Diné College

Nuclear/Biological/Chemical/Conventional Attack

Weapons of mass destruction likely to be employed by terrorists fall into four basic categories: Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Conventional. The below outlined procedures will protect students, faculty, and staff should such attacks occur.

NUCLEAR

Defense against nuclear weapons depends primarily on distance from the point of detonation. If time permits:

  • Move students, faculty, and staff to specifically identified lower level rooms. Interior hallways may be used as an alternate.
  • Close all doors leading into hallways to minimize flying glass.
  • All people assume the duck, cover and hold position on the ground.
  • Shut down all utility systems to the building. (Gas and electricity are the priorities.)
  • Shelter-in-place to protect from fall out if attack is far enough away.
  • Keep students, faculty, and staff inside buildings.
  • Allow family members to pick up students at their own discretion once cleared to do so by public safety, emergency management, or military authorities.

CHEMICAL:

Defense against nuclear weapons depends primarily on distance from the point of detonation. If time permits:

  • Reverse-evacuate all people into college buildings.
  • Shelter-in-place. (Do not use basements or low lying areas.)
  • Close all doors and windows.
  • Shut down the HVAC system. (Limit airflow from outside.)
  • Seal doors, windows, and vents with plastic and duct tape.
  • Be prepared to treat students and staff who experience a reaction to the chemical agent.
  • The decision to evacuate should be made after consulting with public safety, emergency management, or military authorities.

BIOLOGICAL:

Defense against biological attacks is difficult. Awareness of an attack is usually not possible for days or weeks. The first signs may emerge as personnel notice a higher than usual incidence of various symptoms. Should an attack be discovered while in progress the college should:
    • Reverse-evacuate all people into school buildings.
    • Shelter-in-place. (Do not use basements or low lying areas.)
    • Close all doors and windows.
    • Shut down the HVAC system. (Limit airflow from outside)
    • Seal doors, windows, and vents with plastic and duct tapе.
  • Keep students, faculty, and staff inside buildings. Allow family members to pick up students at their own discretion once cleared to do so by public safety, emergency management, or military authorities.

CONVENTIONAL:

The danger from the blast effect of conventional explosive devices is similar to nuclear devices with a higher rate of survivability. If responding to the threat of an imminent blast nearby:

  • Move students, faculty, and staff to specifically identified basement or lower level rooms. Interior hallways may be used as an aternate.
  • Close all doors leading into hallways to minimize flying glass.
  • All people assume the duck, cover, and hold position on the ground.
  • Shut down all utility systems to the building. (Gas and electricity are the priorities.)
  • Shelter-in-place to protect from fall out if attack is far enough away.
  • Keep students, faculty, and staff inside buildings. Allow parents to pick up their children at their own discretion once cleared to do so by public safety, emergency management or military authorities.

IF THE SCHOOL IS THE TARGET:

  • Evacuate to pre designated off site location(s).