Emergency Procedures
Medical Emergency Repsonse
Medical Emergency: Any event in which the Emergency Medical System (EMS) needs to be called. Including but not limited to: -Heart Attack -Choking -Severe Bleeding -Multiple injured victims -Unconscious Person -Serious Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis) -Stroke -Breathing Emergencies -If there is any doubt to the seriousness of a situation or it is beyond your immediate capabilities. **There will be emergencies that occur that are not on this list. If you believe the situation warrants activation of the EMS, there will no repercussions for what you believe to be be a legitimate report.
Network/ Internet/ Computer/ Phone Failure
-Report all network, internet, computer or telephone failures to IT. -Follow IT emergency protocols. -Use radios and cell phones for communication until the telephones are back online. -Visitor Services will go into manual cash handling and ticket-selling mode, if necessary.
Water Failure
-Report all utility failures to the Operations Department via radio. -Make sure all water faucets and fixtures are turned off. -Certain buildings may need to be closed. This will be announced on the radio if it is necessary.
Power Failure
-Report all utility failures to the Operations Department via radio. -Leave all light switches on -Certain buildings may need to be closed. This will be announced on the radio if necessary.
Heating/Cooling/ Ventilation Failure
-Report all utility failures to the Operations Department via radio. -Use portable fans, open windows, obtain blankets as necessary. -Report any imminent health risks, such as overheating, to Operation staff. -Restrict use of odorous/hazardous materials.
Utility Failure/Gas Leak
-Report all utility failures to the Operations Department via radio. DTE gas emergency number 800-947-5000, City Street Lighting number 456-3281, Consumer Power 800-477-5050 -Describe conditions -Prepare to evacuate yourself and guests, if needed. -Monitor the radio directions -Follow all animal care protocols for dealing with utilities emergencies
Lost child ( If the zoo has closed)
-escort the child or parent to the security guard. -the security guard will then make an announcement or contact other zoo personnel for assistance. -Lost children should remain with a staff member or guard until reunited with parent/guardian. **On special event days with record high visitor attendance a special First Aid and Lost Child station will be set up (typically in the central plaza). On these days bring the child or adult to that specific location.
Sever Weather (Tornado Warning) Part 3
3. Staff and volunteers are to report to designated safe areas to assist visitors. Staff needs to make a radio call when each area is staffed. Safe areas include: a. Rooms in administration building that do not have windows b. Restrooms near bobcat building c. Lower red ban area of Red's Hobby farm (2 staff preferred) d. Off-exhibit area of main level in Aquarium (2 staff preferred) e. Front Hallway of the South American Holding area (2 staff preferred) f. Restrooms near Chimpanzee exhibit g. Catering kitchen and restrooms of Bissell Treehouse (2 staff preferred) 4. Do not tell people to leave. Make them aware of the situation and offer assistance.
First Aid
1. Front line staff and in-zoo staffed locations (i.e. info booth or cashier location) will be supplied with mini-First Aid kits containing band aids, gauze pads, stingX(pain relief pads), and antiseptic wipes. If a situation is able to be resolved with just handing these items over to the visitor there is no need for a radio call. 2. If the situation is needing further assistance, but is not a medical emergency, and the staff member is not trained in first aid or is unable to leave their post please make the following radio call: "This is (state your radio#) I have a visitor needing First Aid assistance, is there anyone available to meet them at (Volunteer services-whichever is closer to the visitor)? 3. Direct or escort them to the location when someone is available. 4.Provide necessary care within your scope of training. 5.Fill out Incident report and turn in to Sherri Rowland in Administration building.
Parent comes to and has a lost a child
1. Keep the parent/ guardian with someone who has a radio. Do not allow the parent to leave on their own, chances are zoo personnel will find the child more quickly than the parent and you do not want to then lose the parent. 2. Obtain a detailed description of the lost child. -Include: child's name, clothing description, age, hair color/style/ethnicity, ect. 3.Use the radio, convey all given information to all zoo personnel stressing that you have the parent and are looking for a child. While a child is lost, all personnel who are able are asked to look for the child. 4.NEVER MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT OVER THE PA SYSTEM INDICATING THERE IS A LOST CHILD. 5. Staff or volunteers will find the child and return him/her to you and the parent/ guardian. If a child reported as lost is not found within 20 minutes of initially being reported, local law enforcement should be contacted to assist the parent/ guardian in finding the child.
