Emergency Management Procedures for SCCi Preserves
Adopted 30 June 2001
Responsibilities of the
Property User or Visitor
In the event of an accident or emergency at an SCCi cave or preserve, the first responsibility of a caver or visitor is to notify the local Emergency Management Agency, usually by dialing 911.
After notifying the authorities, call the SCCi property manager for the preserve. If the property manager cannot be reached, call the Conservancy Chair or one of the other Conservancy contacts provided.
The role of the SCCi property manager is similar to that of a landowner or landowner's agent. In the event of an emergency at your preserve, your job as a property manager is to notify the authorities, be the Conservancy's representative, and provide information and assistance to emergency response agencies or personnel. It is not your job to perform rescues.
In the event of an accident, injury, or other emergency at an SCCi cave or preserve involving the need for rescue, medical treatment, fire suppression, or other emergency service, the first responsibility of the SCCi property manager is to notify the Emergency Management Agency which has responsibility for the preserve. This is usually accomplished by dialing 911 if you are at or near the preserve. If you are not in the county where the preserve is located, you may need to call the number for the responsible agency directly.
Once the proper agency has been notified, your next responsibility is to inform the Conservancy by notifying the Chair. If you cannot reach the Chair, call the Secretary or the Treasurer. If you cannot reach an officer, call each of the Directors until you reach a director or officer.
Property managers are not to engage in rescue or related activities themselves unless they were with the party at the time the incident occurred, or they are a member of an agency with the legal responsibility to respond.
Once you have notified the authorities and the Conservancy, your job is to support the response effort by providing information about the cave or preserve, including maps, logistical information, and your knowledge of the cave. Take your property files, maps, and caving gear and go to the property. Identify yourself to the authorities and provide information and support as requested. Take a notebook and keep records of your contacts and actions.
Check List for
Property Managers
ÿ Immediately call the responsible Emergency Management Agency (911 or direct number).
ÿ Contact the SCCi Chair, or an officer or Director
ÿ Go to the property as a representative of the SCCi
ÿ Provide information and support to the emergency response as needed
ÿ Prepare a report of the incident for the SCCi Board of Directors
Ideas
1. Property managers need a call-down list of SCCi officers and directors.
2. Each property manager must know what agency has the emergency management responsibility for his preserve and how to contact that agency. If the property manager lives outside the local calling area of the preserve, he should have the direct number for the appropriate emergency response agency.
3. Property managers should have copies of property maps and cave maps in their files to provide to the emergency response personnel.
4. Emergency management contact information should be posted at each SCCi property. All properties with information kiosks should have instructions on whom to contact in case of an incident.
5. The contact information should include the Local Emergency Management Agency, The Property Manager, and the Chairman of the Board.