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  • 121212 ManManManEmergencyEmergencyEmergencyPlaybookPlaybookPlaybook

    ththth

    12th ManStanding. Ready. Prepared.

  • The 12th Man tradition is one of the oldest andmost revered in Aggieland. It represents aspirit of readiness for service, desire tosupport, and devotion among the entirestudent body.

    The 12th Man is always in the stands waitingto be called upon if needed. Those traits wehold dear as Aggies apply to everyday life onthe Texas A&M University campus.

    In the event of an emergency, are youstanding, ready, and prepared? The followinginformation is going to serve as your playbookin the event of a campus emergency.

    12th Man.

    Standing. Ready. Prepared.

    2 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • What is an Emergency? ........................Be Aware of Your Surrounding ...........................Protect Yourself ....................................................Call for Help ...........................................................Help Others ...........................................................HECM Alert ............................................................

    455555

    679

    101112

    SECTION 1: Personal Safety..................Active Shooter ......................................................Concerning Behavior ...........................................Bomb Threat .......................................................Campus-wide Bomb Threat ...............................Suspicious Letter or Package ............................

    2022242729

    SECTION 3: Fire/HazMat......................Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place .........................Fire .......................................................................Chemical Spills ................................................... Gas Leaks ...........................................................

    14161718

    SECTION 2: Medical Emergency .........First Aid ................................................................Poison ..................................................................Radiation .............................................................

    SECTION 4: Severe Weather...............Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place ..........................Lightning ..............................................................Tornado ................................................................Gas Leaks ............................................................

    Table of Contents 3

    3032323335

  • An emergency is an unexpected serious situationdemanding immediate action. These can range from aminor medical emergency to a large-scale naturaldisaster. Emergency preparedness is the process bywhich individuals, organizations and governmentsconsider possible emergencies and take precautions, inadvance, to avoid and/or effectively respond to suchemergent circumstances.

    Texas A&M University is dedicated to providingexceptional educational opportunities while ensuringthe safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors. Giventhat emergencies cannot always be avoided, ourcommon first line of defense is our own initial actions(i.e., those things that we do before emergencyresponders arrive).

    What is an emergency?

    For more information or a

    larger print version of this

    book, visit

    mcallen.tamu.edu/emergency

    4 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Be Aware of YourSurroundings. Being aware ofwhere you are and what ishappening around you can helpyou to understand howinformation, events and yourown actions will impact yoursafety and your ability toprotect yourself, both now andin the near future.

    HECM Alert is an emergency notification system that givesthe University the ability to send emergency informationadvising of imminent danger through multiple channelsincluding text messages, email, campus digital signage,Twitter, RSS Feeds, fire alarm panels, and classroomspeakers. Following an HECM Alert message, visitmcallen.tamu.edu/emergency to get important updatesand additional information about the emergency.

    To receive text message alerts, you must be enrolled inHECM Alert. Text and email message alerts are onlyavailable to Texas A&M students, faculty and staff. However,anyone can sign up to receive alerts by subscribing to theHECM Alert RSS feed or following “tamucm_mcallen” onTwitter.

    Protect Yourself. Basedupon your assessment of thesituation, use your bestjudgment to protect yourselfand, if possible, others.

    Call for Help. Anyemergency service can besummoned by calling 911.

    Help Others. Once you aresafely away from the danger,warn others of the hazardand help if you can withoutputting yourself in danger.

    In an emergency, you should:

    HECM Alert

    To sign up to receiveHECM Alerts, please visit c od ema r o o n . t amu . e du

    Introduction 5

  • Active ShooterConcerning BehaviorBomb ThreatSuspicious Letter/PackageSuspicious Substance

    While Texas A&M University has done much to make this asafe campus, safety ultimately becomes a personal matter.How safe you are depends on your preparation and howmuch attention you pay to your surroundings. This nextsection describes ways that you can protect yourself insituations involving:

    Personal SafetySection 1:

    6 12th Man Emergency Playbook

    Personal Safety

    Starts with You.Remember:Aggies HelpOthers.

