• About the SUB

    Who We Are

    Emergency Procedures



    WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

    • How to respond in case of an emergency - both in your area and in other areas of the building.
    • The location of all fire exits but especially those nearest your work area.
    • The locations of the fire alarm pull station and fire extinguisher nearest your area.
    • Your department's overall responsibilities and what staff should do in case of an emergency.

    RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENT UNION SUPERVISORS

    • Train staff in your department to know and understand emergency procedures.
    • Outline emergency procedures in detail in written operating guidelines.

    GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE STUDENT UNION EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

    The radio call sign for staff support in all emergencies is "409" - the Manager on Duty
    Roger Pritiken Weekdays, 7:30 am ��� 4 pm
    Brent Delong Tues - Sat evenings, 4 pm ��� 1 am
    Union Manager Sat & Sun, 7am - 4pm
    Sun & Mon evenings 4pm - midnight
    • Physical Address of Student Union:
          Boise State University Student Union Building
          1700 University Drive
          specific location of the emergency

    • Ada County Sheriff Dispatcher:
          x911 or x1453

    • You do not need to be the hero. Always ASSESS THE SITUATION and KNOW YOUR LIMITS.

    • Complete an Incident Report, obtained from the Manager on Duty, when medical assistance is provided or medical, fire or Sheriff's personnel are brought to the scene.

    • For questions on emergency procedures, please talk with your area supervisor or Jack Rahmann, Student Union Assistant Director.

    • These procedures were developed utilizing the Boise State University Emergency Information & Instructions, updated January 2003. The document can be located at www2.boisestate.edu/ehs/

    STAFF WITH COMMUNITY FIRST AID/CPR/AED TRAINING

    • Student Union & Student Involvement Staff who have indicated that they have Community First Aid, CPR or AED training and are willing to assist in an emergency are listed near the time clock and a copy of this list is available in each area. Idaho has a "Good Samaritan" law - efforts by trained but unlicensed individuals are protected from legal action. However, these people are urged not to undertake more than they are qualified to perform. Individuals that have First Aid, CPR or AED training are encouraged to notify Roger Pritiken, Facility Services Manager so that they may be included on this listing.

    • Emergency efforts by staff may be desirable, even critically important; however, they can not substitute for professional medical assistance.

    • Oxygen and a portable first aid kit are located at the Info Desk, under the counter. Additional portable first aid kits are located in the Student Involvement Office and the Bookstore. A fixed first aid kit is located in the Maintenance Shop.

    • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units are located near the lobby of the SPEC and on the first floor near the Bookstore main entrance.

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    VANDALISM, INTOXICATION, HARASSMENT OR SIMILAR SITUATION

    • Do not attempt to restrain the individual(s) or in any way jeopardize yourself or any bystanders. Use common sense!

    • Contact the Manager on Duty at radio call sign "409".

    • Be prepared to give a good description of the individual(s) and the situation. If he/she leaves the building, note the direction in which he/she was moving. If able, note vehicle type and license plate number.

    • If the situation warrants, the Manager on Duty will contact the Ada County Sheriff for professional follow-up and assistance. A sheriff's deputy is on call 24 hours a day and can be contacted at x911 for emergency response or at x1453.

    • Complete an Incident Report highlighting eyewitness accounts and note contact information for these individuals.

    VIOLENCE, CRIME OR ROBBERY

    • Directly contact Ada County Sheriff at x911. Indicate that the situation requires a rapid response. If the individual(s) has left the premises, indicate this to the dispatcher or officer. Provide a good description of the individual(s) and the direction that the individual(s) took when leaving. If able, note vehicle type and license plate number.

    • Immediately after contacting Campus Safety, contact the Manager on Duty at radio call sign "409". Be prepared to share the details of the situation.

    • Complete an Incident Report highlighting eyewitness accounts and note contact information for these individuals.

