Johnny Unitas Stadium Emergency Response Plan

Transcription

1 Johnny Unitas Stadium Emergency Response Plan Department of Environmental Health & Safety Phone: (410) Fax: (410) Emergency: (410) Website: REVISED AUGUST 2009

2 Table of Contents I. Purpose... 3 II. Introduction... 3 III. Prior to the Event... 3 IV. Assembly Areas... 6 V. During the Event... 6 Attachments Attachment #1 Assembly Areas Map Attachment #2 Towson University Bomb Threat Data Report Attachment #3 Fire Evacuation Routes Attachment #4 Public Assembly Event Self Checklist Attachment #5 Emergency Medical Service Requirements Attachment #6 Severe Weather Safety Plan Attachment #7 Pre Event Announcements Attachments #8 General Evacuation Announcement 2

3 I. Purpose To facilitate emergency evacuation during public assembly events held in Johnny Unitas Stadium. II. Introduction The Johnny Unitas Stadium is a multi-level complex capable of seating over 11,000+ individuals. The Stadium is susceptible to a variety of potential disaster agents such as, civil disturbances, fire, etc. This plan is devised to provide BASIC guidelines in the event of a major emergency at the Stadium. It is designed to be general in content to allow operational flexibility by command personnel in the various scenarios. The plan identifies the key responsibilities of various individuals. III. Prior to the Event 1. All crowd management personnel (TU staff, contractors, crowd managers, crowd manager supervisors, TUPD, BCPD, etc) working the event shall be trained in these emergency procedures. 2. If evacuation is due to a bomb threat, refer to attachment #2 for information that should be obtained from the caller. Note: The Incident Commander will determine alternative evacuation sites for bomb threats depending on the nature of the threat. 3. Crowd management personnel shall be instructed that they are not to attempt to fight a fire or re-enter the Stadium to attempt to rescue trapped or injured individuals. The Baltimore County Fire Department (BCFD) shall perform firefighting and rescue efforts. 4. All emergency exits shall be checked to verify that locks/chains or other materials are not blocking exits, and correct any deficiencies found, prior to each opening of the Stadium to the public. The Event Manager shall prepare and maintain records of the date and time of each inspection on approved forms, listing any deficiencies found and actions taken to correct them. See attachment #4 for the Public Assembly Event Self Checklist. 5. No stage equipment, trucks, props, etc. may be placed in aisle-ways around exits, or in the vehicle gate area. The vehicle gate area shall be maintained for emergency vehicles only. 3

4 6. No sitting, standing or temporary seating in aisle ways is permitted. Note: Handicapped-accessible seating is provided in the alcoves that separate the 100 level from the 200 level on the South Concourse and the upper level of the North Concourse. One companion seat per guest is also provided. Accessible clear width must still be maintained in the aisle way behind the seating area. Handicapped-accessible seating will be positioned towards the center of each seating section and will not be positioned at each end so as not to obstruct patrons using the stairs. (Refer to the highlighted sections in Attachment #3 South Concourse & North Concourse Evacuation Routes) 7. No open flames shall be permitted unless approved ahead of time by the State Fire Marshal s (SFM) Office or the BCFD. Contact with these agencies shall be through the University s Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). 8. Temporary electrical services shall comply with the National Electric Code (NEC) (NFPA 70) and are subject to inspection by the University s electricians. 9. Parking is prohibited within 15 feet of fire hydrants, fire lanes and other areas designated by the Towson University Police Department (TUPD). 10. Ambulance service shall be provided at the site depending on crowd size (see Attachment #5). 11. During a fire emergency, activate the pull station to initiate the fire alarm. The prerecorded evacuation message broadcast by the fire alarm system during an emergency (or via the PA Announcer or bullhorn, if necessary) is (female voice, in English): May I have your attention, please? May I have your attention, please? A fire has been reported in the building. A fire has been reported in the building. Please proceed to the stairways and exit the building. Do not use the elevators. 4

5 12. Prior to the start of an event and for other emergencies, the PA Announcer (or bullhorn, if necessary) will make announcements to communicate information and as necessary evacuate the stadium. The announcements include: During inclement weather, see Attachment #6 for Severe Weather Safety Plan. Announcements include: o Announcement 2 Severe Weather Alert o Announcement 3 Severe Weather/Lighting Evacuation o Announcement 4 Severe Weather/Tornado Evacuation Pre-Event Announcements (Attachment #7) See Announcement 1 must be made prior to all events. Other Emergency Announcement (Attachment #8) See Announcement In those situations where the nearest exit cannot be utilized (see attachment #3 for evacuation routes), crowd management personnel shall direct patrons to a secondary means of egress. 14. Prior to the start of an event, an audible announcement shall be made that notifies occupants of the location of the exits to be used in case of a fire or other emergency. The Public Address (PA) announcer shall inform occupants that an emergency message will be broadcast in the event the stadium requires evacuation. (See attachment #7/announcement 1). Alternatively, if program material is provided, the emergency information may be included in it. At a minimum, the written instructions should include the evacuation message, emergency exit locations and area where patrons will be directed after evacuating the Stadium premises. 15. If possible, and without danger to the crowd management personnel, patrons with disabilities that require assistance should be aided in their evacuation. If this cannot be accomplished, they should be relocated immediately to an area where they will not block egress paths and/or exits. Crowd management personnel should immediately direct the BCFD to these area(s) for evacuation of patrons. 16. Access and egress routes shall be maintained so that crowd management, security, and emergency medical personnel are able to reach any individual at any time, without undue hindrance. 5

