Emergency preparedness — advice from the Office of the Provost
- Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and everyone needs to be prepared to act in an emergency.
- Caution do not be hero; i.e., do not attempt something you are not trained for.
How you will be notified in an emergency
- UVA Alerts: You will receive an SMS text message or email if you are signed up for UVA Alerts.
- Alertus Desktop Notification: Alertus Desktop Notification software has been installed on all classroom computers and is available for you to install on your personal desktop/laptop computer. If your computer is on and connected to the UVA network, the emergency message will display the alert. We encourage you to download Alertus to your personal computer/laptop.
- If you have a University email, you will receive an email alert.
- If you are outside, you may hear a siren followed by a public address message detailing the emergency event and giving brief instructions. This will be repeated three times. (You can preview the sounds of the siren and all-clear horn).
- LED: If you are in a large classroom, you may hear a tone and see the alert message on an LED screen.
- LCD: If you are in a common area, you may see the alert message on an LCD screen.
- UVA Emergency page: The alert message and any updates will be posted on UVA's Emergency page at www.virginia.edu/emergency.
Where you would evacuate from class or residence
- Leave using the nearest exit or an alternate if the nearest exit is not accessible.
- Never use an elevator.
- Take personal belongings (keys, purse, wallet, phone, etc.), but do not delay your exit in doing so.
- Once outside, go to the designated assembly area. Designated evacuation sites for general University buildings and classrooms and evacuation sites for residence halls are available online.
- Follow the directions of the police and fire responders.
- If you are unable to exit, move to an area of refuge and alert a contact of your location.
Where you would shelter in place in class or residence
- Evaluate the situation and choose the most appropriate shelter location. For example:
- Severe weather/earthquake: lowest interior space away from windows.
- Violence: secure, enclosed space, behind solid objects and away from doors.
- Move to shelter and take personal items if space allows.
- Remain sheltered until instructed that it is safe to leave.
- If safe to do so, monitor news sites for the latest information.
© 2019 Jim Cohoon | Resources from previous semesters are available. |