Emergency/Critical Incident/University of Virginia

Preparing for Pandemic Flu

Audio from U.Va. Podcast
12/12/06 - The Virginia Department of Health is beginning a public awareness campaign to to educate people and organizations on what to do if a pandemic flu should come to the United States. Lilian Peake of the Thomas Jefferson Health District and Dr. James Turner of the U.Va Student Health Department give a quick update of area and University preparedness.
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U.Va. Mobile

The U.Va. mobile site now includes information about how to contact U.Va. Police, get home safely, and what to do in an emergency. If information about a critical event or emergency is published to the U.Va. home page, it will also be available on the U.Va. Mobile home page. The following safety information is now available on U.Va. Mobile:

• U.Va. Police Emergency/Office numbers
• Blue-light phone information
• Safe Rides numbers and hours
• Yellow Cab ride reimbursement program information
• U.Va. Critical Alerts, if applicable
• Additional numbers and information from the Critical Incident web site.

- Get U.Va. Mobile

What to do in an emergency:

1. Remain calm, use common sense, and give assistance as needed.
2. Call 9-911 from within the University (or 924-2012) or 911 on cell or non-University phones.
3. Evacuate buildings immediately upon request of authorities, upon hearing an alarm, or when remaining inside is dangerous or life-threatening.
4. Know the location of at least two emergency exits close to your working/living areas.

Emergency Procedures (PDF 64 KB)

For printable guidelines for what to do in case of an emergency download the Emergency Procedures (PDF 64 KB).

Critical Incident Management Plan

The University of Virginia's Critical Incident Management Plan is available as a Web page and a PDF (PDF 220 KB).

What NOT to do in an emergency:

1. Do not use the telephone except to report the emergency situation.
2. Do not use elevators.
3. Do not jeopardize your life or the lives of others by attempting to save personal or University property.
4. Do not cross police barriers without authorization.
5. Do not exceed your training or knowledge when attempting to render first aid.

Charlottesville Area Emergency Preparedness

A joint effort between the City, County and the University of Virginia to encourage planning for potential natural disasters. The effort focuses on making information available to individuals and businesses and offer tools when available to help plan for situations that would require being without assistance for up to a week or more.

Travel Warnings

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings

Other Resources

• U.Va. Health System Emergency Management (Intranet Site)
• Office of Environmental Health and Safety
• Preparedness, Safety, and U.Va.'s Response to September 11
• Charlottesville/U.Va./Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center
• Virginia Department of Emergency Management
• Virginia Department of Health
• American Red Cross Central Virginia Chapter
• Ready.gov - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
• Department of Homeland Security
• Pandemic Flu

Five Steps Towards Basic Disaster Preparedness

1. Read Red Cross brochures:
   • Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected
   • Your Family Disaster Plan
   • Your Family Disaster Supplies
2. Develop a disaster communication plan
3. Develop a disaster plan
4. Develop a disaster supplies kit
5. Consider training with a volunteer organization

Five Points Community Leaders Want You to Know in the Event of a Disaster

1. Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions. Keep the phone lines open for fire and rescue calls and for hospitals to call in extra hospital staff.
2. Make one phone call to your out of town family contact and be brief; do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
3. Limit travel. Keep the roads free for fire and rescue calls.
4. Assist others nearby, especially those living alone, children, elderly or disabled.
5. Support volunteer organizations if you are requested to do so. Listen to your radio or television for requests for volunteers. Keep the phone lines open.