About fire and emergency response plans
Emergencies
The DCAMM Security Department establishes fire and emergency response plans, including evacuation plans and procedures. The Security Department also organizes evacuation teams, which are set up by either Agency or floor to function as organizers to facilitate the safe evacuation of those who work in or visit DCAMM facilities. Evacuation teams, which are picked by DCAMM, consist of a Team Leader, Assistant Team Leader, Area Monitor, Stairwell Monitor, and Special Assistance Monitor. Evacuation Team Leaders (ETLs) provide team profile information (number of team members, evacuation routes, number of persons requiring assistance, etc.), which DCAMM maintains and distributes as needed for both operational and training purposes. The Security Department holds evacuation team meetings and training sessions throughout the year.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS |
PHONE # |
Emergency |
911 (dial this number from within Springfield Data Center) |
Control Center (24 hour) |
(617) 727-1000 |
Massachusetts State Police |
(413) 736-8390 |
ISA Security |
(413) 346-9000 |
Director of Security |
(857) 214-1516 |
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS |
|
Bomb Threat Elevator Malfunction Fire and Life Safety Fire Safety Guide Medical Emergency Power Failure Severe Weather Toxic Hazards |
Emergency Response Plan
ABOUT THIS PLAN
This Emergency Response Plan is for use by all the occupants of the Springfield Data Center (SDC). It contains comprehensive occupant information relative to the various elements of the plan, the organization of emergency response teams, specific response procedures and action items, and facility emergency information. This Occupant Section of the Emergency Response Plan is available online at Mass.Gov on the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance web page.
I. EMERGENCY PLAN
A. PURPOSE
The purpose of this emergency plan is to:
- Ensure the immediate notification and activation of all emergency personnel
- Provide a clear course of action to be followed during any emergency situation
- Ensure the immediate relocation of affected building occupants as quickly and safely as possible
- Familiarize all occupants with the specific emergency procedures and appropriate response
B. GENERAL
The activation of a sprinkler head, Vortex Fire Suppression System, smoke detector, or pull station immediately notifies Building Security that an emergent situation exists, automatically summons the Springfield Fire Department, and signals the occupants to evacuate.
An effective emergency response requires teamwork. This plan will clarify the roles of building occupants, Emergency Team Leaders, DCAMM personnel, the Massachusetts State Police, and first responders in the event of an emergency.
Although building evacuation may occur as a result of any major emergency, the most common reason is fire alarm activation. Once an evacuation has been ordered, the same evacuation procedure used during a fire emergency should be followed
Most fire alarm activations will call for evacuation. It is critical that all personnel exit the building immediately. Do not re-enter the building until the Springfield Fire Department gives permission to do so.
Please remember when calling 911 for the reporting of emergencies you dial 911.
II. REPORTING
A. GENERAL
The proper reporting of any emergent situation is crucial in assuring the fastest and most appropriate response by emergency personnel. Since there are several reporting options available to occupants, it is important to know the benefits and the limitations of one option over another.
B. REPORTING A FIRE - OPTIONS
- Locate the nearest fire pull station and pull the lever down completely.
This is the fastest and most direct method to ensure that all emergency response agencies, emergency teams, and building occupants are immediately notified of an emergency requiring immediate evacuation. Pull stations are located at key points throughout the SDC building. Become familiar with their locations.
OR
- Call 911. Give the operator the following information: address, floor, tenant, and the location of fire or smoke, if known.
AND
2a. Immediately call SDC Security at (413) 346-9000, inform them that a 911 call has been placed, and supply them with the same information given to the 911 operators.
OR
- Call DCAMM Control Center at (617) 727-1000. Give the Control Center the following information: floor, room number (if available), tenant, and fire or smoke location if known.
- After the alarm system has been activated, locate the Emergency Team Leader and inform him/her of the location and nature of the emergency.
C. REPORTING OTHER TYPES OF EMERGENCIES
In the event of any other type of emergency (i.e. medical, bomb threat, etc.), alert the proper authorities, notify your Emergency Team Leader, and await further instructions.
