Miss. Code. tit. 32, pt. 3, subpt. 2, ch. 1, att. A

Current through December 10, 2024

Attachment A - [Effective 12/23/2024] FIRE AND SAFETY POLICY

The Mississippi Emerge Center for the Blind's Fire and Safety Policy includes guidelines and procedures to ensure the safety of individuals and property in the event of a fire or other emergency. The policy outlines preventive measures, emergency response protocols, and evacuation procedures.

SECTION I

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION

In the event of an accident, injury, fire, or other after-hours emergency, students will notify Emerge Center staff and as indicated, emergency response agencies.

1. Antonio Williams, Acting Assistant Director

Cell Phone: (662) 299-9348

* Notify of all emergencies.

2. Apartment Manager

Voicemail: (228) 241 - 2240

* Notify of all apartment emergencies.

3. Emerge Center Voicemail, Designated Back-Up

Phone: (228) 241-2240

* Notify of all afterhours emergencies if Antonio and/or Apartment Manager are unavailable.

4. Police/Fire/Medical Emergencies

Phone: 911

* Notify of health and/or security emergencies, including:

(a) Emergency Medical Assistance, including life-threatening accident, injury, or health emergency.

(b) Police Emergency, including threats of physical harm or damage/defacement of property.

(c) Fire Emergency, including fire/smoke/toxic smells; chemical spills (requiring HazMat Team) and weather emergencies.

SECTION II

FIRE SAFETY PLAN

1. The Emerge Center is a one-story building with administrative and classroom wings. Fire exits are located at the end of each corridor and are clearly marked.

(a) The Emerge Center building and apartments are smoke-free and have designated smoking areas.

(b) The Emerge Center has a fire alarm system that is automatically activated by heat and smoke sensors or can be manually activated by pulling the emergency lever.

(c) When activated, the fire alarm system automatically alerts the Long Beach Fire and Police Departments.

(d) Fire extinguisher is located across from the fire alarm box located next to the rear north exit.

(e) The Emerge Center Director or the Director's designee will regularly inspect the Emerge Center to ensure that lighted exit signs are functioning properly, all fire extinguishers are operative, and all fire exits are free of obstacles.

2. In cooperation with the Long Beach Fire Department, the Director will conduct regular fire drills to ensure that staff and students are thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities during an emergency evacuation.

(a) The Emerge Center Director will prepare and maintain a written record of each fire drill and may include the following information:

* Date and time of the drill.

* Observed problems that limited and/or delayed the safe and efficient evacuation of the building.

* Time required to evacuate the building and meet at the designated assembly area.

* Other observations about the evacuation process and its effectiveness.

* Corrective actions to address any identified problems with the evacuation process.

(b) The written records of fire evacuation drills will include the findings/recommendations of fire officials and detailed information related to the fire drill and its effectiveness.

(c) The Director or the Director's designee will review with staff and students the Long Beach Fire Department's findings and recommendations.

3. The Emerge Center will ensure that staff and students are aware of all policies and procedures related to fire emergencies

(a) The Emerge Center staff will receive annual in-service training on fire safety, the function and use of firefighting equipment, and the Fire Evacuation Plan.

(b) As part of their initial orientation, students will be trained on fire safety and evacuation procedures.

4. Fire Emergency Evacuation Procedures.

(a) Students who locate or become aware of smoke or fire must immediately alert staff.

(b) In the event of a serious fire (one that activates or should have activated the fire alarm system), the Director or other staff person will initiate the following fire evacuation procedures:

* The Director or other staff person will contact the Long Beach Fire Department by dialing 911 and will report the location of the fire and other important information to emergency responders.

* If not automatically activated, the Director or other staff person will manually activate the fire alarm.

* If the fire alarm is activated, all areas of the Emerge Center will be checked by the Director or other previously assigned staff to assure that everyone has evacuated safely.

* Without putting themselves in danger, a designated Emerge Center staff person will remove the student/staff emergency contact list from the building.

* All evacuees must gather in the designated evacuation assembly area at least 75 feet from the building.

* The Director or the Director's designee will take attendance at the designated evacuation assembly area to ensure all staff, students, and visitors are accounted for.

* Until emergency responders arrive, a designated staff person will continually monitor the front door to assure that no one enters the building.

* The on-site Fire Marshal must be informed of anyone who is unaccounted for.

(c) In an emergency, instructors are responsible for their students, including students who have stepped out of the classroom.

When the fire alarm is activated, if possible, staff will announce the location of the fire before directing students and visitors to evacuate using the nearest fire exit located away from the source of the fire.

Emerge Center instructors are responsible for their students until the Director or the Director's designee has accounted for all staff, students, and visitors.

