EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

 

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

 

Call 847.835.8321 from an outside line (e.g. mobile phone), dial extension 8321 (the Membership & Information Desk) from a Garden phone, or call Security on radio channel 2 immediately. Answer all questions and follow all instructions given by Security or Membership personnel.

 

FIRE/EXPLOSION/GENERAL EVACUATION

 

If you see signs of a fire (e.g., smell smoke or see flames), and do not hear the fire alarm, dial extension 8321 or Security on radio channel 2 from a safe location or pull the nearest fire alarm.

 

If you hear the fire alarm or are told to evacuate the building:

1. Immediately shut down all hazardous operations (e.g., cooking, welding, etc.).
2. Follow all instructions of the emergency coordinators (they will be wearing orange vests).
3. Do not stop to gather personal articles or put things away.
4. Accompany and assist visitors, disabled persons, and/or any coworkers who appear to need direction and/or assistance.
5. Shut (but do not lock) all doors behind you as you go. Closed doors can slow the spread of fire and smoke.
6. Proceed as quickly as possible out of the building via the safest route you can determine. Do so in an orderly manner. Walk—do not run. Do not push or shove. Hold handrails when using stairs. Do not use the elevators.
7. Once out of the building, move away from the structure.
8. Proceed to the nearest designated assembly area (see chart below) and wait there for further instructions. Do not block the street or driveways.
9. No one except authorized personnel assisting with the evacuation may remain inside, or return into, any affected area unless and until instructed to do so by security or emergency response personnel.

 

SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES

 

• Once a severe weather warning has been issued, communication will be disseminated via radio or in person. Anyone in greenhouses or outdoors should move indoors and away from windows immediately.
• Once the Glencoe Village Early Warning Siren sounds, the Garden’s P.A. System will deliver notices of severe weather and/or instructions to move to shelter will be given by Security or an emergency coordinator. Proceed immediately to the nearest designated shelter area (see chart below). The emergency coordinator for the nearest indoor area will help to direct you to the shelter area, if necessary. Remain in that area until Security advises that it is safe to leave.
• If you are responsible for other members of your department, volunteers, or guests who are out on the Garden grounds, notify them that they are to move to shelter. If necessary, enlist the assistance of Security.
• If weather forces a Garden closure, staff will be notified via Everbridge. Further updates, if inquiring before or after operating hours, will be sent via Everbridge and posted at www.emergencyclosingcenter.com (prior registration on this system is required to receive an auto-notification).

 

 

 

BOMB THREAT/SUSPICIOUS OBJECT

 

If you receive a threatening phone call, follow these steps:

1. Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest. Try to keep the caller talking so that you can gather more information.
2. If possible, write a note to a colleague to call Security, or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify Security on radio channel 2 or call extension 8321 (the Membership & Information Desk).
3. Write down as much information as you can as soon as possible about the call.

 

If you receive a written threat or a suspicious parcel, or if you find a suspicious object anywhere on the premises, follow these steps:

1. Keep anyone from handling it or going near it.
2. Immediately notify Security on radio channel 2 or call extension 8321.
3. Promptly write down everything you can remember about receiving the letter or parcel, or about finding the object.

 

UTILITY FAILURE

 

Steps in the event of a power outage in your area:

1. Remain calm.
2. Remain where you are and open all available blinds/shades/curtains to receive more outside light.
3. If you are in an area without lights, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.
4. Call extension 8321 (the Membership & Information Desk) or Security on radio channel 2 to report the outage.
5. If you are told to evacuate by Security or an Emergency Coordinator, assist others as necessary and proceed to the nearest Assembly Area.
6. If you are in an elevator, remain calm and use the intercom or emergency button to alert Security.

Further instructions will be communicated to staff based on the duration and severity of the outage.

 

ACTIVE SHOOTER/LOCKDOWN PROCEDURE

 

Steps if you are informed that a “Lockdown” is in effect:

1. Remain calm.
2. If you are in clear, immediate danger in your present location and it is possible to escape from the building or area you are in, do so by the nearest exit.
3. Move out of hallways and open areas to look for a well-hidden and protected room with a locking door. If the door will not lock, look for objects to barricade it with, if necessary.
4. Avoid tight places that might trap or restrict your movement.
5. Turn off lights and noisy devices.
6. Try to stay silent.
7. If you have important information about the emergency, call Security at extension 8321. Alternatively, if you know exactly how to describe where you are within the Garden, call 911 if it is safe to do so.
8. Do not leave your lockdown area until you receive an “All Clear” message or are instructed to move by police or Security.
9. If you are instructed by police or security to leave your area, move quickly. Leave your belongings behind.

 

 

 

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

 

If you witness any suspicious or potentially dangerous behavior, or if you witness a criminal act, contact Security on radio channel 2 or by calling extension 8321 immediately.

 

Please use the chart below for quick reference:

 

Garden Area	Assembly Area (for evacuation)	Shelter Area (for severe weather)
Administrative Center	Parking lot 4	Lower-level hallways
Regenstein Center	Rose Garden	Lower-level hallways
Visitor Center	Picnic area beside parking lot 2	North hallway (behind shop and off-loading dock) and restrooms of the V.C.
Grainger Center	Lawn area by weather station south of building	East and west hallways
Treinens Headhouse and Finke Greenhouses	Lawn on West side of the East Road	Restrooms, Locker Room, Conference Room
Plant Conservation Science Center	Plant Evaluation Garden (across East Road)	Stairwells, restrooms, and mud room in dock area in Plant Science Center
Maintenance Building	Lawn area northwest of construction building	Lower-level hallways
Construction Building	Lawn area south of the Grainger Center	Lunch room
Butterfly & Blooms Pavilion	Butterfly Terrace behind Learning Center	Learning Center restrooms/basement
Model Railroad Garden	Esplanade	Regenstein Center lower-level hallways
Learning Center West (Classroom 5 and West)	Butterfly Terrace behind Learning Center	Learning Center restrooms/basement
Learning Center East (Classroom 6 and East)	Children’s Growing Garden	Learning Center restrooms/basement
Children’s Growing Garden	Butterfly Terrace behind Learning Center	Learning Center restrooms/basement
Kleinman Cove	Butterfly Terrace behind Learning Center	Learning Center restrooms/basement
Fruit & Vegetable Garden	Esplanade	F & V Learning Center and restrooms
Evening Island	Lawn east of Prairie Road	Restrooms
Gatehouse	Lot #6	Gatehouse Supply room
McGinley Pavilion	Rose Garden	Regenstein Center lower-level hallways
All other Garden areas	Closest Assembly Area listed	Closest shelter area listed