SAMPLE
PSAP EVACUATION PROCEDURE

Purpose.

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for safe and efficient evacuation of the Public Safety Answering Point (the “PSAP”) facility.  When an emergency such as a fire, bomb threat, natural disaster or the release of hazardous materials threatens the lives or personal safety of communications personnel, a complete or partial evacuation of the PSAP may be necessary.  In the interest of maintaining 9-1-1 call answering services and retain the ability to quickly resume emergency service dispatch operations, the following shall occur.

Procedure.

1.  When no immediate threat to life has been identified, only non-essential personnel shall be evacuated.  The PSAP supervisor, or other available command staff, will identify essential personnel as the number of PSAP operators necessary to maintain minimum PSAP operations.

2.  When an actual life-threatening emergency exists, the supervisor or other command staff shall order the immediate evacuation of the PSAP.  Prior to evacuation, if time permits, logoff or remove phone jack to make the station “busy”. Immediately after evacuation, notification that PSAP operations are being abandoned shall be made to Consolidated Communications, Inc. (CCI) Emergency Response Center (ERC) at 866-984-3911 and to the backup PSAP (and others at the local level as required).

3.  All PSAP personnel evacuating the PSAP will meet outside the building at a pre-designated location to assess the condition with supervisory personnel and await further assignment.

4.  If safety permits, the call taker will transmit a message via radio to affected public safety agencies that the communication center is being evacuated.  If unable to transmit such a message, the call taker shall request that the backup PSAP contact those agencies.

5.  Depending upon the anticipated duration of the evacuation, the dispatch supervisor or director may assign staff to travel to the backup PSAP to assist in the call answering and dispatch functions.  (Alternative) Dispatch staff may relocate to the designated backup local communication facility (i.e. central fire station, EMA office, or mobile facility) and notify the backup PSAP to transfer 911 calls to that location for dispatching of emergency services.

6.  Once authorized to return to the PSAP, the CCI ERC shall be contacted and notified of the ability to resume taking emergency calls.  The backup PSAP shall also be notified.

(Note:  This sample policy is for guidance and reference purposes to assist Public Safety Answer Points (PSAPs) in developing individualized policies.  Any policy adopted by a PSAP should be tailored to its specific situation and resources and comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation, workplace safety and anti-discrimination laws.  Where appropriate, PSAPs should consult with legal counsel.  The State of Maine makes no representations with respect to the appropriateness of this sample policy as it pertains to individual PSAPs and assumes no liability with respect to any third-party claim.  This sample policy is of a general informational and educational nature.  This sample policy is provided with the understanding that it is not legal advice or intended to create an evidentiary standard, or a standard of care or safety that is not otherwise established in the industry.)

4/1/2019