6 17. Refer to the University Decorations Policy for specific information regarding Stadium decorations. A copy of the policy can be found at: Assembly occupancies shall be provided with a minimum of one trained crowd manager or crowd manager supervisor. Where the occupant load exceeds 250, additional trained crowd managers or crowd manager supervisors shall be provided at a ratio of 1 crowd manager/supervisor for every 250 occupants. The crowd manager shall receive approved training in crowd management techniques. IV. Assembly Areas 1. In an emergency evacuation, patrons from the South Concourse and Press Box shall be directed to Parking Lot #20 (see Attachment #1); weather conditions permitting. In inclement weather, an extended evacuation longer than 30 minutes and/or, if the Event Manager/Incident Commander feels it is necessary, patrons will be guided by crowd management personnel to assembly areas in the Towson Center or back to their hard top vehicle (see Attachment #6). 2. In an emergency evacuation, patrons from the North Concourse shall be directed to Lot 14; weather conditions permitting. In inclement weather, an extended evacuation longer than 30 minutes and/or, if the Event Manager/Incident Commander feels it is necessary, patrons will be guided by crowd management personnel to assembly areas in the Towson Center. During inclement weather, to access the Towson Center, patrons shall either be directed to utilize the upper level pedestrian walkway/ramp that travels from the North Concourse to the South Concourse and exits near the Towson Center or exit at ground level and walk around the field to the South Concourse (walk up the steps and follow evacuation routes for the South Concourse). V. During the Event 1. If an incident develops during an event that requires the evacuation of the stadium, the fire alarm will be activated to notify patrons to evacuate. Alternatively, the PA announcer shall broadcast the evacuation message to the patrons. A secondary means of communication (bullhorn) shall be onsite in case of a fire alarm or PA equipment malfunction. The Event Manager shall contact the TUPD Communications Officer immediately with details of the emergency. For medical emergencies, call 911, then notify TUPD. 6

7 2. Crowd management personnel will be stationed at the Stadium exits to direct and assist the patrons in evacuating. At least one crowd management personnel member per exit should be equipped with a TU radio to facilitate communication with the TUPD. 3. When necessary, crowd management/emergency personnel shall direct patrons to a secondary exit if the nearest one is rendered unusable by the incident. 4. The BCFD response will be initiated through the TUPD Communications Officer (PCO). 5. Upon arrival, BCFD will assign an operations commander to the Command Post. The primary Command Post location shall be Parking Lot #20 (see Attachment #1). Either the ranking BCFD Commander or TUPD Officer on-site may change this location, dependent on weather/situation conditions. 6. Patrons shall not re-enter the Stadium until BCFD or the TUPD gives authorization. 7

8 Attachment #1 Assembly Areas Map 8

9 South Concourse/ Press Box North Concourse Johnny Unitas Stadium Primary Command Post Location (Parking Lot #20 Towson Center 9

10 Attachment #2 Towson University Bomb Threat Data Report 10

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12 Attachment #3 Fire Evacuation Routes 12

13 North Concourse To Parking Lot 14 Handicapped Seating Area Handicapped Seating Area Handicapped Seating Area Handicapped Seating Area Handicapped Seating Area Track Playing Field To South Concourse & Towson Center 13

14 Playing Field Track Handicapped Seating Area Handicapped Seating Area Handicapped Seating Area Handicapped Seating Area Handicapped Seating Area To Parking Lot #20 South Concourse Lower Level 14

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20 Attachment #4 Public Assembly Event Self-Check Form Fire and Life Safety 20

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22 Attachment #5 Emergency Medical Services Requirement 22