  • Active ShooterAn active shooter is defined as one or more subjects whoactively engage in killing or causing life-threatening injuriesto multiple people in a confined and populated area. Activeshooter situations are dynamic, evolve quickly, and oftenend before law enforcement arrives at the scene. How yourespond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specificcircumstances of the encounter. If you find yourself in anactive shooter situation, try to remain as calm as possibleand use these suggested actions to help you plan a strategyfor survival.

    Run. Hide. Fight.Should you ever find yourself in the middle of an activeshooter incident, your survival may depend on whether ornot you have a plan. The plan doesn't have to be complicated.There are three things you could do that make a difference:Run. Hide. Fight.

    RUN. When an active shooter is in your vicinity:If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuateEvacuate whether others agree to or notLeave your belongings behindHelp others escape if possiblePrevent others from entering the areaCall 911 when you are safe

    HIDE. If an evacuation is not possible, hide.

    Lock and/or blockade the doorSilence your cell phoneHide behind large objectsRemain very quiet

    Section 1: Personal Safety 7

  • FIGHT. As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger:

    Your hiding place should:

    Be out of the shooter's viewProvide protection if shots are fired in your directionNot trap or restrict your options for movement

    Attempt to incapacitate the shooterAct with physical aggressionImprovise weaponsCommit to your actions

    Arriving law enforcement’s first priority is to engage and stopthe shooter as soon as possible. Officers will form teams andimmediately proceed to engage the shooter, moving towardsthe sound of gunfire.

    When law enforcement arrives:

    Remain calm and follow instructionsKeep your hands visible at all timesAvoid pointing or yellingKnow that help for the injured is on its way

    Individuals with a license to carry a handgun should followthe “Run, Hide, Fight” principles. Remember, your weapon isfor your defense. You should not go on the offensive andseek out the shooter. You could be mistaken as the shooterby a civilian or law enforcement.

    Remember law enforcement officers will be responding tothe scene. Should you have to engage the shooter, call 911when safe to do so. Provide your location, your description,and what has taken place for first responders.

    Armed Citizen Intervention

    8 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Oftentimes after a tragedy, people come forward withinformation and observations that, in retrospect, may havesignaled a larger issue. This information when viewedcollectively may be helpful in preventing tragic events andinitiating assistance to an individual. Texas A&M Universityis committed to a proactive approach and needs your help.

    As a member of this University community, if you observeany behavior that is concerning please go to:tellsomebody.tamu.edu and provide detailed informationon the report form. This report goes to members of theSpecial Situations Team. This team is comprised ofUniversity faculty and staff charged with helping students,faculty and staff who are exhibiting concerning behavior. Ifyou prefer to speak to someone over the phone duringbusiness hours, please see the next page.

    Concerning Behavior

    Be aware, responding officers could potentially see you as athreat. Secure or distance yourself from your weapon assoon as possible and make your hands visible to arrivingofficers.

    Office of the Dean of Student Life(979) 845-3111

    Human Resources Employee Assistance Program(979) 845-3711

    In reference to student behavior:

    In reference to staff behavior:

    Dean of Faculties(979) 845-4274

    In reference to faculty behavior:

    Report Concerning Behavior attel lsomebody .tamu .edu

    Section 1: Personal Safety 9

  • Bomb ThreatA bomb threat is generally defined as a verbal or writtenthreat to detonate an explosive or incendiary device tocause property damage, injuries or loss of life whetheror not such a device actually exists.

    There are two main reasons someone may callwith a bomb threat:

    The person knows of an explosive device that is in placeand wants to minimize injuriesThe person wants to create an environment of panic/confusion or to interrupt normal office/buildingfunctions

    Unfortunately, there is often no way to tell which is themotivation of the caller until after a thoroughinvestigation is conducted. This means that there willalways be a response to the threat by emergencyservices personnel (police, fire and medical).

