CAMP EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

  Emergency situations must be reported immediately to the Camp Director or a senior staff member. 

  All camp-wide emergencies are under the direction and supervision of the Camp Director. Everyone is expected to cooperate and follow instructions of the Camp Director or his/her designee.  This will help to ensure everyone’s safety and to resolve the emergency expeditiously.

  All Scouts and leaders must be familiar with basic camp emergency procedures and emergency signals. An emergency drill will be held within 24 hours of the start of each camp session.

  Fire fighting equipment is located in each campsite and throughout camp, and it should not be tampered with. There is a $25.00 fee to recharge fire extinguishers that have been maliciously discharged.

  Do not panic and remain calm.

Camp Mobilization Procedures

  The camp emergency signal (depending on the camp) consists of a siren or a series of three horn blasts. We have ten minutes to assemble everyone once the signal is given!

  Everyone should proceed quickly and safely to assigned assembly areas. Campers and leaders assemble as they do before meals. If the emergency is in this area, a staff member will direct everyone to assemble in the parking lot. Unless they have already been given emergency instructions, staff members report to the camp office.

  All camp programs and activities will cease, and staff members in those areas will remain until their area is clear of campers before continuing.

  Adult leaders in cabins or campsites should assist in clearing everyone out of the area, making sure that no one is left behind or asleep. However, leaders should not return to their cabin or campsite if they are already in another area of camp, but should proceed directly to the assembly area.

  Leaders should take roll of who is present and missing. This should be reported to the Camp Commissioner when called for.

  Campers and leaders remain assembled until further instructions are given or until the all clear is sounded.

Lost and Missing Persons

  Please remember that camp has activities available over a large area, with on-property hikes to remote areas. Most “lost” Scout situations involve a Scout or leader not knowing where another Scout is, rather than the Scout actually being lost.

  First, search the camping area thoroughly – tents, latrines, and the immediate vicinity.

  Second, check areas where the Scout was last reported to have been seen or been heading.

  If a person misses a scheduled meal without prior notification, they are to be considered missing.

  Treat all reports of missing persons seriously.  Notify the Camp Director immediately of who is missing, where he was last seen, when he was last seen, what unit and campsite he is in, and any other pertinent information.  The Camp Director will determine a plan for the search.  Camp Mobilization may become necessary to determine if multiple persons are missing.

Medical Emergencies

  Administer first aid to the patient at the location of injury - program area or campsite.  Upon decision of an adult Leader or senior staff member, refer to Health Lodge.

  Bring patient to Health Lodge with Unit Leader.  If patient cannot be moved, send runner for the Health Officer.  If an adult leader is not present, send a runner for an adult leader from the patient’s unit.

  Camp Health Officer will administer further first aid to extent of training.  If further medical attention is required, the adult leader, in consultation with the Health Officer, will determine further steps.

  The Camp Director is notified before additional steps are taken or outside resources are evoked, unless the injury is life threatening.

  If possible, the adult leader informs the parent/guardian of the patient of the patient's condition.  The Health Officer and Camp Director are available for reference.

  The Health Officer assembles the following in a packet for the adult leader:

  Patient's Health History/Medical Evaluation

  Insurance Claim Form

  Letter of Instructions to Parents about insurance

  Map to Outside Medical Facility

  The adult leader, or one of his assistants, transports the patient to the outside medical facility.  The camp will provide transportation only if the unit has none available.  Camp staff will accompany the patient only if necessary for medical reasons.

  If the patient's condition is determined immediately life-threatening or safe transportation is not available, the Health Officer will request transportation from an emergency service.  The Unit Leader must follow the patient to the hospital. 

  Upon return to camp, the adult leader and patient must report to the Health Officer what outside care was given. 

  Please consult the section on insurance coverage for instructions on filing a claim.

Fire Emergencies

  Small fires that are easily fought using immediately available fire fighting equipment must still be reported to the Camp Director, Camp Ranger, or a senior staff member as soon as possible for further assessment.

  Out-of-control fires and structure fires must be reported immediately to the Camp Director, Camp Ranger, or a senior staff member, as the safety of everyone in camp is of paramount importance.

  The camp will assemble according to the Camp Mobilization Procedures in an area that is deemed safe and away from the fire.

  Camp management will coordinate fire-fighting measures, calling outside resources as deemed necessary.

  If evacuation is necessary, it will be coordinated and directed by camp management.

Aquatic Emergencies

  The camp will follow the Lost Persons plan when a buddy tag is unaccounted for on the "IN" board or when a person is unaccounted for during a buddy check.

  The aquatic area will be quickly and safely cleared and secured for the search. 

  The Aquatics Director will manage the lost bather search until outside authorities (if needed) assume control. The Camp Director will be notified immediately.

  Additional staff members will participate as directed.

  A lost person search will simultaneously be conducted throughout camp.

  Management of buddy tags and buddy boards is the responsibility of the aquatics staff. Campers or leaders who forget their buddy tag are NOT to be ridiculed.

Heat

Summer temperatures in the afternoon can be blazing.  At times it may be necessary to reduce action and increase WATER intake.  Soft drinks, tea, or coffee DO NOT replace WATER.  The staff will do its best to inform you when extra care and concern are needed, based on a nationally recognized heat index.

Drink Water     -     Drink Water     -     Drink Water

Severe Weather

Severe weather at camp can include light to heavy rain, thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes and flash floods. These can approach quickly and without warning, and they can strike at any time of the day or night. Camp management monitors local weather conditions and takes steps deemed necessary to protect campers, leaders and staff. Follow instructions as directed, including for mobilization.

Severe Thunderstorms.  Take shelter in substantial buildings or structures. Program areas will remain open when appropriate, or alternative programs will be available. The Camp Director when necessary may call for camp mobilization in the dining hall.

Tornado. Proceed to areas as instructed for maximum protection. Stay away from windows, and take safety under strong tables or in interior corridors or basements. If caught in the open with an approaching tornado, seek a low area and lie there. After the tornado passes, the camp will mobilize.

Flash Flood. Flash floods can occur after heavy rains – even when the rains are not in the immediate area. Seek higher ground and shelter. Avoid streams and creeks, and do not cross fast-moving water.

High Wind. Seek shelter from the hazards of flying debris.

Lightning. Avoid tall metal objects and aquatic activities. Seek shelter. If caught in an open area, squat with hands shielding the head and avoid contact with the ground except for shoes.

Earthquake

Earthquakes are very uncommon in Ohio, but the following steps should be followed if one occurs:

  Earthquakes usually strike without warning.

  If you are inside, stay inside; if you are outside, stay outside.

  Take cover under a heavy table, desk or bench, in a supported doorway, or along an inside wall.

  Do not use any flame source, as there may be gas leaks.

  Avoid electrical wires that may have fallen.

  Follow the Camp Mobilization Procedures and assemble in a safe, outside area.

  Camp management will assess the situation and camp facilities before sounding the all clear.