Power Outage in Your Office or Building
Plan for such situations by having a flashlight and fresh batteries available. While halls and stairwells are equipped with emergency lighting, it is temporary. DO NOT use lighters or candles for light because of fire hazard.
- Remain calm.
- Call the Physical Plant at (540) 365-4250. If after hours, call the college Police at (540) 365-4444.
- Initiate power outage protocols for critical operations such as fume hoods, boiler, etc.
- Provide assistance to others in your immediate area who may be unfamiliar with the space or who may need help.
- If you are in an unlighted area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.
- If you are in an elevator, stay calm and use emergency button or telephone to alert the College Police by calling (540) 365-4444.
- If instructed to evacuate, proceed cautiously to the nearest clear exit.
Downed Power Line
You cannot see or hear electricity unless it is arcing. Even if not arcing, a live downed electrical wire can energize anything around it, including telephone lines, guard rails, etc.
If you see a downed power line:
- Move away. DO NOT attempt to move or touch anything.
- Call 911.
- Warn others away.
If trapped in a vehicle by a downed power line, STAY IN THE VEHICLE AND WAIT FOR HELP!
If there is IMMEDIATE DANGER and you can't stay in the vehicle:
- Remove all loose clothing.
- Leave all articles in the vehicle, including purses.
- Place both feet together on the running board or rocker panel of the vehicle.
- Jump from the vehicle to the ground. Both feet must hit the ground at the same time.
- Hop away from the vehicle. Hopping does not change the voltage potential. Walking with one foot in front of the other changes the voltage potential and leads to injury.