    Call 911 and the dispatcher will notify McAllen PoliceDocument the conversation using the Bomb ThreatChecklist at rulessaps.tamu.edu/forms/340799M101att.docNotify the department head/building proctorMeet with and assist University Police personnelAs directed by University Police, help locate/identifysuspicious itemsEvacuate the building, as directedDo not reenter the building until cleared by authorizedpersonnel

    If you receive a call on a campus phone:

    10 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Campus-wide Bomb ThreatEvacuation

    Evacuation orders will be disseminated via HECM AlertDo not activate the building fire alarm system to achieveevacuationRemain calm but act quicklyPromptly secure equipment, research, etc. in safeshutdown condition before leavingSpread the word of the evacuation order to others asyou exit the buildingRemember to take personal belongings with you(backpacks, briefcases, purses, car keys, personalcomputing devices, etc.)Pedestrians should exit campus by the shortest routeExit campus as directed in the HECM Alert message

    You may use your vehicle to leave campus unlessdirected otherwise in the HECM Alert message

    Do not call 911 unless there is an immediate, life-threatening emergencyGo to mcallen.tamu.edu/emergency for regularupdates on the emergency situation and information onreturning to campus

    In the event that you are asked to evacuate campus dueto a campus-wide bomb threat:

    Section 1: Personal Safety 11

  • Suspicious Letter or Package

    Do NOT HandleDo NOT shake or bumpIsolate immediatelyDo NOT open, smell or tasteTreat it as suspect!!Call 911

    If you receive a suspicious letter or package:

    Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to youHave no return address or a return address that can’t beverified as legitimateAre marked with restrictive endorsements such as“Personal,” “Confidential,” or “Do not X-ray”Have protruding wires or aluminum foil, strange odorsor stainsShow a city or state in the postmark that doesn’t matchthe return addressAre of unusual weight given their size or are lopsided oroddly shapedAre marked with threatening languageHave inappropriate or unusual labelingHave excessive postage or packaging material, such asmasking tape and stringHave misspellings of common words Are addressed to someone no longer with yourorganization or are otherwise outdatedHave incorrect titles or titles without a nameAre not addressed to a specific personHave handwritten or poorly typed addresses

    Common Features of Suspicious Packages:

    12 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • CALL 911 in anEmergency.

    Clear and isolate the contaminated area. Do not touchor disturb anythingCall Security at (956) 271-1301 or 911Wash your hands with soap and waterIdentify individuals who may have been exposed to thematerialDo not leave premises until dismissed by authorities

    If a package or letter is open and/or a threat isidentified:

    For a bomb

    Evacuate immediatelyCall 911

    Shield yourself from the objectLimit exposure—Do NOT handleEvacuate areaCall 911

    For radiological

    For biological or chemical

    Isolate—don’t handleCall 911Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

    Suspicious Substance in a Campus Building

    Section 1: Personal Safety 13

  • First AidPoisonRadiation

    A medical emergency is an injury or illness that is acuteand poses an immediate threat to a person’s life or long-term health. This next section describes ways that youcan protect yourself in situations involving:

    Medical EmergencySection 2:

    When Dialing 911:Stay calm.Tell the dispatcher your location.Answer the questions.Do not hang up until told.Follow all directions given.

    14 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Medical Emergency Quick Hitters

    If an ambulance is needed:

    Call 911Provide dispatcher with:

    Location of emergencyType of injury, if knownBrief description of injured person (gender, age, etc.)

    Render first aid, as trainedMake injured as comfortable as possiblePlease complete the appropriate injury reporting formthat can be found at the Human Resources Departmentwebsite if incident involves a faculty or staff member

    If an ambulance is not needed:

    Render first aid, as trainedAssist with transportation of an employee to theirpersonal physicianPlease complete the appropriate injury reporting formthat can be found at the Human Resources Departmentwebsite if incident involves a faculty or staff member

    Call 911 if a teenager or adult suddenly collapses.Push hard and straight down at least two inches. Pushfast, giving between 100–120 compressions per minuteuntil help arrives. Limit pauses between compressionsto only a few seconds. Allow the chest to come back toits normal position.