A child comes to you and is lost
1. Stay with the child in the area where you found the child. 2.Notify zoo personnel by using your radio. - If the child is old enough to tell parent/guardian name: ask for someone in Volunteer Services Building to make a PA system announcement requesting that named person to "Meet their party at (indicate location of child-such as Stingray Lagoon) -If a child will or cannot communicate any parent information: contact all zoo with your location and to be on the lookout for a stressed guardian. 3.Wait 15 minutes. If no one collects the child ask that another announcement be made. 4. If no one has come to get the child within the 10 minutes following the second announcement, the child should be brought to one of the following locations so that a management staff member can assist in reuniting them with their parents: ticket booths, visitor services building, or administrative building.
Medical Emergency Response- Procedure
1.The person who first notices or responds to the visitor must immediately make a radio call. Give information regarding location, general age (adult or child), and condition of victim and stay calm. "This is 300 Mike. I have a MEDICAL EMERGENCY needing assistance at the Lion Exhibit for an adult that is unconscious." 2.The first certified staff to arrive on scene takes over and is in charge of the situation. Radio traffic should be clear to allow for any radio calls that must be made. 3. A determination is made by certified staff as to whether or not 911 must be called. 4. Staff closest to the situation needs to grab red medical kit and AED if needed and bring to site. 5.Provide necessary care within your scope of training. 6. Staff members minimize radio traffic and help with crowd control and gate access for ambulance. 7.Fill out Incident report and turn it in to Sherri Rowland in Administration building. 8. Notify maintenance staff if bio-hazardous waste needs to be cleaned up. 9. Restock supplies after incident
Severe Weather (Thunderstorm Watch) Part 2
2. If animals are brought off exhibit inform: a. Admissions Booth b. Main Office during office hours c. Visitor Services Managers - Food Service, Gift, and Experiences. In the event of a Thunderstorm warning a general announcement should be made informing the visitors of the warning.Once the storm has passed or watch/warning is canceled animals should be exhibited following a safety check for damages.
Severe Weather (Tornado Watch) Part 2
2. Use PA system to advise public of the tornado watch: EX: May I have your attention please; Kent County is currently under a tornado watch until (insert time watch expires). A tornado watch means that conditions are such that a tornado is possible. The following are areas in the zoo where you may take shelter: restrooms near the North American Animals or the African Animals, Red's Hobby Farm, Aquarium, or Ball Room Lower Level. If you need assistance please seek out a staff member. a. The announcement should be repeated every 30 minutes for the duration of the watch. b. Do not tell people to leave. Make them aware of the situation. c. Advise visitors that need assistance to seek out a staff member or go to the Volunteer Services Building or admissions booth. 3. Secure the following animals into holding areas: Lions, Tigers, Bears, Chimpanzees, Mountain Lions, Snow Leopards, Bobcats, and Maned wolves. African hoof stock should also be brought into holding areas if conditions are such that it can be done safely. Animals are to remain secured until watch expires or is canceled.
Fire Procedures (During Work Hours)
4. If a fire is in a building containing dangerous animals, zoo animal department personnel should secure or (if possible) determine if animals are secure before attempting to extinguish a fire or before escorting fire department into any area. These buildings are: -Lion holding -Tiger holding -Snow Leopard/Mountain Lion holding -Bear holding -Treasures of the Tropics building -Hoof stock holding -Bobcat holding -Zoo hospital -Chimpanzee holding and indoor public viewing Only animal staff or fire department personnel should enter an animal holding area if it is safe to do so.