Control Center (24 hour)......................... (617) 727-1000
SDC Security............................................. (413) 346-9000
Massachusetts State Police..................... (413) 736-8390
Springfield EMS..................................................... 911
Springfield Fire Department................................. 911
Springfield Police Department............................. 911
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
911
(413) 346-9000 SDC Security
(617) 631-4365 SDC Facility Manager
(413) 736-8390 State Police Springfield
(617) 727-1000 Control Center
IN CASE OF FIRE:
- Go to the nearest pull station
- Pull the lever down completely
- Begin the evacuation
IN CASE OF OTHER EMERGENCY SITUATIONS:
- Call 911
- Call the Control Center at: (617) 727-1000
- OR call the State Police at: (413) 736-8390
- AND advise them of the emergency immediately
- Follow emergency protocol appropriate to the medical or emergency condition
MEDICAL EMERGENCY NOTE:
If a medical emergency call has been placed to 911 you MUST also notify Building Security at (413) 346-9000 and advise them of the nature and location of the emergency AND that Emergency Medical Services have been summoned via a call to 911.
III. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES
A. GENERAL
The following pages establish procedures to follow for various emergency situations. Please become familiar with them.
While evacuation of a building is sometimes necessary, evacuation is not always the only, or even proper, response in an emergency. Decisions regarding when and how much of a building to evacuate are highly dependent upon the nature and circumstances of a specific emergency.
For example, the activation of the fire alarm system at the SDC will require the evacuation of the entire building. Most other emergencies may not require immediate evacuation. Some emergencies may require the occupants to leave the immediate area but not evacuate the building.
The Emergency Response Plan has been developed and organized according to the Incident Command System (ICS). Knowledge of the Emergency Procedures is your most important tool.
Some things to remember:
- When the alarm system is activated all doors are available to be used as an emergency exit. Be familiar with at least two emergency exits in your location
- Do not use the elevators for emergency evacuations
- Follow the instructions of the Emergency Team Leaders and Emergency Response Personnel
- The overriding concern is for Life Safety. Use common sense.
B. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
IN CASE OF FIRE
1. Report the fire. Locate the nearest fire pull station and pull the lever down completely.
2. Evacuate the building via the nearest exits. Using the stairwells. Do not use the elevators. Leave the building, go outside.
3. Listen to Emergency Announcements and follow directions.
Pull stations are located at key points and are the fastest and most direct option to ensure that all emergency response agencies and building occupants are immediately notified of an emergency. Become familiar with their locations.
Other methods of reporting a fire include:
- Call 911. Give the operator the following information: address, floor, tenant, and location of fire or smoke if known.
THEN
Call Building Security at (413) 346-9000. Give the following information: floor, room number (if available) tenant, and fire or smoke location if known.
OR
- Call the State Police at Springfield (413) 736-8390. Give the MSP the following information: floor, room number (if available), tenant, and fire or smoke location if known.
Additional Fire Response Considerations:
- Physically challenged or mobility-impaired personnel should report to the passenger elevator lobby on each floor for evacuation to the Ground Level, unless otherwise instructed.
- All others should proceed carefully down the stairs using the handrails and staying to the right of the stairwell. Be aware that emergency personnel may utilize the same stairwell to access the fire floor. Do not use the elevators unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.
- If instructed to evacuate the building, leave by the nearest exit, walk to the nearest stairwell, proceed to ground level and exit the building. Once you reach your designated relocation area, remain there until you are given further instructions or the “all clear” command is given. Under no circumstances should personnel return to an evacuated floor or building except as directed by Springfield Fire Department personnel.
- When exiting your office area take only wallets and handbags and close, but do not lock all doors.
IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY
- Call 911. Give the operator the following information: address, floor, room number (if available), tenant, and type of medical emergency if known.
AND
- Call SDC Security at (413) 346-9000 to inform them that a 911 call has been placed and supply them with the same information given to the 911 operators.
Additional Medical Emergency Response Considerations
- Once notified, Security will contact Team Leaders and security personnel will immediately take control of a passenger elevator for use by emergency responders.
- Position volunteer employees at strategic intersections and/or doorways to act as a guide to responding personnel. This will improve response time considerably.
- Make sure someone is assigned to an office phone and able to take and place calls.
- If possible, have the name, age, and date of birth of the patient written on a piece of paper and available to the first emergency responder.
