Chapter 2.96
COURTHOUSE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Sections:
2.96.010 Procedures adopted.
Emergency procedures providing for the safety and welfare of persons in the Courthouse, [are] adopted. All elected officials and department heads and those employees with specialized responsibilities shall familiarize themselves with this chapter and all materials contained in Exhibit “A” of the resolution codified in this chapter.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
To implement the following emergency procedures notify:
Yakima County Sheriff’s Department - 248-3530
Each Department Head is responsible to see that all of his personnel are advised of the emergency procedures as soon as possible and that new employees are informed when reporting for work on the first day of employment.
In any of the following conditions, the Sheriff’s Department should be notified:
I. BOMBS OR RELATED DISASTERS
A. Bomb threats
B. Letter[/package] bombs
II. FIRE
III. RIOT
IV. ELECTRIC POWER FAILURE
V. BREAK IN WATER MAINS
VI. NATURAL DISASTERS
VII. NUCLEAR OR CIVIL DEFENSE DISASTERS
I. BOMBS OR RELATED DISASTERS
A. Bomb Threats
1. A written bomb threat should be “handled to a minimum” (for possible fingerprints) and given to your department head for action.
2. A phoned bomb threat, although it may be a hoax, requires action for the safety of all employees.
a. Listen for any information on location of the bomb.
b. Ask caller to furnish further information on “location,” “time,” “reason,” etc.
c. Listen for “background” noise that might help identify caller or a place where call is being made.
d. Do not hang up the telephone.
e. Use another telephone to call:
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT - 248-3530
f. Immediately, note in writing, if possible, the verbatim conversation: (i.e., male, female, speech impediment, information given.)
g. Notify your department head or Supervisor.
h. Talk to no one other than instructed by your Supervisor.
3. After an investigation has been made by the Sheriff’s Department and consultation completed, if evacuation of the building is necessary, your department will be notified. Follow specific instructions for your department and leave the building as soon as possible.
B. Letter/Package Bombs
1. Any suspicious box or letter should not be handled. Leave on the desk/counter and notify:
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT - 248-3530
2. Notify your department head or Supervisor.
II. FIRE
On discovery of fire, have someone call the Fire Department, 248-2100 and give them the location and what is burning (Example- “Fire in waste basket - Room 221 - Courthouse”)
The fire extinguishers are located in the halls. Familiarize yourself with their location. Know how to use. Read directions now. In a fire situation you will not have time. At all costs protect yourself and others.
Have someone notify the adjoining offices and the Sheriff’s Department. If further evacuation is necessary beyond your office, it will be announced by the Sheriff/Fire Departments.
When the Fire Department arrives they are totally in charge of the building.
In all cases, plan two ways out of the building from your office, or other location where you spend any amount of time. DO NOT USE ELEVATOR as an escape route for fire.
POINT OF INFORMATION: Any fire in area of sprinkler head will set sprinkler off as soon as ceiling temperature in that area reaches 165 degrees. At this time, you will have from 35 to 50 gallons per minute of water, erupting from the sprinkler head.
III. RIOT
A. Signs of ’unrest’ or ’threat of violence’: notify your department head.
B. If a situation develops with attempted arson and assaults, Department Head will notify law enforcement agency. Sheriff’s Department - 248-3530
C. If situation warrants a closing of Courthouse facility, you will be notified. Follow standard procedure for closing.
D. All inquiries from news-media will be directed to your department head or Sheriff’s Department.
IV. ELECTRIC POWER FAILURE
In the event of a power failure the Building Superintendent should be notified. If it is more than a ’temporary outage,’ you will be notified and the building will be evacuated as a normal closing operation.
V. BREAK IN WATER MAINS
Notify Building Superintendent. If the water cannot be shut off, you will be notified if necessary to evacuate the building.
VI. NATURAL DISASTERS
A. Earthquake
If an earthquake occurs it may last from a few seconds or as long as five minutes. Shocks could come in a series over several days.
When an earthquake happens, keep calm, don’t run or panic. Remain where you are. Most injuries occur as people are entering or leaving buildings. (Falling walls, electric wire, etc.) Sit or stand against an inside wall, or in an inside doorway or else take cover under a desk, table or bench. (In case the wall or ceiling should fall.) Stay away from windows and outside doors.
B. Tornado
If a tornado is sighted and headed in direction of the city, you will be notified to go to an inner hallway on the lower floors or basement of the Courthouse.
C. Flood
If flooding should occur in the vicinity of the Courthouse, you will be advised to evacuate. Take the suggested route given for departure and travel to a safe area on high ground.
VII. NUCLEAR OR CIVIL DEFENSE DISASTERS
Employees will be released to take their families to shelter. Department Heads will complete their assignment in the Emergency Operating Center and direct their families to the shelter in the Courthouse basement, West Wing, unless they have made other previous arrangements for HOME SHELTER.
STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURE
COURTHOUSE EVACUATION
A. Sheriff’s Department will make an initial survey of the existing situation. The Sergeant will contact:
Board of Commissioners: Extension 4111
Dept of Emergency Services: Extension 4051
If, after consultation, they deem it necessary, in the interest of public safety, the building or portions will be evacuated.
B. 1. Sheriff’s Department will post a deputy at the East, North and South doors to the building to assist employees leaving the building and make sure no one enters the building at those entrances.
2. If a specific location in the building is hazardous they will rope off this area and have all personnel advised to use another exit.
3. Sheriff’s Department will direct the following office personnel to put evacuation into effect:
Basement Evacuation: Notify Detective’s office to assist Emergency Services to notify all offices and personnel in the basement. Extension 4211
1st Floor Evacuation: Notify Assessor’s office to inform all 1st floor personnel and offices. Extension 4161
2nd Floor Evacuation: Notify District Court office to inform all 2nd floor personnel and offices, including court rooms and meeting rooms. Extension 4036
3rd Floor Evacuation: Notify County Prosecutor’s Office to inform all courtrooms, personnel and offices on the 3rd floor. Extension 4141
4th Floor Evacuation: Notify County Engineer’s Office to inform all 4th floor offices and personnel. Extension 4151
NOTIFICATION TO THE “KEY” DEPARTMENTS WILL INCLUDE:
1. Identification of “caller.”
2. Urgency of evacuation.
3. Special procedures to follow (i.e., specific exits to use or avoid.)
*** ALL PERSONNEL ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE STAIRWELLS ***
STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURE
JAIL EVACUATION
The procedure for jail evacuation will be found in the emergency files of the jail Security Officer.
(Res. 552-1977, Policy Reg. No. 30, 1977).