Sever Weather (Tornado Warning) Part 4
5. Evacuate and lock the Tropics Building. The public space of the Aquarium should also be evacuated if time allows. 6. Once tornado has passed a. Animal staff is to assess security of large carnivores before giving an all clear. b. Check zoo grounds and park for visitors with injuries. Injured visitors should be offered first aid. Contact 911 if injuries are severe. c. In the event phone service is not working try Channel 1 on the radio. If that is not effective send one employee off site with radio to inform police and receive instructions. 7. Supervisors should contact their staff members via radio or visual contact. 8. Check all animals for injury or stress and report accordingly. 9. Check all exhibits and facilities for damage and needed repairs.
Animal Escape Part 7
5. Keep radio traffic to a minimum, and proceed to follow the instructions of the situation manager. • When using radio the situation manager should direct everyone's activity. • Acknowledge with your radio number when asked to do something • Interrupt only when absolutely necessary to provide important information to the situation manager • If safely possible, stay between visitors and the animal. Use whatever equipment you have available to protect yourself. Lock public buildings. • If possible a staff member (concessions, gifts, experience, and guest programs) or volunteer should remain with zoo visitors in safe areas to reassure them. • If an animal escapes the zoo grounds, situation manager will request front office or by name a person to call the police. • Animal staff should follow the animal, carry your radio. • Other staff should continue to monitor visitors and should not interfere with animal staff.
Animal Escape Part 8
6. Special instructions for PM escapes and weekend or after hour escapes: • If the situation cannot be easily contained or involves a potentially dangerous carnivore, situation manager should instruct security guard or other staff member to begin phone calls to emergency call list and animal staff. Emergency call lists are hung in sight of each phone in the zoo. • If concession staff, volunteers, or other staff members are on site they should proceed with their escape assignments and assist the situation manager as directed via radio instructions. Remember: • Stay calm. • Protect the visitor, yourself and other staff members. • Protecting the animal is best accomplished by keeping visitors and non-essential personnel away from the area. • Follow the instructions of the emergency situation manager. • Use your radio only to respond to the situation manager or to give the manager essential information. • It will be much easier for a small number of calm, trained animal staff to contain the situation knowing that the rest of the staff is caring for the public and manning the gates.
Animal Escape Part 5
Admissions & Membership Staff: Pull down the "Zoo Closed" sign and not admit any new visitors into zoo (non-dangerous animal escape). • This staff will also be responsible for closing and locking both the service road gate and the main zoo gate. • Refunds will not be given to evacuating visitors. • In the case of a large carnivore / ape escape, staff in these areas will pull down the "Zoo Closed" sign, close/lock both front gates, and evacuate booths to the nearest building (Membership & Volunteer Services building). Front office Staff: Remain in office to relay radio messages and man the phones. • Front office staff is designated to keep their phone lines open and will be responsible for contacting emergency personnel, e-units, etc. as requested by zoo emergency manager. • Other front office staff will man other phones. If incoming call asks for information regarding the situation, simply reply that we have an emergency situation and zoo administration will have a statement when it is resolved.
Fire Procedures (After Zoo Hours)
After Zoo Hours: 1. Zoo security should contact appropriate personnel in the following order: a. Administrator on call b. Fire department (if smoke or flames are visible fire department may be called 1st) 2. Security should meet fire department at bottom of service drive and escort fire department to the fire site. 3. If fire is in a building containing dangerous animals, no one is authorized to enter the building until zoo personnel arrive and determine it is safe to do so. These buildings are: -Lion holding -Tiger holding -Snow Leopard/Mountain Lion holding -Bear holding -Treasures of the Tropics building -Hoof stock holding -Bobcat holding -Zoo hospital -Chimpanzee holding and indoor public viewing Only animal staff or fire department personnel should enter an animal holding area if it is safe to do so.
Diver Down/Snake Bite
Animal Management staff has a procedure for venomous reptile bites and downed divers. Your contribution will be determined, by the situation manager, at the time of the incident. Seasonal staff & volunteers may be used for crowd control or emergency vehicle directions. All seasonal staff & volunteers need to stay in their scheduled areas and continue their work unless directed otherwise by animal management staff. Please do not add any conversations over the radio at this time.