    1.2.

    Use an AED if available. When an AED arrives, turn it ONand follow the prompts.

    Hands-Only CPR Instructions

    Section 2: Medical Emergency 15

  • First Aid is any emergency care or treatment given to anill or injured person before regular medical aid can beadministered. Although some aspects of first aid requiretraining, such as CPR, most first aid can be administeredby a lay person using common sense and minimalequipment for minor injuries.

    Preventing heavy blood loss Maintaining breathing Preventing shock Getting the victim to a physician or Emergency MedicalService (EMS)

    The aims are met in the following ways:

    Preserve life Prevent further injury Promote recovery

    There are three main aims of first aid:

    First Aid

    Remember, the first step in any serious emergencyis to dial 911. Emergency medical dispatchers willgive basic first aid instructions over the phone whilethe ambulance is on its way.

    Avoid panic Inspire confidence Do only what is necessary until professional help isobtained

    People who provide first aid must remember thefollowing:

    16 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Try to determine what the poisoning agent is Call 911 Or call Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 forspecific first aid instructions

    Poison is a substance that through its chemical actioncan kill, injure or impair an organism. Acute poisoning isexposure to a poison on one occasion or during a shortperiod of time. Symptoms develop as a result ofexposure or in close proximity of a substance.Poisonous materials can be found in a variety ofhousehold items as well as in laboratory reagents andchemicals.

    Many poisons react differently to various treatments, soif you suspect a victim has been poisoned throughingestion, inhalation or skin exposure:

    Poison

    Section 2: Medical Emergency 17

  • Radiation is energy in the form of waves or movingsubatomic particles. It can be classified in twocategories: ionizing or non-ionizing. The most commonuse of the word “radiation” refers to ionizing radiation.Radioactive material is a physical material that emitsionizing radiation.

    Ionizing radiation has many practical uses in medicine,research, construction and other areas. However, it alsopresents an external and internal health hazard tohumans if used improperly.

    Provide First Aid immediately for serious injuries Call 911 Notify Environmental Health & Safety at (979) 862-1111Monitor the injury. If it is possible to remove thecontaminated clothing without harming the victim, doso

    Radiation

    For Personnel Injury Involving RadioactiveMaterial Contamination:

    18 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Remove and bag all contaminated clothing Call Environmental Health and Safety at (979) 862-1111to report the incident Skin contamination should be cleaned using mild soapand tepid water. Use portable survey meter to monitorfor remaining contamination. If not free ofcontamination, rewash and resurvey Survey for contamination elsewhere on the body as wellas on clothes, shoes, floor, door handles, telephones,etc. Document the entire incident with either a signedmemo/ letter or an e-mail from an official university e-mail account to EHS

    For Radioactive Contamination of Personnel

    Stop work and confine the spill immediately using anabsorbent, enclosure, etc. Call Environmental Health and Safety at (979) 862-1111to report the incident Warn others of the hazard and isolate the area Monitor personnel during and after cleanup forcontamination Collect all used cleanup materials as radioactive wasteand bag all contaminated clothing or cleaning items forremoval by EHS Commence wipe surveys and decontamination. Performsurveys of surrounding areas to ensure that allcontaminated areas are identifiedDocument the entire incident with either a signedmemo/ letter or an e-mail from an official university e-mail account to EHS

    For Radiation Spill or Release:

    Section 2: Medical Emergency 19

  • Evacuation or Shelter-in-PlaceFireChemical SpillsGas Leaks

    This next section describes ways that you can protectyourself in situations involving:

    Fire / HazMatSection 3:

    20 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Call 911 If fire is in building, activate nearest fire alarm pullstation and evacuate building Do not enter building until authorized by emergencypersonnel Follow instructions from emergency personnel

    In case of a fire threat:

    Call 911 if assistance is required Move away from site of the hazard to a safe location Warn others in immediate area Follow instructions from emergency personnel

    In case of a HazMat threat:

