XIII. Safe Environment Policies

Snow and Inclement Weather Policy (UCCS)

The primary premise for weather-related cancellation of classes of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is that the institution will remain open unless there is unreasonable risk or danger to a substantial number of students and employees due to unreasonably hazardous driving conditions within a reasonable distance of the campus.

In the event of heavy snow fall, and extreme weather condition, a mechanical system failure or some other condition that prevents the safe operation of the campus, classes may be canceled.  The authority to cancel regularly scheduled day classes rests with the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance.  This decision will be announced no later than 6:00 am each day for day classes and 3:00 pm for evening classes.  The information line for weather related campus closures/cancellations is 262-3346.  Class cancellations/closures are announced on the following radio stations:

KVOR/KVUU, KSKX, KILO, KRCC, KGFT, KFMA/KKLI, KTLF, KCS/KIKX, KCCY, KOA, KYGO; and television stations: KOAA, KRDO, KKTV.

UCCS Policy 4/99

Snow and Inclement Weather Policy (Beth-El)

Beth-El College will: 

Be scheduled according to UCCS policy for closures.  This includes late starts for classes.  (Calculated from an 8:00 am start.  If less than an hour remains in the class, the class will be canceled.)

Clinical (day rotations only) will continue to utilize School District 11 closure policy with no late starts.   If you cannot attend clinical  (or will be late to the agency) notify the clinical agency so that your patients are reassigned.  Evening clinical will follow the CU closure policy unless course faculty make a different decision and notify students and the office staff at Beth-El.  Faculty and students should continue to evaluate safety factors on an ongoing basis. Clinical decisions should be made to insure personal safety at all times.

Fire Policy

1. Introduction

   1. The most effective tool that can be used during a fire in a hospital or school or other agency is prior preparation to assure that each student and staff member has an assignment and has had sufficient instruction in this assignment to function effectively.  Some rules to remember are:

      1. AVOID PANIC! The greatest danger in most fires is panic. Don't alarm students or staff by excited motions or by shouting "FIRE." Remember, your job is to reassure the student or staff by the calmness of your presence.

      2. BE ALERT FOR SIGNS OF FIRE. If you see or smell smoke, report it immediately for investigation. Early detection means prompt extinguishing of fire.

      3. KNOW THE LOCATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IN YOUR AREA. Think over the instructions you have been given in the use of fire extinguishers and use the right fire extinguisher for a specific fire

      4. FIRST IN THE EVENT OF FIRE. Remember these simple steps:

         1. Remover any patient or person from the immediate area of the fire

         2. Close the doors and windows in the room where the fire is located

         3. Pull the nearest fire alarm box. Report the exact location of the fire to the hospital switchboard or to the College office.

         4. Contain the fire by closing all doors and windows in the immediate area of the fire.

         5. Return to the fire and fight it to the best of your ability until help arrives.

Safety of human life is the highest concern during a fire.

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Fire Exit Plan

Notify Public Safety (262-3111) with details of fire.

Evacuation Procedure: If the Dean determines that the building should be evacuated, the College Fire Evacuation Plan will be utilized

Bomb Threat Procedure

Purpose:  To provide general guidelines for action to be taken in the event a bomb threat is received at the college.

1. Handle the call quietly and calmly.
2. Prolong the conversation as long as possible. Ask:
   1. Where is the bomb?
   2. What time will it explode?
   3. What does it look like?
   4. What kind of a bomb is it?
   5. Why bomb the college?

Keep the caller talking as long as possible.

3. Try to get another person on the line to help you listen. Listen for background noises such as music, conversation, laughter, aircraft, etc.
4. How does the caller sound (excited, sober, angry, amused, intoxicated, etc.)?
5. Note the language used. Is the caller familiar with academic/nursing terminology?
6. Make immediate written notes of the conversation and your observations.

1. The College Dean or designee
2. Colorado Springs Police Department (719.471.6611)
3. Public Safety (719.262.3111)

1. Upon receiving notification of bomb threat, faculty, directors and staff will thoroughly search their areas of responsibility looking for suspicious objects. Any item, such as a package, bundle, suitcase, briefcase, paper, sack, etc. must be regarded as suspicious unless its' presence can be accounted for. Any item foreign to the area in which it is found, must be considered. suspicious.
2. Public areas, closets, and storage areas or the building should be given priorities in the search, however, no area should be overlooked.
3. If the caller indicated a specific area, that area will be given first search priority.
4. If a suspicious item is located, do not touch or disturb it in any way. Notify the Dean or police of it's location. The Police Department will remove the suspicious object.
5. All personnel and students should remain calm and alert and avoid even the appearance of panic.

1. Do not handle the letter/package any more than necessary. Protect it as much as possible to facilitate later examination by the Police.
2. Remain calm. Notify the Dean. The Dean will notify the Police.
3. Do not discuss the incident with anyone other than those in authority.