Emergency Evacuation Response Part 2
B. Communications Communications in the event of an emergency will consist primarily of two-way radios to communicate with staff on zoo grounds. All 911 calls are to be made from a land line when possible for quicker and more accurate response. All communication is to follow the Crisis Communication Plan. C. Facility Shutdown In the event of a major threat or emergency, the zoo facilities might be subjected to a shutdown. The decision to order a facilely shutdown will be made by the zoo CEO. In absence of the zoo CEO, the chain of command will follow: Director of Conservation, Education and Animal Care, Director of Operations, General Curator, manager on duty, and then lead staff according to seniority. During this process, all dangerous animals are to be shifted to dens/holding areas first before bringing in additional animals.
Animal Escape Part 5
Concessions, Gift, and Experience Staff: follow the directions provided by manager staff at the time of the animal escape. • There may be particular escaped animal scenarios in which staff will be asked to shut down their stand/venue and move to a safe location. If this is the case, after shutting down stand/venue please assist in guiding visitors to the closest safe location on your way to one. Volunteers and Zoo Interpreters: follow the directions provided by supervisor staff at the time of the animal escape. • There may be particular escaped animal scenarios in which staff will be asked to shut down their interactive venue/activity and move to a safe location. If this is the case, once venue/activity is shut down volunteers and Education staff should assist animal staff in moving visitors into buildings or escorting them from the zoo. Do this as calmly as possible. • Simply tell the visitor we need them to move inside a building or outside the zoo. If you have escorted visitors into a building, stay at the doors to reassure visitors, allow others to come into building and try to prevent visitors from exiting until emergency is over. We cannot legally prevent a visitor from exiting a building but explain the danger involved and suggest firmly that they remain inside.
Bomb Threat
Bomb Threat Procedures: ALL BOMB THREATS ARE CONSIDERED SERIOUS UNTIL DEEMED OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IN AUTHORITY. TAKE NO CHANCES. Threat Received in Person: • REMAIN CALM. Do not run, yell or act in any way that would cause panic. • Go through the motions of meeting demands as much as you can. • Make mental notes about the person: demands, height, weight, clothes, speech, age. • Ask where the device is located and when it will activate. Anyone in the area who can move away unnoticed should call 911 first and then notify manager on duty. DO NOT USE A RADIO. DO NOT spread the word that a bomb threat has been made. Do not make a general evacuation of the building unless ordered to do so by the police, fire department personnel, or manager on duty. Should an explosion occur in another area, stay in your area and await instructions.
Crisis Communication Plan
CRISIS ACTION PLAN: Many types of emergencies can occur at the Zoo. Crisis control is a management responsibility. The first goal in dealing with any emergency is -to protect human life. While the emergency is occurring it is everyone's job to deal with the immediate situation. As soon as possible the Situation Manager should contact or have someone else contact the Zoo CEO and the Media Liaison.
Emergency Evacuation Response Part 3
D. Evacuation In the event of a major threat or emergency, the zoo facilities might be subjected to an evacuation. The decision to order a facility shutdown will be made by the zoo CEO. In absence of the zoo CEO, the chain of command will follow: Director of Conservation, Education and Animal Programs, Director of Operations, General Curator, manager on duty, and then lead staff according to seniority.
Gas leak/ Explosion Hazard
DO NOT ACTIVATE OR DEACTIVATE ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AS THESE MAY CAUSE A SPARK. THIS INCLUDES LIGHT SWITCHES. -Report all utility failures to the Operations Department via radio. -If indoors, open windows and doors. -Sound the fire alarm. -If directed, evacuate the building
Severe Weather (Tornado Warning) Part 2
EX: Radio Announcement should be as follows: Kent County is currently under a tornado warning until (insert time warning expires). A tornado has been sighted near/in (were it was sighted) and is traveling (insert direction it's heading). Please seek shelter and assist visitors into safe areas and switch radios to channel 2. 2. Inform public of warning May I have your attention please; Kent County is currently under a tornado warning until (insert time warning expires). A tornado has been sighted near/in (were it was sighted) and is traveling (insert direction it's heading). Please seek shelter in the following areas: restrooms near the North American Animals or the African Animals, Red's Hobby Farm, Aquarium, or Ball Room Lower Level. If you need assistance please seek out a staff member.