IN CASE OF BOMB THREAT
1. Report the threat immediately to the State Police at (413) 736-8390
2. Briefly inspect the area for any suspicious objects or devices. Never touch or move a suspicious object.
3. Remain calm and await instructions from the State Police or via the public address system.
4. If instructed to evacuate the building, leave by the nearest exit, walk to the nearest stairwell, proceed to lobby level and exit the building.
NOTE ATTACHMENT FOLLOWING PAGE: State Police Bomb Threat Data Form (Questions to ask caller, items to listen for and note.)
Other methods of reporting a Bomb Threat include:
- Call 911. Give the operator the following information: address, floor, tenant, and location of device if known.
OR
- Call DCAMM SDC Facility Management Office (617) 631-4365
OR
- Call SDC Security at (413) 346-9000 and inform them of the Bomb Threat
Additional Bomb Threat Considerations:
• Persons knowing of the bomb threat should visually inspect their work areas for suspicious or unknown objects or devices. Never touch or move a suspicious object.
• Evacuating a floor or building without knowing exactly where a device is located may be dangerous.
• If evacuation is required, tenants will be notified via the public address system and normal evacuation procedures will be followed. Once outside the building, occupants should assemble at least 500 feet from the building.
• One individual who is very familiar with the involved area should report to SDC Security and identify him/herself as an individual with knowledge of the area involved in the threat.
• A copy of the MSP Bomb Threat Data Form (attached) should be distributed to all personnel answering general telephone calls on a regular basis.
• DCAMM Buildings procedures comply with and are based upon State Police General Order SOC-02 6/23/97. Evacuation will only take place if deemed essential. If evacuation is necessary, the emergency evacuation procedure will be followed.
REMEMBER:
Do NOT touch, attempt to move, or in any way disrupt a suspicious device.
CALL the State Police Springfield at (413) 736-8390
Massachusetts State Police Bomb Threat Data Form
State Police –Springfield (413) 736-8390
Exact wording of the threat:
Questions to ask:
1. When is the bomb going to explode?
2. Where is it right now?
3. What does it look like?
4. What kind of bomb is it?
5. What will cause it to explode?
6. Did you place the bomb? If so, why?
7. What is your name?
8. What is your address?
Callers Voice: (circle any that apply)
Calm / Nasal / Angry / Stutter / Excited / Lisp / Slow / Rapid / Deep / Soft / Loud / Crying /Accent / Ragged / Distinct / Laughter / Normal / Clearing throat / Slurred / Disguised / Whispered / Deep breathing / Cracking voice.
If voice is familiar, who does it sound like?
Background Sounds: (circle any that apply)
Street noise / Voices / Factory machinery / Music / Crockery / Clear / Static / Motor / Animal noises / PA system / Local / Sirens / Horns / Phone booth / Long distance / House noises / Office machinery / Other
Threat Language: (circle any that apply)
Well-spoken / Incoherent / Foul / Taped / Irrational / Prepared message read.
Remarks:
Received by Position Phone:
Date: Time: AM/PM
IN CASE OF A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL EMERGENCY
Prior to the arrival of emergency response personnel the following steps should be taken:
1. Report the incident immediately.
2. Instruct those who have not come in contact with the hazardous material to leave the immediate area but to remain on the floor.
3. Persons who have been, or may have been, in contact with hazardous substances should immediately wash thoroughly with warm water and soap. Do not touch the eyes, nose, or any other body part.
4. Persons who had no contact with any materials but were in the vicinity should stay together in a safe location nearby to await instructions and assistance from emergency response personnel. Do not leave the floor unless instructed to do so.
5. In a hazardous materials emergency, containment of the materials and individuals exposed may be critical to preventing additional unnecessary contamination. Isolate the area or close off the room by closing all doors. Turn off all fans and air conditioners.
6. Follow the directions of emergency response personnel exactly and immediately.
Other methods of reporting a Hazardous Materials Incident include:
Call 911. Give the operator the following information: address, floor, tenant, and location of suspicious material, if known.
THEN
Call SDC Security at (413) 346-9000. Give building Security the following information: floor, room number (if available), tenant, and location of suspicious material, if known.
OR
Call the DCAMM Control Center (617) 727-1000
Additional HAZMAT Considerations:
- Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) emergencies can occur at any time.
- If you suspect a dangerous, life threatening condition exists, initiate emergency procedures immediately.
- If you encounter an unidentified liquid spill, or detect a strange odor, or notice the presence of any foreign substance report it immediately.
- Remember, containment helps reduce contamination, stay together in a safe place.
IN CASE OF FAINT ODOR OF SMOKE OR BURNING
- Call Security to notify Engineering to report the type of smoke/smell and location immediately.
- Follow instructions when provided.
- If you suspect a dangerous condition exists, locate the nearest fire pull station and pull the lever down completely.
There will be occasions where you will encounter a burning odor or a faint trace of smoke. These may be due to electric light fixtures overheating slightly, slipping belts in running machinery, or they may be something much more serious.
Call the below listed numbers immediately:
Call SDC Security (413) 346-9000, Give them the following information: floor, room number (if available), tenant, and location of suspicious material, if known.
OR
Call 911. Give the operator the following information: address, floor, tenant, and location of suspicious material, if known. Be sure to also call the DCAMM Control Center at (617) 727-1000.
OTHER EMERGENCIES
For reporting other potentially dangerous situations, or for any other safety Issues or concerns:
Call Building Security at (413) 346-9100
OR
Call the State Police at Springfield (413) 736-8390
OR
Call the DCAMM Control Center (617) 727-1000
IV. EMERGENCY TEAM LEADER DUTIES
A. GENERAL
Duties of the Emergency Team Leaders are outlined on the following pages. Please make note that since the Occupant Emergency Team is made up of volunteers, the effectiveness of this, or any, emergency plan depends upon the support and participation of all tenant agencies and the cooperation of all personnel involved.
B. OCCUPANT EMERGENCY TEAMS
The Occupant Emergency Teams (OET) are responsible for the initiating and directing emergency procedures in their assigned areas and maintaining contact with the Command Center Team. The OET’s consists of the following positions:
Emergency Team Leader (ETL):
• Ensures that occupants are aware of emergency procedures.
• Maintains a complete and accurate record of areas of responsibility and relevant data to include personnel on team, a list of emergency personnel in the area, and a current copy of the Occupant Emergency Plan.
• Keeps occupants of floor informed during any emergencies. Advise occupants of any sudden changes in the evacuation procedures. (Keep in mind Murphy’s Law.)
• Directs the orderly flow of personnel during an emergency or drill in accordance with established emergency plans.
• Makes floor clearance/accountability report to the Command Center upon evacuation.
• Appoints an Assistant ETL, a Disabled Persons Monitor, an Area/Room Monitor, and a Stairway Monitor as well as alternates for these positions.
Assistant Emergency Team Leader:
• Serves as the Emergency Team Leader (ETL) in his/her absence.
• Assists in the orderly evacuation of occupants in the event of an emergency or drill.
• Informs co-workers of emergency procedures.
• Assists other team members as necessary.
Special Assistance Monitor:
• Assists the disabled and mobility-impaired to the passenger elevator lobby in preparation for evacuation. Escorts out of the building and/or to a safe area as directed.
• Confirms the safe condition of all disabled persons to the ETL at the conclusion of the emergency.
Area/Room Monitor:
- Facilitates an efficient and complete evacuation of an assigned area.
- Ensures that area occupants have been advised of evacuation routes.
- Reports to the Emergency Team Leader when the area is cleared and the status of the evacuation of any disabled persons.
- Inspects all area offices, conference rooms, training rooms, computer rooms, bathrooms, etc. to ensure complete evacuation.
- Is last to exit, closes but does not lock, all doors.
- Assists the Disabled Persons Monitor and/or the Stairway Monitor as required.
Stairway Monitor:
• Determines if the stairway is safe to be used for evacuation. Checks for any signs of smoke or heat.
• Closes elevator lobby and or smoke doors, if necessary.
• Maintains an orderly flow of traffic in, and to, the stairwells. Does not allow individuals to loiter, carry large/obstructing objects into the stairwells, travel against the flow of traffic or reenter evacuated areas.
• Helps keep stairwell open for left side passage of emergency responders and/or identified DCAMM Command Center Team members.
• Reports stairway clear to Emergency Team Leader.