MSU POLICE - Emergency Management

Two major railroad lines run through the Michigan State University campus. A significant number of trains traverse the campus on a daily basis. Many of these trains contain large containers of extremely hazardous chemicals.

The safety record for these trains has been very good. The tracks and the railcars are all kept in good repair. The chance for an accident with a hazardous materials release is small. However, if such a release does occur, it could present a very serious risk to residents of University Apartments.

This information is intended to provide a guide to being prepared to survive such an event.

Basically there are two options to consider during a hazardous materials release event:

1. Evacuation to a safe location away from any hazardous chemical plume or any explosive fumes.

2. Sheltering in place, in your apartment, by making your shelter air tight.

Which option you choose will depend on a number of factors and recommendations by emergency response personnel. Knowing and preparing for these options will very likely protect you and your family from serious injury.

1. Evacuation

If conditions permit, you may be directed to evacuate your apartment and move to a safe location. This location may be one of your own choosing or one identified by emergency personnel. Whichever option you choose, you will need to move several miles away from the area until you are authorized to return. If evacuation is the prescribed action, please consider the following:

A. If possible, evacuate in your own vehicle. This will provide you with needed transportation during the evacuation period.

B. If you do not have or cannot use your own vehicle, the University will summon CATA buses to aid in the evacuation.

C. Evacuate away from the accident location and if possible, at right angles to the wind.

D. Remember that an evacuation may last for several hours or even days. Be sure to take essential items with you, medications, pets, some clothing, health aids, telephone contact lists.

E. Monitor local radio and television for updated information about the accident and evacuation.

2. Sheltering in Place

A railroad accident could result in an immediate release of hazardous materials. Wind direction and wind speed could potentially aggravate the hazardous conditions and prevent you from safely evacuating the area. Your only choice in these conditions is to seek shelter in your own apartment.

This can be a very effective protective measure, however, it does require some preparation. Your main goal in sheltering in place is to make your apartment air tight to prevent outside air from entering. To do this you should prepare a shelter in place kit and instruct all family members on how to use it. The kit should consist of at least the following items:

A. Plastic sheeting, large enough to cover all windows.

B. Duct type tape to secure the plastic to the windows and to tape the doors.

C. Towels or rags to place along the lower edges of exterior doors.

D. Flashlight in the event that power has been disrupted.

E. A portable radio to monitor local news for instructions and situation updates.

F. Your shelter in place location should also have access to a telephone and some food supplies.


Sheltering in place is recommend only if evacuation is too dangerous due to the spread of the hazardous substance.

HOW TO SHELTER IN PLACE

If sheltering in place is recommended, you should do the following:

1. Turn off all air conditioners and fans.

2. Close and seal all exterior windows and doors using your sheltering kit.

3. Monitor local radio and/or television for details and instructions.