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Emergency Information (All Locations)

Command Address:
P.O. Box 190022
North Charleston, SC 29419-9022

Safety and Environmental Engineering 83500

Command Security Line
(843) 218-4005

Command Duty Officer
(843) 345-7760

Hampton Roads

** Hampton Roads locations can still dial 911 but may get a faster response dialing the above numbers directly.

When Calling

  1. Give your name and phone number.
  2. Give your command, building, floor, and room number.
  3. Provide the nature of the emergency (injury, accident, etc.).
  4. DON'T HANG UP until released by dispatch.
  5. Send someone to the entrance of the building to direct emergency officials to the location of the incident.

Power Outage

  • Remain calm and stay in your work area unless instructed otherwise by your supervisor or emergency personnel.
  • Turn off and unplug computers and other sensitive electrical equipment to protect them from power surges when power is restored.
  • Use flashlights if available. Do not use candles, lighters, or matches.
  • If you are in an unlit area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.

Reporting Fire

  1. Dial 911 from the nearest available phone if it is safe to call from your location, or pull the nearest building fire alarm as you exit the area.
  2. If calling from an office phone, know your building number and street location.
  3. Give the dispatcher your name and the nature of the fire and the location (e.g., inside the building, outside the building, in trash, grass, car, or the building itself).
  4. If you are using a cell phone, simply state what installation and building the emergency is, and your call will be properly routed.

If Someone's Clothing is on Fire:

  • Help the person to drop on the floor and roll.
  • Smother the fire with a blanket, rug or heavy coat.
  • Call for help.

Force Protection
AntiTerrorism / Force Protection

Force Protection Conditions (FPCONs) are progressive levels of a terrorist threat system that describes security measures to be taken in response to various terrorist threats. FPCON levels are listed below from the lowest to highest.

  • FPCON NORMAL - This condition applies when a general global threat of possible terrorist activity exists and warrants a routine security posture.
  • FPCON ALPHA - This condition applies when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable.
  • FPCON BRAVO - Applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists.
  • FPCON CHARLIE - Applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely.
  • FPCON DELTA - Applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent. FPCON Delta is usually declared as a localized condition.

Hazmat / Chemical Spill

  1. Notify and evacuate all personnel in the immediate area.
  2. Stop the spill if possible; take care to minimize personnel risk.
  3. Contact the Command Duty Officer (CDO) (843) 345-7760 and Safety (843) 218-3035.
  4. Provide details regarding the location, type of chemical, number of people injured, extent of injuries, and any other available and relevant information.

Health Guidelines

The following is a general guideline for treating health problems resulting from a chemical spill:

  • Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air, away from spill.
  • Skin Contact: Flush with water for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Earthquake

Major earthquakes are not common occurrences; however, we are NOT exempt from having to deal with an earthquake. Charleston, SC has a seismic history and there is evidence of fault lines from Summerville to Charleston.

During an Earthquake:

Earthquake steps: 1. Drop, 2. Cover, 3. Hold

Drop, Take Cover, and Hold On

  • Get under a table or desk and hold on to it.
  • If none available, drop and crawl to a corner of the room.
  • If you are near windows, face away from them and away from other glass.
  • Cover your head.
  • If you are caught outside, go to the nearest open space away from buildings or overhangs.

After the Earthquake Stops:

  • Check for personal injuries.
  • Evacuate the building using the closest, safest exit and muster at your assigned location. (See section on Evacuation).
  • Building manager will conduct external visual inspection for any damage and contact Facilities Help Desk at (843) 218-4015 or appropriate installation personnel.

First Aid

Check for Medical Alert Identification with instructions. Give appropriate first aid until assistance arrives.