    DETECTION OF A FIRE

    • Immediately pull the nearest fire alarm upon detection of a fire or smoke. All employees should know the location of at least two fire pull stations nearest their work area or office.

    • Call x911 and report a fire, giving location as "Boise State University Student Union, 1700 University Drive, [location within building]." Indicate to the dispatcher the closest side of the building to the fire location for the fire department to approach. Also indicate that you have already sounded the building's alarm system.

    • Evacuate the areas that have been assigned to your office or the area where you are in the facility. If possible and if time permits, take your keys and if applicable, lock the cash register in your area. Be extremely careful to keep yourself between the fire and an exit. If smoke or fire becomes intense, leave the area immediately. DO NOT BE A HERO - protect yourself so that you can communicate the situation to emergency personnel.

    • Immediately report to the Info Desk. Verify the authenticity and location of the emergency and assist in evacuating the building.

    • If a fire is reported by a patron to any staff member in the Student Union and a pull station has not been pulled nor has the alarm sounded, the staff member to whom the fire is reported should go immediately to the location of the reported fire and verify its existence. If fire or smoke is detected, proceed as indicated above.

    • When verifying the existence of a fire, do not open a closed door. Check the door for heat by using the back of your hand.

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    THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS

    • An automatic voice message tells patrons to leave the building and then the system alarm sounds with a "whoop, whoop" sound. Many doors are equipped with automatic closures; they will swing shut when the alarm sounds. Additional devices include horns and flashing strobe lights that will be automatically activated in office areas.

    • The Info Desk staff will remain at the Desk to facilitate communications until instructed to leave, or until the area becomes impossible to maintain due to smoke, fire or other adverse situations.

    • The Info Desk will be the command post for the early stages of the fire emergency. The Building Facility Foreman, Manager on Duty or the Assistant Director will take charge of the evacuation.

    • All Student Union & Student Involvement staff are responsible for evacuating the building and checking all meeting rooms and restrooms on assigned floors. The Building Facility Staff is responsible for assisting people with disabilities to evacuate the Student Union. In general, the following criteria apply as a framework for your actions:
      • Everyone in the building must leave quickly by the shortest route. All members of the Student Union staff must become familiar with all emergency exit routes so they can quickly direct people to the closest exits. All employees must be familiar with the locations of fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers. Although you may not be in your office, you are responsible to assist with evacuation wherever you are in the facility.

      • Do not waste time arguing with an individual who refuses to leave. Report to the staff member in charge at the Info Desk that someone is still in the building and the person's location.

      • Never use the elevators.

      • Do not open a closed door. Check the door for heat by using the back of your hand.

      • Doors should be closed by the last person to leave any room to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. Do not lock doors as you exit. If possible and if time permits, take your keys and lock cash registers when evacuating.

      • It is important to move quickly. The Boise Fire Department strongly recommends that the entire building be cleared within 2 minutes of the first alarm sound. Treat every alarm as if it were an actual fire.

      • Move far enough away from the building to let emergency equipment have access and to avoid a hazardous situation. Fire lanes must be kept clear. Assist with directing patrons to a safe distance.

      • Staff should discourage anyone from entering the building until the "all clear" is announced.

      • After exiting the building, wait at your assigned area until the "all clear" is announced. The Building Facility Foreman or Manager on Duty will notify the staff and patrons when it is clear to re-enter the building.

      Assembly Areas and Evacuation for Patrons with Disabilities
      Lookout Room/Third Floor Lobby in front of NE elevator and stairs.
      Second Floor Main stairs near passenger elevator.
      Second Floor Lounge area by NE stairs and elevator.
      Second Floor Area in front of Operations Office near elevator.
      Loading Dock Adjacent to dock lift.
      • It is not necessary to evacuate patrons with disabilities from assembly areas unless it is life threatening to remain there. A Facility Crew member will remain with the patrons and keep them informed. The staff member who is meeting the truck, will notify Fire Department personnel that we have persons with disabilities assembled in these areas and the Fire Department will evacuate them if necessary.

