Emergency Articles
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device used to administer an electric shock to the heart and restore its normal rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. UVA Emergency Management is replacing 225 strategically placed AEDs across Grounds with new ones. Unlike the traditional red-colored cases, the new AEDs are lime green.
More...Muki, the 10-year-old Belgian Malinois who served as the University Police Department’s explosive-detection canine for eight years, was recognized at a reception in the Rotunda in April. UVA Police Chief Tommye Sutton highlighted Muki’s career in the Department’s K-9 program. Chief Sutton presented Muki and his handler, Officer Audrell Ragland, with a plaque honoring Muki’s career and the years he worked to keep our community safe. Highly trained and using powers beyond the capability of humans, Muki’s job was to sweep athletic and concert venues, such as Scott Stadium and John Paul Jones Arena, by sniffing for explosives.
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Tornadoes can occur in any part of Virginia and at any time of year. That's why UVA participated in the state tornado drill on March 19. As part of the drill and test of its Alert system, UVA sent
- 23,205 text messages to UVA Alert subscribers
- 64,008 emails to active students and employees with a valid UVA account
- 88 displays to LED screens in classrooms
- 11,500 desktop displays in academic division and to all desktops in the Health System
- Twitter feed to @uvasafety and @uvapolice
In February Valentine's hearts are everywhere, but the most important hearts are the ones we cannot see. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but UVA wants to decrease deaths on our Grounds through one of the most extensive higher ed public access defibrillation (AED) programs in the country. Locate your nearest AED at work and take a refresher on hands-only CPR. Be ready in case someone's heart suddenly relies on your hands.
More...The Department of Student Health & Wellness at UVA has confirmed cases of norovirus in our student population. Cases have also been confirmed in other areas of the Commonwealth. Because norovirus is highly contagious, students and employees are encouraged to take protective measures against the illness, and to stay home if sick with norovirus symptoms. The most effective protection is frequent hand-washing with soap and water. Hand sanitizers are not a substitute for washing hands as sanitizers do not remove norovirus particles.
More...Persons in Charlottesville and Albemarle have a new option for contacting local emergency services – text-to-911. Text-to-911 is designed to help people in three types of emergency situations: when it’s not safe to speak, such as in an active shooter or domestic abuse situation; when a person is deaf or hard of hearing; or when a speech disability or medical condition makes a person unable to speak. People should always call 911 if they can, but text-to-911 when they can’t. This video depicts the use of text-to-911.
More...Winter has arrived with the potential for ice and snow to impact the University’s operating schedule. Here is what you need to know about how UVA makes inclement weather decisions, and how to stay informed if classes are delayed or cancelled.
More...The University of Virginia and Charlottesville Fire Department took to the streets in September in the annual neighborhood “Stop and Knock” fire safety campaign. Staff from UVA's Office of Environmental Health and Safety along with Charlottesville's Fire Department and Neighborhood Development Services checked for working smoke alarms and fire safety plans and offered to install a new smoke alarm on the spot. The effort was initiated in 2013 following a fire on Wertland Street that left 13 students homeless. The campaign also targeted the danger of upholstered furniture outdoors.
More...The Student Safety Guide puts safety resources in every student's hands. First year students receive a copy of the guide from their Resident Advisor. From the emergency notification system to the Ambassador program, the Safe Ride van to safety-related student organizations, the guide is a one-stop shop.
More...Having an emergency kit ready with critically needed supplies can help you get through an unexpected need to shelter in place or evacuate quickly. The University recommends that every student pack an emergency kit. If you are a student who hasn't received a red go-bag and would like one, contact our office at (434) 982-0565 or email osep@virginia.edu.