Emergency Color Code System

We have developed an emergency color code system that identifies a particular type of emergency by a particular color. We encourage staff to familiarize themselves with this system so that the nature of a particular emergency can be communicated quickly and succinctly to first responders and to other staff members. We particularly recommend that staff who utilize hand-held radios in the work place become familiar with this color-code system. Be advised there has been no Emergency Color Code System adopted for the University. Therefore, this is a DSA-developed system.

Emergency Procedure Recommended Guidelines for DSA Departments

In December 2005, the Division of Student Affairs organized a Risk Management Committee. The committee is comprised of representatives from every department in the DSA. The Emergency Procedures sub committee was developed to assist DSA departments in developing protocols for emergency action plans and procedures. This committee met in the 2006 spring and summer semesters and created the emergency procedures codes and emergency action plan template. These codes and procedures would include all reasonable emergency situations in the workplace.

Recommendations for use of the emergency codes and procedures are as follows:

• Use the emergency codes and procedures as a guide or a resource tool to develop your own department's emergency procedures.
• Use this guide as a quick reference near all emergency phones.
• The following codes were established for the Emergency code procedures flip chart (click on each link for descriptions/procedures):

• It is recommended that your department schedules initial training and annual training for all staff on these emergency codes and procedures
• Resources available to assist you with establishing emergency codes, procedures, and training include:
  • Environmental Health and Safety
  • FSU Police Department
  • FSU Legal Counsel
  • DSA Risk Management Committee
• Each department establish a risk assessment or risk management team
• Each department has designated staff trained in CPR for the professional rescuer, automated external defibrillation (AED) and Oxygen administration. Encourage certification.

Recommended emergency equipment for departments:

• Encourage installation of panic buttons. FSU PD can provide recommendations for your department.
• Provide AED equipment at designated building sites with trained staff.
• Have a designated location for First Aid kits.
• First Aid kits should include the following:
  • 1"x3" bandages - 10 count
  • 2"x4" bandages - 10 count
  • Gauze pads - 10 count
  • Roller gauze - 2
  • Adhesive tape
  • Band aids
  • Ice pack
  • Pocket mask for breathing emergencies
  • Antibiotic
  • Non-latex gloves
  • Scissors
  • Biohazard cleanup kit.
• Have first aid stations and AED equipment (if available) labeled and easily recognized for emergencies
• Have an evacuation procedure for your facility. Practice this evacuation annually.
• Provide emergency evacuation maps at your facility
• Have an emergency flashlight for power outages. Have spare batteries
• Have a weather radio on site
• Have visible exit signs in good working order for your facility
• Have written procedures to assist people with disabilities during an evacuation