23 Unitas Stadium Public Event Self-Check Form Directions Revised 11/20/08 UNITAS STADIUM EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES REQUIREMENT *Ambulance required for events and over 1 hour long SPORTING EVENTS Medics Medics Ambulance + 1 Medic per open side Ambulances + 1 Medic per open side Ambulance coverage should be BLS (Basic Life Support) except for Football games which must be ALS (Advanced Life Support). OTHER EVENTS To be determined with Environmental Health & Safety prior to contracting or a quote being provided. MISC. Ambulance = BLS (basic life support) ALS (advance life support) both of which must be able to transport to a hospital Medic = Paramedic on ECS payroll. Our medics are counted in crowd control requirements Announcement: EMERGENCY EXIT AND RELATED ANNOUNEMENT FOR SPORTING AND OTHER EVENTS Ladies and Gentlemen: Welcome to Unitas Stadium on the campus of Towson University! At this time we would like to remind you of the following: Towson University Policy prohibits smoking inside or within 30ft. of the stadium. In the event of an emergency, please proceed to the nearest marked exit In calm and orderly fashion. On behalf of the faculty and staff of Towson University we thank you for your cooperation! 23

24 Attachment #6 Severe Weather Safety Plan 24

25 Sports Complex Severe Weather Safety Plan (Revised 4-09) DAY BEFORE EVENT RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Review the weather forecast and the Weather System Report: a. A watch as defined by forecasters conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. b. A warning means severe weather has already been reported. People should be ready to take precautions. 2. Prepare Radios for all key personnel on staff for the event. 3. Review the announcements and make modifications as required. For example: if the locker rooms are not being used by the event participants, adjust the language in the announcements to provide the revised announcements to the Technical Services staff working the event. PRE-EVENT RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Review Safety Plan with Crowd Control/Event Staff, Technical Services, Concessions and Police: a. Alert TUPD Communications Center of the Event and request warning if they receive a threat of severe weather that will affect the Towson area. b. Meet with Towson and SAFE Management Crowd Control Staff and Technical Services to discuss the Safety Plan and assign duties: 1. Assistant Event Manager to guide patrons to the Towson Center or designated Safety Zone. 2. Ushers/event staff is to assist in leading the patrons to the designated Safety Zone. One event staff member with a radio is to be stationed at each exit. 3. Technical Services to post on the video board and announce the Severe Weather Alert Warning prior to the event beginning. 4. If decision is made to evacuate the Event Manager will instruct Technical Services to make the Evacuation Announcement and then will power down all the equipment, including the scoreboard, after area has been evacuated. 5. Designate a Staff Member to attend to the locker rooms for the players. 25

26 6. Lead Event Manager takes a position in the Press Box or Announcers both to access when it will be safe to resume the event (if possible, have the group/client contact at the same location). 2. Review Safety Plan with Event Contact/Client, Officials and Coaches: a. Event Manager is to generate a list of names and gather cell phone numbers from Event Contact, Officials and Coaches. b. Inform them of the designated safety zones and also of the observing area so that decisions can be made concerning the remainder of the event. c. Event Manager will inform Event Contact/Client and Officials of suspension and field evacuation. 3. Event Manager should be aware of the closest and safest locations available. Safe Zones are considered areas with walls, a floor and a roof. These include: a. Towson Center Arena and possibly the Field House for spectators and staff. b. Any vehicle with a hard metal roof and windows closed. (Vehicles are not however a Safe Zone during a Tornado or Tornado Watch). During this time all patrons will be directed to either the lower levels of the Towson Center or Field House, away from any windows or exterior doors.) c. Teams should either move to their locker rooms, buses or any location their coach/school deems appropriate per each schools policies. EVENT RESPONSIBILITIES Event Standard: Divide the time between flash and bang by 5, that gives you the approximate distance. So for example, at < 50 seconds, the lightning is < 10 miles away. 1. If weather conditions begin to change Event Manager needs to BE ALERT!! a. Lightning and or thunder b. Increased winds c. Darkening Skies d. Notification by TUPD or ACCU Weather Text Message or Device. 26

27 2. Lightning awareness should be heightened at the first flash of lightning, clap of thunder, and/or other criteria such as increasing winds and darkening skies, no matter how far away they are. These types of activities should be treated as a warning or wake-up call to stadium personnel. If thunder is heard, begin steps for evacuation. If lightning is seen, suspend activities and evacuate the stadium/grounds. a. At first sight of lightning contact TUPD to inform them that we have begun the process for evacuating the stadium. b. As a minimum, by the time there is 30 seconds between a lightning flash and clap of thunder all individuals should be in the designated Safe Zone. c. Be aware and alert to thunder if the event going on is particularly loud. d. Do not use landline phones during thunderstorms, except in emergency situations. e. The existence of blue skies and the absence of rain are not guarantees that lightning will not strike. Lightning can and does, strike as far as 10 (or more) miles away from the rain area. 3. What steps/actions to take for evacuation: a. Halt all Concession Sales immediately. b. Direct Technical Services to make the Evacuation Announcement to inform patrons of the designated Safe Zone and to power equipment down after stadium is evacuated. c. Direct Assistant Event Manager/Supervisor to escort patrons to designated Safe Zone. d. Open Locker Rooms for players and coaches. e. Lead Event Manager notifies Police of game delay. f. Lead Event Manager ensures all aspects of Safety Plan proceed quickly and safely. g. Have Event Group Contacts meet Lead Event Manager in the 4 th Floor of the stadium Press Box to evaluate the weather and the situation. (Ensure that ALL persons avoid the front row nearest the glass window wall of Press Box.) 27

