Actions to Take in an Emergency

What you do in an emergency depends on the type of incident. Follow these steps based on the emergency you are facing:

  1. Identify the Type of Emergency: Determine what kind of emergency it is (e.g., fire, medical, severe weather).
  2. Follow Specific Actions: Look for detailed instructions for that type of emergency in the following pages or the relevant link on lvc.edu.

Quick Overview

  • Fire: Evacuate the building, use the stairs, and head to a safe assembly area.
  • Medical Emergency: Call 911 for help, administer first aid if trained, and stay calm.
  • Severe Weather: Seek shelter in a safe area, stay indoors, and follow weather updates.

For detailed actions and instructions, refer to the specific emergency guidelines on this site.

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable device that helps people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to restore a regular heartbeat.

AED Locations on Campus

  • Campus Safety Vehicle: Mobile AED
  • Shroyer Health Center: First floor, hallway
  • Bertha Brossman Blair Music Center: Main floor, lobby outside Lutz Hall
  • Administration Building: First floor, center of the hallway
  • Carnegie Hall: First floor, foyer/staircase area
  • Maude A. Laughlin Hall: First floor, foyer area
  • Vernon and Doris Bishop Library: First floor, entry area
  • Neidig-Garber Science Center: Ground level floor (2nd level), main lobby; Fourth floor, central foyer area
  • Clyde A. Lynch Hall: First floor, center lobby area
  • Frederic K. Miller Chapel: First floor, narthex
  • Arnold Health Professions Pavilion: First floor, classroom 135
  • Allan W. Mund College Center: First floor, across from the information desk; Lower-level hallway, outside Lebegern Learning Commons
  • Arnold Sports Center: Main lobby, near weight room; West information desk
  • Jeanne and Edward H. Arnold Health Professions Pavilion: First floor, near entry door; Second floor, west end of the hallway
  • Fencil Art Building: Main floor, classroom
  • Facilities Service Office: Main office area
  • Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery: Zimmerman Recital Hall, main hall area
  • McGill Field: men’s restroom
  • Nursing Education Facility: First floor, lobby; Second floor, Central Foyer
  • Counseling Center: TBD
  • Yuhas Commons: First floor, lobby

Quickly choose the safest option based on your situation:

Immediate Actions

  1. Evacuate: If there is a clear escape route, leave the area immediately and go to a safe location far from the danger. Follow evacuation routes and assist others if possible.
  2. Hide: If you cannot evacuate, find a secure place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you. Lock or block doors, turn off lights, and silence your phone.
  3. Take Action: Only if your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter. Use anything available as a weapon and act with force if necessary.

Emergency Notifications

  • Call 911 immediately and provide details about the situation.
  • Call LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 to inform them of the situation and provide details.

Long-Term Actions

Note:

  • Training: LVC offers “Run, Hide, Fight” training each academic year to prepare the community for such situations.
  • FEMA Recommendations: The initial actions are based on FEMA’s recommendations for active shooter scenarios.

If you receive a suspicious package, envelope, or a threatening phone call regarding a biological agent, follow these steps:

Immediate Actions

  • Remain calm and alert.
  • Do not handle the suspicious package or envelope.
  • Do not use cellular phones or radios to avoid spreading potential contamination.
  • Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance.
  • Call LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111) to report the situation.
  • Alert other employees or individuals in the area and prepare to evacuate the building.
  • Evacuate the building if directed to do so by College or emergency officials. (Refer to Building Evacuation Procedures.)
  • Return to the building only when you receive the “all clear” signal from emergency personnel.

Note: If you suspect exposure to a biological agent, individuals will be isolated until examined or treated.

A total power outage affecting the entire campus is called a “blackout.”

Immediate Actions

  • Remain calm and alert.
  • Turn off all light switches to prevent electrical surges when power is restored.
  • Set equipment switches to OFF to avoid damage.
  • Increase ventilation by opening windows if it is safe to do so.
  • Notify Facilities Services at 717-867-6340 (ext. 6340) or Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111) if your area has an emergency generator that does not start.
  • Evacuate the building if instructed by College or emergency officials. (Refer to Building Evacuation Procedures 19.)
  • Follow the directions of LVC Campus Safety and/or Residential Life personnel.

Note: Small power outages affecting a few buildings or brownouts (temporary voltage reduction) are not considered critical incidents/emergencies.

