Section 376.21. Emergencies.

 

(1)  In this section, "emergency" means an immediate threat to the safety of the staff or youth of an institution, as determined by a superintendent, other than a disturbance as defined in s. DOC 376.20 (1) . An emergency may include, but is not limited to:

(a) An epidemic.

(b) A malfunctioning of institution systems including the water, electrical or telephone system.

(c) A fire.

(d) A bomb threat or explosion.

(e) An employee strike.

(f) A natural disaster.

(g) A civil disturbance.

(2)  Each institution shall have a written plan, a copy of which shall be filed with the administrator, to be implemented in the event of an emergency.

(3)  The purposes of the emergency plan shall be:

(a) To ensure as the highest priority, the safety and welfare of the general public, staff and youth.

(b) To protect property.

(c) To maintain or restore order to the institution.

(d) To identify any person who contributed to the creation of an emergency and to provide this information to the sheriff or local law enforcement agency for prosecution.

(4)  If an emergency occurs that prevents the normal functioning of the institution, the superintendent may suspend the administrative rules of the department that relate to the division, except ss. DOC 376.05 to 376.09 , until the emergency is ended and order is restored to the institution.

(5)  The superintendent shall provide immediate notification of an emergency to the administrator.

(6)  If an emergency occurs, the secretary may convene a review panel to investigate the emergency. The panel shall be made up of persons selected in accordance with s. DOC 376.20 (8) . The panel shall be provided with staff adequate to conduct a thorough investigation of the emergency.

History: Cr. Register, June, 2000, No. 534 , eff. 7-1-00; correction in (1) (intro.) and (6) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, June, 2000, No. 534 .