Hazardous Weather/Emergency Conditions Notification List
Upon being alerted to hazardous weather, weather-related hazardous conditions, or other emergency situations that affect the campus, the UMBC police will notify the Director of Facilities Management (or designated alternates) of the hazardous weather, campus and area conditions, or other emergency factors.
UMBC Utility Failure Procedures
Utility Failure
In the event of a major utility failure during regular business hours, notify Facilities Management at ext. 53219 . During non-business hours or on weekends and holidays, notify UMBC police on ext. 5-5555 on campus, or 410-455-5555 from a non-campus phone.
A major power outage may not in itself be destructive, but a possible resulting panic or fire could endanger life and property. Evacuate the building if the fire alarm sounds and/or upon
notification by the police Panic can be partially avoided by an immediate decision whether or not to cancel classes and meetings in progress, or to evacuate the building.
In laboratory buildings, fume hoods do not operate during a power outage and most laboratories should not be used until the ventilation is properly operating.
(The following materials present additional information related to utility failures)
Utility Failure Procedures
In response to any electrical outage, regardless of the duration:
Facilities Management and Residential Life staff will check all impacted buildings to ensure that there is no one trapped in any elevators.
Residential Life staff will attempt to identify the possible location of all persons with known disabilities and/or other impairments.
Residential Life staff will check on residential faculty, staff, and students who require the use of any electrical device for basic needs, including mobility.
During the outage Facilities Management personnel will be providing updates and reports to the Emergency Operations Center as requested. These reports shall enable
any affected faculty and researchers to adjust or cancel classes and protect any vulnerable research.
Upon the restoration of electrical power, Facilities Management personnel will conduct building inspections to verify that all systems are restored and functioning properly. They will also clear the building for re-entry by all persons.
Power Outage Notification
1. In the event of a major utility failure, immediately notify the UMBC police along with Facilities Management.
UMBC Police, ext. 5-5555
Public phone 410-455-5555 Facilities Management, ext. 5-3219
Public phone: 410-455-3219
2. In the event of an electrical power outage, be aware that all residence halls, the Commons, and Retriever Activities Center (RAC) have emergency power and lighting, and therefore can be used as a staging area for affected individuals.
3. If a vapor, fume, or gas leak is apparent, leave the area immediately. Post a “DO NOT ENTER” sign on all doors. Be sure UMBC police are aware of the situation.
4. If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm. CAUTION: If the alarm fails to go off, report the emergency by telephone.
5. All building(s) evacuations will occur when the alarm sounds continuously and/or when an emergency exists.
6. ASSIST THE DISABLED IN EXITING THE BUILDING!
7. If requested, assist the emergency crews as necessary.
8. Keep clear of the Coordination Post unless you have official business.
9. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING until told to do so.
Flood Procedures
IF FLOODING OCCURS, OR CONDITIONS EXIST THAT COULD CAUSE FLOODING TO OCCUR, OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:
1) Listen to the radio or watch television weather broadcasts to keep appraised of weather watches or warnings. If flooding occurs, try to:
Listen to the National Weather Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio broadcasts if a weather radio is available.
Go online to track the storm and be aware of weather alerts/warnings at http://www.nws.noaa.gov
2) If a flood watch or warning occurs for the area you are in, move to higher ground immediately. Do not delay if a warning is posted.
3) If you are in a campus building that begins to flood notify University Police immediately at: Campus phone ext. 55555 or Public phone: 410-455-5555 then leave the building for a facility that is not flooding.
4) When traveling DO NOT drive through flooded roadways. Remember a relatively small amount of running water can sweep your car downstream. The depth of the water is not always obvious.
5) If a vehicle stalls in water, leave the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground.
6) Be extra cautious when driving at night, for it is more difficult to recognize flood signs or water depth.
7) During heavy rains or flood alerts, etc., do not park a vehicle near streams, rivers, or known flash flood areas.
8) If caught outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there.
9) DO NOT walk through or drink floodwater. Floodwater may contain fecal and other toxic matter from sewage, industrial chemicals, agricultural by-products and others sources. If you must come into contact with floodwater wash with soap and clean water as soon as possible after the contact.
10) If told to evacuate, do so immediately. AFTER THE FLOOD
1) Do not walk near flooded areas, buildings, etc., unseen dangers such as submerged electrical lines may be present.
2) Be aware of abnormal animal activity, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into the area. Animals can be disoriented, defensive, or carry rabies.
3) If walking into a building that has water damage be aware of loose plaster on ceilings, unstable door jams and floors, or walls that can cave in.
4) Be aware of broken or leaking gas lines, electrical lines, flammable materials, and explosive materials that have been carried down from another area.
5) Do not eat any food including canned goods that have come in contact with floodwaters.
6) Be aware of cracked or damaged building foundations.
7) Notify University Police of any hazardous situation you observe at:
Campus phone ext. 55555 Public phone: 410-455-5555