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The
George Washington University Medical Center - ALERT Information Important Numbers |
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| Avian Flu | GWUMC Status | Campus Advisories | GWUMC Home Page | |
| Readiness | Bomb Threat | Evacuation Procedures | Shelter in Place | |
| Mail Handling | Hospital Codes | Other Important Nos. | Special Accommodations | |
As you may know, President George W. Bush has declared that preparing for Avian Influenza, or the “bird flu,” is a national priority . As a University community, we are taking the issue seriously and are currently developing contingency plans for an Avian Influenza pandemic should it become a concern to our students, faculty and staff. This notice seeks to keep all members of the GW community updated on our planning efforts.
What is Avian Influenza?
The current strain of Avian Influenza has infected birds in about one dozen countries overseas with the majority of cases found in Southeast Asia; however, recent cases have been reported in Turkey. While human cases have been confirmed, they have been mainly confined to those individuals who have had direct contact with infected birds. However, influenza viruses are unpredictable and it is difficult to accurately pinpoint if, when or how this disease might evolve or spread. We are currently preparing for the possibility that Avian Influenza could mutate and become a virus that easily spreads between humans. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is constantly monitoring the situation and updating its information. It has crafted an informative question and answer section on Avian Influenza. For more information go to www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/qa.htm.
What is GW doing to prepare?
Just as we did at the onset of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS, President Trachtenberg has formed a task force to look at the current scientific data about the disease and develop recommendations for the community. From these recommendations, we are formulating an interim policy that could affect University-related travel and University operations if enacted.
In addition to forming the Avian Influenza Task Force, other preparations have been made by the GW Hospital. The hospital has developed specialized plans to address a contagious disease outbreak and a major influx of patients and has stockpiled supplies such as masks. Currently, there is no bird flu vaccine available to the public. GW has been able to obtain only a very limited supply of Tamiflu, an antiviral used for regular flu that might be helpful against avian influenza. However, in the case of an outbreak, we plan to work with local and federal authorities to obtain additional supplies and medications if available.
As always, we will be in touch with the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that we make our decisions with the latest health information available. Any travel restrictions that we recommend for faculty, staff and students will follow the CDC and WHO guidelines. At this time, there are no travel advisories or alerts to countries where Avian Influenza is prevalent. Should travel advisories or alerts be issued, all University sponsored study abroad program assignments will be reviewed. In addition, faculty, staff or students returning from a country where there is a travel advisory or alert may be asked to monitor their health for up to ten days after their return.
In the event of a pandemic in our region, the University will consider measures like temporarily suspending classes or closing down based on consultations with national, regional and local health officials. Alternative work locations and policies enabling staff to work from home are also being explored. Additionally, accommodations will be provided for students who cannot leave campus in the event the University shuts down. As always, specific circumstances will dictate our response.
How can we as individuals prepare?
Most steps individuals can take to prevent transmission of Avian Influenza are the same steps regularly recommended to prevent the seasonal flu, which affects millions every year. There are a number of steps you can take to keep healthy. Firstly, we encourage everyone to get a flu vaccine. Regular hand washing, covering your cough and sneeze, and staying home if you are sick are common sense steps you can take to help reduce your risk of contracting the flu. For further information we recommend you check out the federal government’s page at www.pandemicflu.gov.
How can we stay informed?
We will utilize all communications channels within our community to provide updates as necessary including www.gwu.edu, www.gwumc.edu and the GW status hotline: 202-994-5050.
As always, our first mission is to keep you informed during this emerging world health concern. Our Avian Flu Task Force continues to meet regularly and to ensure our Interim Policy is consistent with new information as it becomes available. While Avian Influenza has shown no signs of becoming a worldwide pandemic, we feel obligated to be prepared for any scenario and are intent on focusing on maintaining a safe and healthy University community.
The Homeland Security Council set the national threat level at yellow ("elevated"). GW's coordination with federal and local government officials continues and the University Police Department will continue to operate in a state of heightened awareness.
This and the University Web site will be the primary vehicles to inform the GW community, so please visit it frequently. Updated information also will be available through the GW Recorded Information Line at (202) 994-5050. The Campus Advisories website can be accessed directly from the GW homepage, www.gwu.edu or directly at www.gwu.edu/~gwalert. For future updates about GW, please visit this Web site or call GW’s Recorded Information Line at 202-994-5050. back to top
As our nation grapples with the changing status of alert levels, we remain vigilant. Our safety plans for Ross Hall have been thoroughly reviewed and updated to ensure the utmost security. We are prepared for many scenarios and feel confident that we can exercise these plans efficiently if all of us take responsibility for our own safety and the safety of our co-workers.
Let me remind all of you that wearing GWorld identification cards at all times is the first line of defense. Valid GWorld cards will be swiped at the security desk upon entering Ross Hall. Individuals without a valid GWorld card will be required to sign in and produce valid identification. In addition, it would behoove all of us to review fire, evacuation and other safety procedures. You can do this by going to the safety website at www.gwumc.edu/research/labsafety.htm. This will give you information about safety and facilities procedures. It is important to remember that we have a certified safety specialist on call 24 hours a day. In addition, this website will link you to other websites with pertinent information about your personal safety.
