Chapter 5

Shelter

Purpose

To determine actions and establish procedures necessary for the short term, community sheltering or in-place sheltering of the citizens of Buena Vista University as a result of a natural and man-made disasters.

Situation

Analysis of hazardous situations that could occur on the Buena Vista University campus which would require the use of community sheltering indicates that:

  1. The University and communities are susceptible to the destructive effects of natural and man-made disasters.
  2. Although not specifically identified as campus shelters, there are buildings on the campus to provide protection for that segment of the public not at home when a tornado warning is received. These buildings will generally be open during daytime "working" hours.
  3. EOT will be responsible for ordering "in-place shelter".

Assumptions and Planning Factors

  1. Sufficient warning time may not exist to enable people to go into campus shelter.
  2. Buildings planned for use as campus shelter will be available.
  3. Campus Shelter actions in the event of severe weather will be short term, spontaneous and consist primarily of residents and visitors to the area seeking immediate shelter. Minimal action is required.
  4. Routinely, residents are encouraged to take shelter during severe weather such as thunderstorms and blizzards. However “in-place sheltering”, may be a recommendation during a radiological or chemical incident where evacuation is not the best option for the population.

Organization/Responsibilities

  1. Organization
    1. Campus sheltering programs will be carried out under the general direction of the EMC. Sheltering requirements will be controlled by the Director of Residence Life and the Residence Life Staff.
  2. Responsibilities
    The EMC will:
    1. Maintain current listing of shelter facilities
    2. Maintain current listing of shelter resources needed
    3. Prepare and maintain map of campus shelter locations

Concept of Operations

In developing a campus shelter system, there are a number of actions which should be taken. These actions are detailed in the Emergency Response Checklists, Attachment 1 to this chapter. A listing of all suitable campus shelters shall be maintained in the EOC.

The EMC will coordinate with the PIO to determine the best ways to disseminate in-place information to the media.

Administration and Logistics

  1. Administration -- Basic administrative and accountability procedures for temporary shelters will be followed as required by the University Business Office.
  2. Logistics -- If supplies, materials, and equipment are required, records will be maintained.
  3. Public Education -- The EMC will work directly with the PIO to provide periodic information to the campus on pertinent aspects of the campus shelter program and in-place sheltering.

University Emergency Community Shelter Response Checklist

Preparedness Phase

EMC

  • Develop campus shelter program
  • With PIO, prepare community shelter and in-place sheltering information for local media
  • Identify buildings suitable for use as campus shelters
  • Implement expedient marking of community shelters
  • Keep EOC Staff advised as to status of shelter operations

Response Phase

EMC

  • Ensure warning to campus is sounded per established warning criteria
  • Keep campus advised during warning period
  • Advise campus when warning period terminates
  • If tornado strike occurs, advise County EMD
  • Coordinate with Law Enforcement

Recovery Phase

EMC

  • If disaster has occurred, assess situation and advise County EMC
  • Act as advisor to local government during recovery actions