Fainting / Unconsciousness
  1. If conscious, have victim sit with head between knees or lie down.
  2. If unconscious, check for breathing. If not breathing, provide CPR.
  3. If bleeding is from a foot, hand, leg or arm, use gravity to help slow the flow of blood. If there are no broken bones, elevate the limbs so that it is above the victim's heart.
  4. Utilize proper precautions for bloodborne pathogens.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  1. Make sure the scene is safe.
  2. Tap victim and shout to get a response.
  3. Yell for help. You or someone else should phone the emergency response number (911) and get the AED.
  4. Check breathing.
  5. If the person isn't breathing or is only gasping, give CPR.
  6. Give 30 compressions at a rate of at least 100 a minute and a depth of at least 2 inches. After each compression, let the chest come back up to its normal position.
  7. Open airway and give 2 breaths.
  8. Repeat sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
  9. When AED arrives, turn it ON and follow the prompts.
Burns
  1. Immerse minor burn in cool water.
  2. Flood chemical burn with cool water for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Cover burn with dry bandage, clean sheet or clean handkerchief.
Seizure
  1. Call for medical help at once.
  2. Let the seizure run its course.
  3. DO NOT attempt to force anything into the victim's mouth.
  4. There is little you can do to stop a seizure.
  5. Help victim lie down and keep from falling and getting injured.
  6. Loosen restrictive clothing.
  7. DO NOT use force or attempt to restrain a seizure victim.
  8. Provide opportunity to rest after seizure.
Severe Bleeding and Wounds
  1. Apply direct pressure on wound with clean cloth or hand.
  2. Apply firm, steady direct pressure for 5 to 15 minutes. Most bleeding will stop within a few minutes.

Evacuation

  1. A verbal notice will announce evacuation or your building alarm system.
  2. Seek and assist disabled persons in the area.
  3. If time permits, turn off the power to electrical equipment. Secure sensitive materials. Close but do not lock doors unless specifically required to do so. Take your personal belongings, if easily and quickly done.
  4. Do not use elevators.
  5. Move to a safe area away from the building. Remain calm and orderly. Move quickly and safely. Muster with your supervisor or as directed.
  6. Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
  7. Follow instructions from emergency personnel.
  8. Do not re-enter building until permitted by emergency officials.

Evacuation of Disabled Persons

Visually Impaired Persons

In the event of an emergency, tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide the person to the nearest emergency exit. Have the person take your elbow and escort the person (this is the preferred method when acting as a "sighted guide").

Hearing Impaired Persons

Two methods of warning are:

  1. Writing a note telling what the emergency is and the nearest evacuation route. For example: "Fire - go to the right and down. NOW!"
  2. Turning the light switch on and off to gain attention, then indicating through gestures what is happening and what to do.

Persons Using Crutches, Canes, or Walkers

Carrying options include using a two-person locked-arm position or having the person sit in a sturdy chair, preferably one with arms. Emergency evacuation chairs are available in some areas/stairwells. Check your area.

Nonambulatory Persons (in wheelchairs)

There are many considerations when moving a person in a wheelchair. Some movable parts in wheelchairs are not designed to withstand the stress of lifting. You may have to remove the chair batteries. Life support equipment may be attached. Lifting persons with minimal ability to move may be dangerous to their well-being. Always consult with the person in the chair regarding:

  1. The number of people necessary for assistance.
  2. Ways of being removed from the wheelchair.
  3. Whether a seat cushion is necessary if the person is removed from the chair.
  4. Whether to extend or bend extremities when lifting because of pain, braces, etc.
  5. Whether they should be carried forward or backward on a flight of stairs.
  6. The type of assistance necessary after evacuation.

Evacuation Chairs

Some locations, such as Building 3147 in Charleston, have emergency evacuation chairs (Evacu Tracs) that can assist the evacuation of disabled personnel. If you work on a second floor or above, research your area to see if something similar is available. If so, please familiarize yourself with the instructions it may contain.

Active Shooter

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use a firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Remember that employees are likely to follow the lead of someone who knows what he or she is doing.

Run

  • If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.
  • Always plan two routes - a primary and alternate escape path.
  • Evacuate even if others don't leave.
  • Leave your belongings behind. Don't waste time going back.
  • Help others escape, if possible.
  • Prevent personnel from entering an area where the shooter may be.
  • Keep your hands visible. Police/security will easily identify that you don't have a weapon.
  • Do not attempt to move wounded people.
  • When safe, call 911.

Hide

  • If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:
    • Be out of view of the active shooter.
    • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction.
  • Consider locking yourself in an office or closet.
  • Lock the door and blockade the door with heavy furniture to prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place.
  • Call 911.
  • If you cannot talk, just leave the line open so the dispatcher can hear what is going on.