The "buddy system" is available to be used by deaf/blind staff and/or students in emergency evacuations. During the initial orientation, the Emerge Center Director will consult with deaf-blind individuals to determine whether they need and want help evacuating the building and, if so, to identify a "buddy" and alternate emergency evacuation "buddy."

During lunch and/or break times, staff will assist in evacuating all students and visitors.

SECTION III

SEVERE WEATHER/HURRICANE/TORNADO PLAN

1. The Emerge Center has an All-Weather radio that continuously monitors weather conditions. The radio is located at the front reception desk.

2. Upon receiving the watch and/or warning signal, the Emerge Center Director or Assistant Director, will announce the weather emergency situation, current and anticipated conditions, and the appropriate action to be taken.

3. While evacuating to designated safe areas, all evacuees will follow official directions and remain calm and orderly to prevent panic and confusion.

4. To avoid injuries, no room with glass windows will be used as a safe area for taking cover.

5. Once the "all clear signal" has been sounded, an announcement will be made to resume normal activities.

SECTION IV

SECURITY PLAN (BOMB THREAT/CRISIS/LOCKDOWN PROCEDURE)

1. In the event of a bomb threat, the Emerge Center Director or the Director's designee will contact the Long Beach Police to report the threat and to request emergency assistance by calling 911.

2. In the event a bomb or chemical device is reported to the Center by phone, the staff member taking the call will take the following steps:

(a) If possible, the individual taking the call should alert a nearby staff person to the emergency and to ask the other staff person to notify the Director or the Director's designee.

(b) If a bomb threat is called in, immediately following the call, the staff person will notify the Emerge Center Director (or designee) and the Long Beach Police Department.

3. When receiving a bomb threat or other threatening call, the staff person should remain calm and, if possible, obtain additional information that may assist the Long Beach Police. Questions to ask include:

(a) When is the device set to go off?

(b) Where is it located?

(c) What type of device is it?

4. Evacuation procedures will be initiated immediately using the fire evacuation plan described in Section II.

5. In the event of a detonation, staff will follow the evacuation plan described in Section X.

6. Staff, students, and visitors may not return to the building until the police or other official authority has given the "all clear" indicating it is safe to return.

7. Staff and students will participate in annual training on safety procedures and in periodic fire and other emergency drills.

8. Students will be advised during their initial orientation that firearms, ballistic materials, and explosive devices are forbidden in the Center or on the premises, and the Long Beach Police will be contacted if a staff person or student brings a prohibited item or device on Emerge Center property.

9. If a suspicious package or device is found at the Emerge Center, staff will:

(a) Immediately notify the Long Beach Police Department.

(b) Provide all available information concerning the location and type of the package or device.

(c) Initiate the fire evacuation plan as described in Section II.

10. In case of other emergencies, the Emerge Center policy is as follows:

(a) If a security problem develops, whether it is an uncontrollable student or some other potentially dangerous situation, staff will stay calm and talk in a normal tone of voice.

(b) Notify the Emerge Center Director or the Director's designee.

11. In the event of a security crisis, such as a person with a gun, Emerge Center staff will attempt to initiate an emergency crisis lockdown.

(a) Staff, students, and visitors will Immediately move into a lockable secure area.

(b) Staff and students will wait for an official "all clear" announcement before returning to class.

(c) Do not open the door if someone knocks and you do not recognize the individual's voice.

(d) If possible, call 911 and advise the police of the emergency, your location, and the number of people with you.

SECTION V

MEDICAL/HEALTH EMERGENCIES

EMERGENCY PHONE: 911.

1. The Emerge Center uses the following medical emergency procedures:

(a) Fire extinguishers are located throughout the building, and staff have access to first aid kits to enable them to treat minor injuries.

(b) Emerge Center staff, including Apartment Managers, are trained to handle minor medical emergencies and can arrange to transport students to the nearest emergency room as needed.

(c) Staff receive annual Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.

(d) Emerge Center staff receive training on the specific types of medical emergencies associated with diabetes and will discuss with diabetic students what actions to take in different types of emergencies.

(e) Staff will have access to first-aid kits and latex gloves.

(f) The student's case record includes medical information that may be important in the event of a medical emergency. Given privacy laws and regulations, it is important that, before training begins, Emerge Center staff and/or the individual's counselor speak with the client to determine whether the client wishes to give written consent for the Emerge Center to share medical records with emergency medical personnel.

(g) Staff and student food preparation and serving areas are kept clean, and food is stored properly: either shelved, dry storage or refrigerated.

2. The Emerge Center maintains a record of severe medical emergencies, accidents, and injuries that occur during the instructional day.

(a) Documentation of severe medical emergencies, accidents, and injuries is completed by the staff involved in responding to the emergency.

(b) The first person who responds to the emergency will summon assistance from others then will offer emergency medical assistance consistent with the responder's training and experience.

