EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Purpose

Emergencies can occur at any time. In an effort to protect public safety and health, the college has developed the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to enhance preparedness and assist in protecting the college community. It is designed to provide instruction and offer guidelines for addressing crises and natural disasters which may occur. The EOP is reviewed twice annually for any changes. At that time, any corrections to names and phone numbers or Campus Operations will be incorporated as well as required revisions or enhancements to policies and procedures. Revisions are due by January 30th and July 30th of each year. The EOP is divided into three sections to assist individuals in the event of an emergency. The
first section includes the Emergency Chain of Command. It identifies individuals and defines their responsibilities and describes pre and post planning criteria and emergency evacuation procedures. The second section includes procedures for each crisis as well as an incident check-off sheet. The third section includes maps of the campus, descriptions of the Campus Operations and floor plans of the buildings.

Definition

An emergency is an incident or situation that threatens the loss of life or injury; the loss or destruction of property; and/or disrupts normal operations. This can include man-made or natural disasters. Such emergencies can encompass bomb threats, catastrophic events, computer system failure, crimes, explosions, fire, gas leaks, graffiti, hazardous materials, hostages, medical emergencies, natural disasters, power outages, and protests, racial/hate incidents, sexual assaults, structural damages, suicide attempts, suspicious mail, telephone system failure, vandalism, or water breaks. Natural disasters can consist of flooding, lightening, thunderstorms, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, and winter storms such as ice, sleet, and snow. Therefore, it is critical for the college to maintain a comprehensive, risk-based emergency plan of preparedness, response, and recovery.

Emergency Protocol

In the event of an emergency situation on campus, call the College Security Desk immediately by dialing the extension directly at 2222. The Security Desk will contact the Emergency Supervisor, Security, and Campus Operations via 2-way radio. If in your judgment the situation warrants such action, call 911 first and then notify the receptionist.

Campus Description

Sussex County Community College is located on a 168 acre campus at One College Hill in Newton, and Hampton Township, Sussex County, New Jersey. It is physically located at the intersection of County Routes 622 and 519. The College has a total enrollment during any one semester of approximately 2800 students. Outsiders come to the campus as visitors or with groups who have contracted to use the college’s Campus Operations for their own purposes. The College employs approximately 500+ individuals on a regular basis; 32 full time faculty members, 70 full time employees, 84 part time employees, 210 adjunct faculty members and various temporary employees come to this campus. On any given weekday, approximately 1200 persons may be on campus at one time. On weekends, in the summer and during late evening hours substantially fewer individuals are on campus. On evenings and weekends from 300 to approximately 500 people may be on campus for college and external organization activities.

Training

Training of staff members is achieved using two different formats. The first format is active meaning that there is interaction between the trainer and the trainee at a scheduled time and place. The second being passive meaning that the training information is made available in a format that is accessible to staff members in various ways other than in a scheduled training class. Training must be recorded and documents must be maintained.

Active training entails the following events:

• All College Orientation training sessions at the start of the Spring and Fall semesters. This event targets faculty and staff.
• New employee Orientation targets all new employees.
• Table-top training drills for the First Response Team.
• Fire, lockdown and evacuation drills target students, faculty, administrators and staff as well as building captains, the First Response Team and the Emergency Management Cabinet.
• The First Aid Team is trained annually as certification requires.
• Building Captains to be trained at staff meetings.
• Student training has been included during the Fall and Spring Orientations.

Passive Training entails the following:

• The Emergency Procedure Guide has been posted in every occupied space throughout the facility. It simply describes the steps an individual is to take in the event that they need emergency assistance, need to evacuate a building or is instructed to lock down / shelter in place.
• The Emergency Procedure Guide is posted on the website and is accessible from the home page.
• A single page describing emergency procedures was given to new students during student orientation.
• The student handbook includes a statement about emergency procedures

Inspections and Updates

*Contracts administered by the Campus Operations Department