Fight

  • As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:
    • Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her.
    • Throwing items and improvising weapons.
    • Yelling.
    • Committing to your actions.

Shelter-In-Place

  • When/If ordered to Shelter-In-Place, stay in your workspace. Lock outer office doors if possible.
  • Secure exterior building/facility doors if possible.
  • Stay away from the windows and doors.
  • Keep calm; advise coworkers on instructions given.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

When/If ordered to Shelter-In-Place:

  • Stay in your workspace: Lock outer doors if possible.
  • Secure exterior building/facility doors if possible.
  • Stay away from windows and doors.
  • Keep calm; advise coworkers on instructions given.

Immediate Shelter Locations

Many natural events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or other man-made incidents may require you to take immediate shelter in your workplace. If you are in a building during such an event, proceed to a room that contains no windows (if possible) and take cover. Examples are:

  1. Stairwells
  2. Internal offices
  3. Bathrooms
  4. Hallways
  5. Under desks (if the above are not accessible)

OFF CAMPUS MUSTER

General Information

All personnel shall be familiar with the "off campus" muster process.

In all cases each person shall call the Command Emergency Information Telephone System at 1 (800) 793-6602 for more information.

Sites are as follows:

  • #1 Charleston SC
  • #2 Hampton Roads
  • #3 New Orleans LA
  • #4 Pax River
  • #5 Bahrain
  • #6 Washington DC
  • #7 Europe
  • #8 Tampa FL
  • #9 Fayetteville NC

Muster Process

  1. Call emergency number (800) 864-4248 / (877) 553-6115
  2. Enter your unique muster number (PERNR).
  3. Enter status code (see legend below).
  4. Contact supervisor/chain of command if no success.
  5. For emergency assistance, contact:

ON CAMPUS MUSTER

If you are directed to exit the building during an emergency:

  1. Exit the building as quickly as possible and verbally advise other building personnel of the emergency on your way out.
  2. Assist coworker(s) who may be mobility impaired.
  3. If you are above ground level, exit the building using the stairwell; never use an elevator during a fire emergency.
  4. Practice two exit routes out of your building; your primary route could be blocked by smoke or fire.
  5. Once safely out of the building, ALL employees shall congregate at a safe distance from the building.
  6. EACH EMPLOYEE shall contact his/her supervisor or muster as directed upon reaching a safe location.
  7. Do not re-enter the building until you are directed to do so by an official in charge or your supervisor.
  8. Do not attempt to leave the area by vehicle. The added traffic flow may hamper incoming emergency vehicle access.

BOMB THREAT / SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES

BOMB THREATS

If you receive a bomb threat, remain calm, keep the caller on the line as long as possible, and record as much information as you can below.

BOMB THREAT INFORMATION SHEET

Questions to Ask:

Caller's Voice:

Background Sounds:

Threat Language:

DISCOVERY / SUSPICION OF BOMB

Evacuate and immediately notify Joint Base Charleston emergency dispatch at 911.

TERRORIST / SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES

Do not attempt to investigate or control the situation. Contact Joint Base Charleston emergency dispatch at 911.

HOSTAGE THREAT INFORMATION SHEET

If you receive a hostage threat, remain calm. Do not hang up. Record as much of the following information as possible to share with authorities.

Questions to Ask:

Very Important:

Exact Wording of Demand:

WARTIME STRIKE: IMMEDIATE ACTION PLAN

In the event of a wartime strike or sudden attack, follow these immediate actions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Action Instructions
TAKE COVER Immediately drop to the floor. Seek cover under a sturdy desk, table, or against an interior wall away from windows. Protect your head and neck.
REMAIN SHELTERED Stay in your sheltered position until the attack has ended, debris has stopped falling, or you receive an "All Clear" from official channels.
EVACUATE If the building is severely damaged or on fire, evacuate immediately using the stairs. DO NOT use elevators. Assist those who are mobility impaired if possible.
MUSTER Proceed to your designated On-Campus Muster location once safely outside. If your primary route is blocked, use a secondary route.
REPORT Check in with your supervisor or muster official immediately. Report any trapped personnel, injuries, or hazardous conditions to authorities.
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