      Student Union areas and departments are responsible for evacuation as follows:

      Area to be Evacuated Regular Operating Hours Eves & Weekends Waiting Area
      Hatch Ballroom 405 & Facilities Crew 405 & Facilities Crew East Lawn, By Soccer Field
      Jordan Grand Ballroom 405 & Facilities Crew 405 & Facilities Crew Main West Entrance, across drive
      Meeting Rooms- 2nd floor 405 & Facilities Crew 405 & Facilities Crew Main West Entrance, across drive
      Lookout & Svc Area 407 410 East Lawn, by Soccer Field
      Table Rock Café TRC Manager TRC Manager Main West Entrance, across drive
      Kitchen, 2nd floor Exec Chef Exec Chef Parking lot, service area
      Food Service Office Food Service Staff Food Service Staff Parking lot, Service area
      Retail Staff & kitchen Retail Manager Retail Manager East Lawn, by Soccer Field
      Info Desk Info Desk staff Info Desk staff Main West Entrance, across drive
      Dining Room Fac Svcs Manager 406 & Facilities Crew Main West Entrance, across drive
      Bookstore Bookstore Staff Bookstore Staff Main West Entrance, across drive
      Campus ID Office Campus ID Staff Campus ID Staff Parking lot, SE of Bldg
      Games Center & Restrooms Games Center Staff Games Center Staff Parking lot, SE of Bldg
      2nd Floor Addition Student Orgs
      and Mtg Rooms      		 Student Org Program Coord 421 & Facilities Crew West sidewalk, near Univ Dr
      2nd Floor Admin Offices Reservation Staff Reservation Staff East Lawn, by Soccer Field
      1st Floor, SPB & Stdt Act Student Involvement Staff 421 & Facilities Crew West sidewalk, near Univ Dr
      1st Floor Addition, ASBSU ASBSU Staff 421 & Facilities Crew West sidewalk, near Univ Dr
      Fire alarm location ID 402-Tim Potter 404/409 - Brent Delong/Union Manager
      Meet the Fire Trucks 404 - Jack Rahmann 404/409 - Brent Delong/Union Manager
      All Clear Jack Rahmann Brent Delong or Union Manager
    • If an alarm sounds when the building is not open to the public, the Facilities Crew staff should evacuate the building and meet the fire trucks. A call should be made as soon as possible to the Assistant Director or Director.

    • Fire drills in public buildings are required by law and will be conducted periodically.

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    Additional Information for the Student Union Annex & Special Events Center
    WHEN A FIRE IS DETECTED

    SUB Annex ��� Women���s Center, Cultural Center and Arbiter

    The Student Union Annex does not have an audible or visual fire alarm warning system. The staff and students that work and volunteer in this area need to understand the importance of evacuating the facility and calling x911 in case of a fire. Melissa Wintrow, Women's Center Coordinator, presently serves as the Building Coordinator and reviews the procedures on an annual basis and coordinates periodic drills.

    • When a fire is detected call x911 as quickly as possible giving location as "Boise State University Student Union Annex, 1700 University Drive."

    • If the situation is not hazardous, call from your workstation and begin facilitating the evacuation of the facility.

    • If the situation is hazardous, begin evacuation of the facility and send a co-worker or student leader to the Student Union or to the Campus Safety Office to call x911.

    • Announce to those around you to evacuate immediately. This must include notifying the people on both floors of the building.

    • Notify the Manager on Duty at the Student Union that you have contacted the Fire Department and evacuated the facility.

    • Please keep in mind the procedures that are followed within the Student Union.
      • Doors should be closed by the last person to leave any room to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. Do not lock doors as you exit. If possible and if time permits, take your keys when evacuating.

      • Do not open a closed door. Check the door for heat by using the back of your hand.

