XIII. Health and Safety

Emergency Procedures

See Appendix D

Weather Emergency Procedures

In case of a weather emergency the Middletown Campus alerts regional television and radio stations regarding closings or delays. These announcements should say something regarding the cancellation of classes or start times different from normal schedules, and then cite either Plan A or Plan B for staff.

People are encouraged to call the weather emergency line at 727-3477 to get up-to-date class and event schedule changes during weather emergencies when the campus closes or alters the schedule.

To avoid confusion regarding campus closings on snow days, the following codes have been adopted regardless of what media announcements may say about classes:

Plan A - Classes are Canceled and all staff are expected to report to work

All staff will be expected to report to work as scheduled. University personnel who find themselves unable to report to work due to adverse weather and road conditions should notify their supervisors as soon as possible.

Classified staff who are tardy in reporting to work or are unable to report to work, may use available vacation, compensatory time, or personal time to be paid for the time missed. Classified staff with no available vacation, compensatory or personal time may make up the lost time during the current payroll period; or take the time without pay. If the time lost cannot be made up in the current pay period, employees with no available leave can make up the time in the following two (2) pay periods as overtime equivalent. Example: if eight (8) hours were lost, the equivalent overtime hours in the following two (2) pay periods would be 5.34 total overtime hours worked, if three (3) hours were lost, the equivalent overtime hours would be 2.0 total overtime hours worked.

Unclassified staff who are unable to report to work must use vacation for a half day or more.

Plan B - University or Individual Campus is Closed Due to Weather Conditions

Only designated weather-emergency staff should report to work. Weather-emergency staff are those designated in the Police Department; Physical Facilities Department; Department of Housing, Dining and Guest Services; Telecommunications Office; and others designated by the department heads as "weather-emergency staff". All other faculty and staff are urged not to come to campus. It is important to remember that a decision to cancel classes does not constitute closing a campus.

Weather emergency staff should report to work. On such occasions, all classified employees who are weather-emergency staff are required to report to work and will receive double time for all hours worked. Those employees who are not required to report will be paid for their regularly scheduled hours.

Unclassified staff will receive their regular pay whether or not they are required to report to work.

Adverse Weather Conditions Arising During the Work Period

In the event of actual or pending adverse weather conditions, classified employees, with the supervisor's approval, who report late or leave early, may use available vacation, compensatory time, or personal time; make up the lost time during the current payroll period; or take the time without pay.

Please remember, during weather emergencies, to listen to one of the designated radio stations for information regarding the University’s operations. Hopefully, having the designated Plans A and B will make the communications easier.

If you have any questions regarding these procedures, please do not hesitate to contact the Personnel Office, 15 Roudebush, 529-3131 or visit www.units.muohio.edu/prs/Personnel/WeatherEmergencies.htm


Tornado Information and Instructions

Tornado Watch is issued when the weather conditions suggest the possibility of a tornado. In this instance, turn your radio or television to a local station for announcements that cancel the watch or upgrade the condition to a tornado warning. Radio stations in Middletown include: WPFB 910AM and 105.9FM.

Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted in the area. In this instance, stay calm and immediately go to a designated shelter area in a building (typically a lower level area away from windows, glass cabinets, and other glass fixtures). If a tornado touchdown occurs, curl up on the floor, face down, and cover your head with hands and arms. Please note that the sirens are tested the first Wednesday of each month at noon.

The Middletown-area weather sirens (a continuous tone for three minutes every fifteen minutes) are intended to alert people involved in outside activities to a tornado warning. If you are outside in open country, locate the nearest depression such as a ditch or ravine, lie flat in it, and cover your head.

Security

Security is on duty twenty-four hours a day, and can be reached by dialing 7-3333 from any Campus extension or by calling (513) 727-3333 from off-campus.

Any reports of unusual behavior or problems experienced on campus i.e., parking lots, etc. should be directed to Security, or by contacting the switchboard/information desk where assistance will be sought. However, the Campus is a large and busy place and each individual needs to take some responsibility for their own safety.

Miami University Middletown is concerned about the safety of its students, faculty, and staff.

Experts in the field recommend the following precautions for anyone in a campus setting, especially during evening hours:

1. Use the "buddy system" when coming to or leaving class. There is safety in numbers.

2. When you leave a building, have your keys ready to unlock your vehicle. You will not want to be fumbling with books, a purse, book bags, or other items for any length of time.

3. Approach your car in a vigilant manner. Be alert to others in the vicinity. If your vehicle is parked behind a larger vehicle, it could obscure an assailant.

4. Look in your vehicle before entering to know that no one is hiding in the back seat.

5. If you are approached in a threatening or suspicious manner, scream.

Smoking Policy

Effective 08/01/08

In order to promote the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors, all Miami University campuses are designated Smoke-Free Environments. Smoking is defined as the burning of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including, but not restricted to, cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.

Smoking is prohibited in all Miami University-owned facilities and on the grounds of any university-owned property. This includes all buildings owned or controlled by Miami University, shelters, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, indoor and outdoor theatres, bridges, walkways, sidewalks, residence halls, parking lots and garages. Smoking is prohibited on sidewalks that adjoin University property. Smoking is also prohibited in any vehicle or equipment owned, leased or operated by Miami University.

 

Exceptions

• Personal Automobile. Smoking is permitted in personal automobiles parked on University premises.
• Hotel/Lodging. The President is authorized to establish a designated smoking area in the exterior area surrounding any location that provides overnight guest accommodations in a lodge or hotel fashion. This authorization includes the Marcum Conference Center, the Miami Inn, Climer Guest House, Simpson Shade Guest House, Patterson Place, and any other location housing overnight guests. The designated smoking area must be at least twenty-five (25) feet from any University building.

Violations

Faculty, staff, and students violating this policy are subject to University disciplinary action. Violators may also be subject to prosecution for violation of Ohio’s Smoking Ban (Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3794). Visitors who violate this policy may be denied access to Miami University campuses and may ultimately be subject to arrest for criminal trespass.

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Minor Accident Report Procedure

A minor accident report form (available from faculty secretaries, Office of Business Services, or Security must be completed if a minor injury occurs i.e., cuts, scratches or burns treated with a band aid, burn spray or other simple procedure. This will permit a better representation of accident/injury trends that may require attention or corrective action.

First Aid Kits

First-Aid kits are available in the following locations:

• Information Desk, Johnston Hall
• Student Affairs, 135 Johnston Hall; Student Services,1 Johnston Hall
• Security Office, 139 Johnston Hall
• Faculty Secretary, 205 Johnston Hall, 205B Thesken Hall
• Physical Facilities, 25 Johnston Hall
• Recreation Center, Training Room
• Library, Circulation Desk
• Dave Finkelman Auditorium, Stage
• Levey Hall Labs

Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are available in the following locations:

• Bennett Rec Center, south wall, next to south entrance
• Dave Finkelman Auditorium, east wall, right of the fire extinguisher
• Gardner Harvey, lower level next to the fire extinguisher
• Thesken Hall, opposite room 101
• Johnston Hall, outside room 109
• Levey Hall, 1st floor, east of women's restroom, west of patio entrance on south wall