Attractions Emergency Response
Funicular If the funicular stops along the track, the Experiences staff at one of the depots should inform Maintenance over the radio. This should be done on channel 1 by saying - "This is lower/upper depot, we are in need of immediate maintenance staff assistance at the lower/upper depot." Please do not say over the radio that the funicular is stopped on the track. Maintenance staff is then responsible for assessing the situation and determining the best course of action to get the funicular cars back in motion to safely return them back to one of the depots or to evacuate visitors from the cars. If maintenance staff determine its necessary, GRFD will be called to the scene to assist in the evacuation. They will do so by directly calling them at 911 if necessary during after-hours treehouse events. Severe Weather- The funicular should be shut down for any of the following conditions: • If lightning is within 5 miles • thunderstorm warning • tornado warning • tornado watch with lightning within 5 miles • thunderstorm watch with lightning within 5 miles If lightning is within 5 miles, operations staff will most likely disconnect power to the funicular. This is not for visitor safety reasons, but for mechanical reasons.
Attractions Emergency Response Part 2
If a visitor in a car places an emergency call, it should be picked up by the Experiences Manager (normal zoo operating hours) or the Events Manager (evening during event). The person that picks up the phone call is responsible for informing the visitors in the car what is happening by talking with them to gather more information. If the car is stuck along the track, maintenance staff should immediately be called on the radio. If the visitor is in need of medical attention, then the staff member should act according to zoo medical emergency protocols. If the car is stuck on the track, it is the responsibility of the Experiences Manager (normal zoo operating hours) or the Events Manager (evening during event) to inform visitors in the cars about what is happening. This should be done by calling the funicular phone number - 616-233-0647. Upon dialing, you will hear a beep. After that beep, you can dial 1 for car 1, 2 for car 2 and 3 for car 3. You will need to make 3 separate calls to inform visitors that we are aware that the car is stopped and that we are working as quickly as possible to either get the car moving or to facilitate and evacuation of the car. When speaking to the people in the cars, you should always ask for confirmation that they heard the information you shared. The visitors will need re-assurance that we are working to resolve the situation.
Crisis Communication Plan Part 2
If you receive a call from the media, please respond: "I would like to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information. Therefore, let me have our media liaison call you back as soon as we have gathered the facts. I'm sure you can understand that we want to give you an accurate account of the incident When is your deadline?" Never give the reporter second-hand or unconfirmed information. Don't be speculative They may be firm in their questions, but until the media liaison or Zoo spokesperson can answer with accurate information about the incident, do not answer. Simply keep repeating the quote above Remember that this is not the same as "no comment", you are simply trying to get the information for the reporter so he or she can report accurately. NEVER SAY "NO COMMENT".
Fire Procedures (During Working Hours)
In the event of a fire on zoo ground the following plan is to be implemented: Small fires (i.e. smoldering trash barrels) can be put out with fire extinguishers that are available in several buildings throughout the zoo. The first priority in dealing with fires in buildings or on zoo grounds is the safety of the public and employees. During Working Hours: 1. Person discovering fire should notify a supervisor via radio using the appropriate code (Code #4) and give the location of the fire. 2. If the fire is in a public building or there is a danger to the public the area should be evacuated immediately. 3. Administrator (or designated alternate) will do the following: a. Contact the fire department b. Contact the utility companies if appropriate c. Designate staff member to meet fire trucks at gate(s) d. Notify additional zoo departments as needed.
