A. PURPOSE
In the case of an emergency, it is important for Northland Pioneer College (NPC) employees to be as fully prepared as possible to ensure the safest outcome for everyone affected. Safety preparation is an important part of our responsibility to our students and fellow employees. Employees are encouraged to read and be familiar with the NPC Emergency Response Plan and supporting documents; which are available on the MyNPC website or at the front office of any campus upon request.
In all cases, fire and/or police agencies will be in command of an emergency occurring at, or affecting, any NPC facility. The designated emergency responder from NPC will be the Campus/Center Manager or designee as deemed necessary by the Northland Pioneer College President (President) or designee. This does not negate the responsibilities of other college officials.
B. DEFINITIONS
Disaster – A regional or state event as declared by local, county, state, or federal officials. Including but not limited to; The National Weather Center (NWC), United States Forest Service (USFS), Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), Apache County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Arizona Governor’s Office (AGO).
Electronic Notification – Email or Text Message.
Emergency – An unexpected or dangerous situation that disrupts the regular function of NPC services or activities, or poses a safety risk to any persons or infrastructure.
Events – Short term natural occurrences such as lightning, snow, and wildfires as issued by NWC or USFS.
Incident – An isolated situation, sufficiently short in duration or minimal in scope as to not warrant classification as an Emergency.
C. OBJECTIVES
- To save lives and avoid injuries
- To promote environments that foster safety and preparedness for all students, employees, visitors, and others present on College property or at college-sponsored activities
- To promote a fast, effective reaction in coping with emergencies
- To communicate with emergency response personnel, news media, the community, and other audiences
- To ensure students and staff understand the procedures that are in place to ensure their safety
- To help the college community review, know, and practice emergency response drills
- To safeguard college property and records
- To help the college restore conditions back to normal with minimal confusion as promptly as possible after an emergency while supporting faculty, students and staff.
D. RESPONSIBILITY AND CONTROL
The Emergency Response Plan is under the control of the College President/designee. In the event of an emergency, the President or designee will implement the necessary plan(s) to limit injuries, damages, or disruption of services and preserve the peace and order, which may include, but is not limited to, emergencies that:
- Suspend regular academic activities
- Restrict access to any NPC facility
- Call for resources from NPC or outside organizations
The President or designee will be responsible for concluding the Emergency Response Plan and the resumption of normal activities.
E. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
The President has the primary responsibility for overseeing development and implementation of NPC’s procedures related to emergencies. The President may delegate all or a portion of responsibility before or during an emergency situation. Any delegation of responsibility should be done in writing. If an existing emergency does not allow for a written delegation, an electronic notification will be sent until such time as a written delegation can be completed. The office receiving the designation will maintain the letter of delegation.
F. RESPONSE REVIEW
After the conclusion of an emergency and the return to normal college schedules/activities; The President will commission a review of the emergency. This review should be completed within 90 days. The review should cover:
- NPC procedure efficiency
- Communication/coordination efficiency
- Injuries or Damages
- Post-incident support for persons affected
The purpose of the review is to find ways to improve NPC’s response to emergencies and support those affected by them. If applicable, the review should make recommendations on how to make such improvements. Once completed the review shall be retained by the VPAS office.
