RYNEARSON STADIUM BUILDING EMERGENCY PLAN · All event staff will be involved with the implementation of the emergency procedures and should avoid panic and assist spectators exiting

RYNEARSON STADIUM

BUILDING EMERGENCY PLAN

Prepared by: EMU Emergency Management Date Revised: 6/27/2011

THIS DOCUMENT MAY CONTAIN SENSITIVE INFORMATION.

FOR INTERNAL DISTRIBUTION ONLY.

Table of Contents Section I: Building Emergency Plan

1. Introduction 2. Responsibilities 3. BEP Requirements 4. Training

Section II: General Information Section III: Building Information

1. Building Administrator and Alternates Contact Information 2. C-CERT Members 3. Building Description

Section IV: Evacuation

1. Evacuation Policy 2. General Evacuation Procedures 3. Procedure 4. Fire 5. Tornado/Severe Weather 4. Designated Meeting Area Locations (DMA)

Section VII: Emergency Announcement Scripts 1. Inclement Weather 2. Bomb Threat 3. Weapons Discharge Appendices

Appendix A: Acronyms and Definitions Appendix B: Bomb Threat Response Protocols Appendix C: Procedures for Persons with Special Needs

Appendix D: EMU Athletic Department Lightning Safety Policy Appendix E: NCAA Guideline 1d: Lightning Safety Appendix F: Building Schematics and Pictures Attachments

Attachment 1: Emergency Response Flipchart Building Schematics and Pictures

For Internal Use Only |Sensitive Information 1

SECTION I: PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION

1. Each EMU campus building must have a Building Emergency Plan (BEP) that provides procedures for use during emergency incidents. The Building Administrator or an individual designated by the administrator will develop the BEP and upon completion submit it to the EMU Emergency Management Office for review, distribution to response departments, and retention.

2. Once the plan is developed, it is to be reviewed and/or revised at least annually by June 30th or following any training, drill, exercise, or incident where the after action discussion identifies corrective actions. Please forward a copy of the revised plan to EMU Emergency Management.

3. If there are no significant changes that warrant a BEP revision, document the annual review below. Mail, email or fax to 734.487.1179 a copy of this completed page to the EMU Emergency Management Office.

4. If you have any questions about this plan, please contact your building administrator or EMU Emergency Management at 734.487.0799.

5. This BEP has been developed, revised or reviewed by the following individuals:

Rynearson Stadium

Type of Review Initial Submission Annual Update

Prepared by: Mike Malach, Associate Athletics Director 6/27/11

Building Administrator or designee (name & title)

Date

Reviewed by: Robert Morford, EM Intern 06/30/2011

EMU Emergency Management Office (name & title)

Date

*The above names constitute digital signatures.


SECTION II: GENERAL INFORMATION In the event of a major emergency at Rynearson Stadium, an evacuation or other

emergency action may be necessary. This procedure describes general emergency actions and the roles of all event staff, whether they are Eastern Michigan University employees, contractors or volunteers who are to assist in the emergency actions.

The type of emergency and its location will generally dictate what actions will be undertaken. Under the best conditions, the stadium public address system will be available and stadium lighting will continue to function. Under the worst condition there will be no public address system or lighting available. An evacuation will most likely come without extended warning and event personnel will be required to act quickly and calmly using good judgment.

Eastern Michigan University will normally manage stadium field operations from an

Incident Command Post (ICP). The ICP is at a location pre-designated for the event.

The Incident Commander for an emergency at Rynearson Stadium is the senior ranking police commander The police commander remains the incident commander until the event the situation is secured and under control or until incident command is transferred to another agency.

In the event of a fire and the Ypsilanti Fire Department (YFD) responds to Rynearson Stadium, the highest ranking YFD officer becomes the incident commander for the fire response. A Unified Command (UC) structure with EMU Public Safety will be implemented in order to coordinate an effective response for non-fire actions. The UC is responsible for overall management of the incident. The decision to implement emergency actions at Rynearson Stadium will be the responsibility of the Unified Command.

The location for the Incident Command Post will be at a recommended location for the event, typically a security room located at Rynearson Stadium. If the situation warrants, relocation of the Incident Command Post will be determined by the Incident Commander.