28 RESUMING STADIUM ACTIVITY 1. All Clear to resume the event: a. Before resuming the event wait 30 minutes after both the last flash of lightning and sound of thunder. b. Event Manager will inform TUPD, Event Contact/Client, Coaches, Officials and Event Staffing when things are all clear to resume the event. c. Patrons will then be instructed by Event Staff on when the event is to resume. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES 1. If an individual is struck, alert the onsite Medical Staff and the Event Manager. The Event Manager is to call 911 immediately and the person is to be transported to the hospital, no exceptions. 2. The Event Manager should then contact TUPD and alert them of the 911 call and the incident at hand. Giving specific information, including location so they can assist in getting the Ambulance to the correct location in a timely manner. 28

29 Announcement #2 Purpose: To be posted on the Video Board with a PA Announcement for a Severe Weather Warning in the Area as directed by the Event Manager. Severe Weather Alert Ladies and Gentlemen for your safety we are continuing to monitor the weather and will update you on weather conditions as they develop. Please be prepared to seek a Safe Zone if directed by Stadium personnel. A Safe Zone is defined as an area with walls, floor, and a roof. Your vehicle with a metal roof and the windows closed is also a Safe Zone. A Safe Zone for a Tornado is inside the Towson Center Arena. Thank you for your cooperation. 29

30 Announcement #3 Purpose: Technical Services Announcement for when the determination has been made to evacuate the Stadium for severe weather including a lightning storm. Severe Weather/Lightning Evacuation Announcement May I have your attention! May I have your attention! Severe Weather is approaching our area. We need to clear Unitas Stadium. Please move to the nearest aisle and calmly exit the stadium. Seek shelter in your car with metal roof and windows rolled up or the Towson Center Arena. Do not remain under the stands. Players, coaches and referees are to proceed to the Field House Locker Rooms. You will be notified by stadium personnel when the All Clear has been given. (Repeat Twice) 30

31 Announcement #4 Purpose: Technical Services Announcement for when the determination has been made to evacuate the Stadium for severe weather including a lightning storm. Severe Weather/Tornado Evacuation Announcement May I have your attention! May I have your attention! Severe Weather including the potential of a tornado is approaching our area. We need to clear Unitas Stadium. Please move to the nearest aisle and calmly exit the stadium. We are directing all attendees to the Towson Center Arena on the Press Box side of the stadium. Do not remain under the stands. Players, coaches and referees are to proceed to the Field House Locker Rooms. You will be notified by stadium personnel when the All Clear has been given. (Repeat Twice) 31

32 Attachment #7 Pre Event Announcements 32

33 Announcement #1 Purpose: The announcement is to be read prior to the start of all events hosted by Event & Conference Services to communicate safety and other issues to fans attending the event. Pre Event Announcement for all Events Welcome to Johnny Unitas Stadium on the campus of Towson University. At this time we would like to remind you of the following: Towson University Policy prohibits smoking inside or with 30 ft. of the stadium. In the event of an emergency, a public address announcement will be made. Please listen carefully and follow the provided directions. In the event of an emergency where the stadium must be cleared. Please proceed to the nearest Aisle and calmly exit the stadium. Guests on the Press Box side of the stadium should evacuate to Parking Lot 20 directly across Auburn Drive. Guests on the opposite side of the stadium should evacuate to Parking Lot 14 across Auburn Drive. In the event of a lightning storm, you will be directed to move in a calm and orderly fashion to a Safe Zone. A Safe Zone is considered an area with wall, roof and a floor. The assigned Safe Zone for this event is the Towson Center Arena. Your vehicle with a metal roof and windows closed is also a Safe Zone. DO NOT REMAIN UNDER THE STANDS. Players, coaches and referees are to precede to their Field House locker rooms. Towson University reserves the right to eject any person whose behavior is unacceptable or illegal in nature. Please enjoy this event and be respectful of others. On behalf of the Faculty and Staff of Towson University, we thank you for your cooperation. 33

34 Attachment #8 General Evacuation Announcement 34

35 Announcement #5 Purpose: Technical Services Announcement for a general evacuation General Evacuation Announcement May I have your attention! May I have you attention! At this time we are evacuation Unitas Stadium. Please proceed to the nearest Aisle and calmly exit the stadium. Guests on the Press Box side of the stadium should evacuate to Parking Lot 20 directly across Auburn Drive. Guests on the opposite side of the stadium should evacuate to Parking Lot 14 across Auburn Drive. Players, coaches and referees are to proceed out the field gates and wait behind Parking Lot 19 directly across from the Field House. (Repeat Twice) 35