SOM COOP Drill August 10, 2013

Agenda Objectives Process of the drill Scenario Drill Wrap-up

Objectives Understand what is critical in an emergency situation – Personnel – Resources – Communication – Recovery

Objectives What we are doing well? What processes can be improved? What else did we learn? Do we have any specific action items? Next steps

COOP Scenario Monday, August 19, at approximately 8 AM, Richard Allen receives a call regarding an explosion in MR-4, presumably on the third floor. Richard immediately leaves for the building and, en route, calls Steve Wasserman to share what he knows.

COOP Scenario Steve reports to the dean’s management team: – Supposition is construction workers renovating Dr. Kapur’s lab ignited a live gas line. – Police and firefighters are on the scene. – We do not know who may have been in the building at this hour.

Discussion

Richard Allen Update 8:20 AM Sprinkler system was turned off during renovations, allowing fire to spread. Explosion broke out windows on three floors and may have damaged the ceiling above and floor below. First responders have pumped water through the broken windows. One moderate injury to a construction worker has been reported. He has been moved out.

Richard Allen Update 8:20 AM, cont’d Dr. Nataro stores pathogenic bacteria in the freezer room above where there explosion occurred. – We don’t know if the freezers are contaminated or if bacteria have escaped.

Discussion

Update - 8:34 AM Toxic Materials / Jurisdiction Environmental Health & Safety is on the scene and appears to be arguing with the first responder re: who is in charge of assessing the facility for potential biological and chemical contamination. – Water from the fire hoses may have helped disperse toxic materials as far as the 4 th floor lobby and possibly to other floors.

Discussion

Update - 8:56 AM Researcher Unrest Researchers are now trying to enter MR-4 to assess the condition of the labs. Others are attempting to retrieve personal effects that they left when they fled the building. First responders are attempting to prevent these individuals from entering the building.

Discussion

Update – 9:13 AM Education Disruption A group of undergraduate students has arrived for their Neuroscience class. They were turned away by first responders. The faculty leader has not been located.

Discussion

Update – 9:18 AM Long-Term Effects The fire has been extinguished. “Do Not Enter” notices / tape have been posted around the building. Initial reports indicate that the 2 nd, 3 rd, and 4 th floors of MR-4 cannot be occupied – perhaps for several weeks. No further updates re: potential biological and / or chemical contaminants.

Discussion

Wrap-Up Did we have the right resources? What worked well? What would you do differently? What are the next steps for the COOP team?