In the event the Ypsilanti Fire Department assumes command, the IC will be located at their discretion. EMU staff should recommend to the fire command that the press box police/security room be utilized because of its critical location and proximity to key personnel.

Under normal circumstances, the stadium public address system will be used to issue instructions to spectators. The IC will access the public address system via the stadium announcer, who will remain at his location until released by the IC. Additionally, the outdoor warning siren public address system may be used to sound an alert. The IC will access this system through the EMU Department of Public Safety Dispatch Center AT 734.487.1222.

All event staff will be involved with the implementation of the emergency procedures and should avoid panic and assist spectators exiting from the stadium. Patrons should be kept moving at a steady pace and be given instructions to guide them to the proper exits. No event


Incident Commander/

Unified Command

Event Coordinator Liaison Officer

Safety Officer Athletics Director

or designee

Public Information Officer

Stadium/Event Manager

staff will be released until directed by the IC. Event staff includes; athletic department employees, physical plant staff, ushers, athletic department volunteers, contract security and event management personnel, temporary and permanent concessionaire employees, and contract police personnel. During the emergency these groups will be subordinate to the IC and will follow instructions originating from the IC.

Chain of Command for Stadium Emergencies


SECTION III: BUILDING INFORMATION

BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR & ALTERNATES CONTACT INSFORMATION

Building Name Rynearson Stadium

Campus Address 2051 N. Huron River Dr., Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Campus Map Building Numerical Index #

66, 66A, 67

Building

Administrator Mike Malach

Contact Information

Email [email protected]

Campus Phone 734.487.5313

Mobile Phone

Fax 734.487.6898

Alternate Building

Contact Erich Keil

Contact Information



Mobile Phone

Fax 734.487.6898

Alternate Building

Contact Adam Martin

Contact Information



Mobile Phone

Fax 734.487.6898

mailto:[email protected]


1. C-CERT MEMBERS

C-CERT Zone #: K

Name Campus Address Work Phone

Ron Reid Convocation Center 734.487.0187

Karen Hansen Convocation Center 734.487.4458

2. BUILDING DESCRIPTION

Capacity: Capacity of Rynearson Stadium is 30,200. Standing room is available in the south end zone, allowing for crowds larger than the listed capacity. Press Box: The two-level press box is located on the top of the west-side stands. The working media utilize the lower level while the top level is a university hospitality area for the stadium. Locker Rooms: The EMU locker room is located in the team building at the north end of the stadium. The visitor's locker room is located below the south end of the west side of the stadium.

TEAM BUILDING (67)


SECTION IV: EVACUATION PROCEDURES

1. Policy

EMU policy requires immediate evacuation when any fire alarm sounds within a building. All faculty, staff, students and visitors must immediately depart the building using designated exit routes if safe.

a. Departments are responsible to ensure that all people in their building are aware of exit routes and the location of their building’s Designated Meeting Areas (DMA.) b. All building occupants will follow instructions relevant to public safety issued by the building administrator or emergency personnel.

2. Procedure Evacuation of all or part of the stadium will be determined by the Incident Commander. If an evacuation is necessary, the following actions should be undertaken in preparation for the evacuation:

1. Ushers, security personnel, and employees will open all gates and move all tables, carts and gate counters and clear the exits as much as possible. Trash containers and dumpsters may also require removal.

2. Concession staff will immediately close their concession stands, locking them securely and then leave the facility as directed.

3. Crowd control staff and ushers should remain at their assigned location and direct spectators in accordance with the direction issued by Incident Command.

4. Visiting athletes, guests, and on field media should be directed into the Convocation Center at the South end of the stadium. If conditions warrant further evacuation, this group will be moved via available transportation to a location determined by the Incident Commander.

5. Staff from the athletic department should move media and game staff from the press box area to ground level by utilizing stairways and exits on the west side of the stadium.

6. The home team should move into the team building. The IC will determine if conditions warrant moving the home team from the team building and the home team will depart in available vehicles.

7. The visitor's locker room is located below the south end of the west side of the stadium. If determined by the IC, the visiting team should move to the Convocation Center. If conditions warrant further evacuation, the visiting team will depart on their buses from the stadium.

8. Security personnel on the field will direct anyone evacuating onto the field to the exits and to the appropriate parking lot.

9. Security personnel in the concourse area will direct people leaving the ramp area to move out of the stadium to their vehicles.