SECTION VI

BIOLOGICAL HAZARD RESPONSE PROCEDURES

1. If the Emerge Center receives a suspicious parcel, package, or letter with no return address, the staff person receiving the suspicious item will take the following actions:

(a) Call 911 and advise the Long Beach Police of the situation.

(b) Using rubber gloves, place the suspicious parcel, package, or letter in a plastic garbage bag and tie off the top of the bag.

(c) Wash hands thoroughly.

(d) Secure the exposed area by locking the doors.

(e) If directed by Police or Fire Department authorities, evacuate the building.

2. If the Emerge Center receives an open parcel, package, or letter and/or if the item shows signs of powder residue, the staff person will take the following actions:

(a) Call the Long Beach Police by dialing 911, report the situation, and ask for assistance.

(b) Using rubber gloves, place the open or leaking parcel, package, or letter in a garbage bag and tie off the top of the bag.

(c) Wash hands thoroughly.

(d) Remove outer clothing, place the clothing into a garbage bag, and tie off the top of the bag

(e) The Emerge Center will maintain a limited supply of scrubs to replace potentially contaminated clothing.

(f) Staff will secure the area and will not allow anyone to enter the area until the Police or Fire Department authorities determine it is safe to return.

(g) If directed by Police or Fire Department authorities, evacuate the entire building.

SECTION VII

RADIATION EXPOSURE, CHEMICAL SPILLS, GAS LEAKS, AND POTENTIAL EXPLOSIONS

1. In the event of a possible radiation exposure, gas leak, chemical spill, or potential explosion, the building and surrounding property will be evacuated.

2. Evacuation of the Emerge Center will be at the direction of the Director or the Director's designee or at the direction of Police or Fire Department authorities.

3. Building evacuation will be conducted as described in the fire evacuation plan (Section II).

4. Evacuation to an off-site location will be conducted as described in Section X.

SECTION VIIIPOWER FAILURES

1. The Director or the Director's designee will report the power outage to Mississippi Power at (800) 532-1502.

2. The Emerge Center Director or the Director's designee will announce throughout the building that there has been a power outage and that staff, students, and visitors should remain calm.

3. After the power has been restored, the Director or the Director's designee will conduct a headcount of staff, students, and visitors to assure that everyone is accounted for.

4. The Director or the Director's designee will maintain a record of power outages lasting more than a few minutes and the actions taken during the power outage.

SECTION IX

PROCEDURES RELATED TO THE USE OF EMERGE CENTER VEHICLES

1. The Emerge Center maintains several vehicles. Each vehicle will be checked weekly prior to its continued use. A staff person is assigned responsibility for checking the vehicle and completing a service report and ensuring the required maintenance is completed before the vehicle is returned to service.

2. Each vehicle is equipped with the following safety equipment:

* jumper cables

* Bottled water

* First-aid kit

* Triangle markers

* Vehicle operators' manual.

3. Vehicles may only be operated by staff who have a current driver's license and who operate the vehicle according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety operators' manual.

4. A Vehicle Emergency Plan will be posted on the driver's side visor of each vehicle.

5. If it is necessary for the driver to use a cell phone, if not using a hands-free device, the driver should park or ask one of the passengers to make the call.

6. The vehicle's driver is responsible for passenger safety including ensuring all passengers use seat belts as required by state law.

SECTION X

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

1. Evacuation of the building and, when indicated, the entire Emerge Center property will be conducted as described in the fire safety plan (Section II).

2. The Emerge Center Director or the Director's designee is responsible for determining if an evacuation of the entire building, part of the building, or the Entire Emerge Center property is indicated.

3. Once it has been determined to evacuate the Emerge Center building or the entire property, the Director or the Director's designee will activate the fire alarm and will contact the Long Beach Police, Fire Department, and, if indicated, the nearest ambulance service.

4. The Emerge Center Director or the Director's designee is responsible for the use of safety supplies and equipment, including: first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and flashlights.

5. If indicated, and with the prior written permission of the student, the Director or the Director's designee will provide emergency personnel with available information about the student's medical history and, if possible, will provide emergency personnel with the student's medications.

6. Transportation to evacuate Emerge Center staff, students, and visitors will be provided by use of the Emerge Center's vehicles and emergency response vehicles.

7. Emerge Center evacuation location will be the MRDS offices in Gulfport located at 3486 Fastway Lane Gulfport, MS 39502.

8. The evacuation location is a safe place for staff, students, and visitors until arrangements have been made to provide food, lodging, and transportation as needed.

9. The Director or the Director's designee will advise staff and students when it is safe to return to the Center and resume normal activities.

Miss. Code. tit. 32, pt. 3, subpt. 2, ch. 1, att. A

Adopted 12/23/2024