Utility Failure
The following are precautions to take in case of a utility failure: • Gas Leaks — Evacuate the area immediately. Do not use spark-producing devices. Close gas valves or notify the utility company. • Ventilation — If smoke or a burning odor is present, evacuate the area. • Elevators — Push the emergency button or use the telephone in the elevator to contact Campus Security or the Facilities Department. Do not attempt to evacuate the elevator unless instructed to do so by responders. • Plumbing/Flooding — If personal safety allows, disconnect electrical devices and evacuate the area. • Electrical — Call Facilities Department. Major Utility Failure • Notify your supervisor, and Public Safety (see phone numbers in Chapter 4). Public Safety will coordinate communication with maintenance. • If you are responsible for an area that has a backup generator and it does not begin to operate, contact the Facilities Department. • Remain calm. • Follow the directions of Public Safety. • Public Safety will remain in contact with the Facilities Department for information regarding the scope and expected duration of the outage. Power failure can disrupt work and study activities throughout individual buildings or large areas of the campus. In order to ensure employee, student, and visitor safety, the following procedures will be followed: • Building managers, supervisors, professional staff, or resident assistants should check their building’s elevators and, if necessary, initiate rescue efforts by notifying Public Safety. Only trained rescue personnel should assist persons stranded in elevators. • Battery-powered flashlights should be kept at known locations, readily accessible during outages. Candles and other open flame devices must not be used. (Batteries in flashlights should be checked periodically to ensure freshness.) • Surge protectors should be used on all computers. Computers should be turned off during the power outage. Routine manual and programmed backup should be performed. Power Failure •
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