Policy Text
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MJ/RCCC
OPERATIONS ORDER
Natural Disasters
The purpose of this Order is to define several potential natura l disasters and outline
procedures for custody staff to follow in the event the Main Jail and the Rio Cosumnes
Correctional Center (RCCC) are affected.
I. Policy
Custody staff will respond to natural disasters that affect a f acility in a manner that will
maintain the security of the facility and ensure the safety of the public, the staff, and the
prisoners. Custody staff will endeavor to return the facility to full operation as soon as it
is practical.
II. Overview
A. Natural disasters minima lly include earthquakes, floods and tornadoes.
B. Emergency incidents may occur in unison with or subsequent t o a natural
disaster. Staff should be famili ar with and ready to implement emergency
procedures as outlined in Chapter 3 of the Operations Orders.
C. The facility may suffer isolation from all forms of relief, support or
communication for an extended per iod, depending on the form, se verity
and time of the disaster.
D. Natural disasters may inte rrupt telephone service and electr ical power. If
this occurs, electronically controlled doors will have to be ac cessed with
keys.
1. Custody staff may be assigned to sally port doors to control access
and provide security.
2. At the Main Jail , elevator service may be interrupted and the
stairwells may be the only fo rm of access to a housing unit.
E. Travel to and from the facility may be hindered or impossibl e. On-duty
personnel may be unable to leave.
F. Water supply to the facility may be cut off or become contam inated. The
use of the sewer system may be affected and continued use may c ause
sewer backup into t he housing units.
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MJ/RCCC III. Earthquakes
A. Earthquakes may create electr omagnetic fields, which elimina te radio
communication. The use of custody staff as message runners may
become necessary.
B. Damage to the facility can vary from no damage to severe str uctural
damage. Aftershocks may cause vital damage in a facility weake ned by
the initial earthquake.
C. During an earthquake, custody staff should remain indoors an d also take
cover under a desk, table, or doorway. Custody staff should als o endeavor
to direct prisoners to turn away from glass panes and take cove r under a
desk, table, or doorway.
IV. Flood
A. Lower floors may need to evacuate to higher ground. In a mo re severe
situation, the entire facilit y may need to be evacuated.
B. Employees should be watchful of domestic or wild animals see king shelter
or higher ground. Frightened or i njured animals may be dangero us and
should not be approached.
V. Tornadoes
A. Tornado winds estimated to reac h as high as 300 miles per ho ur and/or a
sudden reduction in air pressure may cause severe damage to the facility.
1. A structure incapable of equal izing the rapid change in air pressure
may explode.
B. During a tornado, custody staff should remain indoors and al so take cover
under a desk, table, or doorway. C ustody staff should also ende avor to
direct prisoners to turn away from glass panes and take cover u nder a
desk, table, or doorway.
VI. Custody Staff Response
A. In the event a natural disaster has or will occur and has or will affect
facility operations staff shall:
1. Cancel all prisoner activitie s and implement lockdown proced ures.
2. Secure prisoners in a safe c onfinement area which may includ e
cells, pods, housing units, multi purpose rooms, and/or indoor a nd
outdoor recreation areas.
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MJ/RCCC 3. Escort visitors to a safe ar ea or out of the building if nee ded.
Elevators shall not be used unt il inspected by a qualified elev ator
mechanic.
4. Notify Central Control at the Main Jail or Booking Control at RCCC .
5. Assess if any injuries have o ccurred and/or any damages have
occurred to the assigned work station.
a. If injuries have occurred and it is safe to do so, first-aid
should be rendered and m edical aid summoned.
b. If chemical spills, broken glass, or fallen objects are pres ent,
they shall be cleaned up as soon as practical.
B. If a gas leak is discovered custody staff shall not touch light switches,
allow an open flame, use radios o r telephones, or use electric doors.
C. If necessary, a supervisor may summon the Custody Emergency
Response Team (CERT) to a pre-designated area for reassignment.
Additional staff may be summoned as needed.
1. At least one deputy will remain in any prisoner holding area .
2. Custody staff shall remain at his/her assignment unless summ oned
by a supervisor.
VII. Long Term Isolation
A. Water Supply
1. If the water system becomes inoperable, an outside vendor wi ll
provide drinking water if possible or inmate workers may be tak en
outside the facility to g