10. Parking lot attendees and security officers will direct vehicles to leave. No vehicles will be allowed to enter stadium parking areas (other than emergency response vehicles).


11. The Incident Commander will initiate notification of the Ypsilanti Police Department, the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department, and the Michigan State Police Ypsilanti Post of the stadium evacuation in order to facilitate traffic flow away from the stadium.

12. After the stadium is cleared, all ushers and crowd management staff will evacuate the stadium.

13. The incident commander, stadium manager and public address announcer will remain at their station until the facility is evacuated. They will then evacuate the stadium.

3. Fires University policy requires that all building occupants must evacuate the building in the event of a fire. In the event a fire alarm or an actual fire occurs in the stadium, the following actions should take place:

1. The stadium staff that initially discovers the fire, explosion or smoke will activate the fire alarm and notify nearby occupants of the possible danger. If unable to locate a pull station, the employee will dial 911 from a campus phone or 734.487.1222 from a cell phone.

2. The IC will determine what portions of the stadium require evacuation and will direct the public address announcer to make the appropriate announcement over the stadium public address system.

3. The IC or designee will ensure that the fire department has been notified. 4. Upon arrival of the fire department, Incident Command will transfer to the highest

ranking fire officer on the scene. 4. Tornado/Severe Weather EMU Athletics uses MxVision WeatherSentry (http://www.weather.dtn.com/) to monitor conditions. Monitoring takes place from an office in the press box structure. As a backup, the EMU Police Supervisor for the event may direct dispatch to monitor National Weather Service (www.wrh.noaa.gov/sic/) data. Dispatch will in turn keep the event Police Supervisor updated as to the position of the advancing weather threat and its severity.

For athletic events, once the Police Supervisor determines that hazardous weather conditions are both advancing and are within the NCAA five mile range, he/she will immediately convene an ICS meeting with the following:

Stadium/Event Manager

Athletic Director or senior administrator (This individual will relay the weather information to the “head game official (referee).”

Due to the nature of these threats it is assumed that on-field officials will follow NCAA and Mid American Conference procedures by suspending the game and directing participants to evacuate the field to team facilities. This will include the band which will evacuate to the Convocation Center. Patrons will be directed to exit the stadium as instructed by ushers, special events staff and emergency personnel.

http://www.weather.dtn.com/

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sic/


If the stadium is evacuated due to lightning or other dangerous weather approaching, patrons parked in the vicinity of the stadium will be asked to seek shelter in their vehicles. Other patrons will be directed to the Convocation Center for shelter. When the threat from weather passes, patrons will be re-admitted to the stadium with a ticket stub for the current game.


SECTION V: EMERGENCY ANNOUNCMENT SCRIPTS 1. Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, the following actions should take place: a. The IC will direct the public address announcer to make the appropriate announcement

over the stadium public address system. The following messages may be used, depending on the situation:

i. Inclement Weather - Delay before gates open

“Your attention please, due to inclement weather in the area, we are delaying opening the gates. Please return to your vehicles or buses or go to a designated shelter location. The shelter location is the Convocation Center located immediately south of the stadium. Thank you for your cooperation with these safety measures.” [Repeat once right away and periodically thereafter]

ii. Pre-game Inclement Weather

“Your attention please, today’s weather forecast indicates a potential for severe weather NCAA guidelines request officials suspend play if lightning occurs within six miles of the stadium. If a suspension occurs, safety instructions will be provided over the PA system. Please return to your vehicles or buses or go to a designated shelter location. The shelter location is the Convocation Center located immediately south of the stadium. Thank you for your cooperation with these safety measures.” [To be read prior to kickoff]


iii. Inclement Weather – event start delayed

“Your attention please, due to inclement weather in the area, today’s event has been delayed. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you seek shelter in the Convocation Center located immediately south of the stadium. When the weather clears, we will attempt to start the event. Fans with a ticket stub for today’s event will be allowed to return. Stadium rules remain in effect. Please proceed carefully and stay safe. Thank you for your cooperation with these safety measures.” [Repeat twice right away and periodically thereafter]

iv. Inclement Weather – Event Suspension

“Your attention please, due to inclement weather in the area, today’s event has been suspended. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you seek shelter in the Convocation Center located immediately south of the stadium. DO NOT enter the playing field, return to your vehicles, or stay outdoors. “When exiting the seating area, move through the section entrance and keep moving in order to allow others behind you to exit. Please follow the direction of athletics staff and emergency personnel and move directly to the nearest gate. Do not walk around the concourse.” “When the weather clears, we will attempt to start the event. NCAA guidelines require that we wait a minimum of 30 minutes after the last lightning strike before restarting the event. Fans with a ticket stub for today’s event will be allowed to return. Stadium rules remain in effect. Please proceed carefully and stay safe. Thank you for your cooperation with these safety measures.” [Repeat three times right away and then again 10 minutes later]


v. Inclement Weather – if crowd not cooperating

“Move through the section entrance and keep moving in order to allow others behind you to exit. Please follow the direction of athletics staff and law enforcement officers and move directly to the nearest gate. Do not walk around the concourse.

2. Bomb Threat / Bomb Emergency A bomb threat condition exists when an explosive device has been reported or is suspected to be at a given location. A bomb emergency exists when a suspected or actual explosive device has been located or has been detonated. Upon reasonable belief that a bomb exists or in the event an actual bomb is found in the stadium, the incident commander is authorized to evacuate the entire stadium. Officials will use the following messages:

i. Pre-Evacuation instructions

“Your attention please, we have suspended the game and have asked the players, bands and officials to clear the field. For your safety, please remain in your seats at this time. Additional information will be provided momentarily. Thank you for your cooperation with these safety measures.” [Maximum of three (3) minutes between this message and the evacuation order]

ii. Evacuation – after most players and field personnel have cleared the field

“Your attention please, for safety precautions we feel it is necessary to evacuate the stadium. When exiting the seating area, move through the section entrance and keep moving in order to allow others behind you to exit. Please follow the direction of athletics staff and emergency personnel and move directly to the nearest gate. Do not walk around the concourse or enter the playing field. Please proceed carefully and stay safe. Thank you for your cooperation with these safety measures.” [Repeat three times and again five (5) minutes later]


3. Weapon Discharge in the Stadium In the event a person with a gun discharges the weapon in the stadium, the Incident Commander will determine if a total or partial evacuation is indicated. If evacuation is determined to be the appropriate protective action, the following actions will be implemented:

i. The IC will direct the public address announcer to make the appropriate announcement over the stadium public address system. This announcement should be made…

“Your attention please, a police emergency has occurred, the event for today is cancelled. For safety precautions we feel it is necessary to evacuate the stadium.” “When exiting the seating area, move through the section entrance and keep moving in order to allow others behind you to exit. Please follow the direction of athletics staff and emergency personnel and move directly to the nearest gate. Do not walk around the concourse or enter the playing field. Please proceed carefully and stay safe. Thank you for your cooperation with these safety measures.”


APPENDIX A: Acronyms and Definitions Acronyms BA: Building Administrator BEP: Building Emergency Plan C-CERT: Campus Community Emergency Response Team DMA: Designated Meeting Area EMU: Eastern Michigan University Definitions Building Administrator (BA): The building administrator is a University employee who has a defined role in the overall management of a building on campus. Building Emergency Plan: A document that consists of emergency procedures, activities for preparing for emergencies, and roles and responsibilities of building occupants. Critical Operations: Any potentially hazardous operations located in a facility that requires preplanning for evacuation and/or shelter in place events. Designated Area of Refuge: The area(s) in a building designated as the place to which individuals with special needs should go if they are unable to evacuate in an emergency. The Designated Area(s) of Refuge are the stairwells unless a different location is listed in the BEP for their building. Designated Meeting Area (DMA): A pre-designated safe location near a building where building occupants assemble and report to their administrator for roll call/head count after evacuating their building. Emergency Personnel: Person(s) who provide assistance in an emergency (or potential emergency) situation in a building. They may not be building occupants and may be from EMU Public Safety, Emergency Management, Ypsilanti Fire Department, EMU Campus Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT), Physical Plant, etc. RAVE Text Alerts: A university-wide text-messaging alert service that sends notifications to registered users if an emergency situation occurs on campus. Shelter-In-Place: To seek immediate shelter inside a building or University residence. This course of action may need to be taken during a tornado, earthquake, release of hazardous materials in the outside air or a civil disturbance Tornado Warning Sirens: Washtenaw County Emergency Management controls activation of the tornado siren system. Sirens are part of the warning notification system for any major shelter in place event such as tornado warning, building intruder, active shooter, civil disturbance, or as deemed necessary by emergency personnel.


Appendix B: Bomb Threat Response Protocols

The presence of an explosive device and/or the reception of a bomb threat are situations that the University must be prepared to confront in a calm and professional manner. Although many bomb threats turn out to be pranks, they must be taken seriously to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, staff and visitors at EMU. A bomb threat could be written, e-mailed, communicated verbally or received by phone. The majority of bomb threats are delivered by telephone. Generally, a bomb threat call is made for one of two reasons: 1. The caller has definite knowledge about the explosive device and wants to

minimize personal injury. 2. The caller wants to disrupt normal activities by creating anxiety and panic.

DO NOT use two-way radios or cellular phone; radio signals can cause a detonation. DO NOT evacuate the building until police arrive and evaluate the threat. DO NOT activate the fire alarm. DO NOT touch or move a suspicious package.

Threat by Telephone 1. Take the caller seriously. Assume the threat is real. 2. If you have a digital phone, look for the originating number. 3. While the caller is speaking to you on the phone, fill out the "Bomb Threat

Checklist". 4. If possible, do not hang up the phone. Have a co-worker call 734.487.1222 or

9111 or call yourself immediately after hanging up. 5. Make every attempt to:

Stay calm and indicate your desire to cooperate with the caller.

DO NOT antagonize or challenge the caller.

Obtain as much information as possible. Prolong the conversation as long as possible. Ask permission to repeat any instructions to make sure they were understood.

Attempt to determine the caller's knowledge of the facility.

Identify background noises. Contact your Building Administrator. Ensure that the "Bomb Threat Checklist” is completed.

6. If directed to evacuate, follow building evacuation procedures. 1 A 911 call made from a campus phone goes to EMU Police Dispatch. A mobile phone call to 911 goes to the City

of Ypsilanti or Washtenaw County Public Safety Dispatch. In order to reach EMU Police Dispatch from your mobile phone, call 734-487-1222.


Threat by E-mail/Text Message 1. DO NOT delete the e-mail/text message. 2. Call EMU Public Safety at 734.487.1222 or 911. 3. Forward the e-mail as directed by Public Safety. 4. Contact your Building Administrator. 5. If directed to evacuate, follow building evacuation procedures. Threat by Mail 1. Call EMU Public Safety at 734.487.1222 or 911. 2. Handle mail as minimally as possible. 3. Contact your Building Administrator. 4. If directed to evacuate, follow building evacuation procedures. Threat by Handwritten Note 1. Call EMU Public Safety at 734.487.1222 or 911. 2. Handle note as minimally as possible. 3. Contact your Building Administrator. 4. If directed to evacuate, follow building evacuation procedures.


Bomb Threat

Record/Checklist

Eastern Michigan University Date: Time:

Phone Number Where

Call/Threat Received:

Time Caller Hung Up:

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Where is the bomb located? (Building, Floor, Room, etc.)

When will it go off?

What does it look like?

What kind of bomb is it?

What will make it explode?

Did you place the bomb? YES NO

Why was bomb placed?

What is your name?

EXACT WORDS OF THREAT

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CALLLER

Where is caller located? (Background and level of noise)

Sex Male Female

Accent:

Is voice familiar? If so, who does it sound like?

Background Noise:

Street Noises Airport Noises Office Noises PA system Clear Static Conversation Music

Motor

Caller’s Voice:

Angry Calm Coughing Crying Deep Breathing Disguised Excited Laughter Lisp Loud

Nasal Normal Rapid Raspy Slow Slurred Soft Stutter

Threat Language:

Incoherent Message Read Taped Irrational Profane Well-spoken

Name of Person Taking Report:


APPENDIX C: Procedures for Persons with Special Needs and Those Who Assist Them

Elderly Individuals

Always ask the person how you can help before beginning any assistance even though it may be important to evacuate quickly. Ask if the person has limitations or problems that may affect his or her safety.

Some elderly persons may respond more slowly to a crisis and may not fully understand the extent of the emergency. Repeat questions and answers if necessary. Be patient! Taking time to listen carefully or to explain again may take less time than dealing with a confused person who may be less willing to cooperate.

Before moving an elderly person, assess his or her ability to see and hear. o Persons with a hearing loss may appear disoriented and confused when all that is

really “wrong” is that they can’t hear you. o If the person has a vision loss, identify yourself and explain why you are there. Let

the person hold your arm and then guide him or her to safety. o If the person has dementia, identify yourself and explain why you are there. Speak

slowly and in a calm voice, using short words in a calm voice. Ask “yes” or “no” questions: repeat them if necessary. Maintain eye contact.

Individuals with Service Animals

Always ask the person how you can help before beginning any assistance. Even though it may be important to evacuate quickly, respect their independence to the extent possible. Ask if they have limitations or problems that may affect his or her safety.

A service animal is not a pet. Do not touch or give the animal food or treats without the permission of the owner.

When a dog is wearing its harness, it is on duty. In the event you are asked to take the dog while assisting the individual, hold the leash and not the harness.

Plan to evacuate the animal with its owner. Do not separate them! Individuals with Mobility Limitations

Always ask the person how you can help before beginning any assistance. Even though it may be important to evacuate quickly, respect the person’s independence to the extent possible.

Ask if they have limitations or problems that may affect his or her safety o “Are you able to stand or walk without the help of a mobility device like a cane,

walker or a wheelchair?” o “You might have to [stand] [walk] for quite awhile on your own. Will this be ok?

Please be sure to tell someone if you think you need assistance.” o “Do you have full use of your arms”?

Do not try to carry or move someone yourself. Inform emergency personnel of the location of someone that needs to be rescued.

A person using a mobility device may be able to negotiate stairs independently. Do not interfere with the person's movement unless asked to do so, or the nature of the emergency is such that absolute speed is the primary concern. If this is the case, tell the person what you will need to do and why.


Individuals with Hearing Impairments

There is a difference between hard-of-hearing and deaf. People who are hearing impaired vary in the extent of hearing loss they experience. Some are completely deaf, while others can hear almost normally with hearing aids.

If possible, flick the lights when entering an area or room to get their attention.

Establish eye contact with the individual. Use facial expressions and hand gestures as visual clues.

Offer pencil and paper. Write slowly and let the individual read as you write.

Written communication may be especially important if you are unable to understand the person's speech. While written communication should work for many people, others may not understand English well enough to understand written instructions. Keep instructions simple and in the present tense, and use basic vocabulary.

Do not allow others to interrupt you while conveying the emergency information. Individuals with Visual Impairments

There is a difference between visual impairment and blindness. Some people who are “legally blind” have some sight, while others are totally blind.

Announce your presence, speak out, and then enter the area.

Speak naturally and directly to the individual. Do not shout.

State the nature of the emergency and offer the person your arm. As you walk, advise them of any obstacles.

Offer assistance but let the person explain what help is needed.

Do not grab or attempt to guide the person without first asking them.

Let the person grasp your arm or shoulder lightly for guidance.

Be sure to mention stairs, doorways, narrow passages, ramps, obstacles, etc.

When guiding someone to a seat, place the person's hand on the back of the chair.

If leading several individuals with visual impairments, ask them to guide the person behind them.

When you have reached safety, orient the person to the location and ask if any further assistance is needed.

Individuals with Autism or Cognitive Impairments

Approach the person in a calm manner. Try not to appear threatening.

Speak calmly. Use direct, concrete phrases with no more than one or two steps, or write brief instructions on a pad. Allow extra time for the person to respond. The person may repeat what you have said, repeat the same phrase over and over, talk about topics unrelated to the situation, or have an unusual or monotone voice.

Avoid touching the person and, if necessary, gesture or slowly guide the person.

If the person is showing obsessive or repetitive behaviors, or is fixated on a topic or object, try to avoid stopping these behaviors or taking the object away from him or her, unless there is risk to self or others.

Make sure that the person is away from potential hazards or dangers (busy streets, etc.) since he or she may not have a fear of danger.


Be alert to the possibility of outbursts or impulsive, unexplained behavior. If the person is not harming themselves or others, wait until these behaviors subside.


APPENDIX D: EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT LIGHTNING SAFETY POLICY*

1. The Athletic Training Department, or a designated individual will monitor the

weather forecasts and radar for all outdoor athletic events via Internet at weather sentry, http://www.weather.dtn.com, electronic lightning detector, NOAA Alert radio, or local radio and television. This person will have the responsibility and authority to implement the Eastern Michigan Lightning Safety Policy.

2. Either the “Weather Sentry” (preferred), web site or the use of an electronic

lightning monitor, or the “flash to bang” method, will be used by the appointed person to calculate the distance of any lightning strike. The Weather Sentry website is http://www.weather.dtn.com/. The 30/30 rule will apply. The 30/30 Rule states that people should seek shelter if the "Flash-To-Bang" delay (length of time in seconds between a lightning flash and its subsequent thunder), is 30 seconds or less, and that they remain under cover until 30 minutes after the final clap of thunder. A count of 30 seconds from the flash of lightning to the sound of thunder indicates a distance of six miles at which time immediate evacuation to a substantial building should take place. The same rule would apply when an electronic lightning detector is used. Outdoor activity will be suspended for 30 minutes after the last lightning flash.

3. Proper shelter will be sought in a permanent fully enclosed building. The next

safest option is a car with a metal body with the windows closed. Do not touch the steering wheel, ignition, gear shift or radio. If proper shelter is not available avoid; higher elevations, open areas, tall isolated objects, boating activities, unprotected buildings,(dugouts), metal fences or bleachers. DO NOT SEEK SHELTER UNDER TREES DURING LIGHTNING STORMS! If proper shelter is absolutely unavailable seek low areas, keep at least one body length between yourself and others and assume a crouched position. PROPER PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS IS THE KEY TO LIGHTNING SAFETY.

4. Lightning deaths are always caused by cardiac and respiratory arrest. In the

event someone is struck by lightning the EMU Emergency Response Plan: Medical Emergencies, should be activated and CPR should be initiated immediately. A lightning victim does not carry a charge and is of no danger to those administering aid.

* Based on the recommendations of the National Lightning Safety Institute, 891 N. Hoover St., Louisville CO 80027

http://www.weather.dtn.com/


FLASH to BANG METHOD

The “Flash to Bang” method will be the primary method to determine how far a thunderstorm is from the outdoor event location.

1. Count the number of seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder bang. Divide the number of seconds by 5 to determine the distance the strike is from your activity.

2. EXAMPLE: If 15 seconds are counted between flash to bang, you divide 15 by 5

and your lightning distance is 3 miles away.

3. Play is suspended as Flash to Bang Method reach 30 seconds or the 6-mile range. Lightning can strike from as far away as 10 miles in clear blue sky, so it is best to follow the 30-30 Rule. “30-30” Rule

Criteria for Suspension of Activities: By the time the “Flash to Bang” count is approaching 30 seconds; all participants should already be inside a safe shelter.

Criteria for Resumption of Activities: Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound (thunder) or observation of lightning before leaving the safe shelter to resume activities.

4. The National Storm Laboratory recommends that activity should not resume for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder has been heard. 30 minutes after the last strike was chosen because a typical thunderstorm can travel up to 30 mile per hour. Lightning experts believe 30 minutes allows the storm to get 10 to 12 miles from the area. This is a safe distance to minimize the probability of a lightning strike.

Lightning can strike out of a blue clear sky. The 30-minute rule must not be breached for this reason.

5. Resumption of activity will only take place when lightning or thunder HAS NOT been detected for 30 minutes. Every time there is a new lightning strike detected or a thunder boom heard the 30-minute clock restarts.


APPENDIX E: NCAA Guideline 1d: Lightning Safety July 1997 • Revised June 2001 The NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports acknowledges the significant input of Brian L. Bennett, ATC, College of William and Mary and Ronald L. Holle and Raul Lopez of the National Severe Storms Laboratory in the development of this guideline. Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect intercollegiate athletics. Within the United States, the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) estimates that 100 fatalities and 400-500 injuries requiring medical treatment occur from lightning strikes every year. While the probability of being struck by lightning is extremely low, the odds are significantly greater when a storm is in the area and the proper safety precautions are not followed. Prevention and education are the keys to lightning safety. Education begins with background information on lightning. The references associated with this guideline are an appropriate resource. Prevention should begin long before any intercollegiate athletics event or practice. The following steps are recommended by the NCAA and NSSL to mitigate the lightning hazard: 1. Designate a chain of command as to who monitors threatening weather and who

makes the decision to remove a team or individuals from an athletics site or event. An emergency plan should include planned instructions for participants as well as spectators.

2. Obtain a weather report each day before a practice or event. Be aware of potential thunderstorms that may form during scheduled intercollegiate athletics events or practices.

3. Be aware of National Weather Service-issued (NWS) thunderstorm “watches” and “warnings” as well as the signs of thunderstorms developing nearby. A “watch” means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop in an area; a “warning” means that severe weather has been reported in an area and for everyone to take proper precautions.

4. Know where the closest “safe structure or location” is to the field or playing area, and know how long it takes to get to that safe structure or location. Safe structure or location is defined as: a. Any building normally occupied or frequently used by people, i.e., a building with

plumbing and/or electrical wiring that acts to electrically ground the structure. Avoid using shower facilities for safe shelter and do not use the showers or plumbing facilities during a thunderstorm.

b. In the absence of a sturdy, frequently inhabited building, any vehicle with a hard metal roof (not a convertible or golf cart) and rolled-up windows can provide a


measure of safety. A vehicle is certainly better than remaining outdoors. It is not the rubber tires that make a vehicle a safe shelter, but the hard metal roof which dissipates the lightning strike around the vehicle. DO NOT TOUCH THE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE!

5. Be aware of how close lightning is occurring. The flash-to-bang method is the easiest and most convenient way to estimate how far away lightning is occurring. Thunder always accompanies lightning, even though its audible range can be diminished due to background noise in the immediate environment, and its distance from the observer. To use the flash-to-bang method, count the seconds from the time the lightning is sighted to when the clap of thunder is heard. Divide this number by five to obtain how far away (in miles) the lightning is occurring. Lightning awareness should be increased with the first flash of lightning or the first clap of thunder, no matter how far away. This activity must be treated as a wake-up call to intercollegiate athletics personnel. The most important aspect to monitor is how far away the lightning is occurring, and how fast the storm is approaching, relative to the distance of a safe shelter.

Specific lightning-safety guidelines have been developed with the assistance of the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL). 1. As a minimum, NSSL staff strongly recommend that by the time the monitor obtains

a flash-to- bang count of 30 seconds, all individuals should have left the athletics site and reached a safe structure or location. Athletics events may need to be terminated.

2. The existence of blue sky and the absence of rain are not protection from lightning. Lightning can, and does, strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain shaft. It does not have to be raining for lightning to strike.

3. If no safe structure or location is within a reasonable distance, find a thick grove of small trees surrounded by taller trees or a dry ditch. Assume a crouched position on the ground with only the balls of the feet touching the ground, wrap your arms around your knees and lower your head. Minimize contact with the ground, because lightning current often enters a victim through the ground rather than by a direct overhead strike. MINIMIZE YOUR BODY’S SURFACE AREA, AND MINIMIZE CONTACT WITH THE GROUND! DO NOT LIE FLAT! If unable to reach safe shelter, stay away from the tallest trees or objects (such as light poles or flag poles), metal objects (such as fences or bleachers), individual trees, standing pools of water, and open fields. Avoid being the highest object in a field. Do not take shelter under a single, tall tree.

4. A person who feels his or her hair stand on end or skin tingle should immediately crouch, as described in item 3.

5. Avoid using the telephone, except in emergency situations. People have been struck by lightning while using a land-line telephone. A cellular phone or a portable remote phone is a safe alternative to land-line phones, if the person and the antenna are located within a safe structure or location, and if all other precautions are followed.


6. When considering resumption of an athletics activity, NSSL staff recommends that everyone should ideally wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder before returning to the field or activity.

7. People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge. Therefore, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is safe for the responder. If possible, an injured person should be moved to a safer location before starting CPR. Lightning-strike victims who show signs of cardiac or respiratory arrest need emergency help quickly. Prompt, aggressive CPR has been highly effective for the survival of victims of lightning strikes.

Note: Flash-to-bang count, weather watchers, real-time weather forecasts and commercial weather warning devices are all tools that can be used to aid in decision-making regarding stoppage of play, evacuation and return to play.

Documents

RYNEARSON STADIUM BUILDING EMERGENCY PLAN · All event staff will be involved with the implementation of the emergency procedures and should avoid panic and assist spectators exiting