Animal Escape Part 3
In the event of a large carnivore, bear, or large primate escape • Zoo grounds should be evacuated and visitors secured inside buildings. • Personnel in Volunteer Services Office: In the event of a large carnivore escape, announce over PA system: "Attention zoo visitors. We have an emergency situation. We need you to proceed quietly and calmly to the following buildings (list safe areas) or leave the zoo through the front gate. We need you to do this now. Zoo personnel will help direct you to the exits. Please avoid the ________area of the zoo."
Animal Escape
In the event of an animal escape the following procedures should be followed. Day to day variances in staff members may result in modifications depending upon the situation. Always remember • 1st priority is the safety of the zoo visitor. • 2nd priority is your own personal safety and the safety of the rest of the staff. • 3rd priority is the safety of the animal. 1. Stay calm: do not create a panic. • If you are NOT the person first reporting the animal escape (you are in your work area and hear the radio call of an escaped animal) - please refer to section #4 2. If you are the first to witness an animal escape: Notify zoo staff of an escape as quickly as possible. • Use radio to notify by code (i.e. "Code 1 spider monkey on west side of Monkey Island"). Remember to give the animal's location and direction of movement
Emergency Evacuation Response Part 4
In the event of an evacuation, it will be determined by the CEO or the person in charge whether time allows for a facility shutdown. If so, shut down should commence with Zookeepers while other zoo personal proceed with site evacuation. Generally, facility shut down would take place if there is sufficient time to complete the shutdown process without endangering the personnel conducting the shutdown operation. E. Evacuating Visitors Zoo personnel on duty would be alerted via two-way radio or direct verbal communication of the evacuation immediately. Direct verbal communication personnel should focus on directing visitors. Personnel with two-way communication will be used to assist handicapped or incapacitated and insure all patrons have left via the most expedient exit/entrance that is practical. The PA system will also announce the evacuation of the site and give instructions. Depending on the matter or location of the emergency, site evacuation routes should be adhered to.
Animal Escape Part 6
PR Staff and Other Managers: Proceed to service and front zoo gate to deflect media who may have been alerted and to manage zoo visitors, if not needed at situation area. • When an animal escapes, the zoo will be locked down and only emergency service personnel requested by the zoo situation manager should be allowed in. Other Office, Education, Etc. Staff: Monitor radio and respond to requests for assistance from animal personnel. • Staff may be needed to obtain a radio and monitor buildings inside the zoo or to escort visitors from main plaza to front gate, etc. Maintenance Staff: Immediately close and lock all perimeter gates. • Individual members of maintenance staff may be requested via radio to provide assistance or bring equipment to the situation area. Animal Care Staff in the Hospital: Proceed to gather tranquilizer equipment and equipment for shoot team.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Pathogens are germs such as bacteria and viruses that can be carried in the blood and can cause diseases. Precautions: 1.Wash hands correctly and thoroughly 2.Wear disposable (single-use) gloves 3. Use breathable barriers 4.Dispose of materials using biohazard bags and labels Cleaning up contaminated spills: For all scenarios that require clean up( i.e. blood, vomit, ect.)- call for "600 Zoo Grounds" 1. Wear single-use disposable gloves 2.Clean up spills immediately 3.If spill is mixed with sharp objects use tongs, a broom and a dustpan, or two pieces of cardboard. 4. Dispose of absorbent material used to collect the spill in a labeled bio-hazard container. 5. Flood the area with disinfectant solution, and allow it to stand for at least 10 minutes 6.Use appropriate material to absorb the solution and dispose of it in the bio-hazard container.
Animal Escape Part 4
Safe Areas • North American restrooms by bobcat exhibit • Lower level of Red Barn • Off exhibit areas of Living Shores on main level • Administration building • Front hallway in South American holding 4. If the animal escapes into a public access area: • All staff members are expected to be available to manage visitors and protect their safety. • It will be the animal staff's responsibility to deal with the animal. • Please stay away from the area and the animal unless specifically directed to do otherwise by the emergency situation manager. • You help the most by fulfilling your responsibility as listed below and staying out of the way of the animal staff.