Stop Work—secure research materials—principal investigators are
encouraged to regularly back-up and store data and other non-replaceable
information
Gather ALL personal belongings and take them with you
Close Doors—do NOT lock them
Use the nearest stairwell—do NOT use the elevators
Exit the building at ground level—move at least 100 feet away from the
building; look out for responding emergency vehicles
Report to your supervisor
REMAIN OUTSIDE BUILDINGS UNTIL FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Individuals who refuse to leave buildings must be reported to the Office of Laboratory Safety and Compliance and the University Police Department. Do not attempt to force someone to leave—report the individual(s) to whoever is conducting the evacuation.
Anyone who requires special assistance or accommodation to evacuate should contact the Office of Research Safety, Biosecurity and Emergency Management at 202-994-3282.
If we are mandated to stay in the building, there will be notification via our email listserv, NetWare server and/or telephone system, if available, or by messenger.
In the weeks ahead, we will be visiting departments floor by floor to review our procedures. Each of you will be asked to take a role in working together in an emergency and will be trained on what your role is.
The most important thing to remember is that in these times of uncertainty, we must remain calm and focused. Our objective is to maintain a safe environment and you can help us do that by being informed on our policies and reinforcing the message to colleagues.
John F. Williams, MD, EdD, MPH
Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs
Any medical center building may be evacuated for fire, gas fumes, bomb threat, suspected terrorist activity, hazardous materials spill or release, or other incidents that may compromise the health and safety of building occupants.
Evacuation is best accomplished by an alarm. The automatic alarm—audio tone/public address/strobe light alarm system—will sound. Upon noticing the alarm, receiving notification from command staff or by direction of the fire or police department, all employees MUST evacuate the building. Individuals who refuse to leave buildings must be reported to the Office of Research Safety, Biosecurity and Emergency Management and the University Police Department. Do not attempt to force someone to leave—report the individual(s) to whoever is conducting the evacuation.
Stop Work—secure research materials—principal investigators are
encouraged to regularly back-up and store data and other non-replaceable
information
Gather and take ALL personal belongings
Close Doors—do NOT lock them
Use the nearest stairwell—do NOT use the elevators
Exit the building at ground level—move at least 100 feet away from the
building; look out for responding emergency vehicles
Report to your supervisor
REMAIN OUTSIDE BUILDINGS UNTIL FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Anyone who requires special assistance or accommodation to evacuate should contact the Office of Laboratory Safety and Compliance at 202-994-3282.
Please remember that ID’s must be displayed at all times
Should an alarm occur during classes, faculty will facilitate the evacuation of students.
Gather ALL personal belongings and
take them with you.
Use the nearest stairwell—do NOT use the elevators.
Exit the building at ground level—move at least 100 feet
away from the building; look out for responding vehicles.
Students would use the following evacuation routes:
REMAIN OUTSIDE BUILDINGS UNTIL FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
When the fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building using the stairwells not the elevator
Evacuate the building through any fire door exit and congregate on the sidewalks in front of Ross Hall—not in the courtyard or walkway/driveway between 23rd Street and the courtyard
If you discover a fire: 1) remove anyone in danger 2)activate the fire alarm pull station 3) call University policy at 994-7113 and provide your name, location, and the size or type of fire; and 4) evacuate the building. The office of Laboratory Safety can be reached at 994-3282.
If you receive a bomb threat call or a suspicious package, immediately call University Police at 994-6111 or page the safety specialists at 202-994-3282.
After a threat evaluation, the Medical Center administration and University Police Department will decide whether to not to evacuate. If an evacuation is ordered, please follow the evacuation procedures.
If an emergency involves the roof, 6th or 5th floors, evacuate immediately. ALL employees of the 6th floor and students should familiarize themselves with the exit routes located within the hospital. In the event of an evacuation, employees and students should pay attention to fire alarms and other notification warnings. In the event of a hospital evacuation:
Stop work
Gather ALL personal belongings and take them with you
Close doors—do NOT lock them
Use the nearest stairwell—do NOT use the elevators
Exit the building at ground level and report immediately to your supervisor.
Supervisors SHALL notify GWUMC administration when all employees are accounted
for
Hospital Security 202-715-5000
Code Pink |
Baby missing, Building Locked Down |
Code Purple |
VIP in building. Stairwells may be Blocked/Closed |
Code Orange |
Hospital Disaster Plan Activated Listen for Details |
Code Yellow |
Bomb Threat Listen for Details |
Code Blue |
Resuscitation Team Needed in Hospital |
Code White/Yellow |
Trauma Victim Arriving |
GWUMC Offers Guidelines for Mail Handling
We ask that everyone keep in mind that a hazardous agent can be enclosed in either a package or an envelope. However, some unique characteristics may assist the identification of a suspect mailing. Here are some items to remember when receiving mail:
If you are suspicious of a mailing and are unable to verify the contents with the addressee or sender:
The following information regarding the handling of suspicious mail is supplied by the United States Postal Service:
What constitutes a "suspicious parcel?"
Some typical characteristics Postal Inspectors have detected over the years, which should trigger suspicion, include parcels that:
What should I do if I've received a suspicious parcel in the mail?
What should I do if I receive an anthrax threat by mail?
Again, if you receive suspicious mail, please contact University Police immediately at 994-6111.
Please refer to the GW website (www.gwu.edu) for updates on the University's status and related information. You are also encouraged to familiarize yourself with the GW Police website (gwired.gwu.edu/upd) for information on emergency procedures.
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