What to Do
Follow instructions given by the authorities, and use good judgment in the absence of instruction.
Do I go?
If you evacuate:
- Leave using the nearest exit, or alternative if nearest exit is blocked.
- Never use an elevator.
- Take personal belongings (go-bag, keys, purse, wallet, cell phone, coat), but do not delay your exit to retrieve items.
- Follow procedures to secure hazardous materials or equipment before leaving.
- If unable to exit, move to designated areas of refuge.
- Once outside, go to the designated assembly area.
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Do not reenter until instructed by authorities.
Do I stay?
If you shelter in place:
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Evaluate the situation and choose the most appropriate shelter location, for example:
- Severe weather: lowest interior space away from windows.
- Violence: secure, enclosed space, behind solid objects and away from door.
- Follow procedures to secure hazardous materials or equipment before leaving.
- Move to the shelter, taking your go-bag.
- Remain sheltered until instructed it is safe to leave.
- Monitor news sites for the latest information.
In Case of
Fire
- Activate nearest fire alarm.
- Evacuate; if smoke is present, stay low to the floor.
- Call 911 when safe to do so.
Explosion
- 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.
Suspicious Object
- Do not touch or disturb object.
- Call 911.
- Prepare to evacuate if instructed.
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.
Violent Incident
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RUN: Evacuate if a safe route is available.
- Call 911 when safe to do so.
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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.
Tornado
- Seek shelter immediately; go to internal, lowest area of safety away from windows and glass.
- 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.
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
- 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.
Medical Emergency
- If illness or injury is serious, do not move the person.
- Call 911.
- If appropriate and available, get someone trained in CPR or AED to help.
- Send someone to meet emergency personnel outside and direct them to the person’s location.
Infrastructure Outage Contacts
- Voice communications: 434.924.8600
- Computer systems: 434.924.4357
- Water, power, heating, or cooling: 434.924.1777