EARTHQUAKE PROCEDURES
 
In case of an earthquake:

Inside The Building:
•      Duck under the nearest sturdy object and hold onto it until the shaking stops. If you are not near a sturdy object, make yourself as small as possible and cover your head and neck.
•      If you stand in a doorway, brace yourself against the frame and watch out for a swinging door or other people
•      Avoid windows, filing cabinets, bookcases and other heavy objects that could fall or shatter.
•      Stay under cover until the shaking stops, then leave the building.
•      If it is safe to do so, stabilize any laboratory procedure that could lead to further danger. (For instance, turn off Bunsen burners or electrical equipment.)
 
Outside the building:
•      Move away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical poles and wires.
•      Protect your head with your arms from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
•      Move away from fire and smoke.
•      Proceed to the Emergency Assembly Area if safe, or proceed to a pre-designated alternate assembly area. Check in with your Roll Taker(s) to let them know you are all right (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above this section).
•      Stay alert for further instructions.
 
CIVIL DISTURBANCE/DEMONSTRATION PROCEDURES
 
Most campus demonstrations are peaceful and people not involved should attempt to carry on business as usual. Avoid provoking or obstructing demonstrators. Should a disturbance occur, call the University Police. From campus telephones or pay telephones dial 911.
 
If a disturbance seems to threaten the occupants of the building, report it immediately to the University Police and take the following actions:
 
•      Alert all persons in the area of the situation.
•      Lock all doors and windows.
•      Close blinds to prevent flying glass.
•      If necessary, your department may decide to cease work operations.
•      If necessary to evacuate, follow directions from police.
 
If evacuation occurs, meet at the location designated as your building's Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) and wait for additional instructions and information (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above).
 
CRIMINAL OR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
 
Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations or persons and reporting them as outlined below.
 
If you are the victim of, or are involved in, any on-campus violation of the law such as assault, robbery, theft, overt sexual behavior, etc., do not take any unnecessary risk. Notify University Police as soon as possible and give them the following information:
•      Nature of the incident;
•      Location of the incident;
•      Description of the person(s) involved;
•      Description of the property involved.
 
If you witness a criminal act or notice person(s) acting suspiciously on campus, immediately notify University Police. From campus telephones or pay telephones dial 911.
 
Assist the police when they arrive by supplying them with any additional information requested; ask others to do the same.
 
EXPLOSION OR BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES
 
A suspicious-looking box, package, object or container in or near your work area may be a bomb or explosive material. Do not handle or touch the object. Move to a safe area and call the University Police immediately at 642-6760. Use a telephone in a safe area. Do not operate any power switch, and do not activate the fire alarm.
 
If there is an explosion:
•      Take cover under sturdy furniture, or leave the building if directed to do so by emergency responders.
•      Stay away from windows.
•      Do not light matches.
•      Move well away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
•      Use stairs only; do not use elevators.
•      From campus telephones or pay telephones dial 911.  Follow “Emergency Notification Procedures” above.
 
If you receive a bomb threat (via the telephone)

• Stay calm and keep your voice calm.
• Pay close attention to details. Talk to the caller to obtain as much information as possible.
  
• Take notes. Ask questions:
  —When will it explode?
  —Where is it right now?
  —What does it look like?
  —What kind of bomb is it?
  —Where did you leave it?
  —Did you place the bomb?
  —Who is the target?
  —Why did you plant it?
  —What is your address?
  —What is your name?
  
• Observe the caller's:
  —Speech patterns (accent, tone)
  —Emotional state (angry, agitated, calm, etc.)
  —Background noise (traffic, people talking and accents, music and type, etc.)
  —Age and gender
  
• Write down other data:
  —Date and time of call
  —How threat was received (letter, note, telephone)
  
• Call University Police and submit your notes from the telephone call or the bomb threat (letter or note) to University Police.
  
• Follow University Police’s instructions.
  
• If you are told by emergency responders to evacuate the building (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above):
  -Check your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items; report them to campus authorities.
  -Take personal belongings when you leave.
  -Leave doors and windows open; do not turn light switches on or off.
  -Use stairs only; do not use elevators.
  -Move well away from the building and follow instructions from emergency responders.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROCEDURES
 
If you witness a hazardous material spill, evacuate the spill site and warn others to stay away. Call 911 from a campus telephone or a public telephone, if you believe the spill may be life-threatening. If you can  determine that the spill is not life-threatening, follow the procedures outlined below.
 
If you are a hazardous material user (user), you should be trained by your supervisor on proper use and storage of hazardous materials. This training should include hazard information, proper procedures for preventing spills, and emergency procedures when a spill happens.
 
If as a user you spill a hazardous material or materials:
 
•      Leave the area of the spill first and proceed to a safe location nearby. Then assess if you have the proper training and protective gear to clean up the spill.
 
•      If you are able to clean up the spill, follow proper cleanup procedures and use proper personal protection. Manage the generated waste as appropriate. Consult your supervisor if necessary.
 
•      Isolate the spill area to keep everyone away, and post signs as necessary.
 
•      If you require assistance to clean up the spill:
           During normal business hours (8 AM-5 PM, M-F), you can call Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) directly (642-3073).
           During off-hours, call University Police (642-6760). University Police will call EH&S. 
 
•        If you suspect or witness a release of a hazardous material to the environment (air, water, ground) call University Police.
 
UTILITY FAILURE

In the event of a major utility failure, notify Physical Plant-Campus Services at 642-1909.

Before 8:00 AM and after 4:30 PM or on weekends and holidays, notify the University Policy at 642-6760.

Evacuate the building if the fire alarm sounds and/or upon notification by the police (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above).

A major power outage may not in itself be destructive, but a possible resulting panic or fire could endanger life and property. Panic can be partially avoided by an immediate decision on the need to cancel classes or meetings in progress or to evacuate the building (see "Evacuation Procedures" above).

In laboratory buildings, fume hoods do not operate during a power outage and most laboratories should not be used until the ventilation is properly restored (For more information, refer to the EH&S Fact sheet, "Power Failure.")

ELEVATOR FAILURE

If you are trapped in an elevator, use the emergency telephone to call for assistance.

If the elevator does not have an emergency telephone, turn on the emergency alarm (located on the control panel) to signal your need for help.

FLOODING/PLUMBING FAILURE

If flooding occurs (due to a plumbing failure or other problem):

• Cease using all electrical equipment
• Notify University Police at 642-6760. If necessary, evacuate the building (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above).

GAS LEAK

• If you smell natural gas:
• Cease all operations immediately.
• Do not switch lights on or off.
• Notify University Police: from a campus telephone, dial 911, from public telephones, 911.
• Evacuate as soon as possible (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above).

STEAM LINE FAILURE

In the event of a steam line failure:

• Notify University Police by calling 642-6760.
• Evacuate as soon as possible (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above).

VENTILATION PROBLEM

If odors come from the ventilation system:

• Immediately notify Physical Plant-Campus Services at 642-1909, and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) at 642-3073.
• If necessary, cease all operations and evacuate area (see "General Evacuation Procedures" above).
• If smoke is present, activate the fire alarm system by pulling the pull station and call 911 from a safe location.