown.
• Await further direction from law enforcement personnel.
• Otherwise, go to a safe area of campus away from the scene.
• Do not call anyone inside the building that is in lockdown as it may endanger them.
• Information updates will be provided by police and university officials as soon as possible and safe to do so.
• If you are advised by another person in your area that there is violent or a potentially violent person in your area or building, follow the above steps.
• Do not leave your safe area until the police have identified themselves and released you from your safe area.

Hostage Incident

If a hostile action against another person results in a hostage situation, HPD should be notified immediately by calling or texting 911.

If possible, evacuate the area where the event is taking place. Avoid panic, but relay as much information as possible. This should include information like:

• Location of incident.
• Number and identity of hostages or perpetrators.
• Descriptions of all persons, if known.

When police arrive on the scene, they will assume command of the situation and will direct all actions to counter the threat.   

Bomb threats are usually received by telephone, but they may also be received by note, letter or e-mail. All bomb threats should be taken seriously and handled as though an explosive were in the building.

If the threat is called in by phone:  

• Keep a copy of [MSUN's Bomb Threat Checklist] near your phone 
• Do Not Hang Up! Take caller seriously. Remain Calm.  
• Ask a lot of questions, using the bomb threat checklist.
• Immediately after the call, notify your supervisor and/or department head.

Questions to ask of the caller:

• When is the bomb going to explode?
• Where is it right now?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will cause the bomb to explode?
• Did you place the bomb? Yes No Why?
• What is your address?
• What is your name? 

If you are inside:

• Stay Inside. Stay near the center of the building, away from windows, mirrors, filing cabinets, bookcases, and electrical equipment. Watch out for falling plaster, light fixtures, glass, bookcases or books, etc. Stay calm.
• Crawl under at table, desk or sturdy furniture and hold on. If possible, get against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Do not go into a doorway, or near bookcases or things that can tip over or fall.
• Fire danger is greatly increased after an earthquake. Take necessary precautions to prevent fires from starting.

If you are outside

• Stay outside. Move to an open area away from high building, walls, trees, power lines and poles.
• If forced to stand near a building, watch for falling objects.
• If you’re in an automobile, stop your vehicle in the nearest open area. Do stay in your vehicle until the shaking stops.

After an earthquake:

• Be prepared for aftershock
• Do not reenter the building until cleared by Emergency personnel.
• Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in obvious, immediate danger from fire, building collapse, etc. Tell the Emergency personnel or supervisor where they are located.
• Follow instructions from Emergency personnel. If evacuation is ordered, go to the evacuation location assigned to the building.

Additional information:

• Open doors carefully. Watch for falling objects.
• Do not use elevator or anything electric, plumbing or gas until utility lines have been checked.
• Do not use matches or lighters. Watch for fire that may start.
• Replace telephone handsets on cradles and avoid using for non‐emergency purposes.
• Discourage the spreading of rumors which can cause confusion and panic.  

In the event that an elevator stops operating for any other reason while you are inside:  

• Do not try to force the doors open or get out of the elevator on your own.  
• Press emergency alarm button in the elevator to notify someone that you are stuck.  
• There is a phone in each elevator which contacts Havre Police Department who contacts Facilities Services.

If you are outside the elevator when it stops operating:  

• Call Facilities 406-265-3755 and follow their instructions.  
• If you happen to hear the buzzer you should call Facilities at 406-265-3755.  
• Assist other staff members and visitors in remaining calm.  
• Provide other information to the supervisor and/or the Facilities Director as the situation changes.

In the event of an emergency, determine the nearest exit to your location and the best route to follow. If time permits during the evacuation, secure your workplace and take personal items. In most emergencies, complete evacuation of the campus is not necessary. If, however, there is a hazardous materials release, flooding or other major incident, it may be necessary to relocate all university students, faulty, and staff to a safer location. 

Evacuating from a Building

• Begin evacuation immediately upon hearing the alarm or official announcement (may be one of many forms of communication)
• Shut all doors.
• Use designated corridors and fire exit stairs that lead to ground level.  Leave the building in an orderly manner.  Do not use elevators.
• Go directly to the designated assembly area for the building.
• Follow instruction of emergency personnel.  Report any individuals left in the building to them.
• Once evacuated, notify supervisor and Human Resources 406-265-3568 or Dean of Students 406-265-3539.
• Do not re-enter the building until an “all clear” announcement is given by emergency personnel.

If instructed to leave the premises:

• Drive or walk carefully. Extra caution is required any time you are excited, worried, or distracted by emergency vehicles.
• If you are doubt about whether to report back to work, call University Administration 406-265‐3727 or Facilities Services 406-265‐3755. 