Bomb threats can be delivered in various ways—verbally, in writing, through recordings, or via a third party. All threats should be taken seriously and handled with caution.

Note: Do not use two-way radios or cellular phones, as these signals can potentially detonate a bomb. Do not touch or move any suspicious package.

Actions if a Bomb Threat is Received by Phone

During the Call:

  1. Remain calm. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does.
  2. Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest in what the caller is saying.
  3. Encourage the caller to talk. Try to get more information about the bomb and its location.
  4. Write a note to a colleague to call the authorities or notify them immediately after the call ends.
  5. Record the number and/or letters displayed on your phone if applicable.
  6. Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist. Write down as much detail as possible, including the exact words used.
  7. Contact authorities immediately from a different phone line and provide them with all relevant information.

After the Call:

  1. Call 911 and LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
  2. Do not use radios or cellular phones; radio signals may detonate a bomb.
  3. Do not touch or move a suspicious package.
  4. Limit information sharing to emergency personnel and select College officials only. Only designated officials can share information publicly.
  5. Follow Omnilert for evacuation information, if applicable.

Actions if a Bomb Threat is Received by Handwritten Note

  1. Call 911 and LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
  2. Handle the note minimally. Avoid touching it more than necessary.
  3. Do not touch or move a suspicious package.
  4. Share information only with emergency personnel and selected College officials. Designated officials manage public information dissemination.
  5. Follow Omnilert for evacuation information, if applicable.

Actions if a Bomb Threat is Received by Email

  1. Call 911 and LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
  2. Do not delete the email. Preserve it for investigation.
  3. Do not touch or move a suspicious package.
  4. Share information only with emergency personnel and selected College officials. Designated officials manage public information dissemination.

A civil disturbance or riot involves a disruptive gathering that may include property damage or threats to individuals. Here’s what you should do:

Immediate Actions:

  1. Call LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
  2. Document details such as descriptions and names of individuals involved.
  3. Move to a safe area away from the disturbance.
  4. Secure the area, if possible, by locking doors to prevent unauthorized entry.

In the unfortunate event of a death or fatality on campus, it’s crucial to follow these steps to ensure proper handling and investigation:

Immediate Actions:

  1. Call 911 and LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
  2. Stay with the victim if it is safe until the authorities arrive.
  3. Document details: Write down as much information as possible if you are a witness.
  4. Minimize contact: Touch as little as possible, as the area may be a crime scene.

In the unlikely event of an earthquake, follow these steps to ensure safety:

During the Earthquake:

  1. Get under cover: Find a desk, table, door frame, or stairwell to shelter under.
  2. If no cover is available: Move to an interior wall and cover your head with your arms.
  3. Avoid: Stay away from large glass windows, shelving systems, and tall partitions.

After the Shaking Stops:

  1. Check for injuries: Survey the area for trapped or injured persons.
  2. Evacuate: Follow the Building Evacuation Procedures.
  3. Return only when cleared: Re-enter the building only when you receive the “all clear” signal from emergency personnel.

In the event of an explosion, follow these actions to ensure safety and effective response:

Immediately After an Explosion:

  1. Activate the alarm: Trigger the building alarm system to alert others.
  2. Call 911: Report the explosion and any fire to emergency services.
  3. Notify Campus Safety: Call LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
  4. Evacuate the building: Use the nearest exit and follow the Building Evacuation Procedures.

In a fire, following these steps for safety and effective response is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits, stairwells, alarm pull stations, and fire extinguishers in buildings you frequently use. Be aware of individuals with accessibility needs and assist them as required during evacuation.

Immediate Actions:

  • Pull the Fire Alarm
    • If you detect smoke or a burning odor, activate the fire alarm system immediately.
  • Assess the Door
    • If the door is hot:
      • Do not open it. Block the bottom of the door with towels or blankets.
      • Signal for help from a window.
    • If the door is cool:
      • Open it cautiously and proceed with evacuation.
  • Use a Fire Extinguisher (If trained)
    • Attempt to control the fire if you are trained and it is safe.
    • Otherwise, leave the area immediately.
  • Never Let Fire Block Your Exit
    • Always ensure that you have a clear path to an exit.
  • Evacuate the Building
    • Do not use elevators.
    • Leave your personal belongings behind.
    • Make sure everyone in your area has evacuated. Close doors behind you.
  • Call 911
    • Once outside, call 911 to report the fire.
  • Report to Emergency Personnel
    • Stay in a safe location and report to emergency personnel and College officials upon their arrival.

 

Response to an Audible Fire Alarm:

  • Evacuate Immediately
    • Follow the Building Evacuation Procedures.
  • Assist Others
    • Help individuals with accessibility issues.
    • Ensure everyone has responded to the alarm.
  • Close Doors
    • Shut all doors behind you to help slow the spread of fire and smoke.
  • Wait for the “All Clear”
    • Return to the building only when given the “all clear” signal by emergency personnel or College officials.

 

Additional Guidelines:

  • Do Not Break Windows
    • Only break windows if necessary to escape, as oxygen can fuel the fire.
  • Stay Low in Smoke
    • Crawl on your hands and knees. Use a cloth to filter smoke if needed.
  • Advance Through Flames
    • Hold your breath, move quickly, cover your head, and keep your head down.

Although the College is not in a high-risk flood zone, flooding can still occur due to surface or groundwater. Follow these steps to ensure safety and minimize damage.

Precautionary Actions:

  • Avoid Flooded Areas
    • Stay out of and away from flooded areas.
    • Do not drive through standing water.
  • Move Equipment
    • Relocate equipment, supplies, and machinery to higher elevations if possible.
  • Shut Down Equipment
    • Identify and shut down equipment that might be affected by water.
  • Disconnect Power
    • Disconnect electrical power when safe and necessary (not in the presence of water).

After a Flooding Incident:

  • Call for Help
    • Call 911 or Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
  • Secure Areas
    • Lock off flooded areas to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Assess Damage
    • Identify and document damaged materials.
  • Wait for the “All Clear”
    • Do not enter flooded areas until electrical power has been turned off and emergency personnel or College officials give the “all clear” signal.

Hazardous materials, such as compressed gases, corrosive liquids, or flammable liquids, can pose significant risks. Be prepared to respond effectively to incidents involving these materials.

Types of Incidents:

  • Non-Emergency, Non-Health-Threatening Incident
    • Definition: A spill less than one ounce (30 ml) that can be cleaned up within 15 minutes and is not due to container failure.
    • Action: Clean up immediately. No need for recording or reporting.
  • Emergency, Health-Threatening Incident
    • Definition: All other spills that may pose a health threat and require reporting and recording according to state and federal procedures.
    • Action: Follow the steps below.

 

On-Campus Incidents:

  • Emergency Incident
    • Call 911 and LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
    • Confine Fumes/Fire: Shut room doors to contain fumes or fire.
    • Extinguish Flames: Put out any flames or ignition sources if possible.
    • Sound Alarm: Activate the building alarm system.
    • Evacuate Building: Follow Building Evacuation Procedures.
    • Wait for “All Clear”: Do not re-enter until emergency personnel or College officials give the “all clear” signal.
  • Non-Emergency Incident
    • Call LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
    • Confine Fumes/Fire: Shut room doors to contain fumes or fire.
    • Extinguish Flames: Put out any flames or ignition sources if possible.
    • Clean Up: Address the spill immediately.
    • Report if Needed: Notify Campus Safety of the incident.

 

Railroad or Highway Incidents:

  • Call 911 and LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
  • Evacuate Building: Follow Building Evacuation Procedures.
  • Wait for “All Clear”: Return to the building only when given the all-clear by emergency personnel or College officials.

In a hurricane or tropical storm, follow the instructions provided by local civil defense, emergency preparedness officials, and the National Weather Service. College officials will determine whether the College will close, and which personnel will remain on site.

Actions During the Storm:

  • Employees remaining on campus will:
    • Monitor the storm: Keep track of the hurricane or storm’s progress.
    • Be prepared for water damage: Heavy rains may cause flooding even though the College is not in a flood-prone area (see Flooding on p. 34-36).

In a medical emergency, prompt and responsible action is crucial. If you are not trained to use medical equipment or perform procedures such as CPR, focus on calling for help and dialing 911.

Immediate Actions:

  • Call 911
    • Dial 911 to request emergency medical assistance.
  • Do Not Move a Seriously Injured Person
    • Avoid moving the person unless it is necessary to prevent further injury or if it’s a life-threatening situation.
  • Stay with the Victim
    • If safe, stay with the victim. Keep them calm and comfortable.

 

Additional Actions:

  • Call Campus Contacts
    • Call LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
    • Call the LVC Health Center at 717-867-6232 (ext. 6232).
  • Provide Aid if Trained
    • Administer CPR and first aid only if you are appropriately trained.
  • Keep the Victim Warm
    • Keep the victim warm to prevent shock and elevate their lower extremities if possible.
  • Remain with the Victim
    • Stay with the victim until an ambulance or qualified medical personnel arrive.

If you are concerned that a student or employee is missing, immediately report your concern to the appropriate on-campus personnel.

Immediate Actions:

  • Contact Campus Personnel
    • Call LVC campus safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
    • Contact a student affairs/residence life staff member at 717-867-6230 (ext. 6230).
  • Provide Details
    • Share the missing person’s name.
    • Provide the date and time they were last seen.
    • Give any other pertinent information.

In the event of a serious incident at the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant, radiation may be released and potentially affect areas within a 10-mile radius. Although the College is outside this zone, officials may still order an off-campus evacuation if necessary.

Note: The College is the designated evacuation site for the Milton Hershey School, located within the 10-mile zone. The LVC Sports Center will typically be the reception area for evacuees, with support provided by College staff and Metz Culinary Management.

The Pennsylvania Governor may issue emergency orders to protect public health in a public health emergency, such as a pandemic or communicable disease crisis. LVC will adhere to guidelines and recommendations from the Governor, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other relevant authorities. The College President has the authority to make emergency decisions, including closing the College if necessary.

Sensitivity is crucial when addressing incidents of sexual assault or rape. The primary concerns include:

  • The victim’s physical safety.
  • The safety of the College community.
  • Ensuring confidentiality.

 

Actions

1. Attend to the Victim’s Needs/ Physical Safety

Ensure the victim receives immediate care and concern. We would like it if all victims would seek medical attention but understand that some are not in the mental place to immediately do so. Please encourage them to visit the Shroyer Health Center (or call 717-867-6232 or extension 6232)  or encourage them to visit a medical facility that does a forensic exam. The closest hospital that has a dedicated SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) program is:

Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center
503 North 21st Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
www.pennstatehealth.org

Determine in consultation with the on-call student affairs personnel (if in the middle of the night) interim measures are needed (Talking to the on call LVC counselor, No contact order, a change of rooms, escorts, class schedule change etc.).

2. Reporting the Incident

You are mandated to report the incident to your direct supervisor or someone from the Title IX office. Below are the Colleges Title IX Coordinators.

Ann C. Hayes, Title IX Coordinator and Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Administration/Humanities 108, Lebanon Valley College, 101 N. College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003–1400, 717–867–6416, hayes@lvc.edu.

Jeremy Munson, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Mund College Center, Lebanon Valley College, 101 N. College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003-1400, 717-867-6165, munson@lvc.edu.

Dr. Sarah Shupp, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Mund College Center, Lebanon Valley College, 101 N. College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003-1400, 717-867-6238, shupp@lvc.edu.

Dr. Laura Eldred, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Associate Provost of Arts and Sciences, Administration/Humanities 207C, Lebanon Valley College, 101 N. College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003-1400, 717-867-6242, eldred@lvc.edu.

Stacey Hollinger, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Associate Director of Athletics, Lebanon Valley College Athletics, Arnold Sports Center, 101 N. College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003–1400, 717–867–6891, sholling@lvc.edu.

Dr. Katie Oriel, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Associate Provost of Health Sciences Office of Academic Affairs, Humanities 105, Lebanon Valley College, 101 N. College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003-1400, 717-867-6852, oriel@lvc.edu

3. Preserve Evidence

Do not clean where the assault occurred (e.g., room, car).

Advise the victim not to bathe, shower, or douche if they plan to seek medical attention. An off campus medical provider will guide hygiene and necessary medications if the student chooses to be seen by a medical provider.

Ensure any clothing worn during the assault is not discarded or touched/moved but placed in a paper bag (not plastic).  Involve Campus safety should you need assistance. The Campus Safety Office is located at 148 N. College Ave., or call 717-867-6111 or ext. 6111.

4. Inform the Victim that a member of the Title IX office will reach out to them

A Student Affairs or Human Resources representative will inform the victim of their right to press charges and/ or proceed with a College investigation. Arrangements can be made to transport the victim to a medical facility or Shroyer Health Center, and other resources can be made available.

 

Short-Term Actions

  1. Ensure Safety and Secure the Scene : Address immediate safety concerns and secure the scene to preserve evidence.
  2. Attend to the Injured or Traumatized: Provide immediate options for medical and/or mental health services.
  3. Coordinate with Emergency Responders: Work with emergency responders if requested by the victim.
  4. Provide Support: Offer support to those directly and indirectly impacted by the incident.

 

Long-Term Actions

  1. Provide Ongoing Resources and Support: Ensure the victim can access immediate and extended resources, including interim measures during the investigation.
  2. Continue Support: Maintain support for individuals directly and indirectly affected by the incident.

When a potentially threatening message about the College or its members is identified on social media, prompt and appropriate action is crucial to ensure safety and mitigate potential risks.

Actions

  • Contact a member of the residence life staff at 717-867-6230 (ext. 6230) and Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111).
  • Provide detailed information about the threatening message, including its location (specific social media platform) and other pertinent details.

Addressing a suicide threat or attempt requires immediate and sensitive action to ensure the safety of the individual involved and the broader community.

Attempted Suicide

Actions

  • Immediate Response
    • Call 911.
    • Contact LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111) to report the situation.
    • If the person is seriously injured, do not move them unless necessary to prevent further harm.
    • If the person is unresponsive, roll them onto their side to prevent choking.
  • Additional Steps
    • Call LVC Counseling Services at 717-867-6232 (ext. 6232) or LVC Health Services at 717-867-6232 (ext. 6232) if during regular business hours.
    • Keep the individual warm to prevent shock and stay with them until emergency personnel arrive.

 

Threatening Suicide

Actions

  • Immediate Response
    • Call 911.
    • Contact LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111) to report the threat.
    • Take the threat seriously and, if possible, accompany the individual to the Shroyer Health Center.
    • Call Counseling Services at 717-867-6232 (ext. 6232) or Crisis Intervention at 717-274-3363 for assistance. If they resist.
    • Ask if they have any weapons or drugs intended to cause self-harm.
    • Do not leave the individual alone until professional help is involved.

Handling a phone threat requires careful and composed actions to gather as much information as possible and ensure the campus community’s safety.

During the Call:

  • Immediate Actions
    • DO NOT hang up. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.
    • Remain calm, be courteous, and listen carefully.
    • Attempt to find out why the caller is upset and what threat is being made.
    • Identify the target of the threat (specific individual, group, or location).
    • If available, check the caller ID for additional information.
    • Write down as much information as possible about the caller’s voice, background noises, and any specifics of the threat.
    • Ask for the message to be repeated for clarity and gather as much detail as possible.

 

After the Call:

  • Immediate Reporting
    • Call 911 to report the threat.
    • Contact LVC Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 (ext. 6111) to provide details about the threat.
    • Share information only with emergency personnel and selected College officials. Note that only designated officials can share information publicly.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. A tornado warning indicates a tornado has been sighted or detected. The College may declare an emergency if a tornado warning is issued.

Actions

As a Precaution:

  • Seek Shelter
    • Move quickly to an underground area, such as a basement, if available.
    • If an underground area is not available, use:
    • Small, interior rooms without windows on the lowest floor.
    • Hallways on the lowest floor, away from doors and windows. Rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick, or block, with no windows and a heavy concrete floor or roof system.
    • Any other protected area away from doors and windows.

 

As soon as the Tornado Passes:

  • Evacuate and Assess Safety
    • Evacuate the building—DO NOT use elevators.
    • Assist individuals with accessibility needs.
    • Avoid opening doors if smoke or heat is present (see Fire).
    • Be alert to open or unprotected floor openings, shafts, and other hazards.
    • Avoid areas where potential collapse might occur.
    • Be cautious of energized electrical equipment, wiring, and fixtures.
    • Proceed to the assembly area as directed by College or emergency officials.
    • Return to the building only when given the “all clear” signal by emergency personnel or College officials.

In the event of a train derailment on or near campus, immediate action is essential to ensure safety and manage the situation effectively. Since a train derailment may involve hazardous materials, medical emergencies, explosions, or fires, addressing all potential hazards is crucial.

Actions

  • Immediate Response
    • Call 911 to report the incident and request emergency services.
    • Call LVC Campus Safety at extension 6111 to inform them of the situation.
    • Move to a Safe Location: Quickly relocate to a safe area away from the derailment. If possible, move upwind to avoid exposure to any potentially airborne hazardous materials.