      • Move far enough away from the building to let emergency equipment have access. Fire lanes must be kept clear. Assist with directing staff and students to a safe distance.

      • Staff should discourage anyone from entering the building until the "all clear" is announced.
      • Inform Fire Department personnel immediately if you have been unable to evacuate a person with disabilities or someone has chosen to remain in the building.



    Special Events Center

    • Although the fire alarm within the Special Events Center (SPEC) is separate from the Student Union facility, our staff is responsible for evacuating the facility when the alarm sounds. This responsibility will most likely begin with the Audio-Visual Technicians (A/V Techs) working the event.

    • When the alarm sounds in the SPEC, contact the Manager on Duty immediately and let him/her know the location, or the suspected location, of the fire. It is likely that he/she will not hear the alarm within the Student Union Building.

    • The audible alarm is very loud, no announcement is needed. But in the instance that a fire is detected and the alarm fails to function, the A/V Tech working in the booth needs to make an announcement that there is an emergency situation and the hall needs to be evacuated:

      MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE LEAVE THE FACILITY IMMEDIATELY. EXIT THE HALL USING THE NEAREST MARKED EXIT. THE EMERGENCY ALARM WARNING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. (repeat)

    • A/V Techs who are working the event must take the lead with the evacuation. In addition, the Manager on Duty needs to assign members of the facility crew to check the areas of the SPEC. Caution must be taken to not put staff in harm's way. Do not open closed doors before checking them for heat with the back of your hand and DO NOT go into any area that is filled with smoke. Staff assignments should include:
      • Evacuation of the backstage area and then meeting the patrons that have gathered behind the loading dock.

      • Evacuation of the dressing rooms and rehearsal room and meeting the patrons that have gathered in the Liberal Arts Parking Lot.

      • Evacuation of the hall itself and meeting the patrons that have gathered in the front of the main entrance.

      • The A/V Tech in the booth needs to evacuate the booth and upstairs area and check that the area is clear.

    • The Manager on Duty or Assistant Director meets the Fire Department.

    • Please keep in mind the procedures that are followed within the Student Union.
      • The last person to leave any room to prevent the spread of smoke and fire should close doors. Do not lock doors as you exit. If possible and if time permits, take your keys and lock cash boxes when evacuating.

      • Move far enough away from the building to let emergency equipment have access. Fire lanes must be kept clear. Assist with directing patrons to a safe distance.

      • Staff should discourage anyone from entering the building until the "all clear" is announced.

      • Inform Fire Department personnel immediately if you have been unable to evacuate a person with disabilities or someone has chosen to remain in the building.

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    THE FIRE ALARM FAILS TO FUNCTION

    • The staff member to whom the emergency is reported or who has pulled the alarm, immediately call x911 and reports the fire and the fact that the alarm has been pulled AND has failed to function.

    • Contact the Info Desk at x4636 and request that the following announcement be made immediately on the public address system:

      MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE LEAVE THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. THE EMERGENCY ALARM WARNING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. (repeat)



    • The Info Desk will notify all staff with the same announcement via 2-way radio ("Attention: All Union Staff...") to ensure that the message was heard and they are initiating the evacuation procedure.

    • All staff should then respond as if the alarm had been sounded.

    • The Facilities Crew will ensure that all areas of the building have been properly notified and that building evacuation is in progress.

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    POWER OUTAGE

    • The Building Facility Foreman or the Manager on Duty will report the situation and determine if the problem is limited to the Student Union or is campus-wide by contacting Facilities Operation & Maintenance at x1443 or Ada County Sheriff at x1453.

    • If the power failure is extended in length (more than 30 minutes), the Manager on Duty will evacuate the building with the assistance of area staff and custodians. Staff should remain on premises to re-open the building when power is restored.

    • Emergency Lights - During a power outage emergency, lights are automatically activated in stairwells and in strategic locations on each floor sufficient to allow users to move to the exits.

    • Flashlights are located in each area. It is the responsibility of each supervisor to have sufficient flashlights and charged batteries in their department and to inform all staff of the location of these supplies.

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    ELEVATOR EMERGENCY

    • The Manager on Duty is responsible for checking elevators and reassuring people trapped in the elevators in emergency and non-emergency situations.

    • The Manager on Duty will contact Thyssen-Krupp Elevator at 658-0000 for assistance in freeing people trapped in the elevator.

    • If life safety is an issue, call x911.

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    MEDICAL EMERGENCY

    • When a life threatening medical emergency occurs in your area, call x911 and indicate that you are reporting a medical emergency. Be sure to identify the location as "Boise State University Student Union Building, 1700 University Drive, [location within building]".

      • If for any reason you cannot stay on the phone, give the dispatcher the exact location where help is needed and attend to the injured/ill party.

      • If the injured/ill party needs immediate assistance and a co-worker or patron is available, instruct this person to make the emergency call while you attend to the needs of the victim.


    • As soon as practical, contact an available staff member listed as a trained Community First Aid/CPR volunteer.

    • For any non life-threatening medical emergency, contact the Manager on Duty via radio, "409".

    • Do not move the injured person. If possible, cover them with a coat or blanket, to keep them warm.

    • If the injured/ill individual is a staff member (student, state or professional employee) and it is not a life-threatening injury, the Manager on Duty must contact his/her immediate supervisor. The staff member is encouraged to go to the nearest Primary Health Immediate Care Center. Locations nearest Boise State are: 1209 Broadway (Broadway & Beacon) and 701 Parkcenter Blvd.
      • The Manager on Duty must call the Boise State Hurt Line to report an employee injury, xHURT (x4878).


    • After the needs of the injured person have been addressed by professional personnel or a staff member, complete an Incident Report with the assistance of the Manager on Duty or your supervisor.

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    NATURAL GAS LEAKS OR LINE BREAKS

    • When you smell the distinctive odor of natural gas (rotten cabbage or sulfur-type odor) evacuate the area immediately and contact the Manager on Duty. He/She will assess the situation and take immediate action.

      • Do not turn on or off lights or any electrical equipment, including the fire alarm system and elevators or perform any other actions that might cause sparks or static electricity.


    • If the situation is identified as serious, the Manager on Duty will instruct the staff via 2-way radio to evacuate the facility as if a fire alarm has failed to function.

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    EARTHQUAKE

    • The Info Desk must take immediate action and make the following announcement:

      WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN EARTHQUAKE. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING UNTIL ADVISED TO DO SO. SEEK SHELTER UNDER THE NEAREST TABLE. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. WAIT FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. (repeat)



    • Do not leave the building immediately after an earthquake as there is a danger from falling debris. Keep calm and become prepared for aftershocks.

    • Doorways and archways are often the safest place to seek protection, unless they are near glass.

    • Be cautious of hanging objects such as ceramic plant pots or lamps which will swing and probably fall during an earthquake.

    • If you are in an office or meeting room with ceiling grids or tiles, seek shelter under a desk or table. The Student Union has a false ceiling in many areas which could fall or collapse. Assist patrons of the Student Union.

    • Do not seek shelter in the elevators and do not use them. While elevator shafts are quite safe because of the nature of their construction, the possibility of a power outage or fire makes it dangerous to use elevators until damage to the building has been assessed.

    • If the building is evacuated, do not return to your work station until advised by the authorities that it is safe to do so.

    • When leaving the building after the earthquake, beware of falling objects and remain a good distance from outside walls. When outside, do not stand near trees.

    • Keep Calm!

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    FLOOD

    • Exit the flooded area as quickly as possible and contact the Manager on Duty. He/She will assess the situation and take immediate action.

      • Evacuation procedures may be facilitated or an area of the facility may be closed until the situation can be controlled.


    • Avoid standing in floodwaters due to the threat of electrocution. One of the greatest hazards to personnel will be electrical grounding of equipment and power lines. Explosions could occur from extinguished gas flames or weakened boilers.

    • Do not return to the area until the Manager on Duty or professional emergency responders declare that the area is safe.

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    SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE

    • When a staff member or patron notices a suspicious, unaccompanied package in or near the facility, call the Manager on Duty.

    • The Manager will review the package to see if there are typical characteristics that may trigger a professional response. These include:
      • powdery substance in the vicinity
      • an attached note
      • unusual weight, size or shape
      • unusual amount of tape on it
      • unexpectedly marked with restrictive endorsements
      • strange odor or stains


    • The Manager on Duty will decide when contacting Ada County Sheriff is appropriate and if an emergency response is needed.

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    SUSPICIOUS MAIL

    Typical characteristics or indicators which may trigger suspicion:

    • powdery substance inside or outside
    • addressed to someone no longer in the department or otherwise outdated; very unexpected
    • contains no return address or one that cannot be verified as legitimate
    • unusual weight, size or shape
    • unusual amount of tape on it
    • unexpectedly marked with restrictive endorsements
    • contains strange odor or stains
    • shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address

    If a letter or package is received with these indicators listed above or contains a written threat of a biological or chemical material, take the following actions:

    • Do not panic.
    • Do not shake or empty the envelope or package and do not merely discard it. Place it in a plastic bag if one is available.
    • Close the room door or section-off the area so that no one disturbs the item.
    • Leave the area.
    • Contact the Manager on Duty to inform him/her of the situation and ask him/her to turn off the fans of the HVAC system.
    • Call x911 to inform Ada County Sheriff of the situation.
    • Do not allow anyone who might have touched the envelope or package to leave until instructed to do so by emergency response personnel.

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    BOMB THREAT

    • Any staff member receiving a bomb threat should use the Bomb Threat Procedure & Record, and follow its instructions explicitly.

    • As soon as possible, call x911. If another staff member can make the notification while you are still on the phone, do it. Be discreet and use office phones in order not to prematurely cause alarm.

    • Do not evacuate the building and do not sound the alarm until instructed to do so by the Ada County Sheriff.

    • Immediately after notifying Ada County Sheriff, contact in the order given, one of the following Boise State University administrators:

        ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE HOME CELLULAR
      1. Leah Barrett, Director, Student Union & Involvement 426-1988 385-7553 863-1785
      2. Jack Rahmann, Assistant Director, Student Union 426-2537 229-0028 863-6157
      3. Tim Potter, Building Facility Foreman 426-1683 452-3074 863-1782
      4. Rob Meyer, Associate Director, Student Activities 426-1224 853-5122 863-1789


    • Refer all inquiries from the news media to the Interim Director of University Relations, Bob Evancho at 426-1577

    • If the Sheriff's Department makes the decision to evacuate the building, the Manager on Duty will remind them that we will be sounding the fire alarm in the building to initiate evacuation. Staff will evacuate the building using the procedures outlined in the previous sections.

    • If a decision is made NOT to evacuate the building, the Manager on Duty will be advised by the Ada County Sheriff's Department if an announcement is to be made. If the decision is made to address facility patrons, the Manager will use the statement listed below - first over the public address system, and then in any meetings in the building that are not accessed by the public address system.

    "EXCUSE ME, MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE. AS OCCURS FROM TIME TO TIME IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS, THE STUDENT UNION HAS RECEIVED A BOMB THREAT. AFTER CONSULTING WITH THE PROPER AUTHORITIES, WE HAVE MADE A DECISION AT THIS TIME NOT TO EVACUATE THE BUILDING. EACH INDIVIDUAL WILL NEED TO MAKE A PERSONAL DECISION AS TO WHETHER TO REMAIN IN THE BUILDING, OR TO LEAVE.

    WE WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED AS TO ANY ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENTS.
    THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING."


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