    Section 3: Fire/HazMat 21

  • Dress appropriately for the weather Take only essentials with you (e.g., eyeglasses,medications, identification and cash/checkbook/creditcards)—do not pack belongings Turn off unnecessary equipment, computers andappliances Close the door as you exit your room or office Follow the directions provided for safe routes ofevacuation Listen to radio, if available, to monitor emergency status Do not use your personal vehicle for evacuation unlessspecifically instructed to do so. If cars are used toevacuate, protect against hazardous materials bykeeping windows closed and outside air conditioningsystems turned off

    An evacuation is an organized withdrawal from a building orarea to reach safe haven. Upon notification to evacuate,quickly:

    Area Evacuation

    In some emergency situations, such as flooding orrelease of hazardous materials, emergency respondersmay order protective actions for persons on campus.Typically, these protective actions are to evacuate to asafer area or to shelter-in-place. When such actions arewarranted, you will be appropriately advised by police,fire, safety or university officials via the HECM AlertSystem, public address systems, loudspeakers, door-to-door notifications or other appropriate means.

    Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place

    22 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Turn off all ventilation systems and close all inlets fromthe outside Select a room(s) which is easy to seal and, if possible,has a water supply and access to restrooms If you smell gas or vapor, hold a wet cloth loosely overyour nose and mouth and breathe through it in asnormal a fashion as possible

    When emergency conditions do not warrant or allowevacuation, the safest method to protect individuals maybe to take shelter inside and await further instructions.

    Shelter-in-Place

    If you need special assistance, contact the CenterDirector at (956) 271-1341 or other appropriateemergency contact. If these persons are not available,call Security at (956) 271-1301 for assistance.

    For detailed information on a campus-wideevacuation, please see page 11: Campus-wide BombThreat Evacuation Procedures.

    If hazardous materials are involved:

    Move indoors or remainthere—avoid windowsand areas with glass If available, take a radioto the room to trackemergency status Keep telephone lines freefor emergencyresponders. Do not call911 for information.

    Section 3: Fire/HazMat 23

  • Plan and practice an escape route Post emergency numbers near telephones Get training from Environmental Health and Safety onusing fire extinguishersDo not store combustible materials in closed areas ornear a heat source Extension cords can be dangerous. Never run themunder carpets, or anywhere they can be pinched underor behind furniture. Avoid overloading electrical socketsand plugging extension cords together Keep all electrical appliances away from anything thatcan catch fire. Remember to always turn them off at theend of the day Pay attention to housekeeping issues. Do not clutterexits, stairways and storage areas with waste paper,empty boxes and other fire hazards

    In preparation for a fire:

    FireIt is very important for the campus community torecognize fire hazards, practice building evacuations andknow what to do when the fire alarm sounds

    If there is a fire inside the building: Activate a fire alarm or pull station Call 911 and give your name, building name, address,floor, location and related information Evacuate the building using Building Evacuationinstructions

    24 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • If the fire is outside a building:

    Call 911 and give your name, building name, address,floor, location and related information Do NOT activate the building fire alarm system

    Building Evacuation— When the building firealarms sound:

    You can use a portable fire extinguisher if:

    You are properly trained (you have had hands-ontraining) It is a small, contained fire (e.g., wastebasket) You can extinguish it within 12 seconds (evacuate if ittakes longer)

    Immediately evacuate using building emergency planprocedures Walk to nearest exit/stairwell (close doors behind you) Do not use the elevators Proceed to thedesignated gatheringarea outside thebuildingDo not re-enter thebuilding until clearedby authorizedpersonnelAssist with theevacuation ofindividuals with specialneeds

    Section 3: Fire/HazMat 25

  • Give first aid where appropriate. Seriously injured orburned victims should be transported toprofessional medical help immediately Stay out of damaged buildings. Return to buildingswhen local fire authorities say it is safe Look for structural damage Discard food that has been exposed to heat, smokeor sootDo not discard damaged goods until after aninventory has been taken

    Seal the room. Use wet cloth to stuff around cracksin floors and seal up vents to protect against smoke Do not break windows, unless as a last resort forescape Stay low under smoke. The freshest air is near thefloor. Keep a wet cloth over your nose and mouth;breathe through your nose only Signal for help. Call 911 or hang something in thewindow

    After a fire:

    If you are unable to leave the building, you shouldcreate an area of refuge:

    26 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Isolate and secure the spill area Warn others in the immediate area Based upon the hazard, attempt cleanup if trained and ifyou have appropriate personal protective equipment If assistance is needed, call 911 and give the location andtype of material spilledEvacuate the building if required (use of public addresssystem preferred or use of building fire alarm system) Meet with and assist emergency response personnel

    If there is a hazardous material release/chemicalspill inside a building:

    Chemical SpillsHazardous materials come in the form of explosives,flammable and combustible substances, poisons andradioactive materials. Many products containinghazardous chemicals are handled daily in the universityresearch setting. Hazardous materials in various formscan cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effectsand damage to buildings, homes and other property.

    If there is a hazardous material release/chemicalspill outside the building:

    Isolate and secure the spill area Warn others in the immediate area Based upon the hazard, attempt cleanup if trained andhave appropriate personal protective equipment If unable to cleanup but conditions do not requireevacuation, contact Security at (956) 271-1301 If assistance is needed, call 911 from a safe distance, andgive the location and type of material spilled Do not wash spilled material into storm drain Meet with and assist emergency response personnel

    Section 3: Fire/HazMat 27

  • Assist with emergency eyewash/shower use, asappropriate Provide first aid immediately for serious injuries Call 911 and give the location, type of material involvedand extent of injuries Notify Environmental Health and Safety at (979) 862-1111 If it is possible to remove contaminated clothing withoutharming the victim, do soObtain a Safety Data Sheet for the material involved. ASafety Data Sheet is a document created by amanufacturer or distributor of a chemical that providesinformation about the contents, characteristics, physicalhazards and health hazards associated with thechemical. For Safety Data Sheet information visit:ehsd.tamu.edu

    If there is a personnel injury involving chemicalcontamination

    28 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Call 911 and give the dispatcher your name, location ofodor and related informationInitiate an evacuation of the building or if outside,isolate the area Warn others in the immediate area Prevent source of ignition (cigarettes, electricalequipment, etc.) Meet with and assist emergency response personnel Do not reenter building or the evacuation zone untilcleared by authorized personnel

    If there is a major leak such as a pipeline break:

    Evacuate and secure area Warn others in the immediate area Call the Security office at (956) 271-1301 and give yourname and the location of odor Notify lab faculty or staffMeet with and assist emergency response personnel

    If you smell a gas odor, or if a gas monitor alarmsounds and reads "GAS":

    Gas Leaks A gas leak refers to a leak of natural gas, from a pipe orother containment, into any other area where gasshould not be. Although natural gas is by naturecolorless and odorless, scents in the form of traces ofmercaptans are usually added to assist in identifyingleaks.

    As natural gas can explode when exposed to flameor sparks, it is important to report any suspected gasleaks immediately.

    Section 3: Fire/HazMat 29

  • Severe WeatherSection 4:

    Severe Thunderstorms Lightning Tornado Severe Winter Weather

    Severe weather is defined as any aspect of the weatherthat can pose a threat to life and property. This nextsection describes ways that you can protect yourself insituations involving:

    30 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Television (cable/satellite channels may vary)KRGVKNVOKGBT

    RadioKHID - 88.1 FMKTEX - 100.3 FMKBFM - 104.1FMKVLY - 107.9 FMKURV - 710 AM

    OnlineNational Weather Service: www.weather.gov

    Local media outlets will provide updates andinformation on severe weather. Texas A&M officials willnotify local outlets regarding closings or return-to-worksituations. (Below are suggested local channels andradio stations.)

    Where to get local weather conditions:

    Severe Weather Quick Hitters

    Follow instructions as provided by Texas A&M officialsListen to radio and television for weather updates Check with media for return-to-work statusHECM Alert may be used to issue information on delays

    If severe weather threatens, you should:

    Section 4: Severe Weather 31

  • When the thunder roars, get indoors:

    Cease outdoor activities Seek shelter inside a building or automobile

    Avoid:Open areas; places near water, trees, metal fences,overhead wires or power lines; elevated ground or open vehicles Using radios or cellular phones outdoors

    An average of 300 people are injured and 80 people arekilled each year by lightning in the United States alone.No place outside is safe when a thunderstorm is in thearea. 

    Lightning

    Severe Thunderstorms The typical thunderstorm is relatively small in size andaffects a limited geographic area. Every thunderstormproduces lightning and severe thunderstorms canproduce high winds, hail and/or tornadoes. Heavy rainsassociated with these storms can also cause flooding. Allthunderstorms are potentially dangerous.

    Remember:

    The best source of information during a thunderstorm isyour local news, radio stations and any NOAA weatherradio The 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, afterseeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearingthunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing thelast clap of thunder

    32 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Tornado

    Tornado Watch—This means that tornados arepossible. You should remain alert for approachingstorms, watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA WeatherRadios, commercial radio or the local news for moreinformation. Tornado Warning—This means that a tornado hasbeen sighted or indicated by weather radar. You shouldtake shelter immediately.

    Tornados are considered to be one of nature’s mostviolent storms. With winds that can reach 300 miles perhour and damage paths in excess of one mile, thisdeadly phenomena can form in a matter of seconds.

    First, familiarize yourself with the differences between atornado watch and tornado warning.

    If a tornado warning has been issued, you should:

    Go to the basement or lowest floor of the building Stay away from exterior walls, doors and windows Move to interior hallways and small interior rooms (e.g.,bathroom, closet, etc.) Get under a piece of furniture if possible (e.g., sturdytable, desk) Call 911 if emergency help is needed

    Section 4: Severe Weather 33

  • Once the storm has passed, you should:

    Check yourself and those around you for injuries If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors—open windows and leave the building. Refer to GasLeak Procedures for more information on page XX  Monitor your portable or weather radio forinstructions or an official "all clear" notice. Radiostations will broadcast what to do, the location ofemergency shelters, medical aid stations and theextent of damage Evacuate damaged buildings. Do not reenter untildeclared safe by authorities Call 911 only to report a life-threatening emergency

    Listen to local radion and

    television for weather conditions

    and emergency instructions.

    Visit

    mcallen.tamu.edu/emergency

    34 12th Man Emergency Playbook

  • Severe Winter WeatherWinter storms are known as deceptive killers becausemost deaths are indirectly related to the storm, such asvehicle accidents caused by winter road conditions,improper use of heaters, and exposure/hypothermia.Severe winter weather includes freezing temperatures,freezing rain, ice, heavy snow and blizzards.Accumulation of ice or snow can knock down trees,power lines, and structures causing power outages,utility disruptions, and communication interruptions.

    What to do during a Winter Storm:

    Monitor local weather broadcasts and weatherconditions Stay indoors and minimize travel If you must travel, drive slowly and increase distancerequired for stopping Watch for downed trees and power lines Keep a full fuel tank to prevent ice in the tank and fuellines Never use a portable generator or operate unventedfuel-burning appliances in an enclosed space.

    HECM Alert may be used to issue informationconcerning University delays and cancellations.

    Section 4: Severe Weather 35

  • Emergency Phone NumbersPolice, Fire, Medical Emergencies911

    McAllen Police Department(956) 681-2000 (non-emergency)

    Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office(956) 383-8114 (non-emergency)

    Environmental Health and Safety(979) 862-1111 (24 hours)

    Poison Control Center(800) 222-1222

    Employee Assistance Program(866) 301-9623

    Deer Oaks Student Assistance Program(866) 329-4148 (24 hours)

    Rick Margo - Center Director(956) 271-1341

    Security Office(956) 271-1301

    September 2020

    Marimar Miguel - Student Affairs(956) 271-1305

    mcallen.tamu.edu/emergency