Emergency Procedures

Bomb Threat
  • Remain calm and attempt to keep the caller on the line as long as possible to gather as much information as possible.

  • Write down the caller's phone number; note any distinctive qualities about the caller's voice or background noise.

  • Attempt to obtain information on the description, location, and time/method of detonation of the device.

  • Call 911 as soon as the call has ended.

Earthquake
  • If inside, stay there. Shelter in place - drop, cover, and hold on.

  • If there is nothing to hide under, crouch near an interior wall and cover head.

  • If outside, stay outside and move away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.

  • Only evacuate if additional hazards threaten your safety.

  • Call 911 to report injuries, fire, gas leaks, debris, etc.

Fire/Explosion
  • Activate nearest fire alarm pull station.

  • Evacuate; if smoke is present, stay low to the floor.

  • Watch out for falling debris; take cover and protect head.

  • If you become trapped, tap on a wall or pipe to alert rescuers.

  • Call 911 when safe to do so.

Hazardous Materials Release
  • Move away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.

  • Call 911.

  • Call Environmental Health & Safety at 434-982-4911.

  • Alert others to stay clear of the area.

  • Notify emergency personnel if you have been exposed or have information about the release.

Infrastructure Outage Contacts
  • Voice Communications: 434-924-8600.

  • Computer Systems: 434-924-4357.

  • Water, power, heating, or cooling: 434-924-1777.

Medical Emergency
  • If illness or injury is serious, do not move the person.

  • Call 911.

  • If appropriate and available, get someone trained in CPR to help and get an AED.

  • Send someone to meet emergency personnel outside and direct them to the person's location.

Severe Weather
  • A WATCH means weather conditions are favorable for the development of hazardous weather.

  • A WARNING means hazardous weather is happening or imminent.

  • Seek shelter immediately; go to internal, lowest area of safety away from windows.

  • If instructed to evacuate, follow evacuation procedures.

Suspicious Object
  • Do not touch or disturb object.

  • Call 911.

  • Prepare to evacuate if instructed.

Suspicious Odor

Smell of Smoke or Gas

  • Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.

  • Evacuate the immediate area and dial 911.

  • Report type of odor and location to first responders. Prepare to evacuate if instructed.

Any Other Odor

  • Investigate, if possible and safe to do so.

  • If you do not know which utility service to contact, call UVA Police at 924-7166 (for non-emergency situations).

Suspicious Person
  • Do not confront, stop, or apprehend the person.

  • Note the person's description and suspicious activity.

  • Call 911.

  • Provide details on the person and his/her direction of travel.

Tornado
  • Seek shelter immediately; go to internal, lowest area of safety away from windows.

  • Close all doors, including main corridors.

  • Crouch near the floor or under heavy, well-supported objects and cover head.

  • If outside, move inside a sturdy structure or lie down in a low area such as a ditch and cover your head.

  • Call 911 to report injuries, fire, gas leaks, debris, etc.

Violent Incident
  • RUN: Evacuate if a safe route is available.

    • Call 911 when safe to do so.

  • HIDE: If it is unsafe to escape, hide in an area out of view.

    • Lock the door and block entry; stay behind solid objects away from door.

    • Turn off lights and computers; silence cell phones.

  • FIGHT: Prepare to defend yourself if necessary.