In the event of an explosion:  

• Pull the nearest fire alarm to initiate building evacuation. Do not stop to notify EMS until you are in a safe area.  Then call or text 911.
  1. Use designated corridors and fire exit stairs that lead to ground level.  Leave the building in an orderly manner.  Do not use elevators.
  2. Go to a safe area outdoors.
  3. Follow instruction of emergency personnel.  Report any individuals left in the building to them.
• Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in obvious, immediate danger from fire, building collapse, etc.  
• If unable to evacuate the building be prepared for possible further explosions. Crawl under a table or desk.  
• Open doors carefully. Watch for falling objects. Before opening any door, touch it near the top. If the door is hot or smoke is visible, do not open the door.  
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, light fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases, and electrical equipment.  
• Assume smoke and/or fumes are hazardous - get below smoke if possible.  
• Do not use elevators, matches or lighters.
• Do not return to the emergency area until instructed to do so by Emergency personnel.

If a fire occurs in your area:

Manually activate the fire alarm (located throughout the facility by emergency exit doors.) If safe to do so, immediately exit the building, closing the doors behind you.

Call or Text 911

Once Fire Alarm is activated:

• Check the door for heat to ensure it is safe to exit the room you are in.
• Walk to nearest exit. (Do not use elevator)
• Those that are unable to rapidly evacuate the building should move to a stairwell landing and wait for assistance from trained first responders. Inform first responders of persons who have not been evacuated or if you know that someone is trapped.
• Move to a safe distance from the area and do not attempt to re-enter the building until instructed to do so by an authorized university representative or fire personnel.

If Trapped in a Room:  

• Place wet cloth material around and under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
• Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
• Be prepared to signal someone outside but DO NOT BREAK GLASS unless absolutely necessary as outside smoke may be drawn into the room.
• If you have a phone that works, call or text 911 and give your location.

If Caught in smoke:

• Drop to hands and knees and crawl toward exit.
• Stay low to the floor, as smoke rises.
• Hold your breath as much as possible.
• Breathe shallow through your nose and use your shirt or a towel for a filter.

Using a Fire Extinguisher:

When safe to do so, use the nearest appropriate extinguisher to fight small fires.

Fire extinguisher Instructions:

Pull safety pin from handle. 

Aim at base of fire. 

Squeeze the trigger handle. 

Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire.

All fires, no matter how small or how easily extinguished, must be reported to your supervisor and Facilities Services 406-265-3755.  

Serious water damage can occur from many sources: leaking or burst pipes, clogged drains, broken skylights or windows or construction projects.

• Notify Facilities services 406-265-3755.
• Notify your supervisor.
• If there are electrical appliances (including computers) or outlets near the leak, avoid contact with appliances and water and evacuate the area.
• If overhead leak, cover valuable materials or equipment with plastic sheeting if available.
• If you know the source of the water and are confident of your ability to stop it (unclog the drain or turn off the water) do so cautiously.
• Remove materials from the area to prevent further damage. 

Only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to respond to hazardous material incidents! Familiarize yourself with the location of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous materials stored and used in the building.

For a Major Hazardous Spill or Leak:

• Immediately evacuate the area, closing the doors behind you!
• Call or text 911
• Do not attempt to clean up the spill yourself.
• Provide clean-up/rescue personnel with appropriate (SDS) and other pertinent information.
• Notify Supervisor and Facilities (406-265-3755) immediately.

For a minor Hazardous Spill or Leak:

• Follow departmental safety protocol.
• Notify Supervisor and Facilities (406-265-3755) immediately.
• Have a copy of the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available for response personnel.  

NOTE: Only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to respond to major hazardous spill or leak.

If you detect gas, chemical fumes, or any suspicious odor:

• Leave the area immediately.  
• Notify supervisor and Facilities immediately 406-265-3755 from outside the affected area.  Give the following information: the nature and location of the odor using room number if possible, your name and the extension from which you are calling.
• All chemical spills and suspicious odors, no matter how small must be reported to your supervisor immediately. 

Life Threatening or Significant Events – Call or text 911.  

• Provide the following information: type of emergency, location and condition of the victim and any dangerous conditions.
• Stay on the line with the dispatcher to answer their questions and follow their directives.

Those trained to perform CPR and first aid can act within their expertise. Remain calm and stay with the person. Have someone stand outside the building to flag down EMS when they arrive.

• After the person has been given aid and the incident is over, remain available to help the investigation with pertinent information for an incident report.  Write up the incident report for administration files or contact Human Resources immediately while your memory is fresh.  (forms are available on the MSUN website).

Familiarize yourself with the location of the Spill clean-up kits and first aid kits. If unknown, ask the Student Health Nurse (406-265-3599).  

• Do not allow non-staff to assist in clean up.  
• Do not touch any bodily fluids (blood, urine, vomit) with bare hands, and always use gloves.  

Blood-borne pathogens: (diseases spread through contact with bodily fluids). Use Universal Precautions to limit your exposure. These guidelines prevent spread of disease by everyone considering all blood and body fluid to be infectious.  Prevention includes using disposable gloves and other protective barriers while touching patients.  Additionally, wash hands and other skin surfaces that are contaminated with blood or body fluids immediately, including after removal of gloves.  

AED Use

If a person has no pulse start CPR, push hard and push fast in the center of the chest, and have someone get the closest Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Apply AED pads and follow the instructions from the AED.

AED locations:

• • • Cowan Hall 1st floor - West end, next to Theater elevator
    • Cowan Hall 2nd floor - near the Registrar’s office
    • Hagener Science Center – near the South main door
    • Vande-Bogart Library – main floor by the elevator
    • Brockmann Center – in the hallway near Room 202 and student lounge (Room 207)
    • Student Union Building – main floor by the elevator
    • Applied Technology Center – near the restrooms and close to the south door of Hensler Auditorium
    • Diesel Technology Center – second floor near the stairs at the front entrance
    • Morgan Hall - lobby
    • Mackenzie Hall - lobby
    • Armory Gymnasium – south wall near women’s restroom hallway

The vast majority of students, faculty, and staff at Northern do not experience crime while on our campus or at our events. However, despite our best efforts, crimes and other emergencies do sometimes occur.  
If you witness any armed individual on campus at any time or if an individual is acting in a hostile or belligerent manner, immediately call or text 911.

Personal Threat or Assault

Personal threat or assault includes threatening behaviors or statements that are deemed threatening or harmful by another individual. Call or text 911 immediately.

• If you witness an assault, remain calm and stay with the victim until emergency assistance arrives, provided it is safe to do so.

Civil Disturbance

Civil disturbance includes riots, demonstrations, threatening individuals, crimes in progress, or assemblies that have become significantly disruptive.

• Call or text 911 immediately.
• Avoid disturbance.
• Avoid provoking or obstructing demonstrators.
• Secure your area (lock doors, safes, files, vital records and expensive equipment.
• Continue with normal routine as much as possible.
• If the disturbance is outside, stay away from doors or windows.  Stay indoors!
• Prepare for evacuation or relocation.

Workplace Violence

Most jobs are not inherently violent. However, relationships between employees and co-workers may become strained due to personality differences, person issues, or work-related stress and may quickly escalate from anger to verbal threats or even physical assault. If you feel you are in physical danger, remove yourself and call or text 911. Violence will not be tolerated and hostile behavior involving citizens and clients or co-workers will be investigated, referred to law enforcement if warranted, and subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.

To report a minor localized power outage, call Facilities Services at 406-265-3755.

In case of a major campus-wide power outage:

• Remain calm.
• Follow directions from Facilities Services.
• Do not light candles or other types of flame for light.
• If evacuation of a building is required, leave in an orderly fashion.  
• If you are in an elevator that stops running, stay calm, use phone to call for assistance.
• If you are near an elevator and hear the alarm, call Facilities Services at 406-265-3755.   

“Shelter-in-Place” is a directive to seek immediate shelter indoors following the announcement of an emergency condition. The act of sheltering in an area inside a building offers occupants an elevated level of protection. Sheltering can be related to a variety of situations; severe weather emergencies, hazardous condition, chemical release, or criminal activity.

In some instances, it is safer to shelter in place than evacuate a building, e.g., smoke or fire is immediately outside your room; live electrical wires bar access to the exit; individuals with mobility disabilities are on upper or lower floors.

Shelter-in-Place - Severe Weather

To shelter in place in the event of severe weather is the act of sheltering in an area inside a building that offers occupants an elevated level of protection during straight-line winds or another severe weather-related emergency.

Shelter-in-Place - Chemical, Biological, or Radiological

A place of shelter is an area inside a building that offers occupants an elevated level of protection during an accident or intentional release of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent. [Note: Many toxic chemicals have a vapor density greater than that of air and will seek lowest ground. In the case of a shelter-in-place due to a chemical spill, do NOT shelter below grade. Follow instructions provided by emergency personnel.]

If you receive or discover a suspicious package or a foreign device, DO NOT TOUCH IT, TAMPER WITH IT, OR MOVE IT! Call or text 911.

Letter and Parcel Bomb Recognition

Be Cautious of:

• Foreign mail, air mail, and special deliveries
• Restrictive markings such as “Confidential” or “Personal”
• Excessive postage
• Handwritten or poorly typed address
• Incorrect titles
• Oily stains or discoloration on package
• Excessive weight
• Rigid, lopsided, or uneven envelope
• Protruding wires or tinfoil
• Visual distractions
• No return address  

If a tornado warning is in your area:

• Listen for the Emergency Siren. Radio stations will also broadcast warnings and weather updates. A battery‐operated radio is located in this Facilities Director’s office on the bookshelves.
• Stay inside the building and under shelter until notified by a supervisor that the tornado has passed through the area.
• Avoid places with wide‐span and upper floors. Go to lower level and to an inside hallway or office. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture and hold on tightly. Avoid tall things like bookshelves and cabinets that could overturn and turn away from large glass windows.

Tornados strike with the most powerful winds on earth. Three tornado danger signs are  

• Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air becomes very still.
• Tornados can be nearly invisible, marked only by swirling debris at the base of the funnel. Seek shelter immediately.  
• Tornados generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm.