With the new academic year underway, keeping our community safe is a top priority for UVA leadership. As a result, we encourage everyone to take a moment to prepare in case an emergency occurs here at UVA. These efforts include the regularly scheduled test of the Emergency Notification System and today’s “Take 3” message regarding individual safety preparedness.
Whether the event is a fire, a sudden weather event like a tornado, or an immediate threat to your personal safety, mentally rehearsing your response is one of the most effective things you can do to stay safe during an emergency. We ask everyone to please take 3 minutes each semester to consider what you would do to seek safety in your classroom, office, or residence. Make it a habit to look for exits and remember where they are; think about how to shelter-in-place if necessary. Having a plan in mind is one of the best ways to stay safe in an emergency. Keeping our community safe requires all of us to be prepared, and we appreciate you taking the time to think about this today.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFETY AT UVA?
The UVA Department of Safety and Security and its partners across Grounds have compiled the following resources for you to review and be familiar with during your time at UVA. If you have questions about safety resources, you can always email [email protected]
- Download the UVA Ready Mobile Safety App
- Review the different types of Emergency Notifications
- Learn about Run-Hide-Fight and Shelter-in-Place
- Safety Reminders and Resources
- Fire Safety Resources for both On-Grounds and Off-Grounds
- Emergency Alert Response for Faculty and Instructors
HOW WILL I KNOW THERE’S AN EMERGENCY?
- Students, faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members with an active @virginia.edu email will automatically receive an email from UVA Alerts.
- Students, faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members who provided a mobile phone number during orientation or onboarding will automatically receive a text message. You can confirm that your mobile number is accurately listed by signing into your UVA Alerts account.
- If Alertus Desktop Notification is installed on your desktop/laptop and your computer is connected to the UVA network, you will receive a desktop alert. Download Alertus here. (Alertus software is installed on all classroom computers.)
- Students, faculty, and staff who have downloaded the UVA Ready app will receive a push notification.
- If you are in a classroom, you may hear a tone and see an alert message on an LED screen.
- If you are in a public space, you may see the alert message on an LCD screen.
- If you are outdoors, you may hear a siren and a public address announcement.
- The emergency alert will be posted on UVA's homepage, UVA Emergency Management homepage, and on X at @UVASafety and @UVAPolice.
HOW SHOULD I EVACUATE?
- Leave by the nearest safe and accessible exit. (Make a habit of noticing exits in your surroundings. Remember that windows may be escape routes.)
- Never use an elevator.
- Take personal belongings, but do not delay.
- If outdoors, assemble in your designated building evacuation location so you can be accounted for and receive updates. Know the designated building evacuation locations for your University office buildings/classrooms and residence halls.
- Follow the directions of the police and fire responders. (Before responders arrive, use your best judgment.)
- If you are unable to exit, move to a designated area of refuge and alert someone of your location.
HOW SHOULD I SHELTER-IN-PLACE?
- If inside, please stay inside and move away from external doors and windows.
- Inside, you may move around to use the restroom, eat, and continue to work, teach, or study.
- If outside, get to the nearest building immediately. If that is not an option, move away from the area to safety as quickly as possible.
- Remain sheltered until you are instructed to leave by public safety officials.
- Monitor UVA Alerts for updated information.
HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO AN ACTIVE ATTACKER EVENT?
In the event of an active attacker event, UVA has adopted the Run-Hide-Fight model throughout Grounds in both the academic division and UVA Health. We encourage everyone to watch the training video here.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
The Department of Safety & Security also offers other training and resources:
Students and employees in the Academic Division can view emergency procedures and print the Emergency Procedures Poster.
For more information or emergency response training, email the Office of Emergency Management at [email protected].