Severe Weather (Thunderstorm Watch)
Severe Thunderstorm Watch/Warning: Conditions are such that storms with rain / hail and high winds are possible. A watch is elevated to a warning when a storm of this magnitude is in the area. 1. No specific steps are to be taken unless storm is dangerous (high winds, hail. torrential rain). If possible, Keepers should consult with the Animal Management Supervisor, General Curator, Director of Animal Programs, or CEO concerning the need to bring large carnivores/ African hoof stock off exhibit. In the event of high winds, hail or torrential rain large carnivores, chimpanzees and African hoof stock should be brought inside.
Active Shooter/ Armed Intruder
Take Cover and Protect Yourself! REMAIN CALM. Follow all instructions from the intruder and stay calm. • Notify by radio emergency, location, details and repeat. • Evacuate the area immediately. Evacuate all personnel, if safe to do so, employees, guests, volunteers, anyone in the area of the armed intruder/active shooter • Hide out. Remain out of sight and in a locked area if possible. Close doors, blinds and drapes. • Cancel the emergency when it is safe to do so. All employees, follow directions from the radio and maintain radio silence. Be ready to implement zoo lockdown or evacuation if ordered to do so. Manager on duty or designee, Call 911 immediately and inform them we have an armed intruder or active shooter on zoo grounds.
Emergency Evacuation Response Part 1
This plan was developed to establish guidelines for actions to be taken to protect John Ball Zoo employees, visitors and animals during the threat or the event of natural or technological emergencies. In the event of a crisis situation, the following guidelines have been established in order to manage events with efficiency and professionalism. To ensure that this plan continues to meet the needs of the John Ball Zoo, it will be reviewed and updated if necessary on an annual basis. A. Direction and Control The zoo CEO will be in charge of all operations, communications, and evacuation notices and assistance from and coordination with other agencies with respect to any emergency or disaster situation involving zoo's personnel, visitors or animals. In absence of the zoo CEO, the chain of command will follow: Director of Conservation, Education and Animal Care, Director of Operations, General Curator, manager on duty, and then lead staff according to seniority.
Bomb Threat Part 2
Threat Received by Phone: • Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. • Have another person call 911. Inform 911 you are on another line (give them the number) with a person warning that a bomb has been planted somewhere in the zoo. • Listen for background noises, unusual words or phrases or anything that might aid in identifying the caller. Politely ask the caller to repeat the information. Record every word spoken, if possible. If the location or detonation time is not given, ask the caller to provide this information, but do not insist if they become argumentative. • Do not hang up the phone when the caller breaks the connection. Immediately after the caller hangs up, notify the manager on duty of the threat. • When the call is over and the appropriate personnel and agencies have been notified, write down all the information that you can remember. Threat Received by Letter: • Do not handle the letter or envelope unnecessarily. • Immediately report the threat to your supervisor or manager on duty.
Severe Weather (Tornado Warning)
Tornado has been sighted in the area. In most cases a watch is announced before a warning. Most Senior Staff member on site should take the lead. 1. Notify a. Zoo staff via radios b. Main office during office hours c. Admissions d. Concessions Main office will send out an All Staff Email indicating that the watch is in effect. CEO should also be directly informed.
Severe Weather (Tornado Watch)
Weather conditions are such that a tornado is possible. Most Senior Staff member on site should take the lead. 1. Notify a. Zoo staff via radios b. Admissions Booth c. Main Office during office hours d. Visitor Services Managers - Food Service, Gift, and Experiences Main office will send out an All Staff Email indicating that the watch is in effect. CEO should also be directly informed.
Animal Escape Part 2
• In the event you do not have a radio, station yourself to safely observe the animal and send someone else (this can include a visitor) to notify a staff member who has a radio. 3. First staff member to notice escape controls the radio traffic and stays within visual contact (do not approach) until a member of the animal care team or senior personnel arrive. • Once an animal care team or senior personnel arrives, they then announce their presence over the radio and begin to direct the staff.