Summer Session

Emergency Preparedness

Faculty Handbook

Please TAKE 3 minutes to focus on your all hazards emergency response. Refresh your memory on:

  1. How you will be Notified in an emergency.
  2. Where you would Evacuate from your classroom, office or building.
  3. Where you would Shelter in Place in your classroom, office or building.

Notification:

  • If you are signed up for UVa. Alerts, you will receive notification via a SMS text message or e-mail. If you have not signed up, you are encouraged to do so at UVaAlerts.
  • Faculty often request that cell phones remain turned off during class. However, we recommend that faculty designate two individuals who subscribe to UVaAlerts to leave their phones on during class to receive emergency messages.
  • Alertus Desktop Notification software has been installed on all classroom computers; Alertus Desktop Notification software is available for you to install on your personal desktop/laptop computer; if your computer is on, the emergency message will override any program and display the alert. We encourage you to download Alertus to your personal computer/laptop at ITS Desktop Alert site.
  • Along with UVaAlerts and Alertus, you should be aware of other notification tools:
  • Siren - 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 3 times. To preview the sounds of the siren and all-clear horn, go to the Emergency website (see Emergency Horns and Sirens on right hand side of page).
  • 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.
  • Homepage - Should you be on the UVA Homepage, the alert message will be posted over the page. You will be directed to the Homepage for all updates.

Evacuate:

  • Leave using the nearest exit or an alternate if 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 can be found at: Building Evacuation Locations Follow directions of police and fire.
  • If unable to exit, move to an area of refuge, alert a contact of your location.

Shelter in Place:

  • 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 door.
  • Move to shelter, and take personal items if space allows.
  • Remain sheltered until instructed it is safe to leave.
  • If safe to do so, monitor news sites for the latest information.

DON'T BE A HERO - DO NOT EXCEED YOUR TRAINING 

Please look at our emergency procedure poster. 

If you would like more information or training, email uvaoep